Press Releases

Port of Ridgefield Pledges 2$ Million Toward Rail Overpass

1/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

At a public meeting held January 9th, Ridgefield port commissioners voted unanimously to commit $2 million toward the construction of a Pioneer Street railway overpass. Efforts are currently underway to raise the balance of the estimated $12.5 million project cost, with 30% coming from local sources and the remaining 70% funded by state and federal dollars. The planned overpass will link Pioneer Street to Ridgefield’s Lake River waterfront area, and provide safer access for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The project will also allow closure of two at-grade railroad crossings, including the Mill Street crossing, which is currently rated as the 5th most dangerous crossing in the state. Closure of these crossings will permit rail freight and passenger trains to move through the area faster, safer and more efficiently as well. “Increasing freight mobility in Ridgefield will not only promote redevelopment and employment at the port, but will also preserve and promote job growth and economic development in the entire Portland/Vancouver metro area”, said Port Commissioner Roy Randel. Construction of the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2010. For more information on the rail overpass project visit www.portridgefield.org.

About the Port of Ridgefield
The Port of Ridgefield was formed in 1940 and is charged with bringing economic development to the greater Ridgefield area. The Port district covers approximately 57 square miles, represents over 10,000 constituents and is led by three elected commissioners: Joe Melroy, Roy Randel, and Bruce Wiseman. Its current major projects include facilitating the community discussion regarding development of the Discovery Corridor, the PWT Environmental Cleanup and the installation of a number of transportation related projects. For more information about the Port, visit www.portridgefield.org or call (360) 887-3873.

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Contact:
Michael Williams
Marketing & Communications Manager
360.887.3873
mwilliams@portridgefield.org