Washington port lands state funds for two rail spurs

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) recently approved a $500,000 loan and $100,000 grant for the Port of Whitman County in Colfax, Wash., to build two rail spurs.

The rail infrastructure will support the delivery of bulk commodities to the McGregor Co.'s planned $10 million fertilizer and agri-chemical plant at the port. The port will provide $137,856 in local funds to construct the spurs. The port is served by the Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad, which interchanges with BNSF Railway Co.

The release of CERB funds is contingent upon the completion of certain pre-contract requirements, such as finalizing other funding sources and obtaining necessary permits.

"CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality," said CERB Chairmain Mark Urdahl in a press release. "The projects approved for funding represent the agricultural and food processing sector in rural areas of our state."