SGL needs new rail spur

MOSES LAKE — The upcoming construction of the SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber plant highlights the need to bring rail directly to the site and to other companies possibly considering the area.

SGL expects to break ground in June on its carbon fiber plant near Moses Lake.

The  project elevates the need for a connection off the main line by constructing a rail spur, said Pat Boss, a government affairs consultant for the Columbia Basin Railroad.

“We have to think about how to best link them to the  Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project,” Boss says.

“We’re hoping with all of the attention with SGL/BMW, it will provide some momentum to get funding to finish the Segment 2 extension,” he explained.

Already, $2 million has been obtained from the state to pay for the start of construction.

But another $3.5 million is required to complete Segment 2.

The Port of Moses Lake submitted a federal request for funds. The outcome probably won’t be known until late summer or early fall.

Boss referenced a letter written by ASPI Group President Andy Chen, to the railroad, which he says brought up some good issues.

The ASPI Group developed the industrial park near Moses Lake where SGL’s facility is to be built.

“Furthermore, by providing rail access to the SGL-BMW site, it will help ensure that future expansion of the facility will continue to occur at the Moses Lake site as opposed to competing locations in Canada or other locations outside the U.S.,” Chen wrote.

Chen concluded his letter by requesting that the railroad “convey the importance of completing the Segment 2 rail extension and the related rail spur to the Grant County International Airport Industrial Area, including the SGL-BMW site.”

Jon Smith, managing director of the Grant County Economic Development Council (EDC), said the EDC has worked closely with the Port of Moses Lake, the railroad and local industries to secure funding for the rail extension.

“The more transportation options that are available, the more attractive a particular location becomes for new business,” he commented. “For existing business, it opens up more options so they can choose the one that best suits their particular needs.”

“Rail at the Port of Moses Lake would complete the transportation package that is available,” Smith explained. “They already have easy access to air cargo, (state Route) 17 is only a mile away and it is four lanes all the way to I-90. Rail is the only missing transportation piece.”

Existing companies at the port would benefit greatly from shipping their product by rail.

They currently use trucking services, which is more costly for their situation, he said.