ODOT News
Jan. 31, 2013
For more information: Jyll Smith, (503) 986-3985 or Shelley M. Snow, (503) 986-3438
SALEM - Oregon Department of Transportation Director Matt Garrett and Washington State Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond signed an agreement today that will support their departments’ collaborative efforts to improve the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. The agreement included approval of a phased Corridor Work Plan.
Endorsement by Garrett and Hammond signals executive-level support for staff to proceed with work activities that will satisfy a variety of requirements for moving forward with passenger rail planning and improvements. At the meeting, John Sibold, WSDOT Rail/Marine director, briefed members of Oregon Passenger Rail Leadership Council and ODOT staff on the planned incremental approach to using state funds in order to maximize federal support.
The Corridor Work Plan provides a 5-year strategy for improvements, with an immediate focus on developing agreements needed for Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) implementation.