June /July 2002008888

Eastside Rail Line Victory Edition

Washington Rail News June /July 2002008888

www.AllAboardWashington.org

Publication of All Aboard Washington A Not ---for-forforfor----profitprofit Consumer Organization “Moving forward...On Rail ."."."

The Battle for the Eastside Rail Line: King Street Station: ready, set, go (finallay)! Phase Two By Ron Sheck By Alfred Runte approve a bond issue, it should ob - Expect considerable work activity at As many members of All Aboard viously include the establishment of and around Seattle’s historic King Washington have expressed, what a passenger rail servi ce. Street Station this s ummer. Roof work difference the past year and a half has This is why your support for All on the station is planned to commence made. In November 2006, we faced the Aboard Washington remains critical; in in July under the direction of the Seat - distinct possibility that the Eastside Rail politics, there is no such thing as a tle Department of Transportation Line (the BNSF Woodinville Subdivi- “safe” decision. Government is always (SDOT). After two years of negotiation sion from Tukwila to Snohomish via in the habit of changing its mind. Rest the City of Seattle and BNSF Railway Bellevue) would be lost. On May 12, assured that we are on top of the situa - reached an agreement in February for 2008, the Port of Seattle agreed to the tion, but there are man y ways for King sale of King Street Station to the city. final terms of purchase of the line from County and the Port to stall. Gasoline At a public ceremony on March 5, the BNSF and announced that public at $4 to $5 a gallon this summer will be transfer documents were signed by hearings on the line’s future will begin a plus for pushing for rail service. As Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and BNSF this summer. Our challenge now is to gas becomes less and less affordable, Railway Director of Government Affairs convince the Port and King County that the rail line’s use as a transit corridor Andrew Johnsen. The mayor and use of the railroad should not be de- looks better all the time. Seattle City Council Transportation layed. Whatever argument might be Our opponents still hope we will tire Committee Chair Jan Drago signed the made for the adjoining bicycle trail, of the battle and simply go away. As $10.00 check to the railway to con - passenger rail service should come they know, our financial obstacle is one summate the purpose. The Mayor first. of perception. As an activist, educa - noted that although the agreement pro - However, from what we are hearing tional organization, we lack the per- vided for a sale price of $1.00, the on the political grapevine, proponents ceived detachment of a think tank. We City’s accounting system could not of the trail are hoping to stall the rail did not ponder the situation; rather, we write a check for less than $10.00; what a deal for the Rai lroad, ten times their anticipated gain! The transfer of ownership of King Street Station to the City of Seattle also led to a reshuffling of responsibilities for renovation of the station. Since the late 1990s, the Washington State De- partment of Transportation has been the lead agency for this work. WSDOT assembled a financing package totaling From This… To This? $19.2 million from a variety of sources: The Eastside Line, left, which has been used by BNSF only for local freight service, near state appropriations; Amtrak; Sound downtown Bellevue. On the right is a vision of the potential passenger carrying capability Transit; the Federal Transit Administra - of the Eastside Line in the future. Left, photo by Jim Hamre; Right, art by J. Craig Thorpe tion ( FTA); the Federal Highway Ad - improvements. Julia Patterson of the took a stand. The moment we did we ministration (FHWA); and the South King County Council has already pro- were no longer just “thinking.” Having (See King Street Station, page 7) posed a bond issue exclusively to fund made up our minds, we were no longer the trail. Naturally, All Aboard Wash- considered “objective.” The principa l Ken Uzna nski, WSD OT Rail Office ington would oppose that as contrary to funding agencies pay for process – for manager, receives All Aboard our understanding that the rail line has assessing public opinion and filing re - Washinton’s Tom Martin Award. equal priority. If voters are asked to (See Battle, page 6) See page 8. page 2 needs and possibilities. The Amtrak Cas- younger crowd, featured recorded G - From the desk of cades and Sounder, as well as intercity rated “pre-adolescent rock.” The kids the Government and urban passenger rail operations na - present and even some mid -year-olds Affairs Director tionwide , are undergoing an unprece- and seniors enjoyed the well -scrubbed dented boom in ridership and revenue. show, including a rowdy seventy - bybyby Now, fellow rail advocates, just be- som ething gent who did the limbo and Lloyd H. Flem cause this bit of HR 6003 progress has later grabbed a senior lady to dance the happened in DC, that does not let us off jitterbug to the swing music. He had so Serious Federal Rail Funding – A the hook on contacting our House mem- much fun he missed his departing train! Start; Train Day 2008; bers. Reread the letter we sent for details AAWA was closely involved and was of HR 6003, note the contact numbers, given the opportunity to deliver much of Operation Lifesaver – Yes! and communicate! Although passenger the “serious” Train Day me ssage. My Washington state members of AAWA rail is seen as a hig her priority for public short speech (predictably) asked atten - have received my letter asking you to and private investments than any time in dee s to contact their local, state and fed- contact your US House member to sup- decades and elected officials are more eral elected officials about increased in- port HR 6003 and HR 6004, a pair of im- aware of the rail option than before, they vestments in passenger trains. The need portant pro-passenger-rail bills. Very are inundated with work, requests, issues was strongly emphasized by the almost good news on HR 6003, the “Passenger and, for most, reelection! World War II -sized crowds waiting for Rail Investment and Improvement Act of Another means of contact, albeit less and ar riving on existing Amtrak trains. I 2008,” which would reauthorize Amtrak ef fective than a letter, is to phone 1 -800- also presented our Tom Martin Award, and accomplish much more, including 697 -1581, NARP Code 1189, and pro- that given for exceptional work to ad - building high speed rail. HR 6003 passed ceed as voice -directed to access your vance the cause of passenger rail service the Railroad subcommittee in the Pacific Northwest, to Ken on May 14 and the full Shockingly high and rapidly climbing Uznanski, manager of the Transportation and Infra- WSDOT Rail Office. Ken, with a structure (T&I) committee on motor fuel costs; deteriorating relatively mod est staff and May 22. What was particu- commercial air service; and serious funds, has led the implementa - larly encouraging about the tion of what is nationally, even full committee passage was environmental, traffic congestion and internationally , seen as one of its unanimous bipartisan safety concerns all join to make “More the best rail corridor Amtrak support. services in the US. The AAWA Not only T&I Chair Jim passenger trains!” an obvious answer. Board and Amtrak execs at the Oberstar (D-MN) and Railroad subcom- House member on HR 6003. Now, let’s state and national level em - mittee Chair Corrine Brown (D-FL) but act…and inform me of responses you get phatically endorsed our honoring Ken Ranking T&I Republican John Mica (FL) from your representative. with the award bearing the name of the and ranking Railroad subcommittee ☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ late Tom Martin, a dedicated founder and member Bill Shuster (R-PA) wrote state- Some of you attended the first annual benefactor to our organization. ments of strong support. Mica had tradi- National Train Day, for us held at King AAWA’s Dr. Al Runte of Seattle, one tionally not been supportive of Amtrak, Street Station on May 10. Seattle’s Train of America’s foremost railroad historians, but endorsed HR 6003, with its significant Day was designed essentially as a fun keynoted the formal program with his Amtrak funding, in large part because the family -type celebration. Some dedicated passionate revi ew of the importance of bill included specific language to require rail advocates felt there might have been rail in building our country, its vital role as the USDOT to seek proposals for the de- more emphasis on trains as transporta - a preserver of resources and landscapes, tion and les s Disney, but the day was and the need to reestablish rail’s promi - velopment of high speed rail in the st Northeast Corridor and across the coun- very well planned and conducted by Am - nence in the 21 Century. (Al’s verbal try. Mica, like Chairman Oberstar, has trak employees, led performances are GOOD . I made certain been particularly impressed by the fast by Dan Engstrom Al’ s speech occurred af ter mine; I may trains serving western European coun- and Gay Banks- be a competent public speaker, but fol - tries. In addition, Shuster said, “One way Olson. Us older lowing Al would be like a competent local to address road and air congestion is by folks delighted in rock band following the Rolling Stones in expanding our rail passenger system – the evocative live concert!) especially high speed rail.” swing, pop and jazz Our large AAWA info table was The small but noisy anti-passenger played by Seattle’s granted the best possible location. All rail fraternity’s arguments against public Purple Passion Train Day attendees and nearly a ll arriv- investments in passenger rail are now Jazz Band. Classic ing Amtrak passengers enter from King weaker than they have ever been. tunes, many from Street. We were placed immediately in Shockingly high and rapidly climbing late 30s and 40s – front of the main King Street entrance motor fuel costs; deteriorating commer- the era of the Greatest Generation, in- and scores, probably well over a hundred cial air service; and serious environmen- cluded trains and train riding themes. people, stopped to chat, get our litera - tal, traffic congestion and safety concerns AAWA Prez Tony T and I enjo yed com- ture, and hear of the need for more pas - all join to make “More passenger trains!” ing up with the year, composer, and prin- senger trai ns and the value of All Aboard an obvious answer. And now one called cipal artist or band who were originally Washington. I considered it very impor - for by a wide range of people, rather than responsible for these gems of American tant that we share our table with Opera - just those of us traditionally attuned to popul ar culture. The local Radio Disney tion Lifesaver, the very valuable group the realities of America’s transportation station’s show, in appealing to a much (See Flem, page 6) page 3 So how do you celebrate the comple- yours into and just go anywhere. It’s the The View tion of the Transcontinental railroad with only mode that you need to supply the the driving of the Golden Spike at Prom - infrastructure to experience things the Down the ontory, Utah in 1869? way the profe ssionals do. Casey Jones Tracks Have a party, of course! didn’t have to also lay the track to make ======At Seattle’s King Street Station there his mark. with Jim Cusick were games for the children (provi ded by That’s probably why people like to Radio Disney), live music, and speeches capture the experience on video audio Entitlement? by Lloyd and Al. Amtrak staff and pas - and sometimes just soak up the atmos - Do you think the government should sengers alike were entertained, informed phere. People of all ages and types enjoy be responsible for providing people with and hopefully motivated. trains and they have that desire to reach transportation without them paying the Part of selling Train Day included out and touch them. full cost? Free enterprise good, subsidy “Getting your Choo -Choo On” to bring in R-E-S-P-E-C-T a light -hearted approach, and it was de- bad. Don’t want to encourage people to However, that presents its own set of signed to engage the younger genera - feel they are entitled to it, after all. problems. While traveling by train is one Gosh darn transit riders. It’s common tion. However, I have found that the of the safest forms of conveyance, being knowledge that transit doesn’t pay for youngsters have already embraced train in close proximity to trains on the outside itself. travel. Just spend some time at KSS and can be very dangerous. However, from reading this column, see the passenger makeup of the Cas- The recent unfort unate fatalities in you should also know that the 1.5 cents cade’s customers. It’s the older ones (my Auburn, Kent and Bellingham have been per mile that auto drivers pay, when ap- age) that seem to have abandoned train reported as the result of the victims tres - plied to the specific road where the gas is travel. passing on railroad property. burned, doesn’t come close to paying for However, let’s put the dry political se- While this is technically correct, since the freeways they drive on. the railroad right -of-way is private The problem is that the cost of The problem is that the cost of property, we know the victims did urban freeways is so high that the not put them selves in a danger- gas tax only supplies 10% of the urban freeways is so high that the ous situation out of malicious - cost. Who subsidizes the rest? All gas tax only supplies 10% of the ness, but they paid the ultimate the people who burn gas at all price. the other places and at all the cost. Who subsidizes the rest? Many incidents are due mostly other non-congested times, that’s to ignorance. The danger of being riousness aside for a moment, and let’s who. too close to the railroad tracks is not ap - just look at what the gut appeal is. Train Of course, what seems the obvious parent to most people because we just travel is fun. It’s relaxing. The sights, way to make things fair by having the don’t have the same number of trains we sounds, and physical sensations have a users of said facility pay their way is used to. certain appeal. something that deserves the dreaded We know that playing in the street is However, while rail isn’t a transporta- “Shrammie.” It seems that KOMO’s Ken dangerous, but we haven’t internalized tion mode that is unique in its attraction Shram feels entitled to drive his car any- the concept that a train can appear from of “fans” it does have a certain difference where he wants without having to pay his any direction at any time on any set of that makes it unique. fair share. His “award” went to Matthew railroad tracks. Think about how the different modes Kitchen of the Puget Sound Regional We wouldn’t think of playing or walk - engage different people . Council for his study suggesting tolls as a ing down the m iddle of a major arterial For those fans of things automotive, method of congestion relief. during the times it’s almost empty (like they have their favorite professional as a Gosh Darn Liberals. Always wanting the middle of the night). So why do we model. to stick it to drivers. Good thing Ken think it’s okay to walk on railroad tracks If you favor fast driving, you can buy a Shram is there to protect us from those when we don’t see a train in the imme - tamed down street version of a race car bad people. diate vicinity? and (in your own mind) you are Mario Wait just a Gosh Darn minute! I There are a few other simple things Andretti. thought Ken Shram was the liberal side that you can shar e with your not so train- If you own a truck, you can trick it out of the KOMO/KVI commentator duo jux- savvy friends to keep them safe. Help like a big rig and you too can play Smo - taposed with the conservative John Carl- them with a few visualizations. key and the Bandit. son. I’d expect our conservative, market One of them has to do with why If you are a fan of flying, and can’t af- driven friend to be the champion of tolls, people think they can beat a train to a ford your own Dreamliner or F -22 fighter, wait a minute, I mean the champion of railroad crossing. Computer simulations you can get yourself a pilot’s license and unfettered driving privileges. bear out the reality, but it basically has to live out the tame version of Top Gun or Just a Gosh Darn minute, what do do with the size of the train. The human maybe be another Charles Lindbergh. auto drivers think they are entitled to? brain does not seem to accept the fact If you’ve always wanted to captain Just who thinks they are entitled to what? that something as big as a house can that big ship, you buy a small boat and I’m getting confused. Maybe John and move at a high rate of speed. just like that, you are Columbus or maybe Ken have the answer. For that matter, trains can be danger - Captain Jack Sparrow (another fantasy, ous even at a low speeds. It might be a Choo Choo? no doubt). th fun experiment (for you but proba bly not May 10 was National Train Day. However, if you enjoy trains, you can’t for them) to have your friends walk at full We at All Aboard are known as sup- just buy a smaller version of the real speed into the side of a house (about 3 -5 porters of Modern Passenger Rail thing that you can fit that squatty body of service. (See Cusick, page 6) page 4 Eastside Rail Line: pre-2006 means of moving people and focusing af- in 2007 and found a few key legislators By Jim Cusick firmative urban development for decades to were open to our position. Our leading ex- It seems like such a logical idea. come. Most of my work centered, as it ponent in the House in 2007 was Rep. Deb The tracks exist on a right-of-way pro- usually does, with state elected officials and Wallace (D-Vancouver), who shared our viding a continuous corridor parallel to I- transportation agency professions, mostly concern that the destruction of the Eastside 405. in our Capital City. I did venture north sev- Rail Line was not only an ill-considered That’s what the Puget Sound Region eral times to do presentations before re- scheme, but contradicted state policy of Council thought when they commissioned gional electeds, community groups and ap- preserving rail infrastructure. Other House the study resulting in their 1992 report titled pointed transportation bodies, and did con- members shared Rep. Wallace’s beliefs, “Eastside Commuter Rail.” siderable outreach with Central Puget prominent among them Rep. Jay Rodne (R- That study took what was then Metro’s Sound decision makers, but much of my North Bend.) A strong bill, HB2344, which route 340, which started at Aurora Village, efforts were in Olympia. singled out preservation of the Eastside headed to Bothell, around the east side of Late in 2006, accompanied by long-time Line was introduced, but pressure by the Lake Washington, coming through Renton, AAWA member and then Olympia Mayor “everything is all decided” interests listed and terminating in Burien. Mark Foutch, I met with Doug MacDonald, above managed to remove most of the Their plan was to truncate route 340 in then WSDOT Secretary, and Paula Ham- meat from the bill, leaving only “saving rail South Kirkland and substitute commuter rail mond, now State DOT boss. Mark and I corridors is a good idea and inform neigh- service from there to Renton. This resulted presented the case for preserving the intact bors about the rail corridor” remaining. This in a ridership count of around 700 per day. rail line. MacDonald said our logic and evi- then rather innocuous bill, with but one dis- Even though the costs used in that dence to preserve the tracks were sound, senting vote in the House Transportation study were higher due to the technology but “You are the only ones who care.” And Committee, died in Rules, as is the fate of available at the time, they came to the con- the state would “save $25 mill.” by not pre- many bills that make it part way through the clusion that this was a feasible commute serving the line. The $25 mill. was the esti- law-making process. option. If a direct connection at Tukwila to mated cost of adjusting the multi-BILLION But the very act of hearing concerns of what would become the future Sounder dollar I-405 widening project to save an in- us who took seriously the state’s policy of service were explored this became an even tact rail line. Do the math. We spend billions preserving intact rail corridors was a win. more promising plan. to add mostly single-occupant-vehicle ca- Most legislators were stunned to learn we During the 2000 I-405 Corridor Program pacity to existing pavement, yet cannot find were about to throw away a transportation study, someone (editor: Jim Cusick) less than one percent of that amount to corridor capable of serving the most rapidly- brought up this study and asked staff to preserve a parallel transportation corridor growing, most rapidly-congesting area in explore a more extensive and more current which would have the potential to move as the Pacific Northwest! I was in DC (lobbying analysis. many people as the highway widening in a in behalf of BNSF!) the day the “everything Since the I-405 Corridor Program’s safer, more environmentally-sound means! is all decided” crew hit Olympia. While geographical boundaries only extended to Transportation priorities grotesquely imba- working the Nation’s Capital, I stunned sev- Woodinville in the north, they could not add lanced, to say the least. eral of our US House members who were the Snohomish to Woodinville portion to the Bottom line was BNSF, the Puget also unaware our state and King County, study. However, the staff’s analysis at that Sound Regional Council (PSRC), King with their lip service to a “green future” and time resulted in ridership numbers of 2800 County Executive Ron Sims and even “balanced multi-modal transportation” had per day. Sound Transit had everything all decided. advanced such a contradictory plan. At that time, BNSF was not approached Tracks would be ripped out and the $25 My AAWA colleagues and other allies so it was not know what a sales price might mill. in state money ”saved” would go to continued the strong educational campaign be, with only the purely speculative $300 BNSF to help pay to improve the Stampede in King and Snohomish counties during mill. being suggested. Pass tunnel for expanded freight capacity. much of 2007. Sound Transit’s Prop One Unfortunately, this analysis was not car- This on the same line 15 years ago BNSF had failed and that agency has begun to ried further to the cost-benefit stage of the used the precise “It has no value and look at the Eastside Line for possible com- program, since the City of Renton and the should be permanently abandoned” lan- muter rail use as part of “Plan B.” The me- Kennydale Neighborhood Association made guage now being used to describe the dia, from political right to left, were strongly a formal request to the I-405 Executive Eastside Line! I told my friends at BNSF supportive of the position of preserving an Committee that the BNSF corridor be they were proven wrong in seeking aban- intact Eastside Rail Line. Our position, that dropped from consideration. The fears they donment of the Stampede Pass Line and minimally the corridor needed to be used expressed were based on some mistaken they might now be wrong in tossing away for rail as well as trail, was embraced by assumptions of what the impact of com- the only north-south rail route paralleling King County Councilman Larry Phillips and muter rail would be in their areas. the waters edge BNSF main through King supported by several of his colleagues. Since the program was set up so that and south Snohomish counties, with its vul- Public education and support continued any municipality had veto power over what nerability to geological and human-induced through the summer and fall of 2007. By was looked at, this put Eastside Commuter severing. And of course the Eastside Line, December those who’d formerly said “Trail!” Rail back in limbo until All Aboard Wash- following a series in legal and financial ma- were now saying “Trail and Rail.” We had ington took up the fight in November 2006. chinations that came to naught, was to be- moved the nature of the debate our way. come “The Granddaddy of all Trails!” More legislators were aware of the Eastside Rail Line: Olympia In late November 2006 I met with lead- Eastside Rail issue by the 2008 legislative Efforts ers of the House and Senate Transportation session. I worked for reintroduction of Committees, two of whom favored our posi- HB2344 and decided to get bold, and, with By Lloyd Flem tion but were again concerned with costs of the enthusiastic sponsorship of Rep. Rod- Having been part of this saga for well saving the line. Our AAWA King-Snohomish ne, added an amendment to explicitly have over a year, I’ll only hit some of the more cadre was by this time gearing up an edu- the state replace the track removed at the memorable highlights of my part in the suc- cational campaign and it became obvious Wilburton Tunnel to accommodate widening cessful preservation, by AAWA and a few many people “cared” about saving this I-405. The Republicans on the House others, of the BNSF Woodinville Subdivi- priceless rail line once informed about it. Transportation Committee supported their sion (the Eastside Rail Line), an irreplace- I took our case to the Legislature early (See Olympia Efforts, page 6) able rail corridor that should be a major page 5 New Strategies employed to save east side of Lake Washington. On the day vice in keeping things organized, timelines Eastside Rail Line of the tour, the Seattle Times carried a key and action items addressed, and holding By Chuck Mott op-ed by Jim O'Farrell calling attention to commitments on track and on time. Over the past twenty years, All Aboard the fact that without rail passenger service J. Craig Thorpe produced several im- Washington has focused most of our rail on the line, businesses and employees portant illustrations, commissioned by advocacy efforts in Olympia and Washing- would soon leave the area because of Bruce Agnew of the Cascadia Center, de- ton, DC. Lloyd Flem has led the fight to put growing, massive traffic congestion on I- picting what trains, stations, trail and park- rail on a level playing field, gavel-to-gavel, 405. ing facilities would look like in all major in the state legislature and he has also lead The BNSF executive department, on the Eastside communities. highly focused efforts numerous times in day of the bus tour, publicly declined All Jim O'Farrell and Tom Payne produced the halls of Congress. This is important Aboard Washington's offer to acquire the heavy duty data and solid financial planning work and he continues to do it. But too of- line, citing its exclusive agreement to con- and held meetings with major companies, ten effective efforts to change attitudes and duct negotiations with the King County civic leaders and the financial community directions, and to promote and advance executive. asking for their support. passenger rail service fall far short. This is Nevertheless, broad media coverage on Lloyd Flem worked key legislation sup- because strong special interests often that warm summer day in July 2007 and in porting the Eastside Rail Line and met con- thwart good rail legislation even though it is subsequent weeks, moved the issue for- tinuously with key legislators, WSDOT offi- in the public's best interests and has their ward in the public arena. Al Runte and I cials and staff in the governor's office to in- overwhelmingly support. were interviewed regularly on talk radio and form them of the progress of our efforts and Last year our efforts failed to get the on TV, providing sound arguments in sup- to get their support. state legislature to save the Eastside Rail port of keeping the rails. We said, "The rail Tom Payne's GNP Railroad, with very Line for future rail passenger commuter right-of-way is generally 100 feet wide and able assistance from Doug Engle – in ac- service. King County Executive Ron Sims can support both rails and trails. We are, tion independent of All Aboard Washing- publicly announced a deal to build the therefore, not opposed to constructing a ton – has been successful in getting Snoho- "Granddaddy of All Trails" on the "soon to trail along side of the rails." mish County Council approval to support be torn up trackd" on BNSF's rail corridor. In August 2007, several All Aboard his proposal to start commuter rail service Maybe, thirty or forty years from now, Sims Washington team members meet with Port between Snohomish and Bellevue. said, this strategic transportation corridor of Seattle Director Tay Yoshitani to discuss Bruce Agnew, with tireless assistance could revert back to rails, notwithstanding potential port interests in acquiring the line. from All Aboard Washington Director Loren there is virtually no historic precedent of The team had heard several substantial Herrigstad, has held several important fo- trails going back to rails in this country once rumors that King County's exchange pro- rums to heighten community and news me- the tracks are removed. The simple fact is, posal with the Port of Seattle, to swap the dia interest in saving the Eastside Rail Line. once the rails are gone, they are gone for- county-owned King County Airport and We also want to acknowledge that ever! The board of All Aboard Washington other property for the Eastside Rail Line another organization, Eastside Rail Now, clearly saw this situation in the fall of 2006 (which the port was to buy from BNSF) was worked effectively with our organization in and decided a major public effort would be in the process of unraveling. The swap pro- getting grassroots support. needed if there was any hope of saving the posal did, in fact, soon collapse. While the All Aboard Washington is particularly Eastside Rail Line. We contracted Dr. Al Port of Seattle executive was non-commit- grateful to Talisma President Dan Vetris Runte to lead our uphill efforts to save this tal, he agreed to share All Aboard Wash- and Senior Vice President Jim O'Farrell for strategic and valuable transportation ington's proposals and ideas with his staff. their very valuable time, effort and financial corridor. In the meantime, Al Runte, Tom Payne support in this project. Tom Payne (chairman of GNP Railway) and Jim O'Farrell presented proposals for I personally want to thank Dave Ross, and Jim O'Farrell (senior Sales & Marketing saving the rails with financial investment KIRO 710 morning radio talk show host, for vice president, Talisma Corporation) con- people; eastside civic leaders; chambers of his interest in All Aboard Washington's ef- sulted with key officers and board members commerce leaders; and major eastside fort's to save the Eastside Rail Line. He al- of All Aboard Washington to create a tightly businesses, including Microsoft, Goggle lowed me the opportunity to discuss this disciplined team to plan strategies neces- and other software companies. Strong in- important issue several times on his popu- sary to create public awareness and build terest resulted, with key meetings and im- lar morning program. I want to similarly ex- support to save the rails. portant communications increasing among press my gratitude to Keith Erwin, reporter Team members testified before the Puget Sound leaders and decision makers for The Seattle Times, for his great interest Sound Transit Board, asking for support to in business, commerce and government. in fairly, factually and accurately represent- save the Eastside Rail Line but, except for Then, in November, the Port of Seattle an- ing our organization's views to the vast adding a $20 million study to the Roads and nounced it would proceed with acquisition readership of this major Northwest news- Transit Prop One measure on last Novem- of the Eastside Rail Line. In December, the paper. And also, thanks to Jeanette Knut- ber’s ballot, Sound Transit's board ignored entire All Aboard Washington team at- son, a very capable reporter for the Wood- our calls to save the line for future passen- tended the Port of Seattle Commissioners inville Weekly, as she faithfully and consis- ger and freight rail service. meeting to witness their unanimous ap- tently reported this developing story with With no one else ready to save the rails, proval to purchase the line and keep the very fair coverage of our efforts. All Aboard Washington sent a letter to rails intact – at least for now. All Aboard Washington also appreciates BNSF President Matt Rose offering to ac- The fight to save the Eastside Rail Line the fact that BNSF has recently completed quire the line through a charitable donation. is not over. But if All Aboard Washington major negotiations with the Port of Seattle At the same time, a much publicized bus had not chosen to lead public efforts in on an agreement that leaves all the track in tour, carrying local and state officials, busi- 2007 the rails would soon be gone. We place at this time, except for the short por- ness executives and interested citizens, have saved the corridor for now! Much cre- tion taken up to allow removal of the Wil- and heavily covered by the TV, radio and dit goes to a number of individuals who burton Tunnel under I-405. newspaper news media, was conducted to worked tirelessly in our campaign to save In conclusion, I want to thank all the show the strategic and important connec- the line. Al Runte's strong leadership was members of the board, the directors club, tedness of the rail line to all of the major especially key in working with the media. the officers and the entire membership of population and commercial centers on the President Tony Trifiletti did yeoman ser- (See New Strategies, page 7) page 6 vor to warrant added classes. To “gradu- giggling; WE had won, even without pass- Battle, from page 1 ate,” we will each give a ten-minute pres- ing the bills we worked for.) ports. Because we continue to demand that entation to fellow class members. Then we On 1 February a very tough bill, the Eastside Rail Line be preserved, it re- need to get out to the public and spread the SB6800, which would not only save the mains difficult asking for outside support. word concerning safe behavior around rail- Eastside Line but would financially punish Simply, we must carry on the fight our- road infrastructure. Trains are the safest any public agency that would rip up tracks, selves, trusting that our allies will increase mode of travel for passengers. Rail fatalities was introduced by Senate Democrats Steve their contributions. This reemphasizes why occur to those on foot and bikes, and in Hobbs (Lake Stevens), Eric Oemig (Kirk- our achievement remains extraordinary: ex- motor vehicles who exercise tragic choices land) and Mary Margaret Haugen (Camano cept for those few, dedicated contributors, around train tracks. Victims are not only the Island). I met with and praised the three we funded the campaign on our own. Still persons injured or killed and their loved senators and went to work lobbying for it to we won. We built mightily toward the day ones, but the dedicated and conscientious their colleagues and to House members. when All Aboard Washington will be a train crews who, through no fault of their This tough bill passed out of the Senate household name. And we are already a own, are operating these powerful and Transportation Committee, but was not name with the press. wonderful machines when the tragedy oc- heard on the House side. In reality, a few The point now is to have operating pas- curs. Operation Lifesaver seeks to educate NIMBYs effectively were able to override senger trains. Only their absence keeps people on not making these tragic choices. the broader public interest. Not the first nor alive the hope by some that a trail can dis- AAWA needs to be part of this education the last time. But still again, such a bill be- place the railroad. Once the trains are in process. ing heard and strongly supported when place, their use and popularity will prove all For information on Operation Lifesaver voted on was important. that we have said over the last year and a visit www.oli.org and www.wutc.wa.gov/ We remain concerned that a February half. So please, All Aboard Washington waol. Both site have great resources and 2007 WSDOT proposal to remove all tracks members, give as generously as you can. information for kids and adults. between Renton and Woodinville to build Phase 2 will be no easier than Phase 1, but the trail and to “save $25 mill.” at the Wil- remember, you have already saved the burton Tunnel was still floating around. We tracks. If your first contribution was made Cusick, from page 3 fear some might still consider this proposal out of fear of losing them, your next contri- mph). Blindfold them so they can get the full “official state policy.” We and allied legisla- bution can be built on pride. Thanks to you, effect. Help them out by pulling them along- tors will work to ensure that is not the case. we turned back a true juggernaut of re- side the house. Sounds brutal, but even at Helpful was SHB3224, sponsored by gional ignorance. Just keep the pride flow- the slow approach speed of a train arriving freshman Rep. Liz Loomis (D-Snohomish), ing in. at the station, the train is not encumbered a “study the situation” bill. It passed the Se- by the small mass of a pedestrian. A train nate 49-0 and had but two dissenting [crew] cannot just “slam on the brakes” and House votes. It mandates Sound Transit Flem, from page 2 instantly stop. and PSRC determine the feasibility of pas- fully supported by freight and passenger Another variation can be experienced if senger rail on the Eastside Line. What rail railroads, rail labor, public agencies dealing you and your friends get a chance to ride advocates must do it remain closely in- with rail and public safety, and groups like any northbound Sounder trains. Ride up in volved in this study and not allow anti-rail ours. Dave Agee of BNSF manned our ta- the cab car and sit at the front on the side conclusions to precede the study’s objec- ble for Operation Lifesaver. Given the sev- opposite the operator. From that perspec- tive work, as occurred in previous studies. eral recent fatalities involving people who tive, it’s easy to see how much the train Finally, what of our original bill, tragically trespassed in front of Amtrak and overhangs each side of the tracks. Another HB2344? It passed the Legislature, but BNSF trains (ten so far this year in Wash- reason to pay attention to that yellow ended up being less than innocuous. Even ington alone) Dave’s message and infor- warning stripe on the platform. the humble “Saving rail corridors is nice…” mation on practicing safe and reasonable It’s quite alright to enjoy trains, as well language was removed, leaving only the behavior on or near train tracks looms high as cars, planes and boats. However it’s not idea that the existence of a rail corridor in importance. I was pleased many people fun anymore when you crash your car or needs to be part of a real estate sale dis- took OL literature and am proud to be as- your plane, or sink your boat, and it’s not closure. Evidently, even a recodification of sociated with such a vital cause. fun to get hurt by a moment of forgetfulness established state policy favoring the preser- ☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ around trains. vation of rail corridors was too tough for I consider Operation Lifesaver of suffi- Be careful around trains, because the some sensitive folks! cient import to work with Bob Boston, State living make for more return customers! But all things considered, we won this Coordinator for OL, in setting up an OL pre- round. In late 2006 the tracks were effec- senters class for AAWA members on Tues- tively gone, essentially forever. By spring of day 10 June from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Olympia Efforts, from page 4 2008, the bulk of the informed public sup- BNSF Offices, Puyallup Avenue, Tacoma, fellow R, Jay Rodne, whereas most of the ports preservation of the Eastside Rail Line directly across from the Tacoma Dome majority Democrats followed the lead of for passenger rail use, sooner rather than Transit Station, and an easy walk from the their Chair Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer island) later. The decision makers have awakened Tacoma Amtrak Station and termini for and opposed my amendment. Again, get- to the value of this rail corridor thanks to Sounder, Tacoma Link and express buses ting the idea heard in open committee was AAWA and some others, who fought for the from Seattle and Olympia. An ideal site. a win. On 26 January, a “forum” with King long-term public interest. (I am less im- The instructor will be Dave Agee, our County, the Port of Seattle and BNSF was pressed by those who were AWOL when OL colleague at Train Day. Classes are de- held by the House Transportation Commit- the going was tough and whose motto is signed to be small, five to seven is an ideal tee. That the debate had been moved in our the all-too-common “What’s in it for us… number. Five of us are currently signed up. direction was obvious. The three parties by today?”) However, this match has several Room for two more. Please inform me by then not only advocated dual use, but said rounds. We won this one, but the other side Monday evening 9 June. First two contact- (most of) the rails would remain in place, isn’t yet knocked out. Rail advocates must ing me will be in the 10 June class. Hope- and offered copious praise to each other for keep up our guard and keep punching as fully other AAWA members will show suffi- their “Vision” in saving this important trans- needed, in Olympia and all points cient interest in this very worthwhile endea- portation corridor! (It was hard to keep from northeast. page 7 added in September. Seven Amtrak Thru- around King Street Station the next three King Street Station, from page 1 way bus round-trips now serve King Street years; this will impact access, traffic and Downtown Foundation. Station with service to Vancouver, BC, Bel- parking. While discomfort and inconve- Ron Sheck became the WSDOT project lingham, Wenatchee, Spokane and inter- nience will affect travelers and those work- manager in 2002 and since early 2006 mediate points. About 7,000 passengers ing at the station, the long term gain will be worked closely with Trevina Wang, the board trains at King Street Station every a safe, secure, attractive, welcoming and SDOT project manager. WSDOT carried weekday on either Amtrak or Sound Transit beautifully restored station in a greatly im- out renovation work between 2004 and service. proved neighborhood. 2006 that included: opening up of a long SDOT is moving ahead with renovation For more information visit: closed off portion of the waiting room; reno- work at King Street Station. In March, www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Rail/KingStreet vation and upgrading of the restrooms; WSDOT executives accepted a proposal StationRenovation/ opening up of windows along the upper from SDOT to transfer control of the reno- www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Rail/KingStreet level of the waiting room; replacing metal vation project and funding to the City of Station/ doors and windows in the waiting room with Seattle. That transfer is being finalized and www.seattle.gov/transportation/king new wooden ones; replacing the exterior when agreements are signed between Am- street.htm canopies on the south and west sides of the trak and the City work will proceed. The first station; cleaning up of the granite entry at piece of work will be replacement of the Third Avenue and King Street; and a total New Strategies, from page 5 roof with tiles that will match the original All Aboard Washington for their loyal sup- restoration of the Compass Room to its green ones. SDOT will do an advance pur- original 1906 appearance in time for the port and particularly for their added financial th chase of the roof tiles and expects to bid support. It should be noted that financial station’s 100 Anniversary on May 10, out the construction work in July. 2006. WSDOT and five other sponsors giving increased in 2007 almost 60% from A volunteer group is restoring the clock 2006. That being said, we need your con- (Amtrak, Sound Transit, King County Metro, and it is expected to again be running this SDOT and BNSF), supported by a gener- tinued financial support this year in order to summer. SDOT has lit the neon King Street carry on this fight. We have retained the ous contribution from Nitze-Stagen, cele- Station sign facing Jackson Ave. that brated the centennial with eight weeks of capable services of Dr. Al Runte to lead our WSDOT had restored and reinstalled in organization in the public arena as execu- public events that culminated in July 2006 2004. Other renovation work, both inside with the launch of the fourth Amtrak Cas- tive director, in addition to our long time and outside the station, will follow after the Government Affairs Director Lloyd Flem. cades roundtrip between Seattle and roof restoration is completed. Portland. Your generous donations directly support Underway adjacent to the station is the effective efforts of these two very capa- King Street Station has seen considera- construction of an Odor Control Facility by ble growth in passenger traffic in the past ble men. the King County Wastewater Management I have come to the inescapable conclu- decade. The launch of the Cascades ser- Division on the site of the former Station vice in 1998, which has grown to four sion, if our passenger rail advocacy organi- Master’s Garden, immediately south of King zation wishes to be effective today and in round-trips between Seattle and Portland Street Station. The facility will be under- with some trains extending to and from Eu- the future, we have to function as success- ground and allow for restoration of most of fully in the public forum as we already do in gene; reequipping of the Seattle-Vancouver the surface for public use when construc- round-trip with Talgo sets; and the inaugu- the legislative arena. Our success in saving tion is completed in 2009. However, no the Eastside Rail Line proves that! ration of the Seattle-Bellingham round-trip funding currently exists for that restoration (which later this year will be extended to work. Parking is being removed and partial Vancouver, BC for the second round-trip on street closures will take place beginning in the international route) are all develop- June. Pedestrian traffic to and from the ments which complement the long distance Weller Street bridge will be rerouted service provided by the Coast Starlight and through the Qwest Field north parking lot Empire Builder . Sound Transit began week- immediately west of the station. day Sounder commuter train service in the Nitze-Stagen is moving ahead with its fall of 2000 with two round-trips between plans for redevelopment of the north park- Tacoma and Seattle; that service has now ing lot. Their project is a mixed use devel- grown to six round-trips with two more opment that will include housing, retail and Photo by Bob Lawrence coming in September. In late 2003, Sound underground parking. Work is expected to Ribbon cutting for phase 1 of the Mukilteo Transit began Sounder service between begin in 2009 with completion in 2011. Lots Sounder station on May 30. Rides were Everett and Seattle and currently provides of construction will be taking place in and free that day to the Mariners game. Week- three weekday round-trips; a fourth will be day service began June 2. All Aboard Washington Officers Important Addresses and Phone Numbers Chuck Mott, Muki U. S. House of Representatives: lteo..Chairman ...... 425 710-9665 ... [email protected] Washington, DC 20515 Tony Trifiletti, Shoreline..President ...... 206 440-9451 ... [email protected] U. S. Senate: Washington, DC 20510 Jim Hamre, Puyallup..Vice President ...... 253 848-2473 ... [email protected] Capitol Switchboard (all members): 202 224-3121 Rocky Shay, Federal Way..Secretary ...... 253 925-2085 ... [email protected] State Legislature: State Capitol, Olympia 98504 John Carlin, Edmonds..Treasurer ...... 425 778-4529 ... [email protected] Hotline for leaving messages: 800 562-6000 Al Runte, Seattle..Executive Director ...... 206 525-3608 ... [email protected] Lloyd Flem, Olympia.. Amtrak Reservations/Information: 800 872-7245 Government Affairs Director ...... 360 943-8333 ... [email protected] Office FAX ...... 360 943-0136 All Aboard Washington: AllAboardWashington.org Address ...... 3704 22 nd Ave SE, Olympia 98501 NARP: www.narprail.org NARP Hotline: www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/ Jim Hamre, Puyallup..Newsletter Editor .....253 848-2473 ... [email protected] Amtrak: www.amtrak.com Warren Yee, Seattle..E-newsletter ...... 206 723-0259 ... [email protected] Amtrak Cascades: www.amtrakcascades.com Sound Transit: www.soundtransit.org All are evening numbers, except Lloyd's, which is available 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. page 8 Northwest Rail Corridor Briefs All Aboard News The Coast Starlight finally resumed full June 14: All Aboard Washington meet- through service on May 7 across the Ore- ing in Kelso . Meeting will take place from gon Cascades, where a massive landslide 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (between arrival had closed down the Union Pacific Railroad of train 501 and departure of train 506). since Jan. 20. However, Amtrak continued The meeting will be in the train station its previous policy of not allowing passen- meeting room on the lower level. A ca- gers to purchase tickets on northbound train 14 from Eugene north because of pre- tered sandwich bar will be provided. Pay vious on-time issues even though the train’s $10 at the door (cash or check only). The performance had improved substantially Kelso city manager and the local council Photo by Jim Hamre beginning last October. Northwest rail ad- of governments transportation planner Lloyd Flem, left, presents Ken Uznanski, vocates continued to press Amtrak officials will be our speakers. WSDOT Rail Office manager, with All on this issue, pointing out that on-time per- August 9: All Aboard Washington Aboard Washington’s Tom Martin Award at formance of the train has been over 70% meeting at noon at Jim Hamre’s home, the May 10 National Train Day festivities at since full service resumed. On May 28, Kurt 13307 104 th Ave. Ct. E. on Puyallup’s King Street Station in Seattle. The plaque Laird, Amtrak’s superintendent for the South Hill. Bring a potluck item. Ham- presented to Ken reads: Northwest, directed ticket sales on train 14 burgers and beverages provided. Call or All Aboard Washington presents its be reopened for points between Eugene email for more information. See p. 7. 2008 Tom Martin Award to and Seattle, effective May 30. Opening Kenneth Uznanski sales on train 14 is critical to helping meet September 13 : All Aboard Washington Under Ken’s leadership the the surging demand in the Northwest Corri- meeting in Leavenworth . The meeting Washington State Department of dor. Most weekend Cascades trains be- may be held in conjunction with a Transportation Rail Office runs one of tween Portland and Seattle sell out at least groundbreaking ceremony for the Leav- the most successful state-level intercity several days in advance. On Sunday June enworth Amtrak station. Details will be in passenger rail programs in the United 1, for example, all northbound Cascades the August/September newsletter. States. His steady and cooperative had no seats available out of Portland and even train 14, with only a couple days All Aboard Washington welcomed the fol- style in working with all stakeholders notice, had few seats available. lowing new members in April and May: Kim has helped ensure the program’s And more travel options are now also Weers, Woodinville; Peter Krier, Seattle; success. Ken is accordingly recognized available in the corridor. Effective May 12, Sam Davidson, Seattle. as one of the most respected national leaders in state rail development. We ODOT has added Thruway bus connections All Aboard Washington members contri- thank you Ken for your vision and wish from Eugene, Albany and Salem for the buting to this newsletter include: Ron you well as you continue to help shape Bellingham-Portland trains (513 and 516), Schauer, Ron Sheck, Lloyd Flem, Tony passenger rail in Washington State and and WSDOT has added Thruway bus con- Trifiletti, Chuck Mott, Al Runte, Warren Yee, indeed the nation. nections from Bellingham, Mt. Vernon and Jeff Schultz, Bob Lawrence and Craig Lloyd noted that Amtrak Pres. Alex Everett for Seattle-Eugene trains 500 and Thorpe. Kummant had recently sent WSDOT Sec- 509. (This is WSDOT’s first Thruway bus Do you want to be greener, save All Aboard retary Paula Hammond a letter praising Ken service, something All Aboard Washington Washington money and get your newsletter for his work on behalf of passenger rail ser- has been advocating for many years.) Be- sooner (with color pictures)? Send your vice, both locally and nationally. fore May 12, there were no real train op- email address to Warren Yee (see p. 7) and Ken, when accepting our Tom Martin tions for same day travel between Eugene we’ll start sending you Washington Rail Award, stated the Amtrak Cascades are the and Bellingham. Now there are two! News as a PDF every two months in lieu best passenger rail service in the country WSDOT and Amtrak still plan to extend of a paper copy. but we have a long way to go to make them trains 513 and 516 to Vancouver, BC later the public’s preferred mode of travel. this summer.

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