SEN. JOANNE VERGER STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 5

News Release

May 11, 2011

CONTACT:    Josh Savey (503) 986-1705, josh.savey@state.or.us

Verger carries bill approving final step for Coos Bay Rail Link

HB 3596 authorizes Port of Coos Bay to own and operate the rail line to Eugene

SALEM – Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5) carried legislation this morning that will give the International Port of Coos Bay final authorization to operate its purchase of the rail line between the South Coast and Eugene. House Bill 3596 allows the Port to own and operate a section of rail closed in 2007 that connects the Danebo station in Lane County to the Coquille station in Coos County.

“This is one of the final steps in realizing a project that will contribute significantly to the economic revitalization of the South Coast,” said Verger. “This rail line will make possible the creation of jobs in some of the hardest hit industries in Coos County and surrounding areas on the coast.”

Prior to the Central Oregon & Pacific (CORP) Railroad’s closure of the Coos Bay rail line in September 2007, freight rail service was available from the South Coast to many regional firms including Roseburg Forest Products, Georgia-Pacific Inc., Southport Forest Products, Coos Head Forest Products, American Bridge Manufacturing, Westwood Lumber, AmeriGas and Ferrellgas. 

After the line’s closure, the Port of Coos Bay expressed interest in purchasing and operating the line. In November 2008, the federal government extended an opportunity to purchase the line for $16.6 million. Since them, the Port has received loans from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Commission and allocations from the Oregon Transportation Commission under ConnectOregon III to complete the purchase. In March of this year, the Port requested legislation that would authorize it to acquire and operate the line.

“This is a cause for celebration in our community,” said Verger. “It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, but the reopening of this crucial transportation artery is now within sight.”

The Coos Bay Line was opened for almost a hundred years before its closing, running through Eugene and Powers through the communities of Reedsport, Lakeside, Hauser, North Bend, Coos Bay, Coquille and Myrtle Point. It is considered a vital transportation connection between industry on the South Coast and the Willamette Valley and significant to the growth of the Port of Coos Bay.

HB 3596 now goes to the Governor for his signature. 

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