PNWER RIA In the News
Why high-speed rail will fail without better local train service
Seattle Times | February 28, 2025
An ambitious plan to bring bullet trains to the Pacific Northwest has drawn champions including former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and Microsoft President Brad Smith. They argue high-speed rail could interconnect the growing regions around Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, B.C., like no other form of transportation can.
But if advocates are ever able to ignite the enthusiasm necessary for a high-speed corridor, the region must first demonstrate it can operate the reliable rail service it already has.
Transportation Commission to discuss strengthening freight resilience, transportation funding priorities
MLT News | January 7, 2025
In a series of presentations facilitated by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, commissioners will hear from local, regional, state and port officials on work to build a resilient freight network that supports the state’s economy through technology, freight-only routes and more.
Amtrak Cascades On Track to Deliver New Airo Trainsets in 2026
The Urbanist | December 8, 2024
In early 2025, a new Cascades Gateway Bi-National Rail Working Group is set to start meeting, to agree on both short and longer-term upgrades that will benefit train performance and rider experience, including badly needed accessibility upgrades at Pacific Central Station.
Rail is growing more important to Idaho’s future. Discussions will be happening soon | Opinion
Idaho Statesman Journal | October 3, 2024
Idaho is the “Gem State,” a jewel of the western Rocky Mountains and a land of immense beauty and pristine environment. Idaho is also the “Crossroads State”.
Interstate and state highways, Class 1 and short line railroads, Columbia/Snake River waterways, commercial and general aviation airports, pipelines and electrical transmission lines crisscross the state.
Bruce Agnew and Al French: Rail investment powers economic growth and community connectivity
Spokesman Review | October 3, 2024
The Greater Northwest was built around the railroads. Towns were founded more than 100 years ago along the rail network. The foundation of Spokane’s rail network was established even before the town received its charter in 1881.
The train tracks are still here and are used to this day. Rural communities across the Greater Northwest rely on the rail network to move people and goods.
Regional Infrastructure Accelerators program awards $24M
Transportation Today | October 17, 2023
Awardees include the California Department of Transportation, the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, the State of Louisiana Executive Office, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Transportation, and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada received $2 million.
Senator Murray announces $3.75 million in funding for Washington transportation projects
NBC NonStop Local | October 17, 2023
The Pacific Northwest Economic Region was awarded $2 million and Sound Transit was awarded $1.75 million.
U.S. DOT to Launch Expanded Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Grants
Roads & Bridges | October 16, 2023
The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) RIA supporting Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon communities utilized its previous $1.235 million RIA grant and hands-on technical assistance to support project development for the Pine Road highway and rail grade separation project