Wutc Holds Hearings On Allowing Faster Trains

Passenger trains could rocket through Sprague, Wash., at 79 mph under a proposal that regulators will consider this week.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has scheduled four public hearings on a proposal by Amtrak and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Co. to boost trains speeds. The companies say it would reduce travel time and fuel consumption.

Under the proposal, freight train speeds would be set at 45 to 60 mph, up from the current 35 to 60 mph. Amtrak’s passenger train speeds would jump from 35 to 70 mph to 50 to 79 mph. Towns affected include Cheney, Ritzville, Sprague, Harrington, Connell, Lind, Wilson Creek, Marlin, Hatton and Odessa.

The first two hearings will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Louise Anderson Hall at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and at 4 p.m. in the Ritzville School gymnasium.

Two more hearings will be held 10 a.m. Thursday in Wenatchee and 4 p.m. at Wilson Creek School.

The commission plans to make a decision this spring. For more information, call Marilyn Meehan at (360) 753-4587.

In other events this week:

Today

President’s Day. Stock markets closed.

Tuesday

National Association of Purchasing Management-Spokane meets at 11:30 a.m. at Kaiser Aluminum Corp. Trentwood. Cost: $8. Call Dean Stone at 927-6417.

Western Precision Agriculture Conference opens at the Pasco Red Lion Inn, continuing through Wednesday. Cost: $199. Call 800-942-4978.

Futurist Lowell Catlett speaks at the Idaho Ag Summit ‘97 in Boise; Gov. Phil Batt speaks Wednesday. Cost: $75. Call 208-334-2090.

Wednesday

Washington State Fruit Commission meets at the Red Lion Inn in Pasco.

Thursday

Business After Hours begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Wild Walls Climbing Gym and Pro Shop, 202 W. Second Ave. Cost: $5. Call 459-4111.

Spokane Home Builders Association meets at 7 p.m. at Cavanaugh’s River Inn. Call 328-3602.

Hartly Kruger, president of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, speaks at 5:30 p.m. to the Spokane Chapter 143 of the National Association of Women in Construction at Cavanaugh’s Fourth Avenue. Cost: $13. Call Ardy Luttermoser at 747-0950.

State Investment Board meets in Olympia.

The Inland Northwest Trade Council and Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance luncheon with a presentation on trade with Japan. Representatives from Jacklin Seed Co., Coldwater Creek and Buckeye Beans & Herbs will be among the speakers. The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. in The Commons at the Mukogawa Ft. Wright Institute.

Friday

Experts speak on protecting the aquifer at the Chamber of Commerce Issues & Answers meeting at 7:30 a.m., 1020 W. Riverside. Call 459-4118.

Saturday

Modern Electric Water Co. holds its annual shareholders meeting at noon at the Quality Inn Valley Suites, 8923 E. Mission. Call 928-4540.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Aluminum prices

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