Washington state port seeks operator to restore rail service on Royal Slope line

The Port of Royal Slope, Wash., is seeking a freight-rail operator to provide rail services to businesses in Grant County.

The port has issued a request for proposals (RFP); sealed proposals must be submitted by Aug. 25.

The chosen proposer will operate the Royal Slope Railroad, which has 25 miles of track that runs along the north side of the Saddle Mountains from Othello to Royal City. The rail line has not been operated for about 20 years, but was rehabilitated in 2013, according to the port. The title of the rail line is being transferred to the port.

The selected operator will work with the port, shippers, economic development authorities, the Washington State Department of Transportation, Columbia Basin Railroad, BNSF Railway Co. and possibly other Class Is.

RFP draft documents are available on the port’s website. Any questions can be directed to Port of Royal Slope Executive Director Cathy Potter at 509-346-2317.