Good News, All Around the PNW
PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator celebrates Amtrak Corridor ID funding, commemorates beginning of passenger rail network
WASHINGTON (Dec. 8, 2023) – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced Dec. 8 the selection of four Pacific Northwest Amtrak route projects to receive an initial $500,000 planning grant through the Corridor Identification and Development Program (Corridor ID Program). The comprehensive planning program will position 69 implementation-ready projects at the forefront of a nationwide passenger rail development pipeline.
The program sets the stage for revitalizing a portfolio of existing Amtrak corridors, as well as establishing new high speed and conventional rail routes. Selected projects serving the Pacific Northwest include:
Amtrak Cascades Corridor: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was selected to provide improvements to the existing Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Ore. route, to increase reliability, reduce travel times and add frequencies.
Cascadia High Speed Ground Transportation: High speed rail service project sponsored by WSDOT would connect Vancouver, Canada to Portland, Ore. via Seattle.
North Coast Hiawatha Route: Corridor restoration sponsored by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority would reconnect Chicago to Seattle or Portland, Ore. on an existing alignment.
Anchorage North and South Corridor: Passenger rail improvements sponsored by Alaska Railroad Corporation to add frequencies, reduce travel times and improve reliability between Fairbanks and Seward, Ala.
Since its inception, the PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (PNWER RIA) has been a steadfast advocate for the region’s passenger and freight rail network, convening key partners and identifying innovative financing solutions to accelerate rail development. This announcement signifies a region-wide stride towards delivering an enhanced passenger rail network for communities in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the nation.
Excited about our partnership and what's ahead for our team!