Open house for new Port operators set for Thursday

ROYAL CITY - The Port of Royal Slope (PORS) will have an open house from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, to welcome the new operators of the Royal Slope Railroad.

"This will give the entire community an opportunity to meet them," said PORS Executive Director Cathy Potter.

Potter gathered with ARG Transport Services President Scott Parkinson at the Port's offices on Sept. 2. Also present was Bill Ellis, managing partner of New Hope Capital Partners.

"It gave our Port commissioners, and myself, a chance to meet them," she said.

In addition to the meet and greet Thursday, visitors to the open house will be treated to a special presentation by ARG officials about the history and operation of ARG.

Potter said the Sept. 2 visit was positive. She said ARG officials are excited about the potential of the Royal Slope.

The Washington Department of Transportation selected ARG for the Royal Slope because of its experience in rejuvenating short lines. The Royal Slope Railroad is owned by the WSDOT.

The port of Royal slope does not have an official connection to the short line, but it has been instrumental in its re-development. Members of the Port commission cleaned it up before the state came in to do repair work.

The Port of Royal Slope is the No. 1 cheerleader for economic development on the Royal Slope. It's offices are located at 4975 Road 13.5 SW., in the Hiawatha industrial park.