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State of Oregon Regional Solutions Newsletter
Almost six years since the last freight train trudged from Weed, CA to Ashland, a triumphant collaboration of private and public stakeholders hear the train a comin’ again.
The proverbial light at the end of tunnel — a $9.49 million rehabilitation project with a fall
2013 construction start date — is expected to reopen the Siskiyou Rail Line within the next two years.

Last June, the $7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and California’s Siskiyou County for the Siskiyou Summit Railroad Revitalization project was met with a celebratory roar throughout the region. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced the TIGER grant award together, emphasizing how reopening the line will boost the regional economy.

Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad (CORP), which owns the line, will backfill the remainder of the project cost along with the help of private shipping companies. “The TIGER grant was critical to moving this endeavor forward” said Regional Solutions Team member Art Anderson, with ODOT, who spearheaded the application as part of his work on the team implementing regional priorities. “These federal grants are extremely competitive. Our application wouldn’t have been successful without the combined private and public support from both states.”

Mike Montero, co-chairman of the Rogue Valley Area Commission on Transportation, concurred with Anderson, noting the environmentally - friendly aspects of restoring the Siskiyou Rail Line. "The potential for reduced emissions and reduced traffic on I-5 is a benefit in the Rogue Valley,” Montero said. “However, companies around Oregon will also gain from adding a much - needed shipping option. Bulk freight and heavier materials like lumber can be shipped more economically on rail.”

[www.oregon.gov]