In a push to bolster infrastructure in eastern Washington, the Federal Railroad Administration has granted $37.7 million to the Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) railway for critical upgrades along a 34-mile stretch between Davenport and Wilbur. This federal support, highlighted by Washington State Department of Transportation, comes with additional state and private investments, bringing the total funding for the project to another 20.3 million-dollar mark.
With a rich history over a century, the existing railroad tracks are due for a significant overhaul. According to WSDOT’s announcement, the grant will replace the aging 100-year-old rail with new, heavy 115-pound rail capable of handling the more substantial 286,000-pound rail cars used today. This is seen as a necessary upgrade, given the present-day needs and expectations for transportation of goods, especially for an agricultural region looking to stay competitive in national and international markets.
The PCC railway project is no stranger to federal backing—previous grants include a $5.6 million infusion in 2018 and a more substantial $72.8 million grant in 2023, with a total of $45 million in matching funds from state, local, and private contributions. These capital inflows have extended across various counties, namely Grant, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, and Whitman, intent on developing a more resilient and efficient rail system underpinned by the 2015 PCC Rail System Strategic Plan.
Upon completion of the upgrades, track speeds are projected to increase from a lumbering 10 mph to a swifter 25 mph. This means agricultural products, the main industry in this region can bring products to market more quickly, benefiting both farmers and consumers. The WSDOT is responsible for the oversight of the system’s facilities and regulations, while the PCC Rail Authority, a cooperative founded by the local counties, manages the business and economic development aspects of the railways.
