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