Why is WSDOT studying and engineering rail improvements in the Moses Lake area?
The Port of Moses Lake and other local groups believe that rail improvements in the area will support economic development and attract new rail-dependent businesses to Moses Lake. The Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to work with the Port of Moses Lake and the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) to develop the required environmental documents for this project. The agencies began the environmental review process in spring 2007. Following the July 2007 public open house, the project team continued to gather information and analyze the results. In November 2008, the Preliminary Environmental Assessment was issued for public review and comment. The final environmental document is scheduled for completion in early 2009. This was completed on May 8, 2009 and submitted to the STB who will decide whether to grant permission to the Port of Moses Lake to construct the new line. The End Result The proposed project includes the construction of two new rail lines (Segments 1 and 2
