Legislature: Train tracks are worth fixing

Looks like the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is going to get a facelift if all works out.

Legislature: Train tracks are worth fixing- Columbian.com

Legislature: Train tracks are worth fixing
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
By MICHAEL ANDERSEN, Columbian staff writer

State legislators handed Clark County a last-minute favor Tuesday, earmarking up to a possible $8.5 million for improvements to the county’s Chelatchie Prairie Railroad tracks.

The item was included in the state transportation budget, which survived conference committee approval Tuesday.

“We are waiting to see whether it’s coming to the floor today or tomorrow morning, but I’m certain it will pass,” said Rep. Deb Wallace, a Vancouver Democrat, on Tuesday afternoon.

The rail line would get the money only if it turns out not to be needed for a different project: a rail bypass and bridge at West 39th Street in Vancouver. That $115 million project is scheduled for completion in 2011. If any money is left over, up to $8.5 million can go to improving the tracks between Vancouver and Battle Ground.

The county-owned tracks run from a junction near Vancouver Lake through Battle Ground to Chelatchie Prairie.

Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, which operates the line south of Battle Ground, says it would take almost $20 million to fully upgrade its stretch of track.