Tag Archives: transportation

WAWG expresses concern over transportation study

The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) joined with Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and the Washington Public Ports Association in a letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regarding the transportation study on how to replace barging capabilities on the lower Snake River. The group contends the study fails to address the requirements laid out in the budget ... Read More »

NGFA supports new rail rules

Reforms supported by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) were part of the final rules issued by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that strengthen its power to act during rail service emergencies. Proposed by the STB in 2022, the regulations for “expedited relief in service emergencies” address deficiencies in previous emergency service order rules.  Read the rest of the ... Read More »

Washington Farm Bureau: Cap-and-trade costs farmers over $153 million

From the Capital Press The Washington Farm Bureau estimates farmers have paid at least $153 million and likely far more this year in cap-and-trade fees, even though lawmakers intended to exempt agriculture from the tax on fossil fuels. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

River treaty negotiations continue; agencies making plans

Last month, Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, was invited to attend the Council of State Governments West (CSG West) Legislative Council on River Governance in Whitefish, Mont., where she heard an update on the Columbia River Treaty from U.S. negotiator Jill Smail and Stephen Glock, a negotiator from the Canadian team. Hennings said Smail ... Read More »

Washington train trestle destroyed by fire to resume service this month

From the Capital Press Work on the Winona train trestle destroyed by wildfire in August is nearly complete, and freight service will resume later in October, according to the Washington Department of Transportation. The trestle, 31 miles east of Colfax, between LaCrosse and Endicott, handles 2,600 rail cars loaded with wheat and supplies each year. Read the rest of the ... Read More »

Wheat growers applaud support of federal CRISI grant to WSDOT

The Washington Grain Commission (WGC) and the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) applaud the support of members from the Washington State Federal Congressional Delegation, and their commitment to the state’s agricultural industry, in response to the announcement that the Federal Railroad Administration selected the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to receive a substantial $72.8 million Fiscal Year 2022 ... Read More »

PCC Railway awarded $72.8 million federal CRISI grant

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced this week that the Washington State Department of Transportation has been selected to receive a $72.8 million Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant for capital improvements on the PCC short-line railroad. State funding from the Move Ahead Washington transportation package, as well as local and private contributions, will bring ... Read More »

Washington gas prices top US as carbon fee takes hold

From the Capital Press Washington has moved past California to have the most expensive gasoline in the U.S., a surge coinciding with Washington’s cap-and-trade carbon fee almost doubling California’s. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

CP-KCS Merger Approval Disappoints National Wheat

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are disappointed that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Canadian Pacific Railway’s merger with Kansas City Southern Railroad. In public comments submitted to the STB on the proposed sale in February 2022, USW said the market power held by the Class I railroads has serious implications for ... Read More »