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The latest BNSF Railway information and resources for communities of
the Pacific Northwest.
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FEBRUARY 2016
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New capital investments for Washington |
BNSF plans to invest nearly $220 million in Washington as part of its 2016 capital expenditure program. These investments will help increase reliability and safety, while also keeping pace with growing demand for rail transport. |
Over the past three years, BNSF has invested more than $550 million in Washington. |
Improving rail networks in Washington not only helps BNSF and its customers – it powers the state economy. Approximately one-fifth of all freight tonnage in Washington travels by rail, connecting companies with the rest of the U.S. and the world. Additionally, 40 percent of all jobs in Washington are connected to international trade. |
As part of BNSF’s $4.3 billion network-wide capital expenditures program, these investments ensure optimal rail efficiency and capacity. BNSF’s capital investments include replacement of 70 miles of rail, 243,000 rail ties, implementation of positive train control (PTC), and replacement of the Washougal River bridge in Camas. |
Read more about BNSF’s capital expenditures program. |
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Economic growth through rail investments |
BNSF customers and local economic development organizations invested $1.2 billion in new or expanded facilities network-wide in 2015. |
Agricultural facilities have seen significant investments in Washington state. BNSF partnered with Preferred Freezer Service in Richland, owners of the largest new temperature controlled warehouse in North America, to help distribute frozen potato products. The new warehouse generated over 100 new jobs in the area.
BNSF economic development teams work with businesses to evaluate appropriate rail infrastructure. When a business has access to rail, it enables flexible, high-capacity transportation that attracts more business development and job creation. |
Since 2011, customers and economic development organizations have invested over $1 billion each year to create new jobs and business opportunities through rail infrastructure. |
Read the BNSF news release announcing 2015 economic development results. |
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BNSF Railway Foundation helps supports Stevenson Park Plaza Project |
To help fill a void in downtown Stevenson, Wash., city leaders have partnered with the Stevenson Business Association to create the Stevenson Park Plaza project.
The Stevenson Park Plaza, which would be located in front of the Skamania County Courthouse, is envisioned as a new focal point in downtown Stevenson that would promote tourism and serve as a community gathering space. The proposed location is a sloping hillside that continues from the south side of the historical Skamania County Courthouse building and ends at the north side of the sidewalk lining Second Street (Highway 14). |
The BNSF Railway Foundation donated $50,000 to the City of Stevenson to help with capital costs associated with the project. |
Learn more about the three different proposed plans under review. |
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Supporting STEM education |
BNSF granted $5,000 to KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue, Washington, an interactive museum promoting science, technology, art, and math for children and families. With the help of BNSF’s grant, hundreds of students and families participated in STEM events such as learning about nanotechnology, taking apart machines, and building toy railways. |
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Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452 |
To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately. |
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