Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Port of Coos Bay is trying to buy a stretch of rail line that was shut down last fall.   As Andrew Theen reports, port officials hope to reopen vital freight service to the region.

The Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad owns the track.  The company shut down service in September, citing safety concerns in several tunnels.

The port of Coos Bay filed a federal application to buy a stretch of rail for $9.8 million.

But, as part of the deal, port officials want the railroad to pay for repairs to the unsafe tunnels, or they want compensation.

Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown says “we need that rail-line” because some industries are forced to truck their goods and that's expensive.

Jeff McKeown: "It's difficult for the area, especially the long-term viability of some of these businesses and some of the businesses we hope to attract here."

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is the agency that would sign off on the purchase.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden says he's frustrated with the way the Oregon rail issue is progressing.  He blocked a White House nominee to the transportation board this week, but he cited lack of experience.