Businesses tout Cold Train

QUINCY – Gov. Chris Gregoire heard about the benefits of the Cold Train service at the Port of Quincy’s intermodal yard this week.

Port of Quincy Commissioner Patric Connelly said he thought the governor was happy with what she saw during a tour on Monday.

“We had some shippers that were there, who expressed interest in it and how well it has worked for them,” Connelly explained.

He characterized Gregoire’s visit as more information-gathering and not political.

Russ Lytle, regional manager of Columbia Colstor, said he was surprised at how well-informed the governor was because she was aware of the grants and loans they received.

Steve Lawson, of Rail Logistics, provided an update on Cold Train service and Lytle gave an overview about Columbia Colstor.

The refrigerated train car service from Quincy to the Port of Chicago started in April.

The first load of cherries recently arrived in Chicago from the Port of Quincy.

“She was pleased and asked a lot of questions,” Lytle said. “I think she understands and sees what happens when private money and government join up.”

Three years ago, Columbia Colstor put $25 million into its Colstor International Intermodal facility.

Currently, Columbia Colstor’s other facilities in the Columbia Basin are loading vegetables heading to Chicago.

“Our customers have been utilizing the intermodal,” he explained.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers Marketing Director Scott Marboe said he thought it was great Gregoire attended the event. The company’s headquarters is located in Wenatchee and represents nine warehouses throughout Washington and Oregon.

“There’s a lot that goes on there (Quincy),” he said. “I don’t think people realize how important it is for the state economically … It’s the front porch to the agricultural industry. Having her there was a coup for everyone.”

Marboe said his company was one of the first ones to use the Cold Train.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said. “The Cold Train is really helping us.”

Farmers and growers are able to get their product to market faster and more efficiently.

More packages fit into a container, allowing room for additional product.

“It’s arriving in really good shape,” he said.

On Tuesday, Gregoire’s office announced an export initiative intended to create more export opportunities for Washington businesses and add new jobs.

Pat Boss, a spokesperson for the Port of Quincy, said the initiative makes sense and Quincy can be a part of that.

Companies are interested in shipping products to Europe, which is one of the reasons why the port wants to participate in westbound intermodal shipments.

“It’s a little bit different way of looking at exports,” he said in part. “Now, the opportunity seems to be more eastbound,” he said.