Oregon Public Broadcasting

The surface transportation board Thursday held a hearing on the fate of the rail line between the coastal community of Coquille and Eugene.  KLCC’s Rachael McDonald reports.

The Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad halted traffic on the line in September of 2007 citing safety concerns with three tunnels. Now it’s asking for federal approval to abandon the 22 miles of track.

The board heard from about 40 speakers including Rep. Peter DeFazio and Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Ted Kulongoski: “if something is not done at the national level to foster a national policy of investment in the transportation needs of our smaller rural communities they will cease to be economically viable and many will cease to exist.”

The region’s manufacturing and forest products economy has suffered since the line was halted.

The overwhelming message from speakers was against the company’s request to abandon the line.

The port of Coos Bay has applied to purchase it. Speakers supported that request.

Public comment on the abandonment is being taken through August 28th. The next day is the deadline for comments on the Port of Coos Bay’s proposal.