YELM/ROY PRAIRIE LINE
In late 2000, the City of Yelm acquired the 4.55 mile portion of Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line from Yelm to Roy. The acquisition concluded discussions and negotiations with BNSF that began in the fall of 1998, when the City of Yelm learned that the section of rail was being considered for abandonment. Since that time, the City formed a Rail Advisory Committee to recommend policy and aid in negotiations with BNSF. A temporary embargo was placed on the line with the Association of American Railroads until such time as the City contracts with a short-line operator. The successful acquisition of the Yelm to Roy rail line represents a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance a vital transportation link. The continued availability of freight rail service to the Yelm and Roy areas is vital to business retention and development. Local rail connections support economic vitality and improved freight mobility. Construction of a ¼ mile track connection between the City of Yelm owned rail line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division short line would provide common carrier rail freight service to Yelm’s industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight trains. Tacoma Rail Mountain Division will connect with the Sounder Commuter trains in Tacoma, creating a future commuter train opportunity in Yelm.
Problem
State funding for the Yelm Prairie Line/Tacoma Rail Mountain Division rail connection was cut from the WSDOT budget in addressing the statewide 2001 budget shortfall. Without this support local public and private partners cannot make this project happen, despite the economic benefits and cost savings it represents to the community, the Puget Sound region and the state.
Solution
Fund construction of a rail connection between the City of Yelm rail line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division short line. $750,000.
Location
Thurston and Pierce Counties
Stakeholders
Local Government
State Government
Development Community
Business Community
Commuters
Railroads
Impacts
Freight Mobility System
Efficiency
Economic Vitality System
Preservation