Columbia Mountain Times™: State Rail Plan Workshop

Subject: State Rail Plan Workshop - Blaine, Wash.
Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 16:12:08 -0500
To: guyperea@live.com
From: wsdot@service.govdelivery.com

State Rail Plan Workshop - Blaine, Wash.

Washington State Rail Plan
Regional Workshop
Thursday, May 30
Blaine, Washington

The public is invited to discuss passenger rail transportation and help develop the next statewide rail plan at a public workshop on May 30 in Blaine. Workshop participants will receive an update on ongoing technical analysis and discuss priority needs and opportunities for the state rail system with a focus on long-term plans for Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail. Whatcom Council of Governments, City of Blaine and Washington State Department of Transportation are hosting the meeting.

When complete, the Washington State Rail Plan will serve as the strategy for future public investment in the state's rail transportation system. will provide an integrated plan for freight and passenger rail, including 5- and 20-year funding strategies. The Plan will also guide Washington as the state works with Oregon and British Columbia to plan for future improvements to Amtrak Cascades. WSDOT will release the final State Rail Plan by the end of 2013.

Meeting details:

Thursday, May 30
9 a.m. – noon
Blaine City Hall
435 Martin Street

RSVPs: While an RSVP is not required, those planning to attend are strongly encouraged to fill out a short RSVP form to help us ensure we have adequate space and materials for all who wish to participate. Additionally, if you have a specific rail topic that you are interested in, the RSVP form has a place for you to list your interest. This will help us plan for possible smaller-group discussions. Access the RSVP form here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WSRP_Blaine30MayRSVPs

Contact information:

For more information about the meeting, please contact Blaine Public Works Department at 360-332-8820 or pwmail@cityofblaine.com.
For more information about the State Rail Plan, please contact the Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Division at 360-705-7900 or rail@wsdot.wa.gov.

Groups unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to use the contact information below to request a briefing or visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Rail/staterailplan.htm to view project materials and submit comments.
We look forward to seeing you there.