(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
Progressive Rail will take over Kettle Falls International Railway…
Earlier this month, Progressive Rail Inc. announced that it will assume operations of about 83 miles of track owned by BNSF Railway Co. in Washington, Progressive Railroading Magazine is reporting. They filed a notice of exemption with the Surface Transportation Board to take control of the lines which originate in Chewelah, extend to Kettle Falls and then diverge into two branches.
The railroads then travel to West Kettle Falls or northeast to the Canadian border and Columbia Gardens, British Columbia.
Progressive Rail Inc. has filed a notice of exemption with the Surface Transportation Board to assume operations of about 83 miles of track owned by BNSF Railway Co. in Washington.
The deal between BNSF and Progressive Rail will have a lease and operation deal by year’s end. Progressive Rail said it plans to form a new short line – the St. Paul and Pacific Northwest Railroad Co. LLC – the replace the current Kettle Falls International Railway as the operator.
Progressive Rail currently owns railways in California, Chicago, Oregon, Cannon Valley, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other areas.