TILLAMOOK – The Port of Tillamook Bay Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR) to extend the area of track on which they can operate their tourist trains. The 20-year exclusive lease agreement for 46 miles of track took 14 months to be reached.
The tracks the Port board agreed to lease to OCSR at its March 27 meeting start near the Air Museum and extend to beyond the Salmonberry River. OCSR sought an exclusive agreement to use the track because they will gain some valuable exemptions from the Federal Railroad Administration if the track is designated as a tourist railroad.
Tim Thompson, of OCSR, said having the track designated as a tourist railroad will make it easier for them to restore and operate on the track.
“We’re not looking for a handout,” said Thompson. “All we want is use of the track. We don’t want any money from the Port.”
The tracks the Port board agreed to lease to OCSR at its March 27 meeting start near the Air Museum and extend to beyond the Salmonberry River. OCSR sought an exclusive agreement to use the track because they will gain some valuable exemptions from the Federal Railroad Administration if the track is designated as a tourist railroad.
Tim Thompson, of OCSR, said having the track designated as a tourist railroad will make it easier for them to restore and operate on the track.
“We’re not looking for a handout,” said Thompson. “All we want is use of the track. We don’t want any money from the Port.”
