Untitled (7) Page 1 of 3
Shelly Badger
From: Shelly Badger
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 2:49 PM
To: 'Kari Qvigstad (kariq@portolympia.com)'
Subject: FW: FY07 Appropriations Request-City of Yelm
Kari, I am forwarding a revised support letter in track changes mode. Our current
request for funding for the Yelm Roy Prairie Line connection to the Tacoma Mountain
Line is to Congressman Adam Smith in the form of an earmark request, so I changed
the letter to be addressed to Yelm so we could use it for different funding opportunities
that may arise. Thank you, once we receive the signed original, I will forward it on to
accompany our earmark request.
Looking forward to our lunch next Thursday! Shelly
Shelly Badger, Yelm City Administrator
City of Yelm
P.O. Box 479
Yelm,WA 98597
360-458-8405
360-458-4348 fax
shellyb&i.yelm.wa.us
From: Dana Spivey
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 2:32 PM
To: Shelly Badger
Subject: FW: FY07 Appropriations Request - City of Yelm
Dana Spivey
Administrative Assistant
City Administrator's Office
City of Tefm
TO Bo,-�479
Tefm W,4 98597
360-458-8816, phone
360-458-4348,fa,�
danas@ci.yefm.wa.us
We make a Giving 6y what we Get. We make a Life 6y what we Give.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kari Qvigstad [mailto:KariQ@PortOlympia.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 6:57 PM
To: Dana Spivey
Cc: Maureen Malahovsky
3/9/2006
Page 2 of 3
Subject: RE: FY07 Appropriations Request - City of Yelm
Dana,
Attached is our draft letter for your review. Please make any recommended changes and return to me for
signature by our Executive Director.
Thanks.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dana Spivey [mailto:danas@ci.yelm.wa.us]
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 11:10 AM
To: Jailyn Brown; phenry@cityoftacoma.org; kariq@portolympia.com
Subject: FW: FY07 Appropriations Request - City of Yelm
Dana Spivey
Administrative Assistant
CityAdministrator's Office
City of Telm
TO Bo.Z 479
Telm W,4 98597
360-458-8816, phone
360-458-4348,fa.)C
danas@ci.yeIm.wa.us
We make a Living 6y what we Get. We make a Life 6y what we Cjive.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dana Spivey
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 11:05 AM
To: 'Shana.Chandler@mail.house.gov'
Cc: 'Sean.Eagan@mail.house.gov'; Ron Harding; Shelly Badger
Subject: FY07 Appropriations Request - City of Yelm
Please see attached application packet. Thank you.
DS
(Dana Spivey
Administrative Assistant
City Administrator's Office
City of Telm
BO Bo,�479
Telm W,4 98597
360-458-8816, phone
360-458-4348, fa-,,C
3/9/2006
'we matte a Living try what we yet. we make a Lye try what we gme.
Proposed Roy Connection DRAFT
2004 Aerial Photo W Roy nCols map is a c draft. Thurston Regional Planning
Coucil is in thehe process
ocess of verifying its contents. All data is
�'�� subject to change. Rail line ownership and status have not
Z ��W been verified.
~ Rall line locations have been adjusted to match 2002 aerial
v w photos inside Thurston County. Data outside Thurston County
Proposed Roy Connection Zoned Industrial
L, was received from each county's GIs department and the
•^ __-- Highways City Limits4 Washington State Department of Transportation.
ror a copy of themost current map,pleasecontact
Thurston Regional Planning Council at(360)786-5480.
Rail Road Owner Urban Growth Areas(UGAs)
Burlington Northern Santa Fe County Boundary
�iuuln City of Tacoma
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Ilnllt City of Yelm(inactive) �J ;
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Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Housing
and Urban Development, Judiciary, and DC
FY07 Funding Request Form
Each request requires a completed form. Please follow the numerical steps and enter
applicable information relating to your project request An "*" indicates a required field.
Step 1: Member Information
* Member Name: Congressman Adam Smith
* Staff point of contact Shana Chandler
and direct phone number: 202-225-8901
Other co-signing Members:
Step 2: Request Information
*Agency: City of Yelm
*Request XXX Project Request - $1,300,000 for the railroad connection of
Type: the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line.
*Account: U.S. Department of Transportation Budget
*Project $1,300,000
Request
Amount:
*Actual City of Yelm
Recipient
Name:
*Locality & Yelm Washington
State:
*Project The project will construct a new railroad connection between the City
Description: of Yelm's Yelm Roy Prairie Line (YRPL) and the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Line; the connection is approximately 3,000 feet long and
includes two turnouts, and a grade crossing of SR-507 with signals
and gates.
Local Share: $200,000
Prior Year None
Funding:
MEN
Proposed Roy Connection - ���
P Y w This map is aworld ng drag. Thurston Regional Planning
2004 Aerial Photo LU Ro Council is in the process of verifying its contents. All data is
/y 7n'- subject to change. Rail line ownership and status have not
been verified.
Rail line locations have been adjusted to match 2002 aerial
4 photos inside Thurston County. Data outside Thurston County
Proposed Roy Connection Zoned Industrial ���� was received from each county's GIS department and the
f Washington State Department of Transportation.
Highways CityLimits ■
For a copy of themost current map,please conte ct
Rail Road Owner Urban Growth Areas(UGAs) Thurston Regional Planning Council at(360)786-5480.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe County Boundary
uuul�i City of Tacoma
uuoIn City of Yelm(inactive) N
W E
4
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Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Housing
and Urban Development, Judiciary, and DC
FY07 Funding Request Form
Each request requires a completed form. Please follow the numerical steps and enter
applicable information relating to your project request. An "*" indicates a required field.
Step 1: Member Information
* Member Name: Congressman Adam Smith
* Staff point of contact Shana Chandler
and direct phone number: 202-225-8901
Other co-signing Members:
Step 2: Request Information
*Agency: City of Yelm
*Request XXX Project Request - $1,300,000 for the railroad connection of
Type: the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line.
*Account: U.S. Department of Transportation Budget
*Project $1,300,000
Request
Amount:
*Actual City of Yelm
Recipient
Name:
*Locality & Yelm Washington
State:
*Project The project will construct a new railroad connection between the City
Description: of Yelm's Yelm Roy Prairie Line (YRPL) and the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Line; the connection is approximately 3,000 feet long and
includes two turnouts, and a grade crossing of SR-507 with signals
and gates.
Local Share: $200,000
Prior Year None
Funding:
Page 1 of 1
Shelly Badger
From: Eagan, Sean [Sean. agan@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 8AM
Subject: Rep. Adam Smith FY 07 Appropri tion request forms
Dear Friends,
Congressman Adam S 'th is now accepting requests for federal appropriation earmarks.
I have attached Congressman Smith's Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations Request Form along with
corresponding appropriations subcommittee questionnaires. Be sure to fill out both forms (if necessary)
and return them to Shana Chandler in our Washington, DC, office by March 3,2006. Any project
application received by our office after 6 PM will automatically be considered as a second tier project.
Forms should be sent by a-m ' a. an ler .mai ov,
If you have multiple p J ications,the mu in sep ate emails as they are filed accordi g
to the appropriate subcommittee. Your email will be returned if y u have more than one application
attached to a single email. The subject line of each email MUS read"FY07 Appropriations
Re t" ollowed by your organization's name. (Examp e: Appropriations Request-
Zrgamizatio
- If your project is a Defense or Military Quality of Life and Vet rans Affairs request please send your
request packet(including the subcommittee questionnaire)to ark de la Iglesia at
Mark.delai lg esiagmail.house.gov or call 202-225-8901.
I am looking forward to working with you all this year. Pl se don't hesitate to contact Shana at 202-
225-8901 or myself at 253-896-3775 with any questions.
-Sean Eagan
Deputy District Director
Congressman Adam Smith pa,
3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Suite 106 /
Tacoma, WA 98424
PH: (253)896-3775
PH: (888)S /� �r CL `&'l
FX:(253)896-37896-3789 y_� /`7
www.house.gov/adamsm it
Q0 1 �Y+ac� 0,�A r�
2/28/2006
January 2006
Office of US Representative Adam Smith
FY 2007 Appropriations Request Packet
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting my office with your Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations request. You will find
instructions and an application form included in this packet. Please review and fill the form out in its
entirety and submit to my Washington, DC office by March 3, 2006. I ask that you do all you can to
send the application in early so any corrections can be made if necessary.
Due to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising homeland security costs and possible
congressional earmark reform it is likely that there will be less money available for appropriations
projects in the FY 07 bills. I highly recommend that your organization also consider applying for
federal grants. Please visit www.cfda.gov. The Catalog for Domestic Assistance is a complete listing
of federal discretionary funding which is administered through the various agencies. If you are a library
or museum, please also visit www.imis.gov. My Grants Coordinator, Tina Johnson, is also available to
answer any questions in your search for federal grants and even provide you with a letter of support.
Feel free to contact her at Tina.Johnsonkmai 1.house.gov or 253-896-3775.
I thank you for your interest and for working to improve the quality of life within the 91h District and
Washington state as a whole. Contact my Legislative Director, Shang Chandler, at
Shana.Chandler(d�mail.house.gov if you have any questions and please keep in mind the March 3, 2006
deadline.
Again, I thank you and look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Adam Smith
United States Representative
OFFICE OF US REPRESENTATIVE ADAM SMITH
FISCAL YEAR 2007 APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST FORM
INSTRUCTIONS
1.ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY,MARCH 3,2006.
No exceptions will be made. All applications received after this date will be eligible only for
"second tier" consideration and may or may not be eligible for submission (this will depend upon
deadlines imposed by the various subcommittees). Early submission is encouraged.
2.ONLY COMPLETED FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
If you need assistance, please e-mail my Appropriations Assistant before Friday, February 24th
to meet the MARCH 3, 2006 deadline.
SHANA.CHANDLER(&MAIL.HOUSE.GOV
3.ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE VIA E-MAIL.
If your organization does not have access to e-mail, other arrangements must be made with my
Appropriations Assistant BEFORE the March 3rd deadline.
4.FILLING OUT THE FORM:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Please do not give a summary of what the organization does but rather
a very specific account of exactly what the money will be spent for. (i.e., Capitol improvements,
salaries, teacher's supplies, etc.)
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT YOU ARE REQUESTING FROM REP.SMITH?
What amount are you asking congress to earmark in the FY 07 year? If it is a multi-year project,
what are the future earmark requests?
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT?
How much does your ENTIRE project cost, not how much are you requesting from the Federal
Government.
WHICH BILL DOES OUR REQUEST FIT INTO?
1. Agriculture
2. Defense*
3. Energy and Water
4. Foreign Operations
5. Interior and Environment—including the EPA
6. Homeland Security
7. Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (Labor-HHS)
8. Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs * - includes Veterans Affairs, Defense
Health programs and Facilities Repair and Modernization.
9. Science, State,Justice and Commerce—including NASA, NSA, Office of Science and
Technology Policy.
10. Transportation, Treasury and Housing—including Housing and Urban Development and
the Judiciary.
* PLEASE NOTE: If you are submitting a request for the Defense or Military Quality of Life
and Veterans Affairs Subcommittees send your request to my Defense Assistant Mark de la
Iglesia at Mark.delailg esiagmail.house.gov.
Within each bill there are a number of programs. It is your organization's job to try to find the
appropriate bill and program prior to submission.
What are your priorities?
If your Institution/Organization is submitting more that one funding request, I ask that you
prioritize them. Please note the appropriate priority ranking for ALL requests submitted. The
rank should be for all submitted projects not just projects within the same bill.
Will Senators Murray and/or Cantwell also be making your request?
Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet contacted your senators, please do so. A
request with House and Senate support is much more likely to receive funding then a request
with support from only the House or Senate.
Statewide or multi-district relevance?
If your project has statewide relevance or relevance to the district of another Member of
Congress, please list the members and contact them with your request as well. If the physical
location of the project resides outside the a District please contact the Member who
represents the project before applying to my office-that Member must first initiate the
request.
What are your other sources of funding?
You increase your organization's chance of funding if you can show that your project has local,
state and/or private support. Any State or local government dollars, coupled with any private
fundraising dollars will show that your organization has a local presence. Please list all
anticipated sources of funding followed by any funding that you have already received.
**TIP: As you receive additional funding please contact my office to update your
request.
5. COMPLETED APPLICATIONS
Please send your completed application,via E-MAIL to:
shana.chandlerkmail.house.gov
Subject line MUST read "FY07 Appropriations Request" followed by your organization's
name. (Example: FY07 Appropriations Request—organization)
If you have multiple applications, they must be sent separately as they are filed according
to the appropriate subcommittee.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience through this process. Please do not hesitate to e-
mail or call with any questions. Please do not neglect the deadline of MARCH 3, 2006.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Shana Chandler
Legislative Director
202-225-8901
DATE RECD: (OFFICE USE ONLY)
OFFICE OF US REPRESENTATIVE ADAM SMITH
FISCAL YEAR 2007 APPROPRIATION FORM
Date Submitted: I, a 31 .x6r
Name of Submitting Institution: I6d,, qe 14l�Q/J
f
Address of Submitting Institution: 1� �✓ Q
(no PO Boxes please) 1City :
Zip:
County:
Project Title: uQbj'YI FSU ���1 •Q�U h� &(OWA 6 ( l &
I
Project Description I sentences specAgavv on how the money will be s ent ' C�
" �a'Zoun
COYt�tkc�"lgw � '�SequeG(�dy{�c� �QGIr� l tth in �t�G, 7 �G'Ypu !�v �li�k/ G
►t to, obc)
What is the total cost? S I� eft Div
Appropriations subcommittee: 1UGiiS f 9o4&f in)---
Program or Account: (Leave blank if you don't know)
Priority of request (1st-5th): i
Please include the name, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address for all of the following
people:
Highest Level Person at the Institution (Who may the Member Contact?):
Name: )Mt�ti or 40'k-TWO
Phone:-5b0-q5T_g7 vI Fax: a �
E-mail: 01,p pe, . 7 , hilt,W
Staff/Lobbyist/Government Affairs Contact at the Institution (staff contact):
Name: j
Phone: �) Fax: t
E-mail:
3� 1 law. �J, 10d udo �o hvoew--fs 0-
1V)1 s gilvct � ahc( °I � '
Is the project within the 91h Congressional District (yes or no)? If no,which district is it located?
Are there any other House Members that represent you? If yes,who? (Please also include the
name of the staffer you have been working with, if any.) U
� j
Which House/Senate members are also making this request? (Please include name of
Representative, name of lead staffer, and phone number foeach office) ��I j
Please list ALL anticipred urces of funding f6r the project, and the amount you expect to
receive from each source. (e.g. State, Local, Private) Sti�c�c Lb(a I
15c C c Pr wa-f i�
Please list the amount that you have raised to to an oto`e am ounj of w9rk you hav completed.
5v,Gup �t/Q bei P�c I 1 j'la cPy Gu••d lr�1 p�e h r� r p f
,ry ^� �,wh1cl\� towcche7l W/ (( nuc/f � 1J q p �P f� �c4rc're yZ�r
If r�q�est g a project within the Transportation Appropriati�s bill, please list if your project is
supported by the Washington State Department of Transportation or any other local or regionalU�t�Fce—
transportation organizations. Please also include cities a d/or cou ties that support the
h roject� /q 0'A
(or w�i5 s mfg b vrs hr c4 Oaflowx 1 � Poi
16 d
If you h 4 previously�re�eive federal funding, please list the amount of money this project has
received over the past four appropriations cycles. Please also include which Member of Congress
(House Member and/or Senator) secured this funding.
FY06: FY05:
Member: Member:
FY04: FY03:
Member: Member:
********PLEASE NOTE********
Please attach a summary of your project (no longer than one page).
If this is a Defense or Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs request please send your
request packet to Mark de la Iglesia at Mark.delaI1!lesia(&mail.house.gov or call 202-225-8901.
2-28-06; 12:47PM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 -
t is
.i3��r�S�.`: -'fi`,• __`r a _.._._ .._�'E�a ._ ,�
Yeln,�Prairie Line/Tacoma Rail
Connection at Roy
t In 1999, the City of Yelm
acquired a section of
the Prairie Line from
Yelm's industrial area to
Roy, preserving future
freight and passenger
use. At Roy, the Yelm �
Prairie Line passes near I p
Tacoma Rail's Mountain
division running from
Tacoma to Chehalis.
The i of Yelm needs
common carrier rail
sef0ce to enhance the value of its investment in the YelmMPhairie Line. e
Making the connection between the Prairie Line and nearby Tacoma Rail e c`
benefits southern Puget Sound: `
• Economic Vitality— Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and
� Pierce Counties contributes to industrial and commercial development Y��EtL opportunities within the urban growth areas of Yelm and Roy.
Freight Mobility— Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and r�
1I/ eases traffic impacts to freight and automobile travel. p o ;hip, rimae po, ari
• Safety & Security—The connection provides rail redundancy in the r
event of problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass
routes.
Commuter Rail — Preserving the Prairie Line, and its strategic all
connection to neighboring Sound Transit's Lakewood Station, allow { Z'
for future commuter rail service to southeast Thurston and Pierce r n � 3gic
c ties. g ^, x. `
Stakeholders:
The Cities of Yelm & Roy, the Ports of Olympia &soma, Tacoma Rail, # t r,
Burlington Northern andaS_nt Fe ailway ompany, Washington Stater
Department f Transportation, Fort Lewis, the Maritime Administration,
and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. 31-
va°„
`41
x�� 9 "Emil"
Requested Action: ;�{ �
Fund the $1.5 million
connecticall public and Private pledges total
$200000.
t.
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THURST0N R1= GIONAL P L A N N I N C COU NC1L
24(A Heritage Court SW#8,Olympia,WA 98502-6031 360.786.5480 phone-360,759.4113 fax-www.hpapry
W. L,-"p C) L,- - (mss fD P 0-o-tC
ftj di
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THURSTON REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
2404 HERITAGE COURT SW #8 OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502-6031
6� xi�/� -( a-v _
42s, � X11
Members: April 24, 2003 w
City of Lacey
City of Olympia
City of Rainier Ken Uznanski, Manager
City of Tenino Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
City of Tumwater PO Box 47387
City of Yelm Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Town of Bucoda
Thurston County SUBJECT: Letter of Support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance
Application—Yelm Roy Prairie Line &Tacoma Rail Mountain
Intercity Transit Division Rail Connection
Port of Olympia
Griffin School District Dear Mr. Uznanski:
North Thurston Public Schools
Confederated Tribes of the Sereral arrs aga, the City of Yelm acquired a then-to-be-abandoned section of the
Chehalis Reservation prairie Line from Yelm to Roy. This far sighted decision preserved a section of ever-
Nisqually Indian Tribe ,,dwindling Class III rail for freight and passenger use, rnnnP�re� ,
Thurston Conservation District Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and
Timberland Regional Library Gravel Company in Roy.
The 4000 foot track connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and Tacoma Rail
Charter Member Emeritus Mountain Line will provide competitive common carrier freight rail service to
The Evergreen State College I Yelm's industrial sector and Miles Sand and Gravel Company. Upwards of 22,000
truckloads per year of gravel alone could be diverted from travel on State Route 507
to freight rail. The connection will also support rural economic development of
commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
Lon D.Wyrick --community.
Executive Director
The connection provides another unique opportunity — commuter rail between east
Thurston County and Tacoma's Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter
train now stops. The City of Yelm could very well be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
4�-4ic4c;Unsed
lu(360)786-5460 This rail connection has s venal um b the ursto Re ional
Plannin Council. As- hAPO/AT .13 '
FAX 754-4413 g n
of this regionally significant project -` trengthen our area's economic
www.trpc.org vitality and improve freight mobility. This project also expands and strengthens
developing ties between east Thurston County and southeast Pierce County, an area
of burgeoning population as well as extensive commercial and industrial growth.
lie
Providing Visionary Leadership on Regional Plans, Policies and Issues
1
Washington State Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application
Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Submitted by: City of Yelm - April 30, 2003
1. Contact Information:
City of Yelm
Attn: Ms. Shelly Badger
City Administrator
105 Yelm Avenue
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-8405
Fax: 360-458-4348
E-mail: shelly@yelmtel.com
2. Project Description:
The project will construct a new connection from the City of Yelm's Yelm Roy Prairie Line
(YRPL) to the Tacoma Rail mainline between Roy and McKenna as shown on the attached
Exhibit A. The connection will be approximately 3,000 feet long. The project will include the
following improvements:
■ Two (2) turnouts. One in the Tacoma Rail mainline and one in the YRPL mainline.
■ 3,000 feet of connection track
■ One 80-foot long grade crossing of SR-507.
■ One set of cantilever grade crossing signals with gates.
■ Box culvert at Murray Creek.
The new track will cross property owned by the City of Yelm, City of Tacoma, and Miles Sand
and Gravel Company (Miles). All have agreed to provide the required right-of-way for the track.
The project will have a number of partners working together to build the project. The City of
Yelm is the lead proponent. Tacoma Rail, Miles, Wilcox Farms, and others will participate to
varying degrees on the project.
One purpose of the project is to open additional markets to and provide competitive rail service
to customers along the YRPL. Currently, service is provided exclusively by the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF). The new connection will open opportunities for existing
Yelm industrial area businesses to ship to destinations along the Tacoma Rail system and to gain
access to the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) via Tacoma Rail. The project will also provide an
added marketing incentive to attract future companies to the area.
An additional purpose is to give Miles access to rail service and reduce truck trips into the
Tacoma metropolitan area. Miles intends to ship approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel per
year across the connection into a facility in the Tacoma area. This will reduce heavy truck traffic
on SR-507 and SR-7 by approximately 22,000 round trips per year between the Miles pit and
Tacoma since this material is currently hauled by truck. Miles also sees an opportunity to
develop markets for gravel south of Yelm along the Tacoma Rail corridor into Chehalis.
The City of Yelm will follow the necessary environmental review processes in the planning and
design of the project.
3. Project Timetable:
The project is currently scheduled as follows dependent upon funding:
August 4, 2003 Begin Permitting and Design
March 31, 2004 Complete Permitting and Design
April 2, 2004 Advertise for Bids
April 30, 2004 Bid Date
June 1, 2004 Issue Construction Notice to Proceed
November 5, 2004 Complete Construction
4. Project Costs Worksheet:
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNITS UNIT COST TOTAL COST
Construct Track Subgrade 3,000 TF $ 25.00 $ 75,000.00
Construct Track 3,000 TF $ 120.00 $ 360,000.00
Construct Turnouts 2 EA $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Construct Grade Crossing 80 TF $ 750.00 $ 60,000.00
Install Crossing Signals & 1 SET $ 125,000.00 $ 125,000.00
Gates
Fencing and Gates 1 LS $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Construct Box Culvert 1 LS $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
SUBTOTAL $ 850,000.00
Contingency 25.0 % $ 212,500.00
Design & Constr. Admin. 12.0 % $ 127,500.00
WSST 8.4 % $ 89,250.00
Right-of-Way Expense 50,000.0 SF $ 3.00 $ 150,000.00
S
TOTAL $ 1,429,250.00
The project will have substantial local funding and in-kind contributions. The support will come
from several local sources including both private and public entities. The support is similar in
nature to the cooperative effort and financial support garnered by the City of Yelm, City of Roy,
local businesses, and economic development agencies for the initial purchase of the YRPL from
the BNSF several years ago. A breakdown of the estimated funding sources is as follows:
Local Funding $ 50,000.00
Miles Sand& Gravel(in-kind contributions)
Right-of-way $ 150,000.00
Track Ballast $ 10,000.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance $ 1,219,250.00
Total Project Cost $ 1,429,250.00
5. Safety or Emergency Situation Information:
The project will take approximately 22,000 round trip truck trips off of SR-507 and SR-7 as
described above. This significant reduction in truck traffic on those stretches of regionally
significant highways will enhance safety and reduce congestion. The connection may also
reduce truck traffic along SR-507 and SR-510 through the City of Yelm's core area. Several
existing industries that previously used rail and currently use trucks may return to rail service if it
can be achieved competitively. The new connection will improve access to competitive rail
rates. Up to 100 truck trips per year may be reduced from those routes.
6. Preservation of Rail Line:
Construction of the new connection to Tacoma Rail provides the opportunity to restore service to
this line by creating a competitive alternative for Miles to ship gravel to the Tacoma market area
by rail. It may also bring previous rail customers back to rail by providing the competitive
connection offered by Tacoma Rail to the UPRR and other markets along the Tacoma Rail
system.
7. Project Benefits Worksheet:
Benefits from the project include the following:
■ Avoided Highway Impacts
■ Opportunity Costs
■ Transportation Cost Savings
■ Environmental Impacts
Each of these items will benefit from the construction of the connection to the Tacoma Rail
mainline. Some of the benefits are immediate and some take place over time. All are
substantial.
Avoided HighwayImpacts
Miles currently ships 22,000 round trip truckloads per year from their pit located between Yelm
and Roy into the Tacoma area. They typically travel on SR-507 between the pit and the junction
with SR-7 and then into Tacoma along SR-7 and SR-512. The total distance traveled by the
trucks is approximately 25 miles each way. It is also estimated that existing industries that
previously used rail will return to rail for a limited amount of their business. This will lead to a
reduction of 100 trucks per year from SR-507 and SR-510 in Yelm's core.
Oyyortunity Costs
In addition to the reduction of truck traffic on the state highways, several opportunities for
additional savings to businesses may result from the project. Some of the industries in the Yelm
industrial area previously used rail. A propane distributor and two plastic products
manufacturers both received products by rail until BNSF rail rates became non-competitive with
trucking. Amtech and Lasco,the plastic products manufacturers have expressed interest in
returning to rail service if the rates can be competitive. The propane distributor may also
consider returning to rail for inbound tank cars.
The connection also provides a potential commuter rail link to Sounder via Tacoma Rail to
Freighthouse Square in Tacoma and beyond. Sounder is currently constructing a commuter rail
station there and construction will begin in May 2003 of the connection from Tacoma Rail to the
BNSF mainline for service into Seattle.
There are currently approximately 250 acres of industrial land available in the Yelm area that are
immediately adjacent the YRPL. Competitive rail service to these sites greatly enhances the
opportunities for development of new industries and their associated employment.
Perhaps most importantly,the connection will develop new business for Tacoma Rail to haul
approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel into Tacoma each year. The value of this business alone
for Tacoma Rail should be in the range of$500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. In addition to this
business, the local plastic products manufacturers and the propane distributor may generate an
additional 40 to 50 carloads per year.
Transportation Cost Savings
Anticipated savings due to the change from truck to rail for the gravel shipments are in the range
of$1.00 to $2.00 per ton of gravel or between$400,000 and $800,000 per year. Additional
savings may be realized from existing businesses returning to rail service.
Environmental Impacts
Reducing truck trips from Yelm into Tacoma by approximately 22,000 round trips per year and
shipping the gravel by rail reduces fuel usage and air pollution significantly. Perhaps more
significant is improved safety along the highway corridor due to the large reduction in truck
traffic.
Additionally,the two state highways SR 507 and 510 converge in Yelm's city center. Currently
these highways carry over 35,000 trips per day through the heart of Yelm on streets originally
built for local traffic. Removal of the trucks from existing businesses upon their conversion to
use of rail, as well as from future industrial growth utilizing rail service,will help to alleviate the
congestion which deters economic development, hampers emergency response efforts, school
transportation and transit service, and lowers the quality of life for the community's residents.
8. Economic Vitality of the Rail Line:
Currently,the Yelm Roy Prairie Line has no traffic. Construction of this project is expected to
generate more than 5,000 carloads of gravel from the Miles pit alone. In addition to that traffic,
the connection to Tacoma Rail may generate an additional 50 carloads per year from existing
industries along the line due to the ability to have more competitive rail rates and to connect
directly to both the BNSF and UPRR through Tacoma Rail.
The area also has a large potential for industrial development with approximately 250 acres of
industrial land immediately adjacent to the YRPL in the Yehn area. Part of the long-range plan
for the line has been and remains to attract rail-served industries to these sites. The connection to
Tacoma Rail enhances this plan.
The Yelm area, including Roy and McKenna, is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
Improved rail service with the potential to provide both freight and commuter rail to the
communities will enhance economic development and increase the number of family wage jobs
available to residents.
9. Audited Financial Statement: Not applicable
10. Traffic History:
The rail line has had no traffic during the last two years. Approximately 5,000 to 5,500 cars per
year are projected for the each of the next ten years.
11. Future Project Cost Increases due to Special Factors:
No future project cost increases due to special factors are anticipated.
12. Efficiency Description:
This project is not designed to enhance the efficiency of the rail line. It is, however, anticipated
that the new connection will improve the overall efficiency of moving products to and from the
Yelm industrial area. Specifically,the new connection will immediately improve the efficiency
of moving gravel from the Miles pit into the Tacoma area.
When constructed,the project will also improve the efficiency and safety of SR-507 and SR-7
due to the significant reduction of truck traffic on those routes. The level of service (LOS)
should improve.
Fort Lewis y �"
ti
DRAFT
Nisqually
This map.s a working draft Thurston Regional Planning
Council is in the process of verifying its contents. All data is ; Indian ^'1'
j subject to change. Rail line ownership and status have not ( Reservation 11
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2-28-06; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815
DATE: February 27, 2006
TO: Shelly Badger, City of Yelm
360-458-8405
360-458-4348
FROM: Jailyn Brown, TRPC
360-741-2515
RE: Roy Connection Materials
Here's the support materials we gathered for last year. I'm still trying to lay my hands on
the legislative packet materials from years past, and will send them along as soon as 1 get
them. I'll work with Karen to get info into this year's federal legislative packet too. Lon
met with Sean Egan after you did—the Roy connection was discussed. Lon has time
scheduled with Congressman Smith when he heads back to DC in March for the AMPO
meeting. When you complete the packet,please make sure to send a copy my way and
I'll make sure Lon has it with him for his trip.
For the maps, Jeff will be able to pull them together Thursday morning(he's booked until
then). I'll send them over as soon as Jeff finishes,then you can mark them up and we'll
complete any changes to get them to you by Friday morning. 4
Good news regarding the site specific connection map! We have the road,rail and aerial
coverage in Pierce County that we need—even the location of the proposed connection
alignment. The quarry shows up well too. However,the photo may not produce well if it
is printed in black&white. We can pull together regular maps if you'd like. If you have
the Nortrak presentation, it has both a regional and a connection specific map. We could
do something like that if you prefer. Just let me know.
.�l
V) izlrr
,,�
2-28-C6; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 2/ 11
Message Page i of 1
Jailyn Brown
From: Michelle Miller
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 3:57 PM
To: Wayne Hamer(WayneHarner@TCRY.com);Adam Rivas ;Alex Padgett
(padgetta@sddc.army.mil); Badger, Shelly; Barb Ivanov(ivanovb@wsdot.wa.gov); Bill McDowell
(bill.mcdowelll @lewis.army.mil); Dan Bums (Daniel.Bums@bnsf.com); David Beals
(beald@soundtransit.org); Dennis Dean (Ddean @ cityoftacoma.org); Eric Chippse
(chippse@soundtransit.org); Jim Amador(Jima@portolympia.com); Joe Furtney
(joe.fudney@cityoftacoma.org); Joe Williams (willgrpjsw@aol.com); Kelly Smith
(ksmith@portoftacoma.com); Kevin Jeffers (jefferk@wsdot.wa.gov); Lyn McClelland
(Lyn.mcclelland@marad.dot.gov); Mike Sawers (sawersm@sddc.army.mil); Pati Obey
(Patricia.otley@bnsf.com); Paula Henry (phenry@cityoftacoma.org); Peter Beaulieu
(PBeaulieu @psrc.org); Phil Fantozzi (fantozzip@sddc.army.mil); Randy Peterson
(randolphpeterson@tcry.com); Ray Allred (all redr@wsdot.wa.gov); Ray Bourne
(roymayor@ywave.com); Rob Collins (rcollins@portoftacoma.com); Robert Cooley
(BobCooley@TCRY.com); Ron Jackson (Ronald.Jackson@bnsf.com); Sheri Minks
(sherim@prairiepark.com); Stephen Anderson (andest@wsdot.wa.gov); Steven Schneider
(steven.p.schneider@us.arrny.mil);Thomas Rowley(thomas.rowley@bnsf.com);Jeannie Beckett;
Andrew Johnsen;Jailyn Brown
Subject: Statement of purpose for Roy rail connection
Hello all--
Attached is a revised statement of purpose for the Roy rail connection as discussed at the meeting last week. We
requested letters of interest or support from your organizations for TRPC's Executive Director Lon Wyrick to take
with him when he travels to Washington D.C. in early March to visit our legislative delegation.
Please address your letter to Lon. We will need to have it in hand by early next week (March 2 or sooner).
Several state and federal agencies may not be able to wade in with letters of support, but if you would like to
outline your interest in the rail connection in Roy,we could include that as information from our stakeholders.
Thanks to all of you for your participation in moving this project forward. If you need additional information or
assistance, please call or email either Karen Parkhurst or me.
--Jailyn
Jailyn Brown, Associate Planner
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Court SW #B
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5480 brownj_@.trpc_orQ
This email and any attachments are for the use of the addressed individual. It you have received this email in error,please notify our systems
manager. TRPC has taken responsible precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email,however we do not accept responsibility for loss or
damage arising from the use of this email or attachments.
2/23/2005
2-28-06; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 Yt 3/ 11
Yelm Prairie Line/Tacoma Rail Connection at Roy
The City of Yelm needs common carrier rail service to enhance the value of its 1999 investment
in the Yelm-to-Roy Prairie Line. Making the connection between the Prairie Line and nearby
Tacoma Rail benefits southern Puget Sound:
• Economic Vitality—Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties
contributes to industrial and commercial development opportunities within the urban growth
areas of Yelm and Roy.
Freight Mobility—Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and eases traffic impacts
to freight and automobile travel in this area of increasingly dense traffic.
• Safety & Security—The connection provides rail system redundancy in the event of
problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass routes.
• Commuter Rail—Preserving the Prairie Line—and its strategic connection to neighboring
Sound Transit's Lakewood Station—allows for future commuter rail service to burgeoning
southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties.
Request: Fund the$1.5 million connection. Local public and private pledges total $200,000.
Stakeholders: The Cities of Yelm &Roy, the Ports of Olympia &Tacoma,Tacoma Rail,
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, Washington State Department of
Transportation,Fort Lewis, the Maritime Administration, and the Military Surface Deployment
and Distribution Command.
2-28-06; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 4/ tt
.=MXLES
SAND AND GRAVEL COMPANY
P.O. BOX 130 AUBURN, WA 98071
CONCRETE • GRAVEL • CRUSHEO ROCK * SAND
Serving Greater Pugel Sound Area
SALES�OFFICE CONCRETE ORDERS SAND 8 GRAVEL ORDERS SHELTON OLYMPjA
(253)833-3705 (253)922-9116 (253)922.1718 (,'M),626_3344 (360,1491-777-7
(253)922-0327
tax(253)833-3746
February 25,2005
Lon Wyrick
Executive Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Ct.SW#13
Olympia,WA 98502
Re: Letter of support—Yelm-Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Connection
Dear Mr.Wyricc k:
We would like to extend our support to the connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the
Tacoma Rail fine. Since early 1999,the City's acquisition of the Yelrn-Roy Prairie Line frau
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has had the support of local,county and state
government,chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies,as well a sthe
development and business communities. A group of stakeholders, including the Cities of Yelm&
Roy, the Ports of Olympia&Tacoma,Tacoma Rail,Burlington Narthem anis Santa Fe Railway
Company,Washington State Department of Transportation,Fort Lewis,the Maritime
Administration and the Military Surface Deployment and Cisildbution Command, have recently
come together to discuss the many benefits of this vital con nection. Benefits to the southern
Puget Sound region include:
• Economic Vitality-Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties
contributes to industrial and commercial development within the urban growth areas of
Yelm and Roy.
• Freight Mobility-Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and eases traffic
impacts to freight and automobile travel in this area of increasingly dense traffic.
• Safety and Security-The connection provides rail system redundancy in the event of
problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass routes.
• Commuter Rail-Preserving the Prairie Line--and its strategic connection to neighboring
Sound Transit's Lakewood Station-allows for future commuter rail service to burgeoning
southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties.
In closing,we would like to thank the Thurston Regional Planning Council for recognizing the
strategic freight management oppodundies,as well as possible future commuter rail,that exist
with the funding of the connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail.
Sincerely:
MILES SAND AND GRAVEL COMPANY
\ '� Je T au
V.P./G- .
2-28-06; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 5/ 11
O*7 ��T/ag
,004k, Yelm Are" Chamber of Commerce A iam Shop ovally. Saappon d ie husiwryses v,�'Roy, Yedava,�3&Keaan a,Rainier andsaasnomnding areas
P.O. Box 444 (360)458-660
Yelm, WA 98597 Fax (360) 458-638,
www.yehnchamber.com Email: info@yelmchamber.con
February 25, 2005
Lon Wyrick
Executive Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Ct, SW#B
Olympia, WA 98502
Re; Letter of support—Yelm-Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Wyrick:
We would like to extend our support to the connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the
Tacoma Rail Line. Since early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business communities. A group of stakeholders, including the Cities of Yelm &
Roy, the Ports of Olympia& Tacoma, Tacoma Rail, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway
Company, Washington State Department of Transportation, Fort Lewis, the Maritime
Administration and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, have recently
come together to discuss the many benefits of this vital connection. Benefits to the southern
Puget Sound region include:
• Economic Vitality–Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties
contributes to industrial and commercial development within the urban growth areas of
Yelm and Roy_
• Freight Mobility–Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and eases traffic
impacts to freight and automobile travel in this area of increasingly dense traffic.
• Safety and Security–The connection provides rail system redundancy in the event of
problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass routes.
• Commuter Rail– Preserving the Prairie Line–and its strategic connection to neighboring
Sound Transit's Lakewood Station–allows for future commuter rail service to burgeoning
southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties.
In closing, we would like to thank the Thurston Regional Planning Council for recognizing the
strategic freight management opportunities, as well as possible future commuter rail, that exist
with the funding of the connection of the Yelm-Roy Praire Line to the Tacoma Rail.
Sincerely:_,
Cc61ia Jenkins
Executive Director
2-28-C6; 11 :22AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 6/ 11
,39d28'
February 25, 2005
Lon Wyrick, Executive Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Court, SW,#B
Olympia, WA 98502
RE: Letter of Support—Yelm-Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Wyrick:
Wilcox Farms Inc. would like to extend our support to the connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the
Tacoma Rail Line. In 1975 we constructed a livestock feed mill in Roy on the BNSF Railroad Line. Through
the years we have received an average from 350 to 400, 100-ton grain cars per year at the facility and this
grain was milled into poultry feed. In the 1970's through the 1989s the rail service was very good. In the
years since it has deteriorated to once a week service which has a negative impact on our ability to supply
feed to our and other poultry in the Roy-Yelm area.
We know having the ability to receive cars from the two rail lines would be very beneficial for the following
reasons:
1. It would=improve regular service—more times per week
2. Permit us to source grain from the Union Pacific which at times would have a positive
cost impact
3. Be a back up and an alternative source in case of derailments and other problems on
lines.
Good rail service is very important to the future of Wilcox Farms and Stiebrs Farms-Yelm and their combined
150 employees. if good rail service is not available in the future, the ability to stay in the egg business will be
questionable so making the connection of the two lines is VERY NPROTANT.
There are other important reasons for the connection but I have tried to communicate our specific reasons
for the connection.
In closing, we would like to thank the Thurston Regional Planning Council for recognizing the strategic freight
management opportunities, as well as possible future commuter rail, that exist with the funding of the
connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail.
Sincerely,
d.r�rC>
Barrie F. Wilcox
President
WILCOX DAIRY FARMS,L.L.C. 40400 Harts bake Valley Rd. S., Roy, WA 98580 (360)458-7774 FAX(360)458-6950
2-28-06; 11 :22AM:TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 7/ tt
Tice
C i
4
of Yelm
105 Yelm Avenue West
r P.O. Box 479
YELM
WASHINGTON Yelm, Washington 98597
G,MK".,��� Or I)r%„C (360)458-3244 TR
Resend 2-28-06; 11 :36AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 7/ 11
O CF e
All M Cl of Yelm
't 105 Yelm Avenue West
YELM P.O. Box 479
WAMINGTON Yelm, Washington 98597
February 25, 2005 (360)458-5244 P.Pa�o�^
Lon Wyrick FEB 2 R 19-005
Executive Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Ct. SW#8
Olympia, WA 98502
Re: Letter of support—Yelm-Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Wyrick:
The City of Yelm extends our support of the connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the
Tacoma Rail Line. Since early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business communities. A group of stakeholders, including the Cities of Yelm&
Roy, the Ports of Olympia & Tacoma, Tacoma Rail, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway
Company,Washington State Department of Transportation, Fort Lewis, the Maritime
Administration and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, have recently
come together to discuss the many benefits of connecting the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the
Tacoma Rail Line, located a mere 3,000 feet from our line. Benefits to the southern Puget Sound
region include:
• Economic Vitality–Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties
contributes to industrial and commercial development within the urban growth areas of
Yelm and Roy.
+ Freight Mobility–Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and eases traffic
impacts to freight and automobile travel in this area of increasingly dense traffic.
• Safety and Security–The connection provides rail system redundancy in the event of
problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By Pass routes.
• Commuter Rail–Preserving the Prairie Line–and its strategic connection to neighboring
Sound Transit's Lakewood Station–allows for future commuter rail service to burgeoning
southeast Thurston and Pierce Counties.
In closing, the City is proud to be a member of the Thurston Regional Planning Council. An
agency tha recognizes the importance of a multimodal transportation system embracing strategic
freigh na.qigement opportunities, as well as possible future commuter rail.
Sinckr ly: r
yor Adam Rivas
ty of Yelm
The City of Yelm is an Equal Opportunity Provider
Resend 2-28-C6; 11 :36AM;TRPC ;360 956 7816 # 8/
Commissioners
loci
Port of Olympia Steve Pottle
Paul Telford
Bob Van Schoorl
0A 200IN
March 3, 2005
Lon Wyrick
Executive Director
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2404 Heritage Ct. SW #B
Olympia, WA 98502
Re: Letter of Support—Yelm-Roy Prairie Line & Tacoma Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Wyrick:
On behalf of the Port of Olympia, we would like to extend our support to the
connection of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Line. Since early
1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm-Roy Prairie Line from Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railroad has had the support of local, county and state government,
chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business communities. A group of stakeholders, including the
Cities of Yelm & Roy, the Ports of Olympia & Tacoma, Tacoma Rail, Burlington
Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, Washington State Department of
Transportation, Fort Lewis, the Maritime Administration and the Military Surface
Deployment and Distribution Command, have recently come together to discuss
the many benefits of this vital connection. Benefits to the southern Puget Sound
region include:
• Economic Vitality– Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and
Pierce Counties contributes to industrial and commercial development
within the urban growth areas of Yelm and Roy.
• Freight Mobility– Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and
eases traffic impacts to freight and automobile travel in this area of
increasingly dense traffic.
• Safety and Security – The connection provides rail system redundancy in
the event of problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass
routes.
915 Washington Screen NE,Olympia,WA 98501 Tel (360)528-8000 Fax(360)528-8090 www.portolympia.com I Executive Director,John Wolfe
Resend 2-28-06; 11 :36AM;TRPC ;360 956 7815 # 9/ 71
Mr. Lon Wyrick
Page 2
March 3, 2005
• Commuter Rail — Preserving the Prairie Line — and its strategic connection
to neighboring Sound Transit's Lakewood Station — allows for future
commuter rail service to burgeoning southeast Thurston and Pierce
Counties.
In closing, we would like to thank the Thurston Regional Planning Council for
recognizing the strategic freight management opportunities, as well as possible
future commuter rail, that exist with the funding of the connection of the Yelm-
Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail.
Sincerely,
Bob Van Schoorl, President
Port of Olympia Commission
Resend 2-28-06; 11 :48?.M:TRPC ;3E0 956 7815 # 10/ 11
"f"� 1/�"�L„�tu�`_. ? •f3'.." �:1��`:;�- jF.';L'.---h -.P: �°j '�"G.. ,- .�' §T... _�Ts:, ,�,K"-�,',psi—:
ny
y
FF K't H T
Yelm Prairie Line/Tacoma Rail
Connection at R®y
In 1999, the City of Yelm
1, acquired a section of
the Prairie Line from
Yelm's indus-:rial area to
Roy, presery ng future
freight and passenger
use. At Roy, the Yelm
Prairie Line passes near
Tacoma Rail'; Mountain
division running from
Tacoma to Chehalis.
The City of Yelm needs
common career rail
service to enhance the value of its investment in the Yelm Prairie Line.
Making the connection between the Prairie Line and nearby Tacoma Rail
benefits southern Puget Sound:
• Economic Vitality— Rapid residential growth in southeast Thurston and
Pierce Counties contributes to industrial and commercial development
opportunities within the urban growth areas of Yelm and Roy.
• Freight Mobility— Fostering freight rail provides shipping options and
eases traffic impacts to freight and automobile travel. o
• Safety & Security—The connection provides rail redundancy in the
event of problems along the Mainline and Point Defiance By-Pass
routes.
• Commuter Rail —Preserving the Prairie Line, and its strategic
connection to neighboring Sound Transit's Lakewood Station, allows
for future commuter rail service to southeast Thurston and fierce
counties. a ,
Stakeholders:
The Cities of Yelm & Roy, the Ports of Olympia & Tacoma, Tacoma Rail,
a M
Cityo Yelm
105 Yelm Avenue West
YELM P.O. Boz 479
WASHINGTON Yelm, Washington 98597
April 30, 2003 (360) 458-3244
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
RE: Transmittal of City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance Application
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The City of Yelm is pleased to submit the attached Freight Rail Assistance
Application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and Gravel Company outside the City of Roy.
As you will see by our application and the accompanying letters of support, this
project, has the support of local, county and state government, chamber of
commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business community.
Since the 1999 acquisition of the then-to-be abandoned section of the Prairie
Line from Yelm to Roy, the City, in partnership, has been working to establish a
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division.
This connection alone could divert upwards of 22,000 truckloads of gravel per
year from SR 507 to freight rail, as well as support rural economic development
of commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
community.
And last, but surely not least, the connection provides a unique and exciting
opportunity — commuter rail between east Thurston County and Tacoma's
Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter train now stops. A
connection that could enable the City of Yelm to be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
In closing, we thank you for your consideration of our request for funding of this
diversely beneficial project.
Sincer Ly
Mayor Adam Rivas, City of Yelm
The City of Yelm is an Equal Opportunity Provider
Washington State Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application
Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Submitted by: City of Yelm-April 30, 2003
1. Contact Information:
City of Yelm
Attn: Ms. Shelly Badger
City Administrator
105 Yelm Avenue
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-8405
Fax: 360-458-4348
E-mail: Shelly@yelmtel.com
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
2. Project Description:
The project will construct a new connection from the City of Yelm's Yelm Roy Prairie Line
(YRPL) to the Tacoma Rail mainline between Roy and McKenna as shown on the attached
Exhibit A. The connection will be approximately 3,000 feet long. The project will include the
following improvements:
■ Two (2) turnouts. One in the Tacoma Rail mainline and one in the YRPL mainline.
■ 3,000 feet of connection track
■ One 80-foot long grade crossing of SR-507.
■ One set of cantilever grade crossing signals with gates.
■ Box culvert at Murray Creek.
The new track will cross property owned by the City of Yelm, City of Tacoma, and Miles Sand
and Gravel Company(Miles). All have agreed to provide the required right-of-way for the track.
The project will have a number of partners working together to build the project. The City of
Yelm is the lead proponent. Tacoma Rail, Miles, Wilcox Farms, and others will participate to
varying degrees on the project.
One purpose of the project is to open additional markets to and provide competitive rail service
to customers along the YRPL. Currently, service is provided exclusively by the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway(BNSF). The new connection will open opportunities for existing
Yelm industrial area businesses to ship to destinations along the Tacoma Rail system and to gain
access to the Union Pacific Railroad(UPRR) via Tacoma Rail. The project will also provide an
added marketing incentive to attract future companies to the area.
An additional purpose is to give Miles access to rail service and reduce truck trips into the
Tacoma metropolitan area. Miles intends to ship approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel per
year across the connection into a facility in the Tacoma area. This will reduce heavy truck traffic
on SR-507 and SR-7 by approximately 22,000 round trips per year between the Miles pit and
Tacoma since this material is currently hauled by truck. Miles also sees an opportunity to
develop markets for gravel south of Yelm along the Tacoma Rail corridor into Chehalis.
The City of Yelm will follow the necessary environmental review processes in the planning and
design of the project.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
3. Project Timetable:
The project is currently scheduled as follows dependent upon funding:
August 4, 2003 Begin Permitting and Degign
March 31, 2004 Complete Permitting and Design
April 2, 2004 Advertise for Bids
April 30, 2004 Bid Date
June 1, 2004 Issue Construction Notice to Proceed
November 5, 2004 Complete Construction
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted bY: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
4. Project Costs Worksheet:
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNITS UNIT COST TOTAL COST
Construct Track Subgrade 3,000 TF $- 25.00 $ 75,000.00
Construct Track 3,000 TF $ 120.00 $ 360,000.00
Construct Turnouts 2 EA $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Construct Grade Crossing 80 TF $ 750.00 $ 60,000.00
Install Crossing Signals & 1 SET $ 125,000.00 $ 125,000.00
Gates
Fencing and Gates 1 LS $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Construct Box Culvert 1 LS $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
SUBTOTAL $ 850,000.00
Contingency 25.0 % $ 212,500.00
Design & Constr. Admin. 12.0 % $ 127,500.00
WSST 8.4 % $ 89,250.00
Right-of-Way Expense 50,000.0 SF $ 3.00 $ 150,000.00
TOTAL $ 1,429,250.00
The project will have substantial local funding and in-kind contributions. The support will come
from several local sources including both private and public entities. The support is similar in
nature to the cooperative effort and financial support garnered by the City of Yelm, City of Roy,
local businesses, and economic development agencies for the initial purchase of the YRPL from
the BNSF several years ago. A breakdown of the estimated funding sources is as follows:
Local Funding $ 50,000.00
Miles Sand & Gravel (in-kind contributions)
Right-of-way $ 150,000.00
Track Ballast $ 10,000.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance $ 1,219,250.00
Total Project Cost $ 1,429,250.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted b .- City of Yelm, 4/30/03
5. Safety or Emergency Situation Information:
The project will take approximately 22,000 round trip truck trips off of SR-507 and SR-7 as
described above. This significant reduction in truck traffic on those stretches of regionally
significant highways will enhance safety and reduce congestion. The connection may also
reduce truck traffic along SR-507 and SR-510 through the City of Yelm's core area. Several
existing industries that previously used rail and currently use trucks may return to rail service if it
can be achieved competitively. The new connection will improve access to competitive rail
rates. Up to 100 truck trips per year may be reduced from those routes.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
6. Preservation of Rail Line:
Construction of the new connection to Tacoma Rail provides the opportunity to restore service to
this line by creating a competitive alternative for Miles to ship gravel to the Tacoma market area
by rail. It may also bring previous rail customers back to rail by providing the competitive
connection offered by Tacoma Rail to the UPRR and other markets along the Tacoma Rail
system.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
7. Project Benefits Worksheet:
Benefits from the project include the following:
■ Avoided Highway Impacts
■ Opportunity Costs
■ Transportation Cost Savings
■ Environmental Impacts
Each of these items will benefit from the construction of the connection to the Tacoma Rail
mainline. Some of the benefits are immediate and some take place over time. All are
substantial.
Avoided Highway Impacts
Miles currently ships 22,000 round trip truckloads per year from their pit located between Yelm
and Roy into the Tacoma area. They typically travel on SR-507 between the pit and the junction
with SR-7 and then into Tacoma along SR-7 and SR-512. The total distance traveled by the
trucks is approximately 25 miles each way. It is also estimated that existing industries that
previously used rail will return to rail for a limited amount of their business. This will lead to a
reduction of 100 trucks per year from SR-507 and SR-510 in Yelm's core.
Opportunity Costs
In addition to the reduction of truck traffic on the state highways, several opportunities for
additional savings to businesses may result from the project. Some of the industries in the Yelm
industrial area previously used rail. A propane distributor and two plastic products
manufacturers both received products by rail until BNSF rail rates became non-competitive with
trucking. Amtech and Lasco, the plastic products manufacturers have expressed interest in
returning to rail service if the rates can be competitive. The propane distributor may also
consider returning to rail for inbound tank cars.
The connection also provides a potential commuter rail link to Sounder via Tacoma Rail to
Freighthouse Square in Tacoma and beyond. Sounder is currently constructing a commuter rail
station there and construction will begin in May 2003 of the connection from Tacoma Rail to the
BNSF mainline for service into Seattle.
There are currently approximately 250 acres of industrial land available in the Yelm area that are
immediately adjacent the YRPL. Competitive rail service to these sites greatly enhances the
opportunities for development of new industries and their associated employment.
Perhaps most importantly, the connection will develop new business for Tacoma Rail to haul
approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel into Tacoma each year. The value of this business alone
for Tacoma Rail should be in the range of$500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. In addition to this
business, the local plastic products manufacturers and the propane distributor may generate an
additional 40 to 50 carloads per year.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: Citi of Yelm, 4/30/03
7. Project Benefits Worksheet: continued...
Transportation Cost Savings
Anticipated savings due to the change from truck to rail for the gravel shipments are in the range
of$1.00 to $2.00 per ton of gravel or between $400,000 and $800,000 per year. Additional
savings may be realized from existing businesses returning to rail service.
Environmental Impacts
Reducing truck trips from Yelm into Tacoma by approximately 22,000 round trips per year and
shipping the gravel by rail reduces fuel usage and air pollution significantly. Perhaps more
significant is improved safety along the highway corridor due to the large reduction in truck
traffic.
Additionally,the two state highways SR 507 and 510 converge in Yelm's city center. Currently
these highways carry over 35,000 trips per day through the heart of Yelm on streets originally
built for local traffic. Removal of the trucks from existing businesses upon their conversion to
use of rail, as well as from future industrial growth utilizing rail service, will help to alleviate the
congestion which deters economic development,hampers emergency response efforts, school
transportation and transit service, and lowers the quality of life for the community's residents.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: Citv of Yelm, 4/30/03
8. Economic Vitality of the Rail Line:
Currently,the Yelm Roy Prairie Line has no traffic. Construction of this project is expected to
generate more than 5,000 carloads of gravel from the Miles pit alone. In addition to that traffic,
the connection to Tacoma Rail may generate an additional 50 carloads per year from existing
industries along the line due to the ability to have more competitive rail rates and to connect
directly to both the BNSF and UPRR through Tacoma Rail.
The area also has a large potential for industrial development with approximately 250 acres of
industrial land immediately adjacent to the YRPL in the Yelm area. Part of the long-range plan
for the line has been and remains to attract rail-served industries to these sites. The connection to
Tacoma Rail enhances this plan.
The Yelm area, including Roy and McKenna, is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
Improved rail service with the potential to provide both freight and commuter rail to the
communities will enhance economic development and increase the number of family wage jobs
available to residents.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
9. Audited Financial Statement:
Not applicable
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted bv: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
10. Traffic History:
The rail line has had no traffic during the last two years. Approximately 5,000 to 5,500 cars per
year are projected for the each of the next ten years.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted bv: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
11. Future Project Cost Increases due to Special Factors:
No future project cost increases due to special factors are anticipated.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted bv: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
12. Efficiency Description:
This project is not designed to enhance the efficiency of the rail line. It is,however, anticipated
that the new connection will improve the overall efficiency of moving products to and from the
Yelm industrial area. Specifically,the new connection will immediately improve the efficiency
of moving gravel from the Miles pit into the Tacoma area.
When constructed, the project will also improve the efficiency and safety of SR-507 and SR-7
due to the significant reduction of truck traffic on those routes. The level of service(LOS)
should improve.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
13. Shippers List:
The YRPL has no currently active shippers. Please see the attached letters of support from area
businesses and community representatives.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
Washington State Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application
Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Submitted by: City of Yelm - April 30, 2003
Signed:
76
Ada Rivas
Mayor, City of Yelm
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
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IgoTHURSTON REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
2404 HERITAGE COURT SW #B OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502-6031
Members: April 24, 2003
City of Lacey
City of Olympia
City of Rainier Ken Uznanski,Manager
City of Tenino Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
City of Tumwater PO Box 47387
City of Yelm Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Town of Bucoda
Thurston County SUBJECT: Letter of Support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance
Application—Yelm Roy Prairie Line &Tacoma Rail Mountain
Intercity Transit Division Rail Connection
Port of Olympia
Griffin School District Dear Mr. Uznanski:
North Thurston Public Schools
Confederated Tribes of the Several years ago, the City of Yelm acquired a then-to-be-abandoned section of the
Chehalis Reservation Prairie Line from Yelm to Roy. This far sighted decision preserved a section of ever
Nisqually Indian Tribe dwindling Class III rail for freight and passenger use. This project will connect the
Thurston Conservation District Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and
Timberland Regional Library Gravel Company in Roy.
The 2000 foot track connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and Tacoma Rail
Charter Member Emeritus: Mountain Line will provide competitive common carrier freight rail service to
The Evergreen State College Yelm's industrial sector and Miles Sand and Gravel Company. Upwards of 22,000
truckloads per year of gravel alone could be diverted from travel on State Route 507
to freight rail. The connection will also support rural economic development of
commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
Lon D.Wyrick community.
Executive Director
The connection provides another unique opportunity — commuter rail between east
Thurston County and Tacoma's Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter
train now stops. The City of Yelm could very well be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
(360)786-5480 This rail connection has been discussed several times by the Thurston Regional
FAX 754-4413 Planning Council. As the MPO/RTPO, the Council indicated their ongoing support
of this regionally significant project which would strengthen our area's economic
www.trpc.org vitality and improve freight mobility. This project also expands and strengthens
developing ties between east Thurston County and southeast Pierce County, an area
of burgeoning population as well as extensive commercial and industrial growth.
Providing Visionary Leadership on Regional Plans, Policies and Issues
I
J
Ke►, .
Page 2
Apri124, 2003
State funding for the Yelm Roy Prairie/Tacoma Rail Mountain Lines connection was cut from the
WSDOT budget in addressing the statewide 2001 budget shortfall. Without the state's support and
partnership, local public and private partners cannot make this project happen. We ask you to re-
establish your support for this rail connection.
Sincerely,
Lon D. Wyrick,Execu i e irector
75:1b
cc: Adam Rivas, Mayor, City of Yelm
Virgil Clarkson, Chair,Thurston Regional Planning Council
Ken Jones, Vice-Chair,Thurston Regional Planning Council
Shelly Badger, City Administrator, City of Yelm
ADAM SMITH COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
STH DISTmcT,WASHINGTON SUBCOMMITTEES:
227 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING TACTICAL AIR AND LAND FORCES
WASHINGTON,DC 20515 TERRORISM,UNCONVENTIONAL THREATS AND
(202)225-8901 Congrezz of Or Mntteb *tatez CAPABILITIES
DISTRICT OFFICE: COMMITTEE ON
1717 PACIFIC AVENUE,#2135 30ouge of mentatib tg INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TACOMA,WA 98402 SUBCOMMITTEE:
(253)593-6600 d9ljingtOn, SQL 20515 709 ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
TOLL FREE 1-688-SMITHOS
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNET CAUCUS
e-mail:httpl/www.house.govNYTitervp/
httpJMrww.house.gov/odamsmitK' NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION
April 29,2003
Ken Uznanski
Manager
WA State Department of Transportation Rail Office
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia,Washington 98504
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
I am writing to express my strong support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division
Rail Connection.
Having worked with the City of Yelm and representatives from throughout the region, I am
excited about the prospect of a community pulling together to preserve an incredibly vital link
for the Yelm and Roy region. I have supported the acquisition of the Shortline Railroad and
believe that this segment is vital to the economic and industrial future of both Yelm and Roy.
This track connection would provide a competitive common carrier rail freight service to Yelm's
industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This
link will benefit the area by enhancing the profitability of existing businesses and improve the
prospects of attracting new businesses to this area.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to share my support for this important project.
Sincerely,
io_
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
AS:tlj
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ka
Olympia Office:
326 John A. Cherherg Building
PO Box 40402 hiResidence:
Washington State Senate 33419
Olympia, WA 98504-0402 Mountain Hwy E
(360) 786-7602 Eatonville, WA 98328
FAX: (360) 786-7020 Senator Marilyn Rasmussen Phone/FAX: (253) 847-3276
Hotline: 1-800-562-6000 Cellular Phone: (253)677-3536
rasnutsse_ma@leg.wa.gov grid Legislative District senrasmussen®rainierconnect.com
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support — City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application —
Yelm Roy Prairie Line & Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
I would like to support the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
This 2,000-foot track connection would provide competitive common carrier rail
freight service to Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company
located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles
Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year
from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve to enhance the
profitability of existing businesses and provide incentive needed to attract future
companies to the greater Yelm area.
Another exciting future opportunity with a completed connection, is the commuter
train opportunity in Yelm because the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division will connect with
the Sounder commuter trains at Freighthouse Square in Tacoma.
From early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well
as the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy
Prairie Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line only strengthens the potential
for economic vitality and improved freight mobility.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely,
tateen7r
ss n
ct
StandingCommittees: Agriculture, Ranking Member • Education, Member
Rules Committee Joint Select Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs
State of
STATE REPRESENTATIVE Washington CAPITAL BUDGET
2nd DISTRICT House of
ROGER BUSH TECHNOLOGY,
Representatives TELECOMMUNICATIONS&ENERGY
RULES
JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON
April 24, 2003 VETERANS'&MILITARY AFFAIRS
ry \•.
WSDOT Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: City of Yelm Freight Rail Assistance application
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
This letter is to express my strong support for the City of Yehn's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division Line.
This important link would provide competitive common carrier rail freight service to the
industrial area of Yelm and to Miles Sand and Gravel company located between Roy and Yelm.
One of the most critical aspects of this project, in my opinion, is that this rail link would provide
for the transfer by rail of what is currently approximately 22,000 semi-truck loads of gravel per
year moving along State Route 507.
In addition, the potential for economic vitality in this area would be greatly enhanced by the
improved freight mobility achieved by the connection of the two rail lines. Existing businesses
would benefit from increased profitability, and new businesses would have added incentive to
consider locating in the greater Yelm area.
This is an opportune time to establish this rail connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and
the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line. Doing so would present an opportunity at a future
date for a commuter train in Yelm when the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division connects with the
Sounder commuter trains' Freighthouse Square in Tacoma.
This is a highly worthwhile project that would be of great benefit to the people and businesses of
Yelm and the surrounding communities. Please give this application your utmost consideration.
Sincerely,
Representative Roger Bush
2"d Legislative District
LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: 425 JOHN L.O'BRIEN BUILDING,PO BOX 40600,OLYMPIA,WA 98504-0600 • 360786-7824
TOLL-FREE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE: 1400562-6000 • TDD: 1-800635-9993
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Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce
Shop Locally. Support the businesses of Roy, Yelni,McKenna,Rainier and surrounding areas
P.O. Box 444 (360) 458-6608
Yelm, WA 98597 Fax (360) 458-6383
www.yelmchamber.com Email: info@yehnchamber.com
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support—City of Yehn WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—
Yelm Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors would like to extend
our support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for the connection
of the Yehn Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
The Yelm Roy Prairie Line's 2000-foot track connection would provide
competitive common carrier rail freight service to Yehn's industrial area and the Miles
Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct
rail service to the Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck
loads of gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve
to enhance the profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive needed
to attract future companies to the greater Yehn area.
Another exciting future opportunity with a completed connection,is the
commuter train opportunity in Yelm because of the fact that the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division will connect with the Sounder commuter trains' Freighthouse Square in
Tacoma.
From early 1999,the City's acquisition of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as
the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line only strengthens the potential for
economic vitality and improved freight mobility.
The Chamber Board of Directors would like to ask for your favorable
consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely,
Glen Cunningham Cecelia Jenkins
President Executive Director
Shop locally and support the businesses of McKenna,Rainier,Roy, Yelm and surround area.
Commissioners
(� Port of Olympia Steve Pottle
Paul Telford
Bob Van Schoorl
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Yelm Rail
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Port of Olympia writes this letter in support of the City of Yelm's application
for a Freight Rail Assistance Grant to connect service of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line to the Tacoma Division Line.
The Port of Olympia supported City of Yelm's original acquisition of this rail line
and has been working with City of Yelm on marketing strategies for developing
Yelm's Industrial area. Maintaining the rail link is an important component of this
Yelm's economic development strategy for this industrial area.
This additional track connection would provide valuable link to the Miles Sand
and Gravel operation and work to attract additional businesses to the greater
Yelm area. The possibilities of future commuter connections also offer great
opportunities from these connections.
We encourage your support for this important economic development initiative for
the City of Yelm.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincer y,
•
Nick Handy
Executive Director
915 Washington Street NE.Olympia,WA 98501 Tel(360)528-8000 Fax(360)528-8090 www.portolympia.com I Executive Director,Nick Handy
j.
` Economic Development Council
>. of Thurston County
721 Columbia SW
Olympia,WA 98501
It's About Jobs. 360.754.6320 fax360.586.5493
www.thurstonedc.com
April 30,2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia,WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—Yelm Roy
Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Economic Development Council of Thurston County would like to add our support of the
City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line. Since early 1999,the City's acquisition of the
Yelm-Roy Prairie Line from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has had the support of local,
county and state government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies,
as well as the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line strengthens the potential for economic vitality
and improved freight mobility.
Another future opportunity that would accompany a completed connection, is the commuter train
opportunity in Yelm because of the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division connection to the Sounder
commuter trains' Freight house Square in Tacoma.
This 2000-foot track connection would provide competitive common carrier rail freight service to
Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm.
This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000
heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight train. The link would
also enhance the profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive needed to
attract future companies to the greater Yelm area.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely
Dennis Matson
Executive Director
?' 'IS GROUP
. til`til,
Investing In The Future
29 Apri12003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uzanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of Support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—
Yelm Roy Prairie Line &Tacoma.Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uzanski:
I absolutely support the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
The key communicators in Yelm and the Yelm area are proactively planning for the
future. The vision for the future of Yelm is that Rail will play a significant role in our
ever-expanding foundation for economic growth and quality of life.
The tangible and intangible economic benefits resulting in the States choosing to invest mi
the Yelm area will be exponential in nature in the short, interim, and long term horizons.
In the past, the City of Yelm has enjoyed apleasant and constructive association with
your Department, and your willingness to embrace this project has not gone without
notice. As we attempt to execute on this far reaching initiative I would ask for your
favorable consideration of Yelm's request for funding.
cerely Yours;
J. . Williams
esident/CEO
701 Prairie Park Lane, Suite J • Post Office Box 5210 • Yelm, Washington 98597
Email: williamsgroupllc(gaol.com • Telephone: 360-458-8533 • Fax: 360-458-8501
�pF THF AIQ�
I•a� 9� Ci of Yelm
w rn
105 Yelm Avenue West
YELM P.O. Box 479
WASHMOTON Yelm, Washington 98597
April 30, 2003 (360) 458-3244
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
RE: Transmittal of City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance Application
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The City of Yelm is pleased to submit the attached Freight Rail Assistance
Application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and Gravel Company outside the City of Roy.
As you will see by our application and the accompanying letters of support, this
project, has the support of local, county and state government, chamber of
commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business community.
Since the 1999 acquisition of the then-to-be abandoned section of the Prairie
Line from Yelm to Roy, the City, in partnership, has been working to establish a
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division.
This connection alone could divert upwards of 22,000 truckloads of gravel per
year from SR 507 to freight rail, as well as support rural economic development
of commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
community.
And last, but surely not least, the connection provides a unique and exciting
opportunity— commuter rail between east Thurston County and Tacoma's
Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter train now stops. A
connection that could enable the City of Yelm to be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
In closing, we thank you for your consideration of our request for funding of this
diversely beneficial project.
Sincer
Mayor Adam Adam Rivas, City of Yelm
The City of Yelm is an Equal Opportunity Provider
Washington State Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application
Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Submitted by: City of Yelm-April 30,2003
1. Contact Information:
City of Yelm
Attn: Ms. Shelly Badger
City Administrator
105 Yelm Avenue
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-8405
Fax: 360-458-4348
E-mail: shelly@yelmtel.com
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
2. Project Description:
The project will construct a new connection from the City of Yelm's Yelm Roy Prairie Line
(YRPL) to the Tacoma Rail mainline between Roy and McKenna as shown on the attached
Exhibit A. The connection will be approximately 3,000 feet long. The project will include the
following improvements: -
■ Two (2) turnouts. One in the Tacoma Rail mainline and one in the YRPL mainline.
■ 3,000 feet of connection track
■ One 80-foot long grade crossing of SR-507.
■ One set of cantilever grade crossing signals with gates.
■ Box culvert at Murray Creek.
The new track will cross property owned by the City of Yelm, City of Tacoma, and Miles Sand
and Gravel Company(Miles). All have agreed to provide the required right-of-way for the track.
The project will have a number of partners working together to build the project. The City of
Yelm is the lead proponent. Tacoma Rail, Miles, Wilcox Farms, and others will participate to
varying degrees on the project.
One purpose of the project is to open additional markets to and provide competitive rail service
to customers along the YRPL. Currently, service is provided exclusively by the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway(BNSF). The new connection will open opportunities for existing
Yelm industrial area businesses to ship to destinations along the Tacoma Rail system and to gain
access to the Union Pacific Railroad(UPRR) via Tacoma Rail. The project will also provide an
added marketing incentive to attract future companies to the area.
An additional purpose is to give Miles access to rail service and reduce truck trips into the
Tacoma metropolitan area. Miles intends to ship approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel per
year across the connection into a facility in the Tacoma area. This will reduce heavy truck traffic
on SR-507 and SR-7 by approximately 22,000 round trips per year between the Miles pit and
Tacoma since this material is currently hauled by truck. Miles also sees an opportunity to
develop markets for gravel south of Yelm along the Tacoma Rail corridor into Chehalis.
The City of Yelm will follow the necessary environmental review processes in the planning and
design of the project.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
3. Project Timetable:
The project is currently scheduled as follows dependent upon funding:
August 4, 2003 Begin Permitting and Deign
March 31, 2004 Complete Permitting and Design
April 2, 2004 Advertise for Bids
April 30, 2004 Bid Date
June 1, 2004 Issue Construction Notice to Proceed
November 5, 2004 Complete Construction
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
4. Project Costs Worksheet:
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNITS UNIT COST TOTAL COST
Construct Track Subgrade 3,000 TF $- 25.00 $ 75,000.00
Construct Track 3,000 TF $ 120.00 $ 360,000.00
Construct Turnouts 2 EA $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Construct Grade Crossing 80 TF $ 750.00 $ 60,000.00
Install Crossing Signals & 1 SET $ 125,000.00 $ 125,000.00
Gates
Fencing and Gates 1 LS $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Construct Box Culvert 1 LS $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
SUBTOTAL $ 850,000.00
Contingency 25.0 % $ 212,500.00
Design& Constr. Admin. 12.0 % $ 127,500.00
WSST 8.4 % $ 89,250.00
Right-of-Way Expense 50,000.0 SF $ 3.00 $ 150,000.00
TOTAL $ 1,429,250.00
The project will have substantial local funding and in-kind contributions. The support will come
from several local sources including both private and public entities. The support is similar in
nature to the cooperative effort and financial support garnered by the City of Yelm, City of Roy,
local businesses, and economic development agencies for the initial purchase of the YRPL from
the BNSF several years ago. A breakdown of the estimated funding sources is as follows:
Local Funding $ 50,000.00
Miles Sand & Gravel (in-kind contributions)
Right-of-way $ 150,000.00
Track Ballast $ 10,000.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance $ 1,219,250.00
Total Project Cost $ 1,429,250.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
5. Safety or Emergency Situation Information:
The project will take approximately 22,000 round trip truck trips off of SR-507 and SR-7 as
described above. This significant reduction in buck traffic on those stretches of regionally
significant highways will enhance safety and reduce congestion. The connection may also
reduce truck traffic along SR-507 and SR-510 through the City of Yelm's core area. Several
existing industries that previously used rail and currently use trucks may return to rail service if it
can be achieved competitively. The new connection will improve access to competitive rail
rates. Up to 100 truck trips per year may be reduced from those routes.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
6. Preservation of Rail Line:
Construction of the new connection to Tacoma Rail provides the opportunity to restore service to
this line by creating a competitive alternative for Miles to ship gravel to the Tacoma market area
by rail. It may also bring previous rail customers back to rail by providing the competitive
connection offered by Tacoma Rail to the UPRR and other mdrkets along the Tacoma Rail
system.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
7. Project Benefits Worksheet:
Benefits from the project include the following:
■ Avoided Highway Impacts
■ Opportunity Costs '
■ Transportation Cost Savings
■ Environmental Impacts
Each of these items will benefit from the construction of the connection to the Tacoma Rail
mainline. Some of the benefits are immediate and some take place over time. All are
substantial.
Avoided Highway Impacts
Miles currently ships 22,000 round trip truckloads per year from their pit located between Yelm
and Roy into the Tacoma area. They typically travel on SR-507 between the pit and the junction
with SR-7 and then into Tacoma along SR-7 and SR-512. The total distance traveled by the
trucks is approximately 25 miles each way. It is also estimated that existing industries that
previously used rail will return to rail for a limited amount of their business. This will lead to a
reduction of 100 trucks per year from SR-507 and SR-510 in Yelnfs core.
Opportunity Costs
In addition to the reduction of truck traffic on the state highways, several opportunities for
additional savings to businesses may result from the project. Some of the industries in the Yelm
industrial area previously used rail. A propane distributor and two plastic products
manufacturers both received products by rail until BNSF rail rates became non-competitive with
trucking. Amtech and Lasco,the plastic products manufacturers have expressed interest in
returning to rail service if the rates can be competitive. The propane distributor may also
consider returning to rail for inbound tank cars.
The connection also provides a potential commuter rail link to Sounder via Tacoma Rail to
Freighthouse Square in Tacoma and beyond. Sounder is currently constructing a commuter rail
station there and construction will begin in May 2003 of the connection from Tacoma Rail to the
BNSF mainline for service into Seattle.
There are currently approximately 250 acres of industrial land available in the Yelm area that are
immediately adjacent the YRPL. Competitive rail service to these sites greatly enhances the
opportunities for development of new industries and their associated employment.
Perhaps most importantly,the connection will develop new business for Tacoma Rail to haul
approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel into Tacoma each year. The value of this business alone
for Tacoma Rail should be in the range of$500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. In addition to this
business, the local plastic products manufacturers and the propane distributor may generate an
additional 40 to 50 carloads per year.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
7. Project Benefits Worksheet: continued...
Transportation Cost Savings
Anticipated savings due to the change from truck to rail for the gravel shipments are in the range
of$1.00 to $2.00 per ton of gravel or between$400,000 and $800,000 per year. Additional
savings may be realized from existing businesses returning to rail service.
Environmental Impacts
Reducing truck trips from Yelm into Tacoma by approximately 22,000 round trips per year and
shipping the gravel by rail reduces fuel usage and air pollution significantly. Perhaps more
significant is improved safety along the highway corridor due to the large reduction in truck
traffic.
Additionally, the two state highways SR 507 and 510 converge in Yehn's city center. Currently
these highways carry over 35,000 trips per day through the heart of Yelm on streets originally
built for local traffic. Removal of the trucks from existing businesses upon their conversion to
use of rail, as well as from future industrial growth utilizing rail service, will help to alleviate the
congestion which deters economic development,hampers emergency response efforts, school
transportation and transit service, and lowers the quality of life for the community's residents.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
8. Economic Vitality of the Rail Line:
Currently,the Yelm Roy Prairie Line has no traffic. Construction of this project is expected to
generate more than 5,000 carloads of gravel from the Miles pit alone. In addition to that traffic,
the connection to Tacoma Rail may generate an additional 50 carloads per year from existing
industries along the line due to the ability to have more competitive rail rates and to connect
directly to both the BNSF and UPRR through Tacoma Rail.
The area also has a large potential for industrial development with approximately 250 acres of
industrial land immediately adjacent to the YRPL in the Yelm area. Part of the long-range plan
for the line has been and remains to attract rail-served industries to these sites. The connection to
Tacoma Rail enhances this plan.
The Yelm area, including Roy and McKenna, is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
Improved rail service with the potential to provide both freight and commuter rail to the
communities will enhance economic development and increase the number of family wage jobs
available to residents.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
9. Audited Financial Statement:
Not applicable
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
10. Traffic History:
The rail line has had no traffic during the last two years. Approximately 5,000 to 5,500 cars per
year are projected for the each of the next ten years.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
11. Future Project Cost Increases due to Special Factors:
No future project cost increases due to special factors are anticipated.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
12. Efficiency Description:
This project is not designed to enhance the efficiency of the rail line. It is,however, anticipated
that the new connection will improve the overall efficiency of moving products to and from the
Yelm industrial area. Specifically, the new connection will immediately improve the efficiency
of moving gravel from the Miles pit into the Tacoma area. '
When constructed,the project will also improve the efficiency and safety of SR-507 and SR-7
due to the significant reduction of truck traffic on those routes. The level of service(LOS)
should improve.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
13. Shippers List:
The YRPL has no currently active shippers. Please see the attached letters of support from area
businesses and community representatives.
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by:City of Yelm, 4/30/03
Washington State Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application
Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Submitted by: City of Yelm - April 30, 2003
Signed:
Ad Rivas
Mayor,City of Yelm
WSDOT Freight Rail Application
Submitted by: City of Yelm, 4/30/03
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EggTHURSTON REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
2404 HERITAGE COURT SW #B OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502-6031
Members: April 24, 2003
City of Lacey
City of Olympia
City of Rainier Ken Uznanski, Manager
City of Tenino Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
City of Tumwater PO Box 47387
City of Yelm Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Town of Bucoda
Thurston County SUBJECT: Letter of Support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance
Application—Yelm Roy Prairie Line &Tacoma Rail Mountain
Intercity Transit Division Rail Connection
Port of Olympia
Griffin School District Dear Mr. Uznanski:
North Thurston Public Schools
Confederated Tribes of the Several years ago, the City of Yelm acquired a then-to-be-abandoned section of the
Chehalis Reservation Prairie Line from Yelm to Roy. This far sighted decision preserved a section of ever
Nisqually Indian Tribe dwindling Class III rail for freight and passenger use. This project will connect the
Thurston Conservation District Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and
Timberland Regional Library Gravel Company in Roy.
The 2000 foot track connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and Tacoma Rail
Charter Member Emeritus: Mountain Line will provide competitive common carrier freight rail service to
The Evergreen State College Yelm's industrial sector and Miles Sand and Gravel Company. Upwards of 22,000
truckloads per year of gravel alone could be diverted from travel on State Route 507
to freight rail. The connection will also support rural economic development of
commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
Lon D.Wyrick community.
Executive Director
The connection provides another unique opportunity — commuter rail between east
Thurston County and Tacoma's Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter
train now stops. The City of Yelm could very well be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
(360)786-5480 This rail connection has been discussed several times by the Thurston Regional
FAX 754-4413 Planning Council. As the MPO/RTPO, the Council indicated their ongoing support
of this regionally significant project which would strengthen our area's economic
www.trpc.org vitality and improve freight mobility. This project also expands and strengthens
developing ties between east Thurston County and southeast Pierce County, an area
of burgeoning population as well as extensive commercial and industrial growth.
Providing Visionary Leadership on Regional Plans, Policies and Issues
Ken Uznanski, Manager
Page 2
April 24, 2003
State funding for the Yelm Roy Prairie/Tacoma Rail Mountain Lines connection was cut from the
WSDOT budget in addressing the statewide 2001 budget shortfall. Without the state's support and
partnership, local public and private partners cannot make this project happen. We ask you to re-
establish your support for this rail connection.
Sincerely,
z�
Lon D. Wyrick, Execu i e irector
75:Ib
cc: Adam Rivas, Mayor, City of Yelm
Virgil Clarkson, Chair,Thurston Regional Planning Council
Ken Jones, Vice-Chair,Thurston Regional Planning Council
Shelly Badger, City Administrator, City of Yelm
ADAM SMITH COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
9'rH Dtswticr,WASWNGTON
SUBCOMMITTEES:
227 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING TACTICAL AIR AND LAND FORCES
WASHINGTON,DC 20515 TERRORISM,UNCONVENTIONAL THREATS AND
(202)225-8901 Congregg of the �niteb *tatez CAPABILITIES
DISTRICT OFFICE: COMMITTEE ON
1717 PACIFIC AVENUE,92135 wome of regentatibeq INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TACOMA,WA 98402 SUBCOMMITTEE
(253)593-6600 ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
TOLL FREE 1-888--SMITH09 Wasbington, OC 20515-4709 CONGRESSIONAL INTERNET CAUCUS
e-mail:httpl/www.house.9ov/writerepf
httpltwww.house.gov/ademsmithl NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION
April 29,2003
Ken Uznanski
Manager
WA State Department of Transportation Rail Office
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia,Washington 98504
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
I am writing to express my strong support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division
Rail Connection.
Having worked with the City of Yelm and representatives from throughout the region, I am
excited about the prospect of a community pulling together to preserve an incredibly vital link
for the Yelm and Roy region. I have supported the acquisition of the Shortline Railroad and
believe that this segment is vital to the economic and industrial future of both Yelm and Roy.
This track connection would provide a competitive common carrier rail freight service to Yelm's
industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This
link will benefit the area by enhancing the profitability of existing businesses and improve the
prospects of attracting new businesses to this area.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to share my support for this important project.
Sincerely,
la-I
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
AS:tlj
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Olympia Office:
326 John A. Cherberg Building
PO Box 40402
Olympia, WA 98504-0402 Washington State Senate Residence:
(360) 786-7602 33419 Mountain Hwy E
Eatonville, WA 98328
FAX: (360) 786-7020 Senator Marilyn Rasmussen Phone/FAX: (253) 847-3276
Hotline: 1-800-562-6000 y cellular Phone: (253) 677-3536
rasmusse_ma@leg.wa.gov 2nd Legislative District senrasmussen@rainierconnect.com
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support— City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application —
Yelm Roy Prairie Line & Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
I would like to support the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
This 2,000-foot track connection would provide competitive common carrier rail
freight service to Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company
located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles
Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year
from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve to enhance the
profitability of existing businesses and provide incentive needed to attract future
companies to the greater Yelm area.
Another exciting future opportunity with a completed connection, is the commuter
train opportunity in Yelm because the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division will connect with
the Sounder commuter trains at Freighthouse Square in Tacoma.
From early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well
as the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy
Prairie Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line only strengthens the potential
for economic vitality and improved freight mobility.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely,
tena
ss n
SateSt
Standing Committees: Agriculture, (tanking Member • Education, Memher
Rules (,UmmittCC • 1Oint Select Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs
C.a14,rchd 0 OM is
State of
STATE REPRESENTATIVE Washington CAPITAL BUDGET
2nd DISTRICT House of
ROGER BUSH TECHNOLOGY,
Representatives TELECOMMUNICATIONS&ENERGY
RULES
f STATE.
JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON
April 24, 2003 e VETERANS'&MILITARY AFFAIRS
C 7
y�!t IRNsi acv
WSDOT Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: City of Yelm Freight Rail Assistance application
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
This letter is to express my strong support for the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division Line.
This important link would provide competitive common carrier rail freight service to the
industrial area of Yelm and to Miles Sand and Gravel company located between Roy and Yelm.
One of the most critical aspects of this project, in my opinion, is that this rail link would provide
for the transfer by rail of what is currently approximately 22,000 semi-truck loads of gravel per
year moving along State Route 507.
In addition, the potential for economic vitality in this area would be greatly enhanced by the
improved freight mobility achieved by the connection of the two rail lines. Existing businesses
would benefit from increased profitability, and new businesses would have added incentive to
consider locating in the greater Yelm area.
This is an opportune time to establish this rail connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and
the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line. Doing so would present an opportunity at a future
date for a commuter train in Yelm when the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division connects with the
Sounder commuter trains' Freighthouse Square in Tacoma.
This is a highly worthwhile project that would be of great benefit to the people and businesses of
Yelm and the surrounding communities. Please give this application your utmost consideration.
Sincerely, �1�z
Representative Roger Bush
2°d Legislative District
LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: 425 JOHN L.O'BRIEN BUILDING,PO BOX 40600,OLYMPIA,WA 98504-0600 • 360.786.7824
TOLL-FREE LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE: 1.800-562-6000 • TDD: 14800-635-9993
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P , V 1—ft 01
Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce
Shop Locally. Support the businesses of Roy, Yelm,McKenna,Rainier and surrounding areas
P.O. Box 444 (360) 458-6608
Yelm, WA 98597 Fax (360) 458-6383
www.yelmchamber.com Email: info@yelmchamber.com
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—
Yelm Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors would like to extend
our support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for the connection
of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
The Yehn Roy Prairie Line's 2000-foot track connection would provide
competitive common carrier rail freight service to Yelm's industrial area and the Miles
Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct
rail service to the Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck
loads of gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve
to enhance the profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive needed
to attract future companies to the greater Yelm area-
Another
reaAnother exciting future opportunity with a completed connection,is the
commuter train opportunity in Yelm because of the fact that the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division will connect with the Sounder commuter trains' Freighthouse Square in
Tacoma
From early 1999,the City's acquisition of the Yehn Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has had the support of local, county and state
government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies,as well as
the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line only strengthens the potential for
economic vitality and improved freight mobility.
The Chamber Board of Directors would like to ask for your favorable
consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely,
Glen Cunningham Cecelia Jenkins
President Executive Director
Shop locally and support the businesses of McKenna,Rainier,Roy, Yelm and surround area.
Economic Development Council
of Thurston County
721 Columbia SW
Olympia WA 98501
It's About Jobs. 360.754.6320 fax 360.586.5493
www.thurstonedc.com
April 30, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—Yelm Roy
Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Economic Development Council of Thurston County would like to add our support of the
City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line. Since early 1999,the City's acquisition of the
Yelm-Roy Prairie Line from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has had the support of local,
county and state government,chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies,
as well as the development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line strengthens the potential for economic vitality
and improved freight mobility.
Another future opportunity that would accompany a completed connection, is the commuter train
opportunity in Yelm because of the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division connection to the Sounder
commuter trains' Freight house Square in Tacoma.
This 2000-foot track connection would provide competitive common carrier rail freight service to
Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm.
This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000
heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight train. The link would
also enhance the profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive needed to
attract future companies to the greater Yelm area.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Sincerely
,�;L
Dennis Matson
Executive Director
Commissioners
(� Port of Olympia Steve Pottle
Paul Telford
Bob Van Schoorl
April 24, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Yelm Rail
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
The Port of Olympia writes this letter in support of the City of Yelm's application
for a Freight Rail Assistance Grant to connect service of the Yelm Roy Prairie
Line to the Tacoma Division Line.
The Port of Olympia supported City of Yelm's original acquisition of this rail line
and has been working with City of Yelm on marketing strategies for developing
Yelm's Industrial area. Maintaining the rail link is an important component of this
Yelm's economic development strategy for this industrial area.
This additional track connection would provide valuable link to the Miles Sand
and Gravel operation and work to attract additional businesses to the greater
Yelm area. The possibilities of future commuter connections also offer great
opportunities from these connections.
We encourage your support for this important economic development initiative for
the City of Yelm.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincer y,
•
Nick Handy
Executive Director
915 Washington Street NE,Olympia,WA 98501 Tel(360)528-8000 Fax(360)528-8090 w .portolympia.com I Executive Director,Nick Handy
' � AMS GROUP
0 lit
4
Investing In The Future
29 April 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail.Office
Ken Uzanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of Support-City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application—
Yelm Roy Prairie Line&Tacoma Rail Mountain:Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uzanski:
I absolutely.support the City of Yelm's Freight Rail_Assistance application for,the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line.
The key communicators in Yelm and the Yelm area are proactively:planning for the
future. The vision for the future of Yehn is.that Rail will play a significant role in our
ever-expanding foundation for economic growth and quality of life.
The tangible and intangible economic benefits resulting in the States-choosing to invest in
the Yelm area will be exponential;in nature-in the short,,interim,-and long term horizons...
In the past, the City of Yelm has enjoyed a pleasant and constructive association with
your Department,and your willingness to embrace this project has not gone without
notice. As we attempt to execute on this far reaching initiative 1 would ask for your,
favorable consideration of Yelm's request for funding.
cerely Yours;
J. Williams
ident/CEO
701 Prairie Park Lane, Suite J • Post Office Box 5210 • Yelm, Washington 98597
Email: williamsgroupllcCaol.com • Telephone: 360-458-8533 • Fax: 360-458-8501
Message Page 1 of 2
ti
Shelly Badger
From: Shelly Badger
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 4:28 PM
To: 'phenry@cityoftacoma.org'
Subject: FW: Good meeting!
Paula, I spoke with Kari Qvigstad, Port of Olympia, this morning and mentioned to her
that the City is considering submitting an earmark request to Congressman Smith for
the connection project. She stated that the Port is interested in supporting such an
effort via a letter of support. I think at the right time, a conversation between Yelm,
Tacoma Rail and the Ports of Olympia and Tacoma make sense.
I am planning to seek Council concurrence on this submittal on Friday, 2-24 (Elected
Official's retreat that I mentioned) and would like to be able to share with them some of
our discussions and at what level Tacoma Rail can support the earmark request.
Doable? Thanks and have a great, hopefully long, weekend! Shelly
P.S. I have had 2 e-mails and 1 voice message from Schneider, but have not been able
to get back to him......
From: Shelly Badger
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 1:25 PM
To: 'phenry@cityoftacoma.org'
Subject: Good meeting!
Paula, first and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time (and an excellent lunch) on Wednesday! I am
very optimistic about continued conversations with Tacoma Rail about rail service on the Yelm Roy Prairie Line,
as well as the connection to the Tacoma Mountain Line at Roy.
In the past we have had an excellent repoir with Congressman Adam Smith and were successful in receiving an
earmark in 2005 of 2M for our SR 510 Yelm Loop transportation project. As I was working with Sean
Eagan, Deputy District Director last year, we spoke of a future earmark request for funding for the connection at
Roy. Per the e-mail below, that time is upon us with requests due by March 3rd. I would love your thoughts on a
submission of a request in a joint manner between the City of Yelm and Tacoma Rail? I recognize that our
discussions are preliminary, but of mutual interest to both of us is the connection of our line to yours.
Do you think it is something we could pull off in this short timeframe or wait another year? Regardless of who
takes the lead on the request (or it could be joint lead), it doesn't make sense to ramp up funding requests without
the support of both the City and Tacoma Rail.
Thanks again and have a great weekend! Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
shellyb a-.ci.yelm.wa.us
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
-----Original Message-----
From: Eagan, Sean [mailto:Sean.Eagan@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 8:58 AM
2/17/2006
Message Page 2 of 2
Subject: Rep. Adam Smith FY 07 Appropriation request forms
Dear Friends,
Congressman Adam Smith is now accepting requests for federal appropriation earmarks.
I have attached Congressman Smith's Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations Request Form along with
corresponding appropriations subcommittee questionnaires. Be sure to fill out both forms (if necessary)
and return them to Shana Chandler in our Washington, DC, office by March 3, 2006. Any project
application received by our office after 6 PM will automatically be considered as a second tier project.
Forms should be sent by e-mail to Shana.0 handlergmail.house.gov.
If you have multiple project applications, they must be sent in separate emails as they are filed according
to the appropriate subcommittee. Your email will be returned if you have more than one application
attached to a single email. The subject line of each email MUST read "FY07 Appropriations
Request" followed by your organization's name. (Example: FY07 Appropriations Request -
organization)
If your project is a Defense or Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs request please send your
request packet(including the subcommittee questionnaire)to Mark de la Iglesia at
Mark.delaiglesiagmail.house.gov or call 202-225-8901.
I am looking forward to working with you all this year. Please don't hesitate to contact Shana at 202-
225-8901 or myself at 253-896-3775 with any questions.
-Sean Eagan
Deputy District Director
Congressman Adam Smith
3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Suite 106
Tacoma, WA 98424
PH:(253)896-3775
PH:(888)SMITH09
FX: (253)896-3789
www.house.gov/adamsmith
2/17/2006
T. essage Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: Shelly Badger
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 1:25 PM
To: 'phenry@cityoftacoma.org'
Subject: Good meeting!
Paula, first and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time(and an excellent lunch)on Wednesday! I am
very optimistic about continued conversations with Tacoma Rail about rail service on the Yelm Roy Prairie Line,
as well as the connection to the Tacoma Mountain Line at Roy.
In the past we have had an excellent repoir with Congressman Adam Smith and were successful in receiving an
earmark in 2005 of 2M for our SR 510 Yelm Loop transportation project. As I was working with Sean
Eagan, Deputy District Director last year, we spoke of a future earmark request for funding for the connection at
Roy. Per the e-mail below, that time is upon us with requests due by March 3rd. I would love your thoughts on a
submission of a request in a joint manner between the City of Yelm and Tacoma Rail? I recognize that our
discussions are preliminary, but of mutual interest to both of us is the connection of our line to yours.
Do you think it is something we could pull off in this short timeframe or wait another year? Regardless of who
takes the lead on the request(or it could be joint lead), it doesn't make sense to ramp up funding requests without
the support of both the City and Tacoma Rail.
Thanks again and have a great weekend! Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
shellyb@ci.yelm.wa.us
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
-----Original Message-----
From: Eagan, Sean [mailto:Sean.Eagan@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 8:58 AM
Subject: Rep. Adam Smith FY 07 Appropriation request forms
Dear Friends,
Congressman Adam Smith is now accepting requests for federal appropriation earmarks.
I have attached Congressman Smith's Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations Request Form along with
corresponding appropriations subcommittee questionnaires. Be sure to fill out both forms (if necessary)
and return them to Shana Chandler in our Washington, DC, office by March 3, 2006. Any project
application received by our office after 6 PM will automatically be considered as a second tier project.
Forms should be sent by e-mail to Shana.Chandler(kmail.house.gov.
If you have multiple project applications, they must be sent in separate emails as they are filed according
to the appropriate subcommittee. Your email will be returned if you have more than one application
attached to a single email. The subject line of each email MUST read "FY07 Appropriations
Request" followed by your organization's name. (Example: FY07 Appropriations Request -
organization)
If your project is a Defense or Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs request please send your
2/10/2006
Message Page 2 of 2
request packet(including the subcommittee questionnaire)to Mark de la Iglesia at
Mark.delai lg esiaga mail.house.gov or call 202-225-8901.
I am looking forward to working with you all this year. Please don't hesitate to contact Shana at 202-
225-8901 or myself at 253-896-3775 with any questions.
-Sean Eagan
Deputy District Director
Congressman Adam Smith
3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Suite 106
Tacoma,WA 98424
PH: (253)896-3775
PH: (888)SMITH09
FX: (253)896-3789
www.house.gov/adamsmith
2/10/2006
Me sage
Pagel of 2
Shelly Badger
From: Shelly Badger
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 8:43 AM
To: 'Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI)'
Subject: RE: Roy Connection
LTC Schneider, when the "call for projects" is distributed by the WA State Rail Office mid-year, we will most
definitely be resubmitting an updated application for the Roy connection. Thank you, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
she1lybC@_ci.yeIm.wa.us
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
-----Original Message-----
From: Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI) [mailto:steven.p.schneider@us.army.mil]
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 11:04 AM
To: Shelly Badger
Subject: FW: Roy Connection
Shelly: Please resubmit your Roy connection project. My scenarios have shown this to be important to Ft Lewis
military traffic. If you have any questions please call. Thanks,
LTC Steven P. Schneider
Deputy Installation Transportation Officer
Directorate of Logistics
Fort Lewis, Washington
Phone 253-967-4617
DSN 357-4617
Cell 253-405-3931
Fax 253-967-3115
From: Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI)
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 11:02 AM
To: 'Anderson, Stephen'; Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI)
Cc: Ivanov, Barbara
Subject: RE: Meeting
Stephen: Thanks for the information. I would still like to talk to Barbara about this issue and others. I will get
Yelm to resubmit this project. Thanks,
LTC Steven P. Schneider
Deputy Installation Transportation Officer
Directorate of Logistics
Fort Lewis, Washington
Phone 253-967-4617
DSN 357-4617
Cell 253-405-3931
Fax 253-967-3115
From: Anderson, Stephen [mailto:AndeSt@wsdot.wa,gov]
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 9:45 AM
1/6/2006
Message Page 2 of 2
To: 'Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI)'
Cc: Ivanov, Barbara
Subject: RE: Meeting
Lt. Col. Schneider: To my knowledge, there is no such thing as a "Roy Project" now being
considered anywhere within state government. Local officials (Yelm & Roy) filed a request for
funding in 2004, which was not funded by the legislature. Since we're limited to just investigatory
work on unfunded projects, the legislature's inaction ended our WSDOT efforts at Roy.
Parties interested in reconsideration of such a project would either have to file a new formal
request when this year's call for rail projects comes out in mid-year or go to their legislators for
direct action.
Stephen M. Anderson
Freight Rail Services Manager
Washington Dept. of Transportation
Office of Freight Strategy and Policy
(360) 705-6903
(360) 705-6835 fax
(360) 790-4833 cell/pager
From: Ivanov, Barbara
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 9:33 AM
To: 'Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI)'; Anderson, Stephen
Subject: RE: Meeting
Hi. Steve! I've asked Steven Anderson to join us next Friday, so he can fill us both in.
Happy New Year,
Barb
-----Original Message-----
From: Schneider, Steven P LTC (PKI) [mai Ito:steven.p.schneider@us.army.mi1]
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 4:39 PM
To: Ivanov, Barbara
Subject: Meeting
Barbara: I just spoke to a Kevin Jeffers of Wash DOT and I was going to speak to you about the
Roy connection to the Prairie Line south of Ft Lewis. He mentioned that Steve Anderson had been
working on this project. I wanted to go over with you the results of the simulation models that I have
been doing and the effect on Sound Transit at Lakewood. Could you give me an update on the Roy
project when we meet next week? I will go over my findings. Thanks,
LTC Steven P. Schneider
Deputy Installation Transportation Officer
Directorate of Logistics
Fort Lewis, Washington
Phone 253-967-4617
DSN 357-4617
Cell 253-405-3931
Fax 253-967-3115
1/6/2006
Amok
� Washington State Transportation Building
VI/ Department of Transportation 310 Maple Park Avenue S.E.
Douglas B. MacDonald P.O.Box 47300
Secretary of Transportation Olympia,WA 98504-7300
360-705-7000
TTY: 1-800-833-6388
www.wsdot.wa.gov
June.9, 2003
- S
I
j ll Ni 1 1 2003 i
The Honorable Adam Rivas
City of Yelm
PO Box 479 - "
Yelm,WA 98597-0479
Dear Mayor Rivas:
The special session of the Washington State Legislature has modified the transportation
budget it passed in the 2003 regular session. The modification eliminated the $1 million
appropriated for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Emergent Freight Rail Assistance Projects in the 2003-05 biennial budget.
What this means is that the $1 million in statewide flexible freight rail assistance funding
that WSDOT had anticipated becoming available for statewide freight rail assistance
projects beginning July 1, 2003, has now been eliminated. Consequently, the only freight
rail assistance projects that will be eligible are those projects that the legislature
specifically earmarked for 03-05 biennium funding. These earmarked 03-05 biennium
projects are:
• Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad acquisition
• Tacoma Rail Mountain Division rail line improvements between Tacoma and
Morton
• Quincy or Wenatchee intermodal rail transload facility
If the situation permits, there may be some chance of asking the legislature to restore part
or all of these emergent project funds in the 2004 supplemental session next winter.
Therefore, the WSDOT Rail Office has decided to complete the analysis of the freight rail
assistance applications that were submitted to ensure that these potential projects meet
state statute requirements in the event that funding is ever restored.
If you have any further questions, please contact Ray Allred, Rail Freight Expert, at
allredr@wsdot.wa.gov or 360-705-7903.
Sin rely,
4StepDnM. Anderson
Rail Services Manager
SMA:tro
Ashk
TWOWashington State Transportation Building
Department of Transportation 310 Maple Park Avenue S.E.
Douglas B. MacDonald P.O.Box 47300
Secretary of Transportation Olympia,WA 98504-7300
360-705-7000
TTY: 1-800-833-6388 -
www.wsdot.wa.gov
July 1, 2004
J U L - 2004
Shelly Badger
City of Yelm -
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597-0479
SUBJECT: Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Dear Ms. Badger:
The Washington State Department of Transportation(WSDOT) Rail Office is now
accepting applications for its freight rail assistance program.
If your project appears in the WSDOT's book of Capital Improvement Projects and
Programs (CIPP), you will have the opportunity to update any information pertaining to
your project. If you are unsure if your project is on the list, please contact the Rail
Office.
Application packets will be accepted from June 15, 2004 to August 16, 2004. Selection
of projects will be announced November 1, 2004. Application packets must be post
marked August 16, 2004.
If you have any questions, please contact the Rail Office at 360-705-7901.
Sin erely,
/�'/
Steph M. Anderson
Rail ervices Manager
SMA:trg
Enclosure
cc: Ray Allred
Washington State
Allk
�AW Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
As authorized by the Washington State Legislature,the Washington State
Department of Transportation(WSDOT)provides loans and grants to:
• Support light density rail lines
• Improve rail access to ports
• Preserve or restore rail corridors and infrastructure
WSDOT can provide:
• Loans for essential rail projects (including locomotives and rolling stock)
on private property
• Grants or loans for essential rail projects on public property
Application packets will be accepted from June 15, 2004 to August 16, 2004.
Selection of projects will be announced November 1, 2004. Application packets
must be post marked August 16, 2004. WSDOT Rail Office addresses are listed
on page 7 of this packet. Application packets submitted by facsimile will not be
accepted.
Your application packet will consist of the information you provide responding to
each category below. Use a separate page (or pages) for each item. Beginning on
page 8, detailed explanations follow to help you understand what is needed.
1. Contact information
2. Project description
3. Project timetable
4. Project costs worksheet
5. Safety or emergency situation information
6. Preservation of rail line information
7. Project benefits worksheet
8. Economic vitality of rail line information
9. Annual federal income tax return
10. Traffic history
11. Future project cost increases due to special factors
12. Efficiency description
13. Shippers list
Why should I read these instructions first?
The following information will help you assess whether you qualify for these
funds and, if so, more successfully apply.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railQwsdot.wa.gov Page 1
What about confidentiality?
All successful applications are subject to public records disclosure laws for the
state of Washington. If any information contained in the application is
confidential/proprietary,please identify those components clearly. Please note
that specific information may be marked as proprietary; it is not acceptable to
mark the whole application. The state of Washington will protect information to
the extent allowable by law. If there is a public records request,the Rail Office
will notify the applicant that such information will be released on a specified date.
If the applicant wants to keep the information confidential, it is the applicant's
responsibility to obtain a court injunction within 10 days of the notice to protect
proprietary data. If the applicant fails to obtain the court order prohibiting
disclosure,the Rail Office will release the requested information on the date
specified.
How much money is available?
The Washington State Legislature determines the amount of discretionary freight
rail assistance funding. These funds are to be used to cover two needs, small
infrastructure projects not already earmarked by the legislature and emergent
economic development projects. These emergent economic development projects,
such as providing funds for a rail spur to land an important new employer for the
state, must be available to be committed on short notice. Thus, not all the
discretionary funds can be committed at the beginning of the biennium.
The 2004 legislature has allocated$2.8 million for discretionary freight rail
assistance projects. WSDOT currently expects to retain $800,000 for emergent
development projects that occur later in the biennium. The remaining funds will
be allocated based on the prioritization process described later in this document.
How are the limited freight rail assistance funds allocated?
The state legislature has mandated a number of rules that WSDOT must follow in
prioritizing freight rail assistance applications and allocating the limited funds.
These are mainly based on existing federal rules (the Federal Railroad
Administration's Local Rail Freight Assistance program, or LRFA)with some
Washington State modifications where they make sense. For example,the federal
program heavily discounts the benefits of new or preserved jobs, whereas these
are some of the most important outcomes when Washington State makes freight
rail investments.
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 2 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail(a.wsdotma.gov
What is the benefit to cost ratio requirement?
There is a statutory requirement that all freight rail assistance projects must be
analyzed to determine benefits and costs. With the exception of situations where
continued rail service is in immediate jeopardy, every funded project must deliver
more benefits than costs when the benefits are discounted at the federal rate over a
10-year period. The Federal Railroad Administration determines this rate each
federal fiscal year and, for 2004,the discount rate is 4.33 percent.
Once a project is determined to have a benefit to cost ratio greater than 1.0,the
benefit to cost ratio becomes an important component of the project prioritization
process. The higher the benefit to cost ratio, the more likely it is that your project
will be funded.
How does state benefit/cost analysis differ from the federal model?
The most significant difference is that the state legislature is very interested in the
use of the freight rail assistance program as a means to stimulate economic
development. This makes saving or creating jobs very important,whereas the
federal approach tends to de-emphasize their value. Washington State counts
directly affected jobs for the first two years of the project, whereas the federal
rules require that only new jobs can count and then only for the average number of
weeks of unemployment in that area.
How is the benefit/cost ratio calculated?
WSDOT will perform the calculations for the benefits, benefit/cost analysis, net
present value, and annual discount rate, after the completed packet is received
from the applicant.
Please see the last section of this document, "Components of the application
packet and how they are scored."
How is a project's priority calculated?
Once a project is determined eligible due to its benefit/cost ratio, its priority is
calculated according to your answers to the questions shown at the end of this
document. The maximum scores for each question reflect the relative importance
placed on that issue over time by legislators and the community. The maximum
possible total is 100 points.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail(&wsdot.wa.gov Page 3
How are projects scored?
Points are awarded based on the information you provide. Two items, geographic
equity and local economic need, are based on information WSDOT either has on
file or obtains from other state sources. WSDOT will also calculate and add in
the benefits of avoided highway damage, if any,using the data you supply:
14 points local funding percentage (question 4)
20 points safety or emergency situation (question 5)
20 points preservation of rail line (question 6)
16 points benefit/cost ratio (questions 4 & 7)
14 points gain in economic vitality (question 8)
10 points local economic need (provided by WSDOT)
6 points future cost increases (question 11)
These scoring categories are explained in the section below called"Components
of the application packet and how they are scored." More detailed
explanations about the categories are available from WSDOT.
How does WSDOT calculate local economic need?
Counties located along the rail line and officially listed as economically depressed
under the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development-
Business Development rules will receive ten points in the prioritization process,
zero if they are not.
You can view the eligible counties and criteria at
www.oted.wa.gov/ed/busdev/tax. If you do not have Internet access, call the Rail
Office and they can fax the information to you.
Will funds always be allocated on the project's priority score?
Not always. Previous versions of the freight rail laws and the work of the 1995
Freight Rail Policy Development Committee did give some direction as to how a
given project might be prioritized. The point method is an attempt to try and
quantify project priorities according to those directions. However, state law
allows WSDOT considerable latitude in allocating freight rail assistance funds in
order to allow for unusual or critical circumstances.
For example:
• if a rail line is abandoned,the state can railbank it to preserve the corridor
even if its immediate economics are not viable
• the state can fund a project that would have an extraordinary benefit to the
state, for example, if it were to preserve or create an extraordinary number
of jobs
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 4 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railawsdot.wa. og_v
What importance does major economic benefit have in the prioritization
process?
One common occurrence is that an economic development opportunity of great
importance appears unexpectedly. Projects of that kind can easily generate scores
of new jobs, which would recoup the total amount of their public funding in new
public revenues over just the first few years. Funding such a project ahead of
others would certainly be "of benefit to the state." Again, the prioritization score
is a guide to assist the funding allocation process, not the sole means to determine
it.
What is the "of benefit to the state" provision?
According to RCW 47.76.240, "lines that provide benefits to the state and local
jurisdictions, such as avoided roadway costs, reduced traffic congestion, economic
development, environmental protection, and safety, should be assisted through the
joint efforts of the state, local jurisdiction, and private sector."
What happens after the initial prioritization?
Getting into the official Capital Improvement Projects and Programs (CIPP)
book
Assuming a project's benefit/cost ratio (explained previously) is greater than 1.0,
and its priority score has been determined and validated by the state, the project
will appear in WSDOT's book of Capital Improvement Projects and Programs
(CIPP). As funds become available for each biennium, WSDOT will use the list
of rated projects in the CIPP to best allocate the available funds. It is possible that
a lower ranked project might be funded ahead of one with a better score if the
legislature so directs or under the railbanking rules previously explained.
How are loan terms and conditions set?
Terms and conditions for loans will be determined on a project-by-project basis by
WSDOT. This is determined primarily on financial need.
What happens if my project is not funded this biennium?
Projects stay on the CIPP lists indefinitely or until they are funded by other means,
private or public. However, an effort will be made at the beginning of each new
biennium to refresh the validity of the analysis that went into their ranking.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office, 360-705-7901,rail2wsdot.wa.gov Page 5
What is railbanking?
The Washington State Legislature and the Washington Transportation
Commission have made it very clear that they do not want to lose rail lines that
could be economically viable in the future. If it appears that a line could become
economically viable within ten years,the line can be "railbanked"—purchased by
the state to prevent its loss as a rail corridor. A railbanked line can be used as a
trail on a temporary basis. Maintenance or changes on a railbanked line used as a
trail must always preserve the ability to again use the line as a railroad in the
future.
Why are there so many questions to answer?
State statutes allow many different reasons to make a freight rail assistance loan to
a private railroad or a grant to a public entity. The questions in the application
attempt to capture anything that might make your request stand out from the
others. No project is likely to have a good answer for every question, and you
may mark many questions"not applicable" (N/A). But it is worth the time to fill
out the items that do apply to your project because projects that show true value in
multiple areas will generally rank higher.
Another reason to gather so much data is that it is important for the future of the
freight rail assistance program. WSDOT, the railroads, and any public entities
that own them must demonstrate ongoing benefits resulting from the state's
investment. To do that effectively, baseline economic and operational data are
needed. WSDOT can then compare results against this data after projects are
completed. If you don't already have data about local businesses,perhaps your
local chamber of commerce could help. You could also consider calling
businesses located on or near your rail line.
Where can I get help completing the packet?
State law allows WSDOT to provide technical assistance for freight rail projects
and operations. Some help is available even if you are only thinking about a
potential project. There are both business analysts and professional engineers
available on staff with the necessary expertise. However, WSDOT cannot
complete the packet for you. Please contact the WSDOT Rail Office at 360-705-
7901 or railnwsdot.wa.gov for further information.
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 6 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railamsdot.wa.gov
Where do I send my completed application packet?
Your project doesn't officially exist until your completed freight rail assistance
application packet is received in the WSDOT Rail Office. You will then receive a
letter of confirmation. The mailing address is:
WSDOT Rail Office
PO Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
If you wish to use express or private mail delivery,please use the address below:
310 Maple Park Ave SE,Rm SA 17
Olympia, WA 98501-2361
The application packet must be post marked August 16, 2004.
What happens after the application is received?
WSDOT staff will first review your proposed plan to be sure it meets the
minimum eligibility requirements of statute RCW 47.76. If it does, WSDOT staff
will determine if the proposed plan is financially and physically possible. We will
contact you to discuss proposed operating procedures and details if they are
unclear. In addition, a site visit may be required from WSDOT's rail engineers
and analysts.
At the same time,the Federal Railroad Administration(FRA) environmental
checklist will be applied where applicable to see what environmental issues are
relevant. The FRA checklist would mostly apply where federal funds and new
(rather than maintenance or replacement)construction are involved, although
environmentally sound construction practices are obviously required for all freight
rail assistance projects. Finally,your application will be prioritized following the
process described on the following pages.
Components of the application packet and how they are scored
You must answer each item below marked as "required." Please answer as many
of the other items as possible or state that there is "no response."
1) Contact information (required)
Include contact name, company name, address,phone and fax numbers, and e-
mail address (if applicable).
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railaamsdot.wa.gov Page 7
2) Project description (required)
Please describe the project. What are you proposing to do? What is the intended
outcome? Is another organization, government, or company involved in a
partnership for this project?
3) Project timetable (required)
Describe the project timetable. Are there some critical dates involved?
4) Project costs worksheet (required)
State policy requires that non-emergency loans or grants are available for projects
that have a benefit to cost ratio greater than 1.0. This occurs when all the costs
and benefits for the ten years following the project are discounted at the annual
discount rate and summed. This section provides the details of the costs and
projected sources of funding.
Determine the costs and funding needed to complete this proposed project
throughout the 10-year evaluation period, showing the details of the various
elements that went into each total. You will need to determine three amounts:
• Total cost of the project
• Local funding (includes funding or in-kind contributions from any source
other than WSDOT's freight rail assistance program)
• Amount of state assistance needed(assumed to be total cost minus the
amount of local funding)
How is the annual discount rate calculated? (calculated by WSDOT)
The annual discount rate is the freight rail assistance version of net present value
calculations,which are common in the financial world. This rate is a key element
in benefit/cost analysis of proposed rail projects. Use of this rate is a standard
procedure under federal freight rail assistance calculation methods.
The benefits in future years out to the 10-year limit are discounted by the value of
the Federal Railroad Administration's published discount rate (4.33 percent
currently).
Please note,WSDOT calculates this value for all applicants. This
information can be provided on request.
Local funding
Contributions of local funds are not legally required. However,the percentage of
local funding is a good indication of how strongly the community will work to
ensure the project succeeds.
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 8 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail(a�wsdot.wa.gov
Local funding can be in-kind contributions as well as direct cash. For example,
one sawmill offered to donate the ties if the line out to their mill was restored to
operation. A county put its county prisoners to work. The minimum wage value
of their labor was part of the in-kind match. A short-line railroad had the spikes
and track hardware at a sister railroad,but not the ties and rail, so the value of the
spikes and hardware became the match.
Federal or state economic development funds or other sources are excellent forms
of local funding and will be counted dollar for dollar as such.
Up to 14 points will be awarded based on the percentage of local funding
compared to the total cost of the project.
5) Safety or emergency situation information
The freight rail assistance program isn't designed to help with acute emergency
situations, like rerailing trains or stopping fire or flood damage. But if a line is
serving active customers, a prolonged shutdown could damage the local economy
or drive a current customer away from rail use. In such a case, WSDOT may be
able to make an emergency grant to help get a line back into operation.
Otherwise, an imminent safety or emergency situation gives the project up to 20
points in prioritization scoring. These are situations where a safety or emergency
situation clearly could occur due to a known problem, for example, a tunnel
whose roof is badly weakened or an old swing bridge that could get stuck in one
position.
6) Preservation of rail line
Explain what will result if the project is not funded this year. If the rail line will
be immediately abandoned or if the project will restore service on an inactive rail
line,the project will receive 20 points.
?) Projcct benefits orksheat
State policy requires that non-emergency loans or grants are available for projects
that have a benefit to cost ratio greater than 1.0. This occurs when all the costs
and benefits for the ten years following the project are discounted at the annual
discount rate and summed. (See page 8 for an explanation of the annual discount
rate.) This section provides the details of the costs and projected sources of
funding.
Avoided highway impacts (calculated by WSDOT)
Studies have shown there is a net benefit to the public in avoiding highway
damage through the use of rail freight. WSDOT will calculate the net public
benefit from these diversions based on published and reviewed academic research.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railQwsdot.wa.gov Page 9
Opportunity costs
The profit from ongoing business operations is considered to be a benefit to the
local and state economy. Is there additional/different freight or passenger traffic
that would move on this line if the proposed project were completed? For
example, if the existing track is too light to support modern 286,000-pound
railcars,how much gross profit is being lost to online businesses because they
must use smaller railcars? What extra gross profit would a short-line railroad
receive if it can capture new business?
Are there competitive savings in transportation costs that would be lost if the line
ceases operation or that could be obtained if the proposed project is completed?
Employment impacts
State policy now allows employment impacts to be counted for the first two years
following the completion of the project. What is the current payroll of jobs that
would be saved with this project? What is the projected payroll of jobs that would
be created,both on the railroad and in the industries it would serve?
For each group of jobs that could be saved or created,please provide the name of
a contact person,the company's name, and a phone number.
Business relocation costs
If the rail line were closed,what costs would the shippers on the line incur in
finding and moving to a new location?
Shipper costs
If an industry losing rail service starts using trucks at their current location,how
much would their transportation costs increase?
Environmental impacts
If existing or future businesses move by truck rather than rail,both fuel usage and
pollution increase. Are there any other environmental benefits or concerns that
we should consider?
Reduced operating expenses
Would the proposed grant/loan reduce railroad operating expenses? For example,
if track is improved, do crew costs go down because they can get their work done
more quickly? If the rail line gets a new locomotive,will that reduce rental or
maintenance expenses?
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 10 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdotma.gov
8) Economic vitality of the rail line
Various Transportation Research Board studies for the Federal Railroad
Administration have established that the long-term viability of a rail line can be
roughly determined by computing the annual carloads per route mile. The
reasoning is that there must be enough carloads each year to generate sufficient
free cash in order to maintain the rail line's infrastructure.
All projects should result in the line carrying a minimum of 20 carloads per mile
per year. Once that condition is satisfied,the larger the percentage gain in the
line's number of annual carloads per mile,the greater the number of points that
will be awarded. Maximum 14 points.
9) Annual federal income tax return (required)
Provide a copy of your most recent annual federal income tax return and a copy of
your most recent year revenues and expenses. Include amount(if any)of reserve
funds as of December 31 of the most recent year.
10) Traffic history (required)
Provide the traffic history for the most recent two calendar years. Include carloads
and commodities by shipper. Provide projected car count for each of the next ten
years.
11) Future project cost increases due to special factors
Are you aware of any special factors that would greatly increase the cost of the
project if delayed two years or more? Routine inflation is not considered. Please
explain.
Examples of special factors include:
a) If a bridge is not repaired, it may become unusable within the 2-year period
and have to be entirely replaced.
b) A rail line needs to be built in conjunction with a road or other construction
project. Without coordinated construction,the rail project will be
dramatically more expensive in the future.
If delays cause the project costs to increase by 25 percent or more of the original
cost, up to 6 bonus points will be awarded.
12) Efficiency description (required)
Please describe how the project will make the rail line operational or more
efficient to operate.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet June 2004
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railamsdot.wa.gov Page 11
13) Shippers list (required)
List the shippers that use the rail line or facility today. Include contact person
name, company name, and phone number. In addition,provide evidence of local
support and shipper commitment for this project. Examples include letters of
support from shippers.
June 2004 Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
Page 12 WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,railp_wsdot.wa.gov
D D
O M AY 2 2c03
DAVID EVANS
ANDASSOCIATES INC. E - -- u
INVOICE: 124346 Project No.: YELM0000-0007
Invoice Date: May 10, 2003 On-Call Railroad Engineering Services
Page 1 of 1
To: Shelly Badger
City Administrator Anorgved for Payment:
City of Yelm �/ l` D, to:
PO Box 479 Project:
Yelm,WA 98597 G'0 % BARS # ICV
% BARS #
Work Beginning 03/30/2003 through 05/03/2003 Manager: Charles E. Burnham
Current Current
Hours Rate Amount
WSDOT Grant Application Preparation
Clerical Staff Chelsea R. Englund 1.70 30.73 52.24
Executive Administrator Renee K. Genett 1.00 76.00 76.00
Senior Engineer Randy A. Anderson 0.50 130.00 65.00
Senior Engineer Charles E. Burnham 15.00 130.00 1,950.00
Subtotal WSDOT Grant Application Preparation 18.20 2,143.24
Invoice Total: $2,143.24
Aged Receivables as of 5/10/2003
0 To 30 Days 31 To 60 Days 61 To 90 Days Over 90 Days Total Outstanding
$2,143.24 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,143.24
Thank you for your patronage. Please contact Charlie Burnham at (253) 922-9780 if you have any
questions regarding this invoice.
Terms: Invoice due and payable upon receipt. Interest at the rate of 1.5% per month will be charged on all amounts
outstanding beyond 30 days of invoice date.
CEB/cre
124346.DOC/D#IoM/05/10/03 Please send a copy or this invoice with your payment.
Trans Pacific Trade Center Building 3700 Pacific Hwy.East Suite 31 l Tacoma Washington 98424 Telephone:253.922.9780 Facsimile:253.922.9781
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April 29, 2003
Ken Uznanski
Manager
WA, State Department of Transportation Rail Office
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia,Washington 98504
Dear Mr.Uznanski:
am writing to express my strong support of the City of Yehn's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Looe &Tacoma Rail Mountain Division
Rail Connection.
Having worked with the City of Yelm and representatives from throughout the region,I am
excited about the prospect of a community pulling together to preserve an incredibly vital link
for the Yelm and Roy region. I have supported the acquisition of the Shortline Railroad and
believe that this segment is vital to the economic and industrial future of both Yelm and Roy.
This track connection would provide a competitive common carrier rail freight service to Yelrn's
industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between Roy and Yelm. This
link will benefit the area by enhancing the profitability of existing businesses and improve the
prospects of attracting new businesses to this area.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to share my support for this important project.
Sincerely,
iq_I
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
AS:tlj
PAINTED ON RECYCt.EO PAPER
limTHURSTON REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
2404 HERITAGE COURT SW #8 OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502-6031
Members: April 24, 2003
City of Lacey
City of Olympia
City of Rainier Ken Uznanski, Manager
City of Tenino Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
City of Tumwater PO Box 47387
City of Yelm Olympia,WA 98504-7387
Town of Bucoda
Thurston County SUBJECT: Letter of Support—City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance
Application—Yelm Roy Prairie Line &Tacoma Rail Mountain
Intercity transit Division Rail Connection
Port of Olympia
Griffin School District Dear Mr. Uznanski:
North Thurston Public Schools
Confederated Tribes of the Several years ago, the City of Yelm acquired a then-to-be-abandoned section of the
Chehalis Reservation Prairie Line from Yelm to Roy. This far sighted decision preserved a section of ever
Nisqually Indian Tribe dwindling Class III rail for freight and passenger use. This project will connect the
Thurston Conservation District Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Line near the Miles Sand and
Timberland Regional Library Gravel Company in Roy.
The 2000 foot track connection between the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and Tacoma Rail
Charter Member Emeritus: Mountain Line will provide competitive common carrier freight rail service to
The Evergreen State College Yelm's industrial sector and Miles Sand and Gravel Company. Upwards of 22,000
truckloads per year of gravel alone could be diverted from travel on State Route 507
to freight rail. The connection will also support rural economic development of
commercial and industrial growth in Yelm, Thurston County's fastest growing
Lon D.Wyrick community.
Executive Director
The connection provides another unique opportunity — commuter rail between east
Thurston County and Tacoma's Freighthouse Square, where the Sounder commuter
train now stops. The City of Yelm could very well be the first community in
Thurston County to have commuter rail service to Tacoma and Seattle!
(360)786-5480 This rail connection has been discussed several times by the Thurston Regional
FAX 754-4413 Planning Council. As the MPO/RTPO, the Council indicated their ongoing support
of this regionally significant project which would strengthen our area's economic
www.trpc.org vitality and improve freight mobility. This project also expands and strengthens
developing ties between east Thurston County and southeast Pierce County, an area
of burgeoning population as well as extensive commercial and industrial growth.
Providing Visionary Leadership on Regional Plans, Policies and Issues
Ken Uznanski, Manager
Page 2
April 24, 2003
State funding for the Yelm Roy Prairie/Tacoma Rail Mountain Lines connection was cut from the
WSDOT budget in addressing the statewide 2001 budget shortfall. Without the state's support and
partnership, local public and private partners cannot make this project happen. We ask you to re-
establish your support for this rail connection.
Sincerely,
Lon D. Wyrick, Execu ' e �irector
75:1b
cc: Adam Rivas, Mayor, City of Yelm
Virgil Clarkson, Chair, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Ken Jones, Vice-Chair, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Shelly Badger, City Administrator, City of Yelm
Washington State
Department of Transportation
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet
As authorized by the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT)provides loans and grants to:
• Support light density rail lines
• Improve rail access to ports
• Preserve or restore rail corridors and infrastructure
WSDOT can provide:
• Loans for essential rail projects(including locomotives and rolling
stock)on private property
• Grants or loans for essential rail projects on public property
Application packets will be accepted from January 2, 2003 to April 30,
2003. Selection of projects will be announced June 30, 2003. Application
packets must be received in the WSDOT Rail Office no later than
5:00 p.m., April 30, 2003. WSDOT Rail Office addresses are listed on
page 7 of this packet. Application packets submitted by facsimile will not
be accepted.
\
r application packet will consist of the information you provide
responding to each category below-41se a separate page or pages)for
eac� hitem. Detailed explanations follow to help you understand what is
needed.
1. Contact information
2. Project description
3. Project timetable
4. Project costs worksheet
5. Safety or emergency situation information
6. Preservation of rail line information
7. Project benefits worksheet
8. Economic vitality of rail line information
9. Audited financial statement
10. Traffic history
11. Future project cost increases due to special factors
12. Efficiency description
13. Shippers list
Why should I read these instructions first?
The following information will help you assess whether you qualify for
these funds and, if so, more successfully apply.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdtma.gov Page I
How much money is available?
The amount of money available is determined by the Washington State
Legislature.
WSDOT's current proposal for freight rail assistance totals approximately
$4 million for the 2003-2005 biennium, or roughly$2 million per year.
These funds will be allocated based on the prioritization process described
later in this document.
How are the limited freight rail assistance funds allocated?
The state legislature has mandated a number of rules that WSDOT must
follow in prioritizing freight rail assistance applications and allocating the
limited funds. These are mainly based on existing federal rules(the
Federal Railroad Administration's Local Rail Freight Assistance program,
or LRFA)with some Washington State modifications where they make
sense. For example, the federal program heavily discounts the benefits of
new or preserved jobs,whereas these are some of the most important
outcomes when Washington State makes freight rail investments.
What is the benefit to cost ratio requirement?
There is a statutory requirement that all freight rail assistance projects
must be analyzed to determine benefits and costs. With the exception of
situations where continued rail service is in immediate jeopardy, every
funded project must deliver more benefits than costs when the benefits are
discounted at the federal rate over a 10-year period. The Federal Railroad
Administration determines this rate each federal fiscal year and, for 2003,
the discount rate is 4.33 percent.
Once a project is determined to have a benefit to cost ratio greater than
1.0,the benefit to cost ratio becomes an important component of the
project prioritization process. The higher the benefit to cost ratio, the
more likely it is that your project will be funded.
How does state benefit/cost analysis differ from the federal model?
The most significant difference is that the state legislature is very
interested in the use of the freight rail assistance program as a means to
stimulate economic development. This makes saving or creating jobs very
important, whereas the federal approach tends to de-emphasize their value.
Washington State counts directly affected jobs for the first two years of the
project, whereas the federal rules require that only new jobs can count and
then only for the average number of weeks of unemployment in that area.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot.waxo_v_. Page 2
How is the benefit/cost ratio calculated?
Please see the last section of this document, "Components of the
application packet and how they are scored."
How is a project's priority calculated?
Once a project is determined eligible due to its benefit/cost ratio, its
priority is calculated according to your answers to the questions shown at
the end of this document. The maximum scores for each question reflect
the relative importance placed on that issue over time by legislators and
the community. The maximum possible total is 100 points.
How are projects scored?
Points are awarded based on the information you provide. Two items,
geographic equity and local economic need, are based on information
WSDOT either has on file or obtains from other state sources. WSDOT
will also calculate and add in the benefits of avoided highway damage, if
any, using the data you supply:
14 points local funding percentage (question 4)
20 points safety or emergency situation (question 5)
20 points preservation of rail line (question 6)
16 points benefit/cost ratio (questions 4&7)
X14 points gain in economic vitality (question 8)
10 points local economic need (provided by WSDOT)
6 points future cost increases (question 11)
These scoring categories are explained in the section below called
"Components of the application packet and how they are scored."
More detailed explanations about the categories are available from
WSDOT.
How does WSDOT calculate local economic need?
Counties located along the rail line and officially listed as economically
depressed under the Washington State Community,Trade and Economic
Development-Business Development rules will receive ten points in the
prioritization process, zero if they are not.
You can view the eligible counties and criteria at
www.oted.wa.gov/ed/busdev/tax. If you do not have Internet access, call
the Rail Office and they can fax the information to you.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot.wa,gov_. Page 3
Will funds always be allocated on the project's priority score?
Not always. Previous versions of the freight rail laws and the work of the
1995 Freight Rail Policy Development Committee did give some direction
as to how a given project might be prioritized. The point method is an
attempt to try and quantify project priorities according to those directions.
However, state law allows WSDOT considerable latitude in allocating
freight rail assistance funds in order to allow for unusual or critical
circumstances.
For example:
• if a rail line is abandoned, the state can railbank it to preserve the KS v
corridor even if its immediate economics are not viablek
• the state can fund a project that would have an extraordinary { r��
benefit to the state, for example, if it were to preserve or create an
extraordinary number of jobs
What importance does major economic benefit have in the
prioritization process?
One common occurrence is that an economic development opportunity of �( gnu
great importance appears unexpectedly. Projects of that kind can easily 1 a C;to-
generate scores of new fobs, which would recoup the total amount of their
public funding in new public revenues over just the first few years.
Funding such a project ahead of others would certainly be"of benefit to J
the state." Again, the prioritization score is a guide to assist the funding
allocation process, not the sole means to determine it.
What is the "of benefit to the state" provision?
According to RCW 47.76.240, "lines that provide benefits to the state and
local jurisdictions, such as avoided roadway costs,reduced traffic
congestion,economic development, environmental protection, and safety,
should be assisted through the joint efforts of the state, local jurisdiction,
and private sector."
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail @wsdot waxov Page 4
What happens after the initial prioritization?
Getting into the official Capital Improvement Projects and Programs
(CIPP) book
Assuming a project's benefit/cost ratio(explained previously)is greater
than 1.0, and its priority score has been determined and validated by the
state, the project will appear in WSDOT's book of Capital Improvement
Projects and Programs(CIPP). As funds become available for each
biennium, WSDOT will use the list of rated projects in the CIPP to best
allocate the available funds. It is possible that a lower ranked project
might be funded ahead of one with a better score if the legislature so
directs or under the railbanking rules previously explained.
How are loan terms and conditions set?
Terms and conditions for loans will be determined on a project-by-project
basis by WSDOT. This is determined primarily on financial need.
What happens if my project is not funded this biennium?
Projects stay on the CIPP lists indefinitely or until they are funded by other
means,private or public. However, an effort will be made at the
beginning of each new biennium to refresh the validity of the analysis that
went into their ranking.
What is railbanking? I 4D f to r p 4--f&I
The Washington State Legislature and the Washington Transportation
Commission have made it very clear that they do not want to lose rail lines
that could be economically viable in the future. If it appears that a line
could become economically viable within ten years, the line can be
"railbanked"—purchased by the state to prevent its loss as a rail corridor.
A railbanked line can be used as a trail on a temporary basis. Maintenance
or changes on a railbanked line used as a trail must always preserve the
ability to again use the line as a railroad in the future.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdat.waxoy Page 5
Why are there so many questions to answer?
State statutes allow many different reasons to make a freight rail assistance
loan to a private railroad or a grant to a public entity. The questions in the
application attempt to capture anything that might make your request stand
out from the others. No project is likely to have a good answer for every
question, and you may mark many questions"not applicable"(N/A). But
it is worth the time to fill out the items that do apply to your project
because projects that show true value in multiple areas will generally rank
higher.
Another reason to gather so much data is that it is important for the future
of the freight rail assistance program. WSDOT, the railroads, and any
public entities that own them must demonstrate ongoing benefits resulting
from the state's investment. To do that effectively, baseline economic and
operational data are needed. WSDOT can then compare results against
this data after projects are completed. If you don't already have data about
local businesses, perhaps your local chamber of commerce could help.
You could also consider calling businesses located on or near your rail
line.
Where can I get help completing the packet?
State law allows WSDOT to provide technical assistance for freight rail
projects and operations. Some help is available even if you are only
thinking about a potential project. There are both business analysts and
professional engineers available on staff with the necessary expertise.
However,WSDOT cannot complete the packet for you. Please contact the
WSDOT Rail Office at 360-705-7901 or rail@wsdot.wa.gov for further
information.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail @wsdot_wa,go_v_. Page 6
Where do I send my completed application packet?
Your project doesn't officially exist until your completed freight rail
assistance application packet is received in the WSDOT Rail Office. You
will then receive a letter of confirmation. The mailing address is:
WSDOT Rail Office
PO Box 47387
Olympia, WA 9850 -
If you wish to use express or private mail delivery,please use the address
be ow:
310 Maple Park Ave SE, Rm SA17
Olympia, WA 98501-2361
The application packet must be received in the WSDOT Rail Office no
later than 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2003.
What happens he application is received?
WSDOT staff will first review your proposed plan to be sure it meets the
minimum eligibility requirements of statute RCW 47.76. If it does,
WSDOT staff will determine if the proposed plan is financially and
physically possible. We will contact you to discuss proposed operating
procedures and details if they are unclear. In addition, a site visit may be
required from WSDOT's rail engineers and analysts.
At the same time,the Federal Railroad Administration(FRA)
environmental checklist will be applied where applicable to see what
environmental issues are relevant. The FRA checklist would mostly apply
where federal funds and new(rather than maintenance or replacement)
construction are involved, although environmentally sound construction
practices are obviously required for all freight rail assistance projects.
Finally, your application will be prioritized following the process
described on the following pages.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdotwaxov Page 7
Components of the application packet and how they are scored
You must answer each item below marked as "required." Please answer as
many of the other items as possible or state that there is "no response."
1) Contact information (required)
Include contact name, company name, address,phone and fax numbers,
and e-mail address (if applicable).
2) Project description (required)
Please describe the project. What are you proposing to do? What is the
intended outcome? Is another organization, government, or company
involved in a partnership for this project?
3) Project timetable (required)
Describe the project timetable. Are there some critical dates involved?
4) Project costs worksheet (required)
State policy requires that non-emergency loans or grants are available for
projects that have a benefit to cost ratio greater than 1.0. This occurs when
all the costs and benefits for the ten years following the project are
discounted at the annual discount rate and summed. This section provides
the details of the costs and projected sources of funding.
Determine the costs and funding needed to complete this proposed project
throughout the 10-year evaluation period, showing the details of the
various elements that went into each total. You will need to determine
three amounts:
• Total cost of the project
• Local funding(includes funding or in-kind contributions from any
source other than WSDOT's freight rail assistance program)
• Amount of state assistance needed(assumed to be total cost minus
the amount of local funding)
How is the annual discount rate calculated?
The annual discount rate is the freight rail assistance version of net present
value calculations, which are common in the financial world. This rate is
a key element in benefit/cost analysis of proposed rail projects. Use of this
rate is a standard procedure under federal freight rail assistance calculation
methods.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot_wa.goy Page 8
The benefits in future years out to the 10-year limit are discounted by the
value of the Federal Railroad Administration's published discount rate
(4.33 percent currently). WSDOT calculates this value for all applicants.
This information can be provided on request.
Local funding
Contributions of local funds are not legally required. However,the
percentage of local funding is a good indication of how strongly the
community will work to ensure the project succeeds.
Local funding can be in-kind contributions as well as direct cash. For
example, one sawmill offered to donate the ties if the line out to their mill
was restored to operation. A county put its county prisoners to work. The
minimum wage value of their labor was part of the in-kind match. A
short-line railroad had the spikes and track hardware at a sister railroad,
but not the ties and rail, so the value of the spikes and hardware became
the match.
Federal or state economic development funds or other sources are
excellent forms of local funding and will be counted dollar for dollar as
such.
Up to 14 points will be awarded based on the percentage of local funding
compared to the total cost of the project.
5) Safety or emergency situation information
The freight rail assistance program isn't designed to help with acute
emergency situations, like rerailing trains or stopping fire or flood damage.
But if a line is serving active customers, a prolonged shutdown could
damage the local economy or drive a current customer away from rail use.
In such a case,WSDOT may be able to make an emergency grant to help
get a line back into operation.
Otherwise, an imminent safety or emergency situation gives the project up
to 20 points in prioritization scoring. These are situations where a safety
or emergency situation clearly could occur due to a known problem, for
example, a tunnel whose roof is badly weakened or an old swing bridge
that could get stuck in one position.
6) Preservation of rail line
Explain what will result if the project is not funded this year. If the rail
line will be immediately abandoned or if the project will restore service on
an inactive rail line, the project will receive 20 points. �\
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot.wa.aov Page 9
7) Project benefits worksheet
State policy requires that non-emergency loans or grants are available for
projects that have a benefit to cost ratio greater than 1.0. This occurs when
all the costs and benefits for the ten years following the project are
discounted at the annual discount rate and summed. (See page 8 for an
explanation of the annual discount rate.) This section provides the details
of the costs and projected sources of funding.
Avoided highway impacts (provided by WSDOT)
Studies have shown there is a net benefit to the public in avoiding highway t
damage through the use of rail freight. WSDOT will calculate the net mt
public benefit from these diversions based on published and reviewed
academic research.
Opportunity costs
The profit from ongoing business operations is considered to be a benefit
to the local and state economy. Is there additional/different freight or
passenger traffic that would move on this line if the proposed project were
completed? For example, if the existing track is too light to support
modern 286,000-pound railcars, how much gross profit is being lost to
online businesses because they must use smaller railcars? What extra
gross profit would a short-line railroad receive if it can capture new
business?
Are there competitive savings in transportation costs that would be lost if
the line ceases operation or that could be obtained if the proposed project
is completed?
Employment impacts
State policy now allows employment impacts to be counted for the first
two years following the completion of the project. What is the current
payroll of jobs that would be saved with this project?What is the projected
payroll of jobs that would be created, both on the railroad and in the
industries it would serve?
For each group of jobs that could be saved or created, please provide the
name of a contact person, the company's name, and a phone number.
Business relocation costs
If the rail line were closed, what costs would the shippers on the line incur
in finding and moving to a new location?
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot_wa,gov. Page 10
Shipper costs
If an industry losing rail service starts using trucks at their current location,
how much would their transportation costs increase?
Environmental impacts
If existing or future businesses move by truck rather than rail, both fuel
usage and pollution increase. Are there any other environmental benefits
or concerns that we should consider?
Reduced operating expenses
Would the proposed grant/loan reduce railroad operating expenses? For
example, if track is improved, do crew costs go down because they can get
their work done more quickly? If the rail line gets a new locomotive, will
that reduce rental or maintenance expenses?
8) Economic vitality of the rail line
Various Transportation Research Board studies for the Federal Railroad
Administration have established that the long-term viability of a rail line
can be roughly determined by computing the annual carloads per route
mile. The reasoning is that there must be enough carloads each year to
generate sufficient free cash in order to maintain the rail line's
infrastructure.
All projects should result in the line carrying a minimum of 20 carloads
per mile per year. Once that condition is satisfied, the larger the
percentage gain in the line's number of annual carloads per mile, the
greater the number of points that will be awarded. Maximum 14 points.
9) Audited financial statement (required)
Provide a copy of your most recent audited financial statement and a copy
of your most recent year revenues and expenses. Include amount(if any)
of reserve funds as of December 31 of the most recent year.
10) Traffic history (required)
Provide the traffic history for the most recent two calendar years. Include
carloads and commodities by shipper. Provide projected car count for
each of the next ten years.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail @wsdot wa.gov Page 11
11) Future project cost increases due to special factors
Are you aware of any special factors that would greatly increase the cost of
the project if delayed two years or more? Routine inflation is not
considered. Please explain.
Examples of special factors include:
a) If a bridge is not repaired, it may become unusable within the 2-year
period and have to be entirely replaced.
b) A rail line needs to be built in conjunction with a road or other
construction project. Without coordinated construction, the rail
project will be dramatically more expensive in the future.
If delays cause the project costs to increase by 25 percent or more of the
original cost, up to 6 bonus points will be awarded.
12) Efficiency description (required)
Please describe how the project will make the rail line operational or more
efficient to operate.
13) Shippers list (required)
List the shippers that use the rail line or facility today. Include contact
person name, company name, and phone number. In addition,provide
evidence of local support and shipper commitment for this project.
Examples include letters of support from shippers.
Freight Rail Assistance Application Packet January 2003
WSDOT Rail Office,360-705-7901,rail@wsdot_wa,go_v_. Page 12
Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: "Mike Cappelletti" <mikecapp@amtechcorp.com>; "BobJones"
<bobjonesandassociates@attbi.com>; "Craig Mauck" <craig@amtechcorp.com>; "Bob Jones"
<bobjones@amtechcorp.com>; "Kim Brazell" <kimb@amtechcorp.com>
Cc: "Dick Clarke" <clarke@amtechcorp.com>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 3:44 PM
Subject: Re: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Mike, thank you for your very prompt and thorough work. I believe it is exactly what we are
looking for to beable to supplement and strengthen our grant application. If we need anything
else, I will let you know.
Thanks again, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shellyL yelmtel.com
- Original Message -----
From: Mike Cappelletti
To: BobJones ; Craia Mauck : Bob Jones : Kim Brazell
i Cc: shelly(dyelmtel.com ; Dick Clarke
g Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 3:35 PM
Subject: RE: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Shelley, per Bob's request, here are some rough numbers:
• We ship approximately 50-60 Hardtop Canopies out of Amtech Corporation per month. They have a
crated dimension of: 133.5" long x 91.5"wide x 48"tall, and weigh 832lbs. each. We typically ship 8 at a
time on a flatbed truck.
• We ship between 40-80 spas per month depending on time of year. A typical spa is 8' x 8' square and
weighs 850lbs. for shipping.
• We occasionally ship Lavtec bathroom modules, which are 2200lbs. each, and are 5' x 8' x 8' tall. When
these orders ship, they typically ship in large volumes to one location.
• For receiving raw materials, we use approximately 50,000 lbs. of polyester resin per month, and are
currently preparing to receive this product into our facility via tanker truck, which carry 40,000 lbs. per
load.
• We also receive fiberglass in pallet quantities. These pallets weigh 2500lbs. each, and are roughly 4' x 4'
x 4' tall. We use approximately 12-16 pallets per month.
• In terms of total trucks in and out of Amtech per month, carrying both raw materials inbound and finished
goods outbound, you could be looking at 10-12 trucks per day on a busy day, for a total of 200-250
trucks per month.
Hope this helps, please let me know if I omitted anything. Thanks.
Mike Cappelletti, Purchasing Manager
Amtech Corporation
4/25/2003
Page 2 of 2
-----Original Message-----
From: BobJones
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:08 AM
To: Mike Cappelletti; Craig Mauck; Bob Jones; Kim Brazell
Cc: shelly@yelmtel.com; Dick Clarke
Subject: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Mike/Craig/Kim,
I received a call this morning from Shelly Badger, Yelm City Administrator,regarding a State
grant application for funds to help get the Yelm Spur of the Railroad up and running. Dick and
I have provided product information in the past, ie, what Amtech might ship and receive via
rail, if it was feasible.
Shelly needs some gross weight and cube information on some of our raw materials and our
finished goods we receive and ship on a monthly basis.
Mike and Craig,please email Shelly (cc above and tel 458-8405 or fax 458-4348)some gross
estimations. We have no obligation to use the rail, she needs facts and figures to add to the
State grant application. She needs the info by Friday,this week.
I gave her raw materials ........resin,plastic sheet, fiberglass strand,wood,metal, others and
finished goods..........HMMWV Hardtops, Spas, Automotive Covers, LAVTEC Bathroom
Modules, others. Can you quantify these in gross Weight and Cube on a per month basis
and email to her? Also,how many trucks go in and out of Amtech in an average month?
Bob
Bob Jones
Vice President, Amtech Corporation
360-458-4119
bobjones@amtechcorp.com
www.amtechcorp.com
4/25/2003
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Page IofI
Shelly Badger
From: "Charles Burnham" <Ceb@deainc.com>
To: <shelly@yelmtel.com>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 6:09 PM
Subject: Amtech & Lasco Trucks
Shelly,
I am not sure whether the truck reductions ands equent rail car increases due to these two i ustries will be very significant compared to the Miles
information. The total number of trucks for A ech is 200-250 per month or 2400-3000 per ye Of those,only 6 or 8 per year would be raw
products into the plant(resin and fiberglass).
If we assume that 10%of the rest are long-haul trucks with product outbound,we only have a total of 250-300 trucks per year would be taken off the
road at Amtech by shipping on rail. New rail car loads may be in the range of 25-50 per year.
Double to include Lasco and the numbers are 500-600 trucks per year(2-3 per work day)off the road and 50-100 railcars per year. All of these may
be on the high end of realistic expectations based on available information.
Give it some thought and call me on Monday to discuss. We can decide then whether to include some of the positive impact information in the
application.
Charlie
428%2003
Page 1 of 1
Shelly Badger
From: "Charles Burnham" <Ceb@deainc.com>
To: <shelly@yelmtel.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 2:11 PM
Attach: sampie.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.g rant.043003.doc
Subject: Letter
Shelly,
You've done this before,haven't you? I only made a couple of very minor edits. See the attached and call me with any questions. I used the tracking
tool so that you could see the changes I made.
Charlie B.
4/23/2003
April 30, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support — City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application
— Yelm Roy Prairie Line & Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
We would like to extend our support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Division Line.
This 2000-foot track connection would provide competitive common carrier rail
freight service to Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company
located between Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct rail service to the
Miles Sand and Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck loads of
gravel per year from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve to
enhance the profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive
needed to attract future companies to the greater Yelm area.
Another exciting future opportunity with a completed connection, is the commuter
train opportunity in Yelm because of the fact that the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division will connect with the Sounder commuter trains' Freighthouse Square in
Tacoma.
From early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, has had the support of local, county and
state government, chamber of commerce, economic development and port
agencies, as well as the development and business communities. The
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division
Line only strengthens the potential for economic vitality and improved freight
mobility.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Page IofI
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: "Charlie Burnham" <ceb@deainc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 11:17 AM
Attach: sampie.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.grant.043003.doc
Subject: Sample Itr of support
Charlie, sorry for yet another e-mail, but I decided to "make hay while the sun shines" and draft
the sample letter of support. Could you take a quick look at it and provide your
comments/suggested changes, etc. I want to make sure if fits with the language drafting you
are doing. If ok, I will get it out to folks asap to ask for them to use as a template, but also ask
that they customize it a bit from their particular organization.
Thanks, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shellyAyelmtel.com
4/23/2003
April 30, 2003
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail Office
Ken Uznanski, Manager
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504-7387
Re: Letter of support — City of Yelm WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance application
— Yelm Roy Prairie Line & Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Rail Connection
Dear Mr. Uznanski:
We would like to extend our support of the City of Yelm's Freight Rail Assistance
application for the connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail
Mountain Division Line.
This '/4 mile track connection would provide common carrier rail freight service to
Yelm's industrial area and the Miles Sand and Gravel Company located between
Roy and Yelm. This link would offer direct rail service to the Miles Sand and
Gravel Pit, converting up to 22,000 heavy semi-truck loads of gravel per year
from State Route 507 to freight train. The link could also serve to enhance the
profitability of existing businesses and provide the added incentive needed to
attract future companies to the greater Yelm area.
Another exciting future opportunity with a completed connection, is the commuter
train opportunity in Yelm because of the fact that the Tacoma Rail Mountain
Division will connect with the Sounder Commute trains in Tacoma.
From early 1999, the City's acquisition of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line from
Burlington Northern, has had the support of local, county and state government,
chamber of commerce, economic development and port agencies, as well as the
development and business communities. The connection of the Yelm Roy
Prairie Line and the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division Line only strengthens the
potential for economic vitality and improved freight mobility.
We ask for your favorable consideration of the City's request for funding.
Page 1 of 1
4
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: <tina.johnson@mail.house.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 3:58 PM
Attach: sample.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.grant.043003.doc
Subject: Fw: Request for Letter of Support
Tina, here is the e-mail and sample letter that I provided to our local network of supporters to
aid in their drafting of a letter. I am also faxing to you a copy of the support letter that
Congressman Smith provided to us when we originally acquired the short line. Thanks, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
FAX 360-458-4348
shellygyelmtel.com
----- Original Message----
From: Shelly Badger
To: Dennis Matson ; Nick Handy ; Cecelia Jenkins ; Lon Wyrick; Jerry Trudeau ; Joe Williams ; John Thompson ;
Ron Ernst
Cc: Adam Rivas
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 3:30 PM
Subject: Request for Letter of Support
Hello all! We are working to finalize a grant application to the WSDOT Rail Office for the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division. One
recommendation I recently received to strengthen our application, is to include letters of
support from business, ports, chambers, edc and political organizations.
This leads to my request, if you are able to use the attached sample letter of support and
customize it for your particular agency (or role....I.e. Joe, as Chair of the Rail Advisory
Committee) and get it to me no later than Tuesday, April 29th at 5 PM, we would gladly
accept it! A fax copy directed to my attention works just fine. We will then include it in our
grant application packet which will be delivered on Wednesday, April 30th.
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shellyAyelmtel.com
4/23/2003
ADAM SMITH 1505 LONGWORTH BUILDING
914 Dis"tCT,'WASHINGTON WASHINGTON,DC 20515
(202)225-8901
COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY DISTRICT OFFICE:
SUBCOMMITTEES
MILFFARY PROCUREMENT dolt greg� o� ige Uniteb �tAteg 3600 PORT OF TACOMA ROAD E.,SUITE 308
TACOMA,WA 98424
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND FACILITIES (253)926-8683
MERCHANT MARINE PANEL WA of 3&ePre!5entdtibe5 TOLL FREE 1-888-SMITH09
COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES ,yj e-mail:adam.smith@mail.house.gov
SUBCOMMITTEE: YJI��^����aM)lngton, 30C 20515--4709
WATER AND POWER
August 25, 1998
Kathryn Wolf
Mayor
City of Yelm
PO Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Dear Mayor Wolf,
I am writing to express my strong support of your application for the meritorious grant from the
Thurston Regional Planning Council to assist with the purchase of the Roy/Yelm Shortline
Railroad.
Having worked with you and representatives from throughout the region, I am excited about the
prospect of a community pulling together to preserve an incredibly vital link for the Yelm region.
This is a key rail link, and losing this segment of track would effectively isolate the South Puget
Sound region from rail traffic through Roy and Yelm. This segment must be preserved for the
economic and industrial future of both communities.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to share my support for this important project
ArelSmith
Member of Congress
as/hpc
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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TIME 04/23/2003 15:02
DATEJIME 04/23 15:02
FAX N0./NAME 2535936776
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Shelly Badger n n IIf '�
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly el tel.com>
To: <bush_ro@leg.wa.gov>; <castillo_ka@leg.wa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 4:35 PM
Attach: sampie.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.grant.043003.doc
Subject: Fw: Request for Letter of Support
Karen, here is the e-mail and sample letter that I provided to our local network of supporters to
aid in their drafting of a letter. Thanks for consideration of our request. Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
FAX 360-458-4348
shell,yCq,., mtel.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Shelly Badger
To: Dennis Matson ; Nick Hand v ; Cecelia Jenkins ; Lon_Wyrick : Jerry Trudeau ; Joe Williams ; John Thompson ;
Ron Ernst
Cc: Adam Rivas
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 3:30 PM
Subject: Request for Letter of Support
Hello all! We are working to finalize a grant application to the WSDOT Rail Office for the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division. One
recommendation I recently received to strengthen our application, is to include letters of
support from business, ports, chambers, edc and political organizations.
This leads to my request, if you are able to use the attached sample letter of support and
customize it for your particular agency (or role....i.e. Joe, as Chair of the Rail Advisory
Committee) and get it to me no later than Tuesday, April 29th at 5 PM, we would gladly
accept it! A fax copy directed to my attention works just fine. We will then include it in our
grant application packet which will be delivered on Wednesday, April 30th.
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly(ayelmtel.com
4/23/2003
Page IofI
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: "Dennis Matson" <execdir@thurstonedc.com>; "Nick Handy" <nickh@portolympia.com>; "Cecelia
Jenkins" <yelmchamber@yelmtel.com>; "Lon Wyrick" <wyrickl@co.thurston.wa.us>; "Jerry
Trudeau" <jerryt@gravelpits.com>; "Joe Williams" <willgrpjsw@aol.com>; "John Thompson"
<willgrpjgt@aol.com>; 'Ron Ernst' <remst@ci.tacoma.wa.us>
Cc: "Adam Rivas" <AGRivas@ywave.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 3:30 PM
Attach: sample.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.grant.043003.doc
Subject: Request for Letter of Support
Hello all! We are working to finalize a grant application to the WSDOT Rail Office for the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division. One
recommendation I recently received to strengthen our application, is to include letters of
support from business, ports, chambers, edc and political organizations.
This leads to my request, if you are able to use the attached sample letter of support and
customize it for your particular agency (or role....i.e. Joe, as Chair of the Rail Advisory
Committee) and get it to me no later than Tuesday, April 29th at 5 PM, we would gladly
accept it! A fax copy directed to my attention works just fine. We will then include it in our
grant application packet which will be delivered on Wednesday, April 30th.
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly@yelmtel.com
4/23/2003
Page IofI
Shelly Badger v
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelm I. m>
n �
To: <mcdaniel_bo@leg.wa.gov
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 4:11 PM
Attach: sample.Itrsupport.wsdotfreightrailasst.grant. 43003.d e'
Subject: Fw: Request for Letter of Support
Bob, here is the e-mail and sample letter that I provided to our local network of supporters to
aid in their drafting of a letter. I am also faxing to you a copy of the support letter that Senator
Rasmussen provided to us when we originally acquired the short line. Thanks, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
FAX 360-458-4348
shellyCyelmtel.com
----- Original Message-----
From: Shelly Badger
To: Dennis Matson ; Nick Handy ; Cecelia Jenkins ; Lon Wyrick ; Jerry Trudeau ; Joe Williams ; John Thompson ;
Ron Ernst
Cc: Adam Rivas
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 3:30 PM
Subject: Request for Letter of Support
Hello all! We are working to finalize a grant application to the WSDOT Rail Office for the
connection of the Yelm Roy Prairie Line to the Tacoma Rail Mountain Division. One
recommendation I recently received to strengthen our application, is to include letters of
support from business, ports, chambers, edc and political organizations.
This leads to my request, if you are able to use the attached sample letter of support and
customize it for your particular agency (or role....i.e. Joe, as Chair of the Rail Advisory
Committee) and get it to me no later than Tuesday, April 29th at 5 PM, we would gladly
accept it! A fax copy directed to my attention works just fine. We will then include it in our
grant application packet which will be delivered on Wednesday, April 30th.
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly elmtel.com
4/23/2003
o�
Olympia Office:
412-B Legislative Building Washington State Senate Residence:
33419
PO Box 40482 Mountain Hwy E
98328
Olympia, WA 98504-0482 Eat(253)e, -3 76
(360)786-7602 Senator Marfl n Rasmussen (253)847206)
Toll-Free: 1-800-562-6000 y Cellular Phone: (206)370 3880
e-mail: rasmusse_ma®leg.wa.gov 2nd Legislative District e-mail:senrasmussen@msn.com
August 24, 1998
KATHRYN M. WOLF, MAYOR
CITY OF YELM
PO BOX 479
YELM, WA 98597
Re: Roy/Yelm Shortline Railroad
Dear Mayor Wolf:
Earlier this year a letter in support of the preservation of the Shortline was written to
Burlington Northern.
I am happy to support the City of Yelm in applying for the meritorious grant from the
Thurston Regional Planning Council to assist in the purchase, operation, and
maintenance of the Roy-Yelm Shortline from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railroad. This is a very important project.
Thank you for your consideration of this application.
Sincerely,
VisIativeSDistrict SS N
Standing Committees: Agriculture& Environment, Ranking Minority Member Education Transportation
Special Committees: Jt. Select Committee Education Restructuring • Jt. Select Committee on Lake Health
Legislative Transportation Committee
p Rt.yr�t
m Is
FAx TRANSMISSION
CITY OF YELM
PO BOX 479 - 105 YELM AVE W
YELM YELM WA 98597
WAS iQry
360-458-3244
5 456-4
� �zvti` � I Ccf ZV 12C`
To: � •� lop
Date:
Fax#: ,—y6 Pages: Z-1 including this cover sheet_
From:
Subject: Pt
Coml�ffiNT'":
*' if you do not receive all copies or any copy is not legible, please call (360)458-3244 as
soon as possible.
dsk.bfiicc\fo�m��Ja. 1
TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION REPORT
• TIME 04/23/2003 15:12
DATE DIME 04/23 15:12
FAX N0./NAME 7867020
DURATION 00:00: 32
PAGE( 02
RESULT) OK
MODE STANDARD
ECM
Page IofI
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: "Charles Burnham" <Ceb@deainc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 4:25 PM
Subject: Re: Letter
Charlie, thanks for the input, I have revised and it is out to chamber, port, edc, Congressman
Smith, Senator Rasmussen and others to see what I can come up with. I have asked them all
to provide the letters to me by close of business Tuesday, 4-29. My plan is to do the final
copying and hand deliver the app with attachments by 5 PM, 4-30.
1 did call Ray and tell him we were submitting an app. He was happy that we were trying for
the $ for the connection. He wanted us to know that WSDOT performs the benefit analysis
related to avoided damage and cost to the highway system. Did you know they do that piece
or were you working on that? I wasn't sure, so thought I better pass that on to you asap.
He said that if we provide # of trucks, origin to and from, etc. than WSDOT to do the above.
Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O.Box 479,Yelm,WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly@velmtel.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Burnham
To: shelly_(awelmtel.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 2:11 PM
Subject: Letter
Shelly,
You've done this before,haven't you? I only made a couple of very minor edits. See the attached and call me with any questions. I used the
tracking tool so that you could see the changes I made.
Charlie B.
4/23/2003
Page 1 of 1
Shelly Badger
From: "Charles Burnham" <Ceb@deainc.com>
To: <shelly@yelmtel.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: Checking on grant
Shelly,
It is going pretty well. I plan to have a draft to you later today or early tomorrow. I do need some information
from you regarding the existing rail served industries on the line. Name of company, interest in rail service,
potential number of cars/year, commodities shipped, and number of truck trips eliminated if rail served,jobs
created if rail served, shipping costs saved if rail, etc.
It would also be good to get letters of support from businesses, politicians, ports, chamber of commerce, etc.
Charlie B.
>>> "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com> 04/22/03 08:02AM >>>
Charlie,just wanted to check in on how the grant development is going? Also, is there something that I owe you
for the grant development? It feels like there is, but I am not remembering (I am in "meeting hell'!). I am out
today(to a meeting!), but will be in to check e-mail on Wed morning, so let me know. Thanks Charlie, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shell elmtel.com
4/23/2003
- Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: "Charlie Burnham" <ceb@deainc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:33 AM
Subject: Fw: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Charlie, please see below for the type of information that Amtech ( and hopefully Lasco) will
gather for us by the end of the week. As far as # of RR cars and shipping costs saved, that
info will need to be developed by you. Is that OK?
Amtech, was not real "warm and fuzzy" about the idea of switching to rail, but I emphasized
the fact that we are not making a specific proposal to them at this time. It will be up to us, to
do what we need to do to make it more cost effective for them in the future, and a big part of
that is the connection to Tacoma Eastern. With that in mind, they were willing to "dream" with
us and provide info that could be used to strengthen our app.
Please let me know if his request for info on his staff provides what you need for the app.
Thanks, Shelly
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly�;yelmtel.com
----- Original Message-----
From: Bob Jones
To: Mike Cap elletti ; Craig Mauck ; bobjonesabamtechcorp.com ; kimb@amtechcom.com
Cc: shelly@yelmtel.com ; Dick Clarke
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:08 AM
Subject: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Mike/Craig/Kim,
I received a call this morning from Shelly Badger, Yelm City Administrator, regarding a State grant
application for funds to help get the Yelm Spur of the Railroad up and running. Dick and I have
provided product information in the past, ie, what Amtech might ship and receive via rail, if it was
feasible.
Shelly needs some gross weight and cube information on some of our raw materials and our finished
goods we receive and ship on a monthly basis.
Mike and Craig, please email Shelly (cc above and tel 458-8405 or fax 458-4348) some gross
estimations. We have no obligation to use the rail, she needs facts and figures to add to the State grant
application. She needs the info by Friday, this week.
I gave her raw materials ........resin, plastic sheet, fiberglass strand, wood, metal, others and finished
goods..........HMMWV Hardtops, Spas, Automotive Covers, LAVTEC Bathroom Modules, others. Can
you quantify these in gross Weight and Cube on a per month basis and email to her? Also, how
many trucks go in and out of Amtech in an average month?
4/23/2003
�• Page 2 of 2
Bob
Bob Jones
Vice President, Amtech Corporation
360-458-4119
bobjones@amtechcorp.com
com
www.amtechcorp.com
4/23/2003
` Ik Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: <jim.dreher@lascobathware.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:25 AM
Subject: Fw: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Jim, I spoke with Steve, your Assistant Production Manager this morning and he will talk with
you about this request for information when you get in.
I am forwarding the e-mail that Bob Jones at Amtech sent to his staff to gather the info from
them that the City needs for its pending grant application. Thanks, I look forward to talking
with you.
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shelly(a)yelmtel.com
-----Original Message -----
From: Bob Jones
To: Mike Cappelletti ; Craig Mauck ; bobjones@amtechoorp.com ; kimb a-amtechcorp.com
Cc: shelly@yelmtel.com ; Dick Clarke
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:08 AM
Subject: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Mike/Craig/Kim,
I received a call this morning from Shelly Badger, Yelm City Administrator, regarding a State grant
application for funds to help get the Yelm Spur of the Railroad up and running. Dick and I have
provided product information in the past, ie, what Amtech might ship and receive via rail, if it was
feasible.
Shelly needs some gross weight and cube information on some of our raw materials and our finished
goods we receive and ship on a monthly basis.
Mike and Craig, please email Shelly (cc above and tel 458-8405 or fax 458-4348) some gross
estimations. We have no obligation to use the rail, she needs facts and figures to add to the State grant
application. She needs the info by Friday, this week.
I gave her raw materials ........resin, plastic sheet, fiberglass strand, wood, metal, others and finished
goods..........HMMWV Hardtops, Spas, Automotive Covers, LAVTEC Bathroom Modules, others. Can
you quantify these in gross Weight and Cube on a per month basis and email to her? Also, how
many trucks go in and out of Amtech in an average month?
Bob
Bob Jones
Vice President, Amtech Corporation
360-458-4119
bobionesC amtechcorp.com
4/23/2003
f Page 2 of 2
www.amtechcorp.com
4/23/2003
Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: "Shelly Badger" <shelly@yelmtel.com>
To: 'Bob Jones" <bobjonesandassociates@attbi.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:27 AM
Subject: Re: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Bob, thank you so much for getting on this request for info so quickly. I actually forwarded
your message on to the new Lasco Plant Manager (name = Jim Dreher) to aid in his
understanding of my request for info (hope that was ok?). Thanks again! Shelly
PS....Are you still "seeing" well? I will have my Lasik surgery 3-year anniversary the end of
May and am still at 20-20 with no need for reading glasses. I am an elated Lasik patient!
Shelly Badger
Yelm City Administrator
P.O. Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597
360-458-8405
shell a) elmtel.com
----- Original Message-----
From: Bob Jones
To: Mike Cappelletti ; Craig Mauck ; bobjones@amtechcorp.com ; kimb@amtechcorp.com
Cc: shelly(ab-yelmtel.com ; Dick Clarke
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 10:08 AM
Subject: Railroad Spur into Yelm
Mike/Craig/Kim,
I received a call this morning from Shelly Badger, Yelm City Administrator, regarding a State grant
application for funds to help get the Yelm Spur of the Railroad up and running. Dick and I have
provided product information in the past, ie, what Amtech might ship and receive via rail, if it was
feasible.
Shelly needs some gross weight and cube information on some of our raw materials and our finished
goods we receive and ship on a monthly basis.
Mike and Craig, please email Shelly (cc above and tel 458-8405 or fax 458-4348) some gross
estimations. We have no obligation to use the rail, she needs facts and figures to add to the State grant
application. She needs the info by Friday, this week.
I gave her raw materials ........resin, plastic sheet, fiberglass strand, wood, metal, others and finished
goods..........HMMWV Hardtops, Spas, Automotive Covers, LAVTEC Bathroom Modules, others.
Can you quantify these in gross Weight and Cube on a per month basis and email to her? Also,
how many trucks go in and out of Amtech in an average month?
Bob
Bob Jones
Vice President, Amtech Corporation
360-458-4119
4/23/2003
Page 2of2
> yr
bobjones@amtechcorp.com
www.amtechc=.com
4/23/2003
D D
,w O
DAVID EVANS
ANDASSOCIATES INC.
INVOICE: 122240 Project No.: YELM0000-0007
Invoice Date: April 10,2003 On-Call Railroad Engineering Services
Page 1 of 1
To: Shelly Badger r d for Payment:
City of Yelm Date: ?
PO Box 479 Project; 1
Yelm, WA 98597 _JL�% BARS t73Wnn 10 OL (
% BARS #
Work Beginning 03/02/2003 through 03/29/2003 Manager: Charles E. Burnham
Current Current
Hours Rate Amount
Miles Crossing Permit Review
Administrative Assistant Chelsea R. Englund 1.30 47.00 61.10
Project Manager Charles E.Burnham 0.50 135.00 67.50
Subtotal Miles Crossing Permit Review 1.80 128.60
WSDOT Grant Preparation/RAC Meeting
Project Manager Charlie Burnham 6.00 135.00 810.00
Office Administrator Renee Genett 0.50 76.00 38.00
Subtotal WSDOT Grant Preparation/RAC Meeting 6.50 848.00
Expenses
Communications/Delivery United Parcel Service(Crossing Exhibit Delivery) 12.19
Subtotal Expenses 12.19
Invoice Total: $988.79
Aged Receivables as of 4/10/2003
0 To 30 Days 31 To 60 Days 61 To 90 Days Over 90 Days Total Outstanding
988.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 988.79
Thank you for your patronage. Please contact Charlie Burnham at (253) 922-9780 if you have any
questions regarding this invoice.
Terms: Invoice due and payable upon receipt. Interest at the rate of 1.5% per month will be charged on all amounts
outstanding beyond 30 days of invoice date.
CEB/cre
122240.DOC/D#IOU04/10/03 Please send a copy of this invoice with your payment.
Trans Pacific Trade Center Building 3700 Pacific Hwy.East Suite 311 Tacoma Washington 98424 Telephone:253.922.9780 Facsimile:253.922.9781
Page IofI
Shelly Badger
From: "Allred, Ray" <AllredR@WSDOT.WA.GOV>
To: <shelly@yelmtel.com>
Cc: "Posner, Finn" <PosnerF@WS DOT.WA.GOV>; "Anderson, Stephen"
<AndeSt@WSDOT.WA.GOV>
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 3:36 PM
Subject: FW: WashDOT Freight Rail Assistance Application
Hello Shelly,
Joe Williams asked me to forward to the City of Yelm, a WashDOT Freight Rail
Assistance application for potential rail projects the
City of Yelm hopes to undertake during the 2003-2005 biennium. There are
not any funds available at the present
time, but new funds might become available on July 1, 2003; depending on
what the Washington State legislature decides to
appropriate for the WashDOT Freight Rail Capital Budget. If the City of Yelm
decides to apply for WashDOT Freight Rail Assistance
funding for the 03-05 budget cycle,the first step in this process is to
complete the below freight rail assistance application. Just print a
hard copy of the below file and answer the questions where applicable.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ray Allred
Rail Freight Expert
Ph# 705-7903
> W://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Rail/pro.jects/freight—app.pdf
C4 N, C, "C
Ko t C
U9 W004-
mact,
( r S
1/31/2003
Cr.�l "''�� rte'►
Page 1 of 2
Shelly Badger
From: "Anderson, Stephen" <AndeSt@WSDOT.WA.GOV>
To: "Allred, Ray" <AllredR@WSDOT.WA.GOV>; <shelly@yelmtel.com>
Cc: "Posner, Finn" <PosnerF@WSDOT.WA.GOV>; "Simmonds, Carolyn"
<SimmonC@WSDOT.WA.GOV>
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 3:39 PM
Subject: RE: WashDOT Freight Rail Assistance Application
An important FYI: The due date for applications for the 2003-2005 biennium
must be received by April 30, 2003.
Stephen M. Anderson
Rail Services Manager
Washington Dept. of Transportation
PT&R Rail Office
(360) 705-6903
(360) 705-6821 fax
(360) 790-4833 cell/pager
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Allred, Ray
> Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 3:36 PM
>To: 'shelly&yelmtel.com'
>Cc: Posner, Finn; Anderson, Stephen
> Subject: FW: WashDOT Freight Rail Assistance Application
> Hello Shelly,
>Joe Williams asked me to forward to the City of Yelm, a WashDOT Freight
> Rail Assistance application for potential rail projects the
> City of Yelm hopes to undertake during the 2003-2005 biennium. There are
>not any funds available at the present
>time,but new funds might become available on July 1, 2003; depending on
>what the Washington State legislature decides to
> appropriate for the WashDOT Freight Rail Capital Budget. If the City of
> Yehn decides to apply for WashDOT Freight Rail Assistance
> funding for the 03-05 budget cycle, the first step in this process is to
> complete the below freight rail assistance application. Just print a
>hard copy of the below file and answer the questions where applicable.
>If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
> Sincerely,
> Ray Allred
> Rail Freight Expert
> Ph# 705-7903
1/31/2003
City of Yelm
((� WrFreight Rail Assistance Application
V �
V " Connection Track
Yelm Roy Prairie Line to Tacoma Rail
Aril 30 2003
April � .
1. Contact Information: V
City of Yelm C
Attn: Ms. Shelly Badger 'b
City Administrator
105 Yelm Avenue
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-8405
Fax: 360-458-4348
E-mail: shelly@yelmtel.com
2. Project Description:
I
The project will construct a new connection from ithety of Yelm'sYelm Roy Prairie Line
(YRPL)to the Tacoma Rail mainline between RocKenna as shown on the attached
Exhibit A. The connection will be approximatelyfeet long C! harlie _feet is the# in
the_letters). The project will include the following improvements: �j� `
■ Two (2)turnouts. One in the Tacoma Rail mainline and one in the YRPL mainline.
3Z,"000 feet of connection track
One 80-foot long grade crossing of SR-507.
■ One set of cantilever grade crossing signals with gates.
■ Box culvert at Murray Creek.
The new track will cross property owned by the City of Yelm, City of Tacoma, and Miles Sand
and Gravel Company(Miles). All have agreed to provide the required right-of-way for the track.
The project will have a number of partners working together to build the project. The City of
Yelm is the lead proponent. Tacoma Rail, Miles, Wilcox Farms, and others will participate to
varying degrees on the project.
One purpose of the project is to open additional markets to and provide competitive rail service
to customers along the YRPL. Currently, service is provided exclusively by the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway(BNSF). The new connection will open opportunities for existing
Yelm industrial area businesses to ship to destinations along the Tacoma Rail system and to gain
access to the Union Pacific Railroad(UPRR) via Tacoma Rail. The project will also provide an
added marketing incentive to attract future companies to the area.
z
An additional purpose is to give Miles access to rail service and reduce truck trips into the
Tacoma metropolitan area. Miles intends to ship approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel per
year across the connection into a facility in the Tacoma area. This will reduce heavy truck traffic
on SR-507 and SR-7 by approximately 22,000 round trips per year between the Miles pit and
Tacoma since this material is currently hauled by truck. Miles also sees an opportunity to
develop markets for gravel south of Yelm along the Tacoma Rail corridor into Chehalis.
The City of Yelm will follow the necessary environmental review processes in the planning and
design of the project.
3. Project Timetable:
The project is currently scheduled as follows dependent upon funding:
August 4, 2003 Begin Permitting and Design
March 31, 2004 Complete Permitting and Design
April 2, 2004 Advertise for Bids
April 30, 2004 Bid Date
June 1, 2004 Issue Construction Notice to Proceed
November 5, 2004 Complete Construction
4. Project Costs Worksheet:
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNITS UNIT COST TOTAL COST
Construct Track Subgrade 3,000 TF $ 25.00 $ 75,000.00
Construct Track 3,000 TF $ 120.00 $ 360,000.00
Construct Turnouts 2 EA $ 50,000.00 $ 100,000.00
Construct Grade Crossing 80 TF $ 750.00 $ 60,000.00
Install Crossing Signals & 1 SET $ 125,000.00 $ 125,000.00
Gates
Fencing and Gates 1 LS $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Construct Box Culvert 1 LS $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
SUBTOTAL $ 850,000.00
Contingency 25.0 % $ 212,500.00
Design&Constr. Admin. 12.0 % $ 127,500.00
WSST 8.4 % $ 89,250.00
Right-of-Way Expense 50,000.0 SF $ 3.00 $ 150,000.00
TOTAL $ 1,429,250.00
The project will have substantial local funding and in-kind contributions. The support will come
from several local sources including both private and public entities. The support is similar in
nature to the cooperative effort and financial support garnered by the City of Yelm, City of Roy,
local businesses, and economic development agencies for the initial purchase of the YRPL from
the BNSF several years ago. A breakdown of the estimated funding sources is as follows:
Local Funding $ 50,000.00
Miles Sand &Gravel(in-kind contributions)
Right-of-way $ 150,000.00
Track Ballast $ 10,000.00
WSDOT Freight Rail Assistance $ 1,219,250.00
Total Project Cost $ 1,429,250.00
5. Safety or Emergency Situation Information:
The project will take approximately 22,000 round trip truck trips off of SR-507 and SR-7 as
described above. This significant reduction in truck traffic on those stretches of regionally
significant highways will enhance safety and reduce congestion. The connection may also
reduce truck traffic along SR-507 and SR-510 through the City of Yelm's core area. Several
existing industries that previously used rail and currently use trucks may return to rail service if it
can be achieved competitively. The new connection will improve access to competitive rail
rates. Up to 100 truck trips per year may be reduced from those routes...(Charlie..I...am still
unclear on why only a 100 truck trip_reduction occurs when Amtech stated that they currently
have.2400-3000.trucks-per_year).
6. Preservation of Rail Line:
Construction of the new connection to Tacoma Rail provides the opportunity to restore service to
this line by creating a competitive alternative for Miles to ship gravel to the Tacoma market area
by rail. It may also bring previous rail customers back to rail by providing the competitive
connection offered by Tacoma Rail to the UPRR and other markets along the Tacoma Rail
system.
7. Project Benefits Worksheet:
Benefits from the project include the following:
■ Avoided Highway Impacts
■ Opportunity Costs
■ Transportation Cost Savings
■ Environmental Impacts
Each of these items will benefit from the construction of the connection to the Tacoma Rail
mainline. Some of the benefits are immediate and some take place over time. All are
substantial.
Avoided Highway Impacts
Miles currently ships 22,000 round trip truckloads per year from their pit located between Yetm
and Roy into the Tacoma area. They typically travel on SR-507 between the pit and the junction
with SR-7 and then into Tacoma along SR-7 and SR-512. The total distance traveled by the
trucks is approximately 25 miles each way. It is also estimated that existing industries that
previously used rail will return to rail for a limited amount of their business. This will lead to a
reduction of 100 trucks.(Chlie,_or_is_this_more?,_seemycommentabove)_per year from SR-507_ _ _
and
SR-510 in Yelm's core.
Opportunity Costs
In addition to the reduction of truck traffic on the state highways, several opportunities for
additional savings to businesses may result from the project. Some of the industries in the Yelm
industrial area previously used rail. A propane distributor and two plastic products
manufacturers both received products by rail until BNSF rail rates became non-competitive with
trucking. Amtech and Lasco,the plastic products manufacturers have expressed interest in
returning to rail service if the rates can be competitive. The propane distributor may also
consider returning to rail for inbound tank cars.
The connection also provides a potential commuter rail link to Sounder via Tacoma Rail to
Freighthouse Square in Tacoma and beyond. Sounder is currently constructing a commuter rail
station there and construction will begin in May 2003 of the connection from Tacoma Rail to the
BNSF mainline for service into Seattle.
There are currently approximately 250 acres of industrial land available in the Yelm area that are
immediately adjacent the YRPL. Competitive rail service to these sites greatly enhances the
opportunities for development of new industries and their associated employment.
Perhaps most importantly, the connection will develop new business for Tacoma Rail to haul
approximately 5,000 carloads of gravel into Tacoma each year. The value of this business alone
for Tacoma Rail should be in the range of$500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. In addition to this
business, the local plastic products manufacturers and the propane distributor may generate an
additional 40 to 50 carloads per year.
Transportation Cost Savin s
Anticipated savings duet he change from truck to rail for the ave shipments e"'in-the ta&ngqe1. J
of$1.00 to $2.00 per ton of gravel opbetween $40 ,000 and$8 000 per year. (Chgfie,_what
about the Amtech truck savings?)
Environme 'e
Reducing truck trips from YeIN into Tacoma by approximately 22—,000 round trips per year and
shipping the gravel by rail reduces fuel usage and air pollution significantly. Perhaps more
significant is improved safety along the highway corridor due to the large reduction in truck
traffic.
Additionally,the two state highways SR 507 and 510 convey a in Yelm's_citx center. Currentiv
these Whways-carry oyer_35,000-trips-per_day-through the-tus
arl-of Yelm-on-streets--originally
built for local traffic. Removal of trucks from existingmesses Won their conversion to
use of rail,_as_well as from future industrial erowth utilizin rail service, will help to alleviate the
congestionwhichdeterseconomicdevelo went hampersemres onceeffortsschool
_ _ - - _- ..-.. _ - --- ----------- _--- __ -- gncY_- - ----
- ,_
transportation and transit service, and lowers the quality of life for the community's residents
8. Economic Vitality of the Rail Line:
Currently, the Yehn Roy Prairie Line has no traffic. Construction of this project is expected to
generate more than 5,000 carloads of gravel from the Miles pit alone. In addition to that traffic,
the connection to Tacoma Rail may generate an additional 50 carloads per year from existing
industries along the line due to the ability to have more competitive rail rates and to connect
directly to both the BNSF and UPRR through Tacoma Rail.
The area also has a large potential for industrial development with approximately 250 acres of
industrial land immediately adjacent to the YRPL in the Yelm area. Part of the long-range plan
for the line has been and remains to attract rail-served industries to these sites. The connection to
Tacoma Rail enhances this plan.
The Yehn area, including Roy and McKenna, is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.
Improved rail service with the potential to provide both freight and commuter rail to the
communities will enhance economic development and increase the number of family wage jobs
available to residents.
9. Audited Financial Statement: Not applicable
10. Traffic History:
�V)
The rail line has had no traffic during the last two years. Approximately 5,000 to .(QhAdle,
--------------------------
how_d1d____----- -
mar _-_ing_th e wo4ket clo 000s_ ear? cars per year are projected for the
each of the next ten years.
11. Future Project Cost Increases due to Special Factors:
No future project cost increases due to special factors are anticipated.
12. Efficiency Description:
This project is not designed to enhance the efficiency of the rail line. It is, however, anticipated
that the new connection will improve the overall efficiency of moving products to and from the
Yehn industrial area. Specifically, the new connection will immediately improve the efficiency
of moving gravel from the Miles pit into the Tacoma area.
When constructed,the project will also improve the efficiency and safety of SR-507 and SR-7
due to the significant reduction of truck traffic on those routes. The level of service(LOS)
should improve.
13. Shippers List:
The YRPL has no currently active shippers. Please see the attached letters of support from area
businesses and community representatives.