(The following story by Eric Florip appeared on The East Oregonian website on August 12, 2009.)
HERMISTON, Ore. — Amtrak may be one step closer to restoring its Pioneer Route through Eastern Oregon, according to a spokesman for Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. – a long-time supporter of bringing the train route back along Oregon’s northern corridor.
Communications director Tom Towslee said Tuesday he expects a preliminary report from Amtrak any day. Wyden’s office has been briefed on the subject, and early indications look good, Towslee said.
“It’s looking like it’s going to recommend that the Pioneer Route be restored,” _he said.
An Amtrak representative could not be immediately reached as of Wednesday morning.
An appropriations bill approved in Congress last fall ordered the study of possibly reviving Amtrak’s Pioneer Route. The train ran between Portland and Salt Lake City, plus several stops along the way. But it was discontinued more than a decade ago.
Wyden has long pushed to bring the service back, more recently with Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo. The idea has also found strong support among many Eastern Oregon residents.
Amtrak’s preliminary report is just that – preliminary. The final version isn’t due to Congress until September, Towslee said. But the forthcoming document could mark an important step, he said.
“Sen. Wyden has been trying to get this route restored ever since it was closed,” _Towslee said. “This is great news for the people of Eastern Oregon, and for the communities along that route.”