July 05, 2016

Wyden and Merkley: Port of Coos Bay Earns $11 Million Transportation Grant

Washington – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today that the Port of Coos Bay has earned an $11 million federal grant to fund critical tunnel projects that will improve transportation connections for southwestern Oregon businesses.

Both senators strongly supported the Port of Coos Bay’s application for a Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant.

“Today’s good news provides essential support to ensure a smooth path to get Coos Bay-area products to market,” Wyden said. “This grant also shows clearly how the Port of Coos Bay has a proven track record of making the most efficient and effective use of federal resources.”

“The ability to move goods is the lifeblood of the Coos Bay economy," said Merkley. "With this funding, the Port of Coos Bay can ensure that its rail line is safe, efficient, and can continue to support much needed jobs in the region." 

The Port of Coos Bay will use the $11 million to improve nine tunnels between a connection with the Union Pacific Railroad near Eugene, Oregon, and rail shippers in the western Lane, Douglas and Coos Counties region of southwest Oregon. The tunnels need structural, track, and drainage work.

The FASTLANE program is a new program in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which authorizes $800 million in funding.