Port nets grant for rail rehabilitation project

NEWPORT — The Port of Pend Oreille has been awarded $1 million through the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board’s inaugural Rural Ports Program to fund the first phase of the Pend Oreille Valley Rail rehabilitation project, restoring critical rail infrastructure to enable passenger excursion service in the Pend Oreille Valley corridor.

The $1.25 million project will rehabilitate about five miles of track between Usk and Cusick, repair Birdhouse Crossing on Highway 20, and add operational rail capacity to support tourism-focused passenger service. The non-taxing port district is providing more than $220,000 in match funding, including materials and cash contributions, along with a $25,000 Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission safety grant.

“This funding is an important step toward turning our vision of heritage rail tourism into reality, creating jobs, attracting visitors and diversifying our economy,” Port Commissioner Kim Gentle of District 1 said. “We’re honored to be a part of CERB’s first Rural Ports Program awards.”

The port is partnering with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to develop passenger excursion service that will highlight the region’s scenic beauty and create new tourism employment opportunities. The partnership builds on both organizations’ commitment to economic development and community vitality in Pend Oreille County.

Rehabilitation work will return out-of-service track to operational condition, addressing years of deferred maintenance on the historic rail corridor, port officials said. The project is expected to create six to 10 railroad operations positions as well as tourism and hospitality jobs in ticket sales, train hosting and food service as operations grow. Establishing passenger rail service between Newport and the Kalispel Casino area would help build a significant new tourism sector for Pend Oreille County beyond its traditional forestry and resource-based industries.

The project also enhances community safety by rehabilitating Birdhouse Crossing on Highway 20, improving a known vehicle-rail conflict point, and strengthening overall rail infrastructure for residents and visitors.

The port, which has operated POVA for 45 years, expects to begin construction this year with completion targeted for 2028.