An effort to reconnect the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line has received a major financial boost from the federal government.
The Port of Bellingham announced Aug. 15 that it has received $17.9 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the project. The funding comes from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program, created in 2009 by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Bellingham secured the biggest share of this year’s RAISE total award of $48.4 million.
“The new rail connection will create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and keep supply chains and the economy moving forward by allowing the efficient transportation of marine cargo on over 32,500 miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces,” the Washington state seaport said in a statement.
The new rail link, which is expected to be operational by 2028, could enhance the port’s $27.5 million effort to remove legacy contamination, bolster the main dock for heavy cargo and equipment and add a modern stormwater management system.
