Washington port receives rail funds

Washington port receives rail funds    Washington's Port of Vancouver said $2.9 million has been appropriated by the federal government to help build rail lines in and around the port's facilities, including a loop at the new Terminal 5.
   'This appropriation shows confidence and ongoing support for our project,' said Port Commission President Nancy Baker, in a statement. 'This is much needed stimulus in a down economy. It's going to build infrastructure that will help the port be ready to provide jobs as the economy recovers.'
   It's one part of the complete $137 million West Vancouver Freight Access project, which will increase the port's ability to provide expanded rail service to its current maritime customers and industrial tenants.
   Upon completion in 2017, the West Vancouver Freight Access project is expected to reduce congestion and improve velocity through the convergence of BNSF Railway's north-south and east-west mainlines which are a 'major choke point' in Vancouver, the port said.