VIA 97 Experience More...

News Release:

OKANOGAN, Wash. (March 25, 2008) – Some 100 new jobs may soon be created along a newly designated Heavy Haul Corridor along a five mile stretch of Highway 97 from the Canadian border to the Reman and Reload facility just south of Oroville, Washington, thanks to a bill that was recently signed into law by Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Substitute Senate Bill 6857, "State Route Number 97," provides a “heavy haul designation” for the highway, which will allow trucks bringing wood products across the border to be fully loaded, according to North Central Washington Resource Conservation and Development Vice President, Chris Branch.

“Without the designation, only partially loaded trucks were allowed to cross the border,” Branch said. “Now, fully loaded trucks can be reloaded onto rail freight cars at the Reman and Reload station and continue by rail to a variety of businesses in Eastern and Western Washington,” he said. 

Branch, who helped facilitate the successful legislation, said the bill requires no additional funding, but will create an estimated 100 new jobs in North Central Washington as additional shifts are hired to load, process, and handle the increased shipments. 

“The Heavy Haul Corridor is not expected to create additional truck traffic, either,” he said. “The difference is that the trucks already crossing the border can now do so with full loads.”

The Bill, introduced by Senator Bob Morton, 7th district Okanogan, came through both the Senate and House with unanimous approval.  This Bill was supported and worked on throughout the current session by a host of legislators, including Senator Dan Swecker of Olympia, Senator Linda Evans-Parlette of Wenatchee, and Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Chair, Senate Transportation Committee. 

The effort to establish the Heavy Haul Corridor was initiated with the VIA 97 International Alliance Organization.  VIA 97 focuses on the promotion of trade, transportation and tourism along the HWY 97 Corridor from Enderby, B.C. to Wenatchee, Wash.

"This is the type of cross-border cooperation that supports local business in both countries, is good for the economy, and just plain makes sense," said VIA 97 Chair, and Mayor of Osoyoos, John Slater,   

"This seemingly simple Bill will have far reaching positive economic effects," said Ken Stanton, Douglas County Commissioner and Chair of the North Central Washington Economic Development District.  "The NCWEDD was proud to offer our full support of this Bill and want to personally thank Chris Branch and the VIA 97 organization in having the dedication to see this through." 

More information about the NCWRC&D, NCWEDD or the VIA 97 organization can be found at www.ncwrcd.org, www.ncwedd.com and www.via97.org.