Third Annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit to be Held in Spokane, Wash. Oct 8 - 9
SPOKANE, Wash. (September 24, 2024) – The Pacific Northwest Economic Region Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (PNWER RIA) and All Aboard Northwest (AANW) are co-hosting the third annual Greater Northwest Rail Summit Oct. 8-9 at the Spokane Public Library in Spokane, Wash. The event will convene policymakers, industry leaders and rail advocates to further opportunities to enhance and expand the Greater Northwest’s freight and passenger rail networks.
The two-day summit will provide expert panels and roundtable discussions on a variety of rail-related topics, including Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) program updates, strengthening supply chains with enhanced freight capacity, and revitalizing communities with passenger rail.
Summit attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive presentations about high performance rail investment from representatives of the FRA, Amtrak, state departments of transportation, advocacy organizations and elected officials from throughout the Greater Northwest. Virtual attendance opportunities are available.
“Freight and passenger trains share the same tracks, and investment in these systems benefits customers and communities alike,” Bruce Agnew, PNWER RIA director, said. “With an unparalleled amount of federal funding available, our region must leverage the unique opportunity to enhance and expand its shared rail network for our communities, economies and environment.”
Spokane County Commissioner Al French will deliver the event’s welcome address to highlight the important role of the Inland Empire as a railroad hub for commerce, agriculture, tourism and freight movement. His insights will provide a valuable perspective on the region’s opportunities to enrich freight and passenger movement by rail in Spokane and throughout the region.
This year’s Rail Summit will highlight three main themes:
● Enhancing freight railroad capacity to better serve customers
● Expanding passenger rail service for rural and underserved communities
● Advocating for increased federal investment in shared railroad infrastructure
Several sessions will highlight opportunities to leverage the unprecedented federal funding available to enhance and restore passenger rail service. Speakers will provide updates on the FRA Corridor Identification and Development program, Amtrak Cascades state supported route, the cross-country Empire Builder and the prospective revitalization of the Big Sky North Coast corridor and Pioneer lines.
Freight-focused sessions will delve into the importance of short line railroads in the region’s supply chain and highlight opportunities for railroads and ports to boost the economy and protect the environment through joint investment in railroad infrastructure.
The summit will highlight critical rail infrastructure projects in partnership with host railroads, rail operators, state governments, local communities and Tribal nations, including a focus on grade separation initiatives and salmon culvert replacement projects, aimed at improving public safety and supporting environmental sustainability.
“The Greater Northwest Rail Summit is vital for fostering relationships between the many industries and stakeholders involved in our region’s freight and passenger rail network,” Charles Hamilton, AANW co-executive director, said. “Our collective efforts to leverage investment in the rail system are essential to moving people and products more efficiently, sustainably and economically.”
For more information and to view the full agenda, visit www.nwsummit.org.
Media planning to attend can fill out the media credential form here.
###
ABOUT PNWER
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a public/private non-profit organization created by statute in 1991. Member jurisdictions include Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, and the Canadian provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. PNWER's mission is to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region; identify and promote "models of success; and serve as a conduit to exchange information. For more information on PNWER, visit www.pnwer.org.
ABOUT PNWER RIA
Initiated in 2021, the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (PNWER RIA) serves as a convener for transportation projects in the region, specifically multistate and multi-jurisdictional initiatives with multi-modal and region-wide benefits. Funded through U.S. DOT’s Build America Bureau, the PNWER RIA helps identify Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) and federal financing opportunities to accelerate the delivery of transportation projects with region-wide benefits that ease supply chain disruptions, reduce transportation-related pollution, and increase economic and environmental justice, especially for historically underserved communities. For more information, visit www.RIAnorthwest.org.
ABOUT ALL ABOARD NORTHWEST
AANW advocates for the needs of rail passengers in the Greater Northwest region of the United States. We build relationships with infrastructure and transportation interests to promote rail investments that improve the economy, the environment, and equity in our region. In 2021, All Aboard Northwest was created as the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Working Group in response to a request from eight US Senators. AANW was registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization in 2022.
AANW's vision is for seamless door-to-door connectivity between sidewalks, local public transit, and intercity rail that provides economic, environmental, and equity benefits to all, including low-income, tribal, disability, and rural communities; locations where transportation alternatives are limited; and the nearly 30 percent of the population that does not drive. For more information, visit https://allaboardnw.org.
