Columbia Snake River Campaign Applauds WSDOT Study on Lower Snake River Transportation: Positive Steps Forward for Salmon and Farmers
The Columbia Snake River Campaign thanks the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for its thorough and methodical Phase 1 status report on transportation in the Lower Snake River region. This study provides critical data on existing rail, road, and barging infrastructure and is a snapshot of the current transportation system. This study will enable WSDOT to model how to ship goods in the lower Snake River region as barging ends and the river, salmon, and the jobs that rely on salmon are restored. The four lower Snake River dams, built decades ago, have brought native fish in the region to the brink of extinction, in violation of Tribal treaty rights and at great expense to Tribes and all Northwest communities and people who depend on these native fish for their livelihoods and well-being. Wheat, however, remains one of Washington State’s most valuable commodities, contributing to the local and regional economy. By finding common-sense alternatives to barging along the lower Snake River, we can restore the river, recover salmon, and make sure that the economy of our entire region sees real benefits.
"This report is a snapshot of transportation in and along the lower Snake River today and we believe that the next phase will show that reasonable, actionable solutions exist to support Washington farmers while restoring the Lower Snake River and its iconic salmon runs. By investing in rail infrastructure, upgrading roads, and leveraging multimodal transportation options, we can ensure a thriving agricultural industry and a restored river for future generations."
— Kayeloni Scott, Executive Director, Columbia Snake River Campaign
Following are some of the key takeaways from the WSDOT Study
1. Barging on the Lower Snake River Has Declined:
The study confirms that barge traffic on the four lower Snake River dams has declined over the years.
The primary use of Snake River barges is to move wheat downriver. Fertilizer components also ship upriver and some wood pulp moves from Lewiston to Portland.
2. Port Terminals Near the Columbia River Confluence Will Remain Open:
Ports downstream of Ice Harbor Dam will continue to operate even if the Lower Snake River is restored.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, navigation in this area can remain open with adequate dredging.
3. Rail Likely Has Capacity to Absorb Increased Traffic:
Rail lines through the Columbia Gorge likely have capacity to handle additional freight. The report’s initial conclusion is that there is no “severe congestion” on the main line running from Spokane to the Port of Vancouver area on the Washington side of the Gorge, although WSDOT will continue to look at capacity during peak periods.
Importantly, some commodities will continue to ship by barge on the Columbia River, ensuring multimodal freight options remain available.
4. Trucks are an important part of moving grain and fertilizer today and will continue to be in the future, but infrastructure upgrades are needed:
Every grain of wheat leaves the farm on a truck and will continue to do so in the future.
While roads in the Palouse region largely have the capacity, the report shows the surface and bridge upgrades that will be necessary.
Future phases of the study will analyze how road usage may shift with new or expanded rail elevators and terminals.
Addressing Misconceptions and Concerns
Today, most wheat arrives at the ocean ports by rail, including shipments from larger wheat-producing states like Montana. While this broader context lies beyond the scope of the report, it is critical for understanding capacity and how the region generally transports wheat to market.
The out-of-state cruise industry brings in just $3.5-million to the region and will be addressed in the recreation study. We expect that study to show that salmon fishing, river rafting, and other uses represent a far greater economic driver for the region and state. We also think there are ways to make sure that industry succeeds.
We Believe Reasonable Solutions Exist for Farmers and the River
The Columbia Snake River Campaign is committed to finding solutions that work to recover salmon, restore the lower Snake River, and that also work for farmers. The status quo costs too much in loss of salmon, loss of culture, economic losses to coastal communities, and much-needed upgrades to aging dam infrastructure. With the Phase 1 report behind us, and the information laid out, we can now work together to consider the range of transportation solutions that will work. Rail transportation will be an important part of the solution. According to our calculations, if all wheat currently shipped on the lower Snake River were moved by rail, it would add 4.5 trains per week—a manageable increase.
Extensive Outreach and Collaboration
WSDOT and its contractors worked diligently to ground their findings through data collection and direct outreach to stakeholders. Farmers, shippers, fertilizer producers, and wood product companies provided important input, ensuring that all voices were heard and represented, and that the Phase 1 of the study is an accurate snapshot of the transportation system today.
Next Steps:
In future phases WSDOT will develop a detailed transportation model to analyze how freight may move using railroads, highways, and rivers when the Lower Snake River is restored. This model will identify the lowest-cost pathways for freight while considering:
Geology and geotechnical impacts
Safety
Carbon emissions
Archaeological impacts
Barging on the Columbia River will continue to play a vital role, complementing rail and road infrastructure to provide an efficient, multimodal freight system.
