BNSF donates Geiger line
The Geiger rail spur is one step closer to preservation.
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway agreed last week to donate the almost five miles of West Plains railroad, valued at $2.3 million, to Spokane County.
For those of you now saying, “Big deal,” know that this five miles of track means more than 75 jobs at one company alone, and saving the track is saving even more jobs at other businesses along its route.
Plans to move a portion of the track off of Fairchild Air Force Base and extend it to connect the spur to another short line to the south could mean more economic development in the future, said Spokane County Commissioner Phil Harris, who championed the county’s efforts to preserve the Geiger Spur.
If the county hadn’t taken over the rail spur, BNSF would have probably filed to abandon it, said BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas.
That would have been disastrous for Metals Fabrication Company, said part-owner Dan Weaver.
“Our company is very heavily reliant on having rail service for handling and unloading because our commodities are so long and heavy and come cross-country,” he said.
His company imports large steel beams and designs and constructs large structural elements for buildings such as Gonzaga’s new arena.
Without rail, he may have had to shut down since affordable property along a railroad is difficult to find, he said.
BNSF will officially turn the line over to the county in a ceremony today at 10:15 a.m. at the Fairchild Air Force Base officers club.
No driver’s license for you
Remember that the Washington State Department of Licensing will be closed on Thursday in observance of Veterans Day.
Don’t test your luck, though.
The Washington State Patrol doesn’t take the day off.
Leaf it to the city
Spokane starts its annual leaf pickup operation this week, so pay attention to the schedule and move your car when they’ll be in your neighborhood. None of us likes slipping on those icy piles of old leaves come December.
Crews will be in the Woodridge, Driscoll and Audubon areas today; Woodridge, Shadle Park and Audubon areas Tuesday; Pacific Park, Clark Park and Downriver areas Wednesday; Indian Trail, Hillyard and Downriver areas Thursday; Northwest Terrace, Hillyard and Northwest Boulevard areas Friday; Westview, Indian Canyon and Northwest Boulevard areas Saturday; and Westview, Indian Canyon and West Central areas Sunday.
Remember, you’re not allowed to rake leaves into the street.
You can get more schedule information by calling 456-2666.
Slow going
The Maple Street loop leading off the Maple Street Bridge into downtown Spokane will be closed on Tuesday as crews work on the new fire station there. To get to downtown, take Third east to Walnut and then Walnut north to First Avenue.
Work on North Foothills Drive may cause some delays near Hamilton Street this week.