By Karen Robes Meeks
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s subsidiary, Coos Bay Rail Line, Inc. kicked off operations this week.
The port-owned rail line launched on Nov. 1. The project came to fruition following a discussion with a third-party operator who told the port in December 2017 that it wanted to divest its relationship with the port.
To make the project a reality, the port bought $4 million worth of locomotives and other materials, as well as hire 15 new staff members to manage daily operations. More than $60 million has been spent on the line’s infrastructure.
The new rail line gives the port better commercial exposure and customer service and allows the port to leverage its resources.
“For over a century, the port has worked to further its mission to promote sustainable economic development for the region and State,” said Port CEO John Burns. “In assuming an operational role, the port is preserving a transportation option that is integral to the economic fabric of the area. We (port) seek to enhance operation of the rail line by offering an increased level of customer service, coordination, and communication for our customers while preserving critical jobs within our community.”
