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Re: Hey Chuck in Wallowa County! what about rail to trails?
Author: Chuck in Wallowa County
Date: 01-28-2013 - 14:43
We're not in Pennsylvania anymore, Toto.
That is highly unlikely here. The only reason the Joseph Branch was purchased by Union and Wallowa counties was to preserve the infrastructure. That means rails and ties, not the dirt underneath. WURA board members have said all along that tearing up the tracks would be the last idea they'd ever entertain. Even long-term mothballing until there is enough new economic development to revive freight service is preferable, I've been told directly. And keep in mind that the board is made up only partially of politicians – the rest are regular residents including businesspeople. If scrapping were to be even mentioned, I can tell you that there would be a huge hue-and-cry from the citizenry.
That is highly unlikely here. The only reason the Joseph Branch was purchased by Union and Wallowa counties was to preserve the infrastructure. That means rails and ties, not the dirt underneath. WURA board members have said all along that tearing up the tracks would be the last idea they'd ever entertain. Even long-term mothballing until there is enough new economic development to revive freight service is preferable, I've been told directly. And keep in mind that the board is made up only partially of politicians – the rest are regular residents including businesspeople. If scrapping were to be even mentioned, I can tell you that there would be a huge hue-and-cry from the citizenry.
