Letters

Port premature

I was disappointed to read that the Port of Whitman has prematurely decided to support abandonment of the railbed between Colfax and Pullman rather than rail bank it. Furthermore, it is disappointing that the Commissioners met only with representatives of the self-proclaimed “Friends of the Railroad” and not with citizens truly interested in preserving the rail bed before adopting this position.

Abandonment is antithetical to the Port’s mission statement which says “The Port of Whitman is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development ….” (http://portwhitman.com).

Abandonment does not support the goal of “improving the lives of all citizens”. By advocating abandonment, Commissioners are preferentially supporting a handful of landowners who hope to acquire the land for themselves, while undermining the broader interests of present and future citizens of Whitman County. WADOT purchased this line in 2004 with taxpayer money to save it from abandonment. We all have a financial interest in this line

Abandonment does not support the goal to “preserve multi-modal transportation.” It is in our best interest to preserve the line for future use. We do not know how transportation will evolve as technology and society change. Once this line is gone, it is gone forever.

Abandonment does not support the goal of “facilitating economic development.” Preserving the rail bed as a trail could be an economic engine for our region. The addition of this stretch creates a 50-mile linear trail attracting tourists and bike-riding customers to the communities of Colfax, Albion and Pullman.

Rail banking is in the best interest of the public while abandonment is in the perceived best interests of some adjacent landowners. I urge the Commissioners to reconsider their support for abandonment and engage in a more open discussion with the communities that they serve.

Lisa Carloye,

Pullman

Proud

We would like to say how proud we are of the LaCrosse, Washtucna and Kahlotus young men and women who have represented their communities during football and basketball season.

They have shown up for practice, traveled thousands of miles and never lost their drive, sportsmanship and pride.

We know they will be successful in whatever their future holds.

Best of luck to all! We have enjoyed the ride and thank you!

Jeannine Henley,

Will Mandarino, Hay