Washington state port, short line win FRA grant to modernize 19 crossings 

By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor 

When the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the 91 recipients of fiscal-year 2025-26 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program grants on Oct. 30, Port of Pend Oreille leaders breathed a sigh of relief. The Washington state port district will receive an $8.92 million grant through the program. 

The port plans to use the federal dollars to help fund an $11.15 million project that involves the modernization of 19 grade crossings in northeastern Washington and northern Idaho. The Pend Oreille Valley Railroad Rural Corridor Crossing Safety & Modernization Program calls for advancing planning, engineering, final design and phased construction at the crossings along 40 miles of the port's rail corridor. 

Planned improvements include modernized warning systems, upgraded signal circuitry and LED flashing lights, rehabilitated crossing surfaces, new crossing panels, and improved signage and pavement markings. Additional active warning devices will be evaluated, as well. 

The grant is an important step in a long-term effort to strengthen the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad (POVA), improve public safety and prepare an existing public asset to support future economic growth, said Port of Pend Oreille Executive Director Kelly Driver in an email. 

In 1979, the port acquired the railroad — which was established in 1909 — to preserve a transportation link that has long supported the region’s economy that's driven by timber, manufacturing and natural resources. In 1998, the port expanded rail operations into Idaho to strengthen POVA's connections to the national rail network. 

POVA owns 61 miles of track from Metaline Falls to Newport, Washington, of which 23 miles are active and 38 miles are out of service. The short line also leases 24 miles of track from BNSF Railway that connects Newport to Dover, Idaho. In addition, an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad enables POVA trains to use three miles of controlled track to reach a BNSF interchange in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

The project funded by the RCE Program grant will help build upon the short line's history while helping to prepare the railroad for its next chapter, said Driver. 

Project will be an 'immense help,' port leaders say

The port will provide a required $2.23 million nonfederal match for the project. Port leaders are pursuing additional grants to help secure that match and advance the work. 

"As a stand-alone short line, funding is always our biggest hurdle," said Driver. "This project will help us immensely with our upgrades to signal equipment and rehabilitation of state and county grade crossings." 

Reinvestment in the railroad is a central part of the port's infrastructure improvement effort. Preserving and improving rail access provides local businesses with more transportation options and helps position the region for new industries, freight activity and private investment, port leaders believe. 

Eight crossings included in the project are located along school transportation routes while five others are situated along emergency-response corridors. Port leaders are counting on the modernization work to reduce vehicle–train collision risks and improve safety and reliability for residents, emergency responders, businesses and motorists. 

For now, the port is trying to obtain more information on the grant process and timing, said Driver. 

"We will have to go out for an RFQ for engineering services to help us with this project once we have that information," she said. 

Port leaders aren't sure when work on the project will start. But they have an idea as to when all work might be completed. 

"Depending on material and supplies availability, it is our preliminary thought that the project will take around five years to complete," said Driver. 

The crossing modernization work will complement other rail projects that are supported by port funding as well as the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board and Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The projects include the construction of the Wolfred siding, rehabilitation of the Birdhouse crossing and restoration of track between Usk and Cusick, Washington. 

The port also is evaluating wood product manufacturing opportunities through a U.S. Forest Service grant. Port leaders believe those efforts are laying the groundwork for future timber, agricultural, manufacturing and transload activity. 

Moreover, the port earlier this year secured a $1 million Washington state grant to revive tourist and excursion rail services in partnership with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. The first phase of track repairs targets the Usk-to-Cusick route. The port expects to restart excursion services in 2028.