The Western Group wins bid to operate Washington state short line

The Western Group (TWG) has been chosen by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Spokane County as the preferred bidder for operation of rail lines between Cheney and Coulee City, the railroad consortium announced late last week.

The Utah-based consortium, which responded to WSDOT's request for proposals, will work with the department, the county and other regional stakeholders to finalize agreements that would add the Washington Eastern Railroad to its other other short lines and rail-related entities that serve western and Midwest states, TWG officials said in a press release.

Preserving and growing rural rail service in Spokane County is a top priority for the consortium, said TWG Chief Operating Officer Bruce Carswell.

TWG has extensive experience in short-line railroading, as well as railroad construction and maintenance, company officials said.

TWG affiliates include Western Railroad Builders Inc., Wyoming Colorado Railroad Inc., Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad LC, Verde Canyon Railroad LC, Southwestern Railroad Inc., Texas & Eastern Railroad LC, Texas State Railroad and Cimarron Valley Railroad LC.