Clark County Railroad Advisory Board
June 8, 2026
Observer: Nancy Halvorson
Agenda: https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/06_08_2026-agenda.pdf
Quorum established
Chair comments – none
PVJR – not present
BCYX – started season Mother’s Day weekend. Passenger count low – normal for this time of year. Will participate in Yacolt celebration July 4th
Short runs, $10 each. Train “robbers” will lead the parade
July and August will have 3 train robber cars – daily or weekend?
Steam engine still be worked on
Diesel #1 – some problems (rodents moved in over the winter!)
County report: Rehab has not kicked off – waiting for a schedule, staff being trained on PVJR’s track safety program
Bridge inspections have been completed, no critical defects found
John Myer – Council Consent Agenda June 16th agenda for approval to the board
RRAB Open House: Committee met. Reserved a booth at the Amboy Territorial Days – all 3 days. Needs workers
Will reserve a spot in Yacolt for them to present
BG – no booths as in the past, as a fist fight broke out last year over a political booth. This year, more focus on children
So, no booth in BG is possible
David Milar does have a float that might work – train float, celebrating 250 years, they will check out the possibility of using this in the BG parade – Harvest Days – 17, 18 of July. Showed a picture of the float
Might also participate in BG Farmers Market
Historical Museum had offered a night at the museum and the group would like a daytime event. Possibly at Pomeroy Farms
Format: posters up, run a video or slide deck, do a LOT of listening – Staff emphasized the listening to the public.
Working on script and posters for presentation
Board member objects to the comment in the Columbian about the “tracks to nowhere.” Want to educate the public about the RR. Staff will verify this comment.
Discussion about what needs to be presented
Passenger rail, industry in North County, tax benefits to BG School District if there was a larger tax base – business and industry – economic development
Important point: light rail CANNOT ever be run on heavy rail
Chair: Let’s narrow our talk about economic development this year and not focus on passenger rail.
15 on the board, can’t have more than 7 at the committee meeting – June 17th
IF mining did occur and use the north line, the maintenance would belong to the leasee of the RR – PVJR. The Chair has heard that one of the potential businesses plans to pay for the track upgrade that is needed. No cost estimates given
From BG north, track is in poor shape – the whole roadbed would need to be re done, RR crossings sub standard
Statement that cost to maintain rail is less than the cost to maintain roads.
FRDU update from Council
Staff reported: When FRDU approved by legislature, County made updates to the Comp Plan, Now, the FRDU has been repealed, in the current Comp Plan update, the overlays and ordinances will be repealed and/or removed.
No Public Comment
Adjourned: 4:51 pm