Columbia Basin Railroad Boosts Rail Infrastructure Project with Major Donation of Rail Segment to Port of Moses Lake

CBRW recognized for supporting industrial and food processing growth in Moses Lake, Wheeler, Warden, Bruce, and Othello

MOSES LAKE, Wash., March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant development for the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project (NCBRP), Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) has donated Segment 3 of its rail line to the Port of Moses Lake. This key milestone is set to enhance rail connectivity and support regional economic growth, particularly benefiting the prominent industrial, food processing, and agricultural areas in the region.

Segment 3 spans approximately 3 miles and its refurbishment is part of a larger initiative to expand rail service in the Moses Lake area. The Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project includes the construction and rehabilitation of approximately 8 miles of rail corridor, connecting the existing CBRW rail line in Wheeler to the Grant County International Airport (GCIA) and industrial lands along the Wheeler Industrial Corridor. The project is aimed at boosting the region's freight capacity, thereby enabling local industries to thrive.

The NCBRP has received both state and federal funding and involves constructing two new rail lines (Segments 1 and 2), and now will receive the donation of Segment 3, which will be refurbished. Segments 1 and 3 will extend from Wheeler Road to the GCIA, while Segment 2 will connect the GCIA to the northern industrial areas. The refurbishment of Segment 3 will ensure seamless connectivity between these new segments and existing infrastructure.

Dan Roach, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are thankful to Columbia Basin Railroad for their donation of Segment 3. This donation will play a pivotal role in helping the Port to enhance the rail infrastructure as well as to support industrial and economic development of Moses Lake and the area."

"We are proud to support the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project by donating Segment 3 of our rail line to the Port of Moses Lake," said Brig Temple, President/CEO of Columbia Basin Railroad. "This project will not only enhance rail connectivity but also contribute to the economic vitality of the Moses Lake area by improving access to vital industries and creating new job opportunities."

The Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region, including improved freight mobility, opening up lakefront development opportunities in downtown Moses Lake, and enhanced access to industrial areas around Moses Lake. The project is anticipated to attract rail-dependent businesses, support regional economic development, and reduce wear and tear on roadways. With the increased rail capacity, local industries can expect more efficient transportation of goods, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.

Additionally, the Moses Lake, Wheeler, Warden, Bruce, and Othello areas (along the CBRW line) are recognized as some of the best locations for industrial and food processing development in the United States. Columbia Basin Railroad, a leading short line railroad, has played a vital role in serving these major industrial, food processing, and agricultural hubs, providing efficient and reliable rail transportation services.

As such, Columbia Basin Railroad will be providing rail service to the new state-of-the-art Simplot French fry processing facility located east of Moses Lake. This massive new facility is expected to further boost the region's economic development and create new job opportunities. The Simplot facility is anticipated to process millions of pounds of potatoes annually, enhancing the supply chain for local farmers and contributing to the region's economic sustainability.

Brant Mayo, Executive Director of the Grant County Economic Development Council (GCEDC), emphasized the railroad's importance in eastern Grant County, stating, "The growth of manufacturing and food processing along the Columbia Basin Railroad line has been remarkable. Columbia Basin Railroad has been an excellent partner, helping the GCEDC to attract industrial and economic development to our communities of Moses Lake, Wheeler and Warden."

Pat Millard, Manager of the Port of Warden, praised Columbia Basin Railroad's efforts, stating, "The Port of Warden has greatly benefited from the rail services and support from CBRW. Their dedication to supporting local infrastructure projects has played a crucial role in attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth in the Warden area."

Shawn Logan, Mayor of the City of Othello in Adams County, shared his thoughts, saying, "Othello has seen significant growth in food processing industries, and the support from Columbia Basin Railroad has been instrumental in making this possible. CBRW's commitment to improving rail connectivity and infrastructure has directly contributed to the economic vitality of the Othello and Bruce areas."

For more information, please contact Brig Temple at [email protected] or 509-453-9166.

About Columbia Basin Railroad

Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) is a leading short-line railroad company serving the Columbia Basin region of Washington State. CBRW is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable rail transportation services, supporting local industries, and contributing to the economic development of the communities it serves. The Columbia Basin rail line intersects with BNSF Railway's Lakeside Subdivision line running between Spokane and Pasco, Washington. It traverses the heart of the Columbia Basin in eastern Washington and serves communities including Moses Lake, Wheeler, Schrag, Warden, Othello, Royal City, Bruce, and Connell in Grant, Adams, and Franklin Counties. Over the past several years, significant economic development and growth have occurred in these communities, especially in Grant and Adams Counties. Consequently, the Columbia Basin rail line has become one of the busiest short lines in Washington State, hauling thousands of loads of various agricultural, industrial commodities, and other cargo annually for 60 active rail shippers in the Columbia Basin, employing nearly 7,000 people in Grant and Adams Counties.

SOURCE Columbia Basin Railroad