If ODOT cuts the rug out from under the POTB, I sincerely doubt they're going to pick up the tab to remove the rails.

To put it another way, if ODOT says no, there's one of two reasons:

1.) They don't want to pay for it. In this case the cheapest option prevails. No *state* money for the POTB, and the Port will be responsible for any cleanup. The track and right-of-way will just rot.

2.) They don't want to pay for it because they have other plans for it. In this case, they don't really care if the cleanup will cost more than rebuilding.

As for what the difference is between Highway 6 and the POTB? Easy. Highway 6 is a direct benefit to anyone wanting to go to and from Tillamook. The railroad is a direct benefit only to its shippers; the benefit to the highway or the rest of the community are secondary only.

It's going to be an interesting ride.