Rumor mill has it that Oregon Eastern had suspended service due to lack of traffic - And that a Watco/Boise Valley engine was seen switching storage cars on their line. It is only a rumor secondhand or more to me. Maybe E-P isn't using rail?

WURR barely made the list - 40th of 41 projects funded. The money was supposed to have been awarded for an "intermodal center" (aka depot for the train and county bus) and a bus shelter. WURR may be trying to renegotiate the award for the shop, which potentially benefits the railroad far more especially if the discontinue excursion service.

[www.lagrandeobserver.com]

At least Coos Bay Rail Link got their full grant, and might be running trains by next spring. They are in the process of qualifying potential operators now, and should be accepting proposals in a couple months.