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The city of Moses Lake, Wash., recently approved a motion to send letters to federal lawmakers requesting funds to purchase a segment of the Columbia Basin Railroad’s line.

Part of the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project, the segment is slated for abandonment after a new rail bypass is built northeast of Moses Lake. The Port of Moses Lake and Columbia Basin Railroad plan to construct a segment that would bypass the city and be used to move cargo to and from an industrial park near Grant County International Airport.

The city plans to send letters to Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.). The letters will stress that the project — which also calls for upgrading an existing rail line — will extend and enhance rail access to “vital industries” in the northern Columbia Basin area; improve the area’s freight mobility and economic development opportunities; and eliminate 12 grade crossings in the city, Moses Lake officials said in a prepared statement.