Washington Senator Patty Murray was on hand for the groundbreaking at Terminal 1 for the $56 million project that will allow the Port of Vancouver and the region to support existing and planned freight volumes. "With potential new investments expected in the port's Columbia Gateway and the Alcoa/Evergreen properties, this rail development will provide a significant boost to the economy of the entire region," said port officials. Existing tenants and customers of the port are also experiencing growth and will require additional rail access and service.
"Today, 70% of the cargoes that go through the Port of Vancouver are by rail," said Larry Paulson, executive director of the port. "Projections show that we'll be 80% or more dependent on rail by 2015, so this rail project is critical," he added.
The project is expected to be completed by 2010.
