The board of the Columbia River Economic Development Council supports state and federal efforts to improve rail safety. The board’s vote last week did not state a position on any specific projects such as the proposed Tesoro-Savage oil transfer terminal at the Port of Vancouver.
The board said the CREDC will support efforts to improve rail infrastructure; to improve the safety of rail cars; to reduce the volatility of commodities moving through Clark County; and to ensure adequate emergency response plans are in place.
The action supports the Port of Vancouver’s request to members of the state’s congressional delegation to push for stronger regulations to increase the safety of trains carrying potentially volatile commodities such as crude oil.
Mike Bomar, CREDC president, is traveling to Washington, D.C. ,this week to meet with federal officials and will discuss the four board priorities.
