Port of Moses Lake project clears hurdle
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald The Northern Columbia Basin Railroad's updated route, extending to the Port of Moses Lake, was finally approved by the Federal Railroad Administration. The new rails replace these NCBR tracks near the lakeshore and North Stratford Road in downtown Moses Lake.
MOSES LAKE — The Federal Railroad Administration has finally approved an updated route for the long-delayed Northern Columbia Basin Railroad’s extension into the Port of Moses Lake.
“The Port of Moses Lake is relieved to finally receive federal approval to go forward with this project,” said Port Commission President Stroud Kunkle.
In 2015, the port received initial approval for the $31 million project to build several miles of new rail line from Wheeler west to the current NCBR line near the intersection of Stratford Road and Kinder Road, as well as refurbish the existing rail line going into the port.
Receipt of the money — $21 million in state and $10 million in federal grants — was held up for several years pending environmental review of the proposed changes to the route along and across Wheeler Road.
The line would replace the current NCBR rails that snake along the shores of Moses Lake near the city’s downtown.
The rail extension is intended to improve the ability of major industries to haul products in and out by rail, as well as possibly attract new businesses to the port.
“I’m excited to see this major milestone achieved,” said Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, a longtime supporter of the rail extension. “This project will allow the city of Moses Lake to evaluate options for lands along the waterfront and bring new products and manufacturing opportunities to the Port of Moses Lake.”
Moses Lake City Manager Allison Williams said that while the city is eyeing a “future rails to trails” for at least part of the rail line, it is “too early to talk much” about the fate of the existing rail spur.
However, before the port can lay rails, it still needs to appraise and acquire land along the proposed Wheeler corridor, according to port Executive Director Don Kersey.
“The port, and its partners, still have much work ahead,” Kersey said.
According to Milton Miller, the port’s facilities director, the port hopes to begin construction on the new rail line in fall 2021.
Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com.