Rail Line Lease Deal Moves Forward in Whitman County
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway LLC is set to lease and operate about 3.3 miles of rail line in Whitman County, Washington, from BLPIRR LLC starting July 4, 2026. This move won’t limit connections with other railroads and won’t create a bigger railroad company. The deal is expected to bring in less than $5 million a year, keeping things local and smooth.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local 3.27‑Mile Rail Lease Starts July 4, 2026
Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway LLC will lease and operate about 3.27 miles of the WIM Industrial Lead plus a 950‑foot Peterson Crossover and a 2,075‑foot Peterson House Track in Whitman County, Washington, beginning July 4, 2026. If you are a local shipper or business in Whitman County that uses this track, the operator change will take effect on that date.
Interchange Rights Preserved for Local Shippers
The lease agreement does not include any commitments or provisions that would limit future interchange with third‑party connecting carriers. That means local businesses using the Line can continue to connect with other railroads after the lease begins.
Operator Expects Less Than $5 Million Yearly
WIMR certifies that its projected annual revenue from this transaction will not exceed $5,000,000 and that the transaction will not create a Class I or II rail carrier. The Board will treat this as a Class III (small) carrier action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12291 — BLPIRR LLC-Lease and Operation-Washington State Department of Transportation
BLPIRR LLC is set to lease and operate about 3.5 miles of rail lines in Whitman County, Washington, from the State Department of Transportation starting July 4, 2026. This move won’t limit other rail companies from connecting, and BLPI expects to make under $5 million a year, keeping it a small rail operator. It’s a smooth switch that keeps local rail service rolling without big changes or costs.
2026-12249 — Terramont Infrastructure Partners LLC-Control Exemption-Hainesport Transportation Group, LLC, Hainesport Industrial Railroad, LLC, and Hainesport Secondary Railroad, LLC
Terramont Infrastructure Partners LLC is set to take control of Hainesport Transportation Group, which owns two small railroads in New Jersey. This change won’t affect any big rail connections or require extra approvals, making the process smooth and quick. The deal can officially happen starting July 4, 2026, with no major costs or disruptions expected.
2026-12120 — 3i RR Holdings GP LLC, et al. and Regional Rail, LLC-Control Exemption-Massachusetts Central Railroad Corporation
3i RR Holdings and Regional Rail are teaming up to take control of Massachusetts Central Railroad, a small rail line in Massachusetts. This change will happen around July 1, 2026, and won’t affect any big rail companies or connect to their other lines. It’s a smooth move that keeps things running without extra approval, and employees’ rights stay protected.
2026-11833 — Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC-Lease and Change of Operator Exemption-Black River & Western Corp. d/b/a Black River & Western Railroad, and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway Company, Inc.
Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC (DSBR) is taking over the lease and operation of about 32 miles of rail lines from Black River & Western Railroad and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway. This means DSBR will replace BDR as the operator on a key segment, starting on or after June 28, 2026. The change won’t cost more than $5 million in revenue and won’t limit future rail connections.
2026-11901 — 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval of Collection: Recordations (Rail and Water Carrier Liens), Water Carrier Tariffs, and Agricultural Contract Summaries
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info about rail and water carrier liens, water carrier tariffs, and agricultural contract summaries—just like they’ve been doing, with no changes. This affects big railroads and water carriers who file these records, and they’re asking for your thoughts by August 11, 2026. No new fees or extra paperwork, just a smooth extension to keep things running.
2026-11832 — Reliant Transportation Group, LLC, TIP MNC Acquisition, LLC, TIP MN Investments LP, and Tiger Infrastructure Partners Fund IV AIV LP-Acquisition of Control-Southwest Coaches, Inc. and Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc.
Reliant Transportation Group and its partners want to take control of two bus companies, Southwest Coaches and Minnesota Motor Bus, by buying them from the current owners. The government is giving a thumbs-up to this deal unless someone objects by July 27, 2026. If all goes well, the change will happen quickly, but no money details were shared yet.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12289 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 1985-68 To Permit Employee Benefit Plans To Invest in Customer Notes of Employers
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update that helps employee benefit plans invest in customer notes from their employers. This change affects employers and employee benefit plans by keeping clear records of these investments. Comments are open until July 20, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Next: 2026-12291 — BLPIRR LLC-Lease and Operation-Washington State Department of Transportation
BLPIRR LLC is set to lease and operate about 3.5 miles of rail lines in Whitman County, Washington, from the State Department of Transportation starting July 4, 2026. This move won’t limit other rail companies from connecting, and BLPI expects to make under $5 million a year, keeping it a small rail operator. It’s a smooth switch that keeps local rail service rolling without big changes or costs.