Western Railroad Discussion > Oregon may help w/ CORP rail repairs--AFTER work's done

Jan. 28 news from RAILWAY TRACK & STRUCTURES Magazine:
______________________________________________________

Oregon may help with CORP rail repairs, but only after they are made

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski told railroad officials that the state will consider helping with repair costs to the 120-mile rail line between Coquille and Eugene, but only after the repairs have been made, according to local newspapers. He told officials of RailAmerica, the parent company of Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad, that the line is critical to companies in coastal Douglas and Coos counties.

The line was closed in September because of safety problems in three tunnels. But unless the line is reopened, the state says it won't discuss helping with repair costs, which could total $23 million.

The company said the tunnels need immediate attention. Officials from RailAmerica asked for a group of public and private entities to foot most of the bill, while offering to put up $4.66 million of its own.

Paul Lundberg, vice president of operations for RailAmerica, told the governor he would take the state proposal back to the company for discussion and provide an answer in a week.