Tacoma Rail has been awarded more than $750,000 in federal funding for track, rail tie and signal upgrades along its 131-mile Mountain Division line between Frederickson and Eatonville in Pierce County. The upgrades will help meet and expand freight business in support of economic development efforts in Pierce, Lewis and Thurston Counties.
“This award is part of a multi-year funding strategy that will increase business opportunities and improve overall speed along the line,” said Tacoma Rail Superintendant Paula Henry.
Tacoma Rail serves a variety of commercial businesses and as a back up to Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Bases.
Federal funding for Tacoma Rail was first appropriated in 2005, but the utility has been making upgrades to its lines since 1998. The utility is one of few short lines in the nation that receive federal appropriation because it is publicly held.