Columbia Basin Railroad's Generous Donation Revolutionizes Rail Infrastructure in Moses Lake

In a significant step for the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project (NCBRP), Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) has generously donated Segment 3 of its rail line to the Port of Moses Lake. This donation is poised to greatly enhance rail connectivity, which is vital to the economic advancement of the region, especially in key industrial and agricultural sectors.

Segment 3 spans approximately three miles and is part of a broader initiative that aims to expand rail services throughout Moses Lake and surrounding areas. The initiatives under the NCBRP include the construction and rehabilitation of roughly eight miles of rail corridor, linking the existing CBRW rail line in Wheeler to the Grant County International Airport (GCIA) and the industrial areas adjacent to the Wheeler Industrial Corridor. This strategic project is designed to enhance freight capacity in the region, enabling local businesses to flourish.

Funding for the NCBRP comes from both state and federal sources, encompassing the construction of two new rail lines—Segments 1 and 2. The contribution of Segment 3, which is slated for refurbishment, will ensure seamless integration of these new lines into the existing rail infrastructure. "We are especially grateful to Columbia Basin Railroad for their generous donation of Segment 3," remarked Dan Roach, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake. "This donation is crucial for enhancing rail infrastructure and supports the industrial and economic development of Moses Lake and its vicinity."

Brig Temple, President/CEO of Columbia Basin Railroad, expressed pride in the donation, emphasizing its potential to bolster economic vitality in the Moses Lake area by improving access to essential industries and creating job opportunities. The NCBRP is expected to unlock substantial benefits for the region, including enhanced freight mobility, opportunities for lakefront development in downtown Moses Lake, and improved access to industrial zones. This project aims to attract businesses dependent on rail transport, promote regional economic growth, and alleviate wear on local road systems. Furthermore, with the addition of rail capacity, local industries anticipate more efficient goods transportation, ultimately reducing costs and minimizing environmental impacts.

Areas such as Moses Lake, Wheeler, Warden, Bruce, and Othello are recognized as prime locations for industrial and food processing development in the United States. CBRW has been a key player in providing reliable rail transportation in these significant industrial and agricultural hubs. This includes rail service to the new state-of-the-art Simplot French fry processing facility set to open east of Moses Lake. This facility is expected to revolutionize the region’s economy by processing millions of pounds of potatoes annually, enhancing the supply chain for local farmers and contributing to sustained economic growth.

Brant Mayo, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Development Council, noted the importance of the railroad to eastern Grant County, stating, "The growth of manufacturing and food processing along the Columbia Basin Railroad line has been nothing short of remarkable. Columbia Basin Railroad has played a vital role in helping us attract industrial and economic development to Moses Lake, Wheeler, and Warden."

Pat Millard, Manager of the Port of Warden, also applauded CBRW’s contributions, saying, "The Port of Warden has greatly benefited from the rail services and support from CBRW. Their commitment to supporting local infrastructure initiatives has been pivotal in drawing new businesses and stimulating economic growth in our area."

Furthermore, Shawn Logan, Mayor of Othello, remarked, "Othello has witnessed substantial growth in food processing industries, and support from Columbia Basin Railroad has been essential in making this possible. Their dedication to enhancing rail connectivity has directly influenced the economic vitality of Othello and Bruce regions."

For further inquiries, please reach out to Brig Temple at [email protected] or 509-453-9166.

About Columbia Basin Railroad


Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) stands as a prominent short-line railroad company serving the Columbia Basin region in Washington State, dedicated to delivering efficient and reliable rail transport services while bolstering local industry and economic development in the communities it serves. The Columbia Basin rail line intersects with the BNSF Railway's Lakeside Subdivision, providing vital connections for numerous communities including Moses Lake, Wheeler, Schrag, Warden, Othello, Royal City, Bruce, and Connell across Grant, Adams, and Franklin Counties. Over recent years, these communities have experienced significant economic growth, making the Columbia Basin rail line one of Washington State's busiest short lines, transporting thousands of agricultural and industrial loads annually and employing nearly 7,000 individuals in Grant and Adams Counties.

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