Washington Rail to Get $115M Infrastructure Boost

October 25, 2024 October 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

Nine WA rail projects get $115.6M to improve infrastructure and capacity.

Grants support safety, efficiency, and reduce emissions across Washington.

Funding boosts economic viability and global competitiveness in the state.

Major Investments in Washington State Rail Infrastructure Announced

Nine projects awarded include $37.7M for RR that moves Eastern WA wheat, $26.3M for Port of Kalama rail expansion to load grain exports faster

Awards also go to projects in Tacoma, Moses Lake, Chewelah, Rainier, Ferry County, and Puget Sound Rail Corridor

SPOKANE, WA – U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell announced $115.5 million in funding for nine Washington state rail projects. These projects aim to enhance railroad capacity, expediting freight and agricultural transport.

The grants come from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, promoting intercity passenger and freight rail safety and efficiency.

Eastern Washington Wheat Transport Gets Boost

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) received $37.7 million to rehabilitate the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad (PCC), bolstering the wheat supply chain. This upgrade improves the rail infrastructure to handle heavier, faster rail cars and withstand extreme weather.

“Washington state growers need fast, reliable transport to compete globally,” stated Sen. Murray. Sen. Cantwell added, “The Washington State Grain Train will now operate more efficiently, aiding wheat exports.”

Port of Kalama Rail Expansion for Grain Exports

The Port of Kalama received $26.3 million for rail expansion to enhance grain export efficiency by up to 30%. This project will facilitate grain transfer from rail to ship, boosting regional trade.

Sen. Cantwell emphasized the project's significance: “It improves loading efficiency, benefiting farmers from Washington to Wisconsin.”

Infrastructure Upgrades Across Washington

St. Paul & Pacific Northwest Railroad was awarded $23.5 million to update rail along its main line, enhancing safety and reducing travel times.

Columbia Basin Railroad received $11.5 million for critical repairs, increasing freight capacity and operating speeds for over 50 businesses it serves.

Tacoma Rail received $8.3 million to upgrade locomotives, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency.

WSDOT’s Puget Sound Rail Corridor Improvement Project secured $6.45 million to mitigate winter weather impacts and improve passenger rail service.

Bridge and Rail Track Improvements

Rainier Rail received $1.8 million to enhance four bridges, increasing rail capacity and safety.

OmniTRAX received $50.6 million for rail tie replacement across multiple states, including a line in Ferry County, improving resilience and efficiency.

Watco Companies received $19.8 million to replace diesel with zero-emission locomotives, cutting emissions and pollution.

The CRISI grants, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, total $2.477 billion for 122 projects. Funding includes measures to address rail safety, spurred by the East Palestine, Ohio, incident, and aims to advance clean energy transportation options.

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Categories: Infrastructure Investment

Southern Glazer's Workers Expand Teamsters Local 745 Membership

In a significant development, more employees of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits are joining the ranks of Teamsters Local 745 in Texas. This move highlights the growing support for organized labor among workers seeking better working conditions and benefits. Southern Glazer's, a leading distributor of alcoholic beverages in the United States, has seen increased union activity as workers aim to secure improved health benefits, wages, and job security through collective bargaining agreements.

Many employees at Southern Glazer's have voiced concerns over workplace safety and job satisfaction, sparking interest in joining a union. By aligning with Teamsters Local 745, workers hope to address these issues and enhance their rights as employees. The efforts to expand union membership come amid a nationwide surge in labor organization, as workers increasingly seek representation in negotiations with their employers.

Understanding labor laws has become a priority for many workers looking to join unions. Teamsters Local 745 provides valuable resources and support to its members, helping them navigate complex labor regulations and secure favorable employment terms. The union's expansion within Southern Glazer's signals a shift towards more robust labor representation within the company.

The process of joining a union, such as Teamsters Local 745, involves several steps, including employee meetings and a formal voting procedure. Workers often have questions about union organizing, benefits, and legal protections. Teamsters Local 745 offers guidance and advocacy to members throughout this process, empowering them to make informed decisions about their employment future.

October 25, 2024