RICHLAND, Wash. – The Port of Benton announced the achievement of Class 1 track status for its railroad after completing significant construction projects.

This upgrade allows for greater flexibility in serving industrial rail customers without restrictions, the port said in a release .

The rail line, acquired from the U.S. Department of Energy in 1998, extends from the Union Pacific mainline near Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick to the Horn Rapids Industrial Park.

The line supports the shipment of 1.3 million tons of goods annually, primarily frozen fries and feed for local dairies.

Since 2015, the port has revitalized the track, including replacing five road crossings and installing 3,400 new rail ties.

The port said it’s seeking a $9.56 million federal grant through the RAISE pr

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