Small Railroad Lease Approved in Washington State
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local rail service continues in Whitman County
If you ship goods by rail in Whitman County, Washington, BLPI will lease and operate the rail Line starting July 4, 2026. The Line includes about 3.27 miles of the WIM Industrial Lead, a 950-foot Peterson Crossover, and a 2,075-foot Peterson House Track, and BLPI says this change will keep local rail service operating without big changes or costs.
Interchange access remains open to third parties
BLPI's lease agreement does not include any commitments that would limit future interchange with a third-party connecting carrier. This means third-party rail companies can still connect with the Line after BLPI begins operations.
BLPI stays a small Class III carrier (under $5M)
BLPI certifies that its projected annual revenue from this lease will not exceed $5,000,000 and that the transaction will not create a Class I or II rail carrier. BLPI is therefore a Class III rail carrier under this arrangement.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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