State seeks TIGER funds for rail line

The state will make a funding request for a TIGER grant to improve the rail line serving the area, according to a report to the Port of Whitman from Bob Westby, manager of the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad.

Work support from a TIGER grant would be combined with a half-million pledge by WATCO operator on the railroad and proposed upgrades at Endicott by Whitgro for expansion of the terminal.

Westby’s chart lists $1.5 million in rail work pledged by the State Department of Transportation.

The project would allow newer, heavier (286,000 pound) rail line from Endicott to Hooper Junction. The present tracks are not rated for mainline tracks so larger grain cars used on mainline tracks cannot be used to make the haul from Hooper to Endicott where work in anticipated on the Whitgro loading facility.

Westby’s chart notes substantial work is planned by Whitgro for the Endicott facility next year, and TIGER funding for the rail link would be an extension of that project.

The proposal notes funding would enhance economic development and bring more long-term jobs to local communities.