COLUMBIA BASIN - The Big Bend Economic Development Council discussed rail improvements in Grant County.

Council member Mike Conley, also a Port of Moses Lake commissioner, said the port hired a government affairs person to work exclusively on the railroad issue.

"He's especially well versed on the democratic side of the aisle, and that's what I was looking for," Conley said. "And he's obligated to us through the session, but we've got to get him working on it now if we're going to have a chance to get it in the budget. Last year when we were over there in February, it was too late."

He said the "seeds were planted" last year. Many people said the project sounded good, but no money was available, Conley said. He said money for the project is available, but they need to get the

attention of transportation committee leaders in the House and Senate.

He noted the plan is for extending the rail to Moses Lake Industries. In doing so, the rail would also reach Genie and ChemiCon, Conley said.

A public hearing by the Washington State Department of Transportation, which was supposed to take place Thursday with the rail spur being discussed, but the meeting postponed until at least September, Conley said.

Conley said when the port knows where the track is going, it will be able to obtain the right-of-way for it. He anticipated right-of-way would present no problem, as private land owners are supportive.

Requests for funding at the federal level were made to our senators, Conley noted.