On October 25th, 2024, Oregon’s federal legislative representatives secured a second massive federal funding package for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) and Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL). Representative Val Hoyle, and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley jointly announced a further $29,751,615 would be coming to the South Coast for the port expansion, as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Consolidated Rail and Infrastructure Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
Just the week prior, Oregon’s legislative trio announced the first large chunk of federal investment through over $25 million in funding through the USDOT’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways (INFRA) program, making the entire funding pool over $54 million.
And make no mistake, this would be a ‘nationally significant’ intermodal port. The PCIP would be the first port of its kind on the West Coast and will contribute not only toward an estimated 8000+ jobs for the local community, but also toward bolstering our entire national supply chain.
The Coos Bay Rail Line is a crucial element for securing the funding, and for making the Port as unique and viable as it is. Unloaded freight can be put straight onto rail, allowing for reduced emissions and traffic from trucking, and greater investment into green energy alternatives.
“Today’s award makes long overdue investments in the Coos Bay Rail Line and will improve sections of the line that have fallen into disrepair,” said Representative Hoyle, “Upgrades and repairs to the rail line will help to move products across Oregon and the county faster. A renovated Coos Bay Rail line is a key part of setting the Port of Coos bay up to be the first ship-to-rail port on the West Coast.”
Through these funds, the PCIP will be able to plan necessary rail-specific developments. These developments will include track rehabilitation, new sidings, and evaluations of each tunnel, bridge, and crossing from the Coos Bay line to the Eugene Yard. Eugene’s rail yard will also be a beneficiary, as their capacity will need to increase to accommodate more traffic heading for the Class 1 national rail network.
“The funding to upgrade the Coos Bay Rail Line is huge for the project because it ensures we have durable infrastructure in place that cuts climate-killing emissions and addresses bottlenecks in the national supply chain,” said Senator Merkley, “I’ll keep working with the Oregon delegation to champion even more wins for this project that will create good-paying union and permanent local jobs on Oregon’s rural South Coast and boost the economy for our entire state.
For more information on the funding, I spoke with Senator Ron Wyden about the secured funds and what further assistance Oregon’s elected officials will be pushing for.
“This is a huge win for the South Coast. With it we are really turning the corner on this project,” said Senator Wyden, “There’s not better location for an intermodal port, with our proximity to the Pacific Rim. There’s no reason we can’t be producing, shipping, and receiving goods to and from all over the world here in Coos Bay.”
The next steps for the development consist of a public survey, for which the Port of Coos bay contracted the Portland based firm JLA Public Involvement, who have begun conducting interviews with crucial stakeholders. Then, an environmental survey for potential impacts.
“First is the environmental design, which is crucial. Now we are doing the rail piece. It’s absolutely important to modernize the transportation infrastructure. Then the next piece will come. We have turned a corner here. We’re in a position now to do the rest of the work that needs to be done,” said Wyden.
When asked if that next piece would be focused on housing, Wyden confirmed that indeed, an emphasis on increasing housing supply will be next. Each funding package is beholden to certain areas of development, so securing a housing ‘piece’ is essential.
“We’re fitting pieces together. A lot of Washington lingo is incomprehensible to people. Oregon is 3000 miles away from D.C., but I may as well be Mars,” explained Wyden, “But as for housing, the answer is yes and yes again. Increasing housing supply is right at the top of my agenda, and Congresswoman Hoyle has been a huge part of that as well.”
Hoyle, who secured $4 million in federal funding for a workers housing development in North Bend earlier this year, has made housing a cornerstone of her platform. Wyden, who is the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation, has been using that expertise to develop tax-based solutions to the housing issue.
Keep your eyes on the World for further news regarding the Port of Coos Bay intermodal expansion. We will be following this development closely.
“Expensive suits and fancy shirts doesn’t exactly strike me as what the South Coast is about. With the immense community support, we’ve got a chance to build something truly incredible. This will be the story of how a small community, with big grit, was able to pilot their own future, and create greater economic opportunity for themselves,” concluded Wyden.
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