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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2227 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 2227 A RESOLUTION urging the re-opening of Stampede Pass WHEREAS, the Burlington Northern Routes between Spokane and Everett over Stevens Pass and between Spokane and Vancouver through Pasco and the Columbia River Gorge have reached capacity or near-capacity for rail traffic, and WHEREAS, the Burlington Northern Route between Pasco and Auburn, through Stampede Pass has lain idle for over a decade (except for the line owned by the Washington Central Railroad between Pasco and Cle Elum), and WHEREAS, the Burlington Northern is seeking a new or additional east-west rail corridor to the Midwest, and WHEREAS, service on the Stampede Pass route can be re-established on either the Auburn to Lind route or the Auburn to Pasco route within a reasonable period of time, and WHEREAS, support for continued availability and access to multiple modes and corridors of transportation is important to the Tr-Cities, and WHEREAS, establishment of both routes would provide increased capacity for east-west rail connections essential to preserving Washington State's competitive edge in transshipping products and manufactured goods to and from Pacific Rim countries, and WHEREAS, included is both direct access to Puget Sound over domestic and international destinations via the effective combination of deep water ports, short haul and long haul rail systems, and WHEREAS, access to mtermodal hubs for Central Washington businesses is an item of significant importance to the Tri-Cities, and WHEREAS, the Washington Central Railroad is desirous of establishing an mtermodal/freight exchange terminal in Central Washington, and WHEREAS, we support any and all efforts to preserve options that would enable mtermodal/freight exchange access to occur as market conditions develop, and WHEREAS, the City of Pasco wishes to express support for increased freight rail capacities associated with the re-opening of Stampede Pass, and WHEREAS, Stampede Pass is also viewed by the Tri-Cities as a viable and potentially valuable passenger rail link to Puget Sound, and eFelice, Mayor WHEREAS, the City of Pasco's position is that this re-activated rail corridor is a necessary and important component of realizing continued effective and efficient access to the markets and market access points discussed above, and WHEREAS, either route will create impacts to communities along these routes associated with increased air and noise pollution, traffic congestion and safety, delivery of public safety services and transportation of school children, NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That Stampede Pass be re-opened to rail traffic with the primary route connecting Auburn with Lind and a secondary route connecting Ellensburg with Pasco, and that the existing Washington Central route continue to serve the Yakima River Valley to Pasco, and that the Washington Central Railroad be allowed to establish an intermodal terminal in the Tr-Cities, preferably in Pasco Section 2. That necessary impact studies be conducted so as to identify all adverse impacts (including safety and traffic problems caused by increased usage of at- grade intersections with arterial streets), on communities affected by these reactivated routes and impacts be mitigated to the extent possible prior to the reactivation of the routes PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco at a regular meeting this 4th day of December, 1995 CITY OF PASCO: ATTEST: Catherine D. Seaman, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Leland B. Kerr Interim City Attorney Resolution No 2227, urging the re-opening of Stampede Pass - Page 2