Hobbs, Somers working on the railroad

OLYMPIA — The Senate today passed legislation aimed at maintaining the viability of publically owned railway assets, which could be a vital element in returning rail service between Snohomish and Renton.

“Rail infrastructure is too valuable an asset to simply tear out unless we’re absolutely sure we won’t end up wanting to put it back in a few years,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, sponsor of Senate Bill 6800, which limits the degree to which a local government, port district, rail district or other special district can remove or disassemble publically owned railroad infrastructure.

Under the bill, local governments or special purpose districts cannot remove or disassemble railroad infrastructure without prior legislative approval, unless they are doing so in order to comply with statutory obligations or to immediately realign or improve the infrastructure. This includes the Eastside Rail Corridor, which has been the focus of Hobbs and Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers.

“If we pull up the rails, I fear they will never be put back down. Rail can serve a dual purpose for Snohomish County,” said Somers. “Aside from the transportation benefits of commuter rail, preserving east county rail lines could lead to the return of the Dinner Train and the many thousands of tourists it delivers.”

Hobbs is also the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 6068 to study the possibility of implementing commuter rail in Snohomish County between Everett and Leavenworth using existing rail lines.

Hobbs and Somers agree that it is important that the state place a high priority on maintaining rail corridors.

“Rail corridors are a strategic resource for our transportation system,” said Hobbs “In light of the existing pressures on the state’s transportation infrastructure, we are not in a position to neglect rail lines which will continue to be a vital public asset.”

SB 6800 passed on a vote of 34-14 and will now be sent to the House for consideration.

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