Rail line is crucial piece of farm-to-market transportation

Improvements to a state-owned eastern Washington rail line would help Washington farmers deliver their goods to market more efficiently and benefit the state’s overall economy, according to a new plan developed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) Rail System Strategic Plan, finalized last month, will help shape future funding, policy and planning goals for the state-owned rail system. Developed with the PCC Rail Authority, the plan also incorporates suggestions brought forth in public-comment forums and workshops.

Private and public inv...