1. Build Fast, Frequent, Reliable Service for Amtrak Cascades

A. Recommit to goals for fast, frequent, reliable Amtrak service by  2030-2035^[1]

Enact the Rail Can’t Wait Pre-Session Priorities for policy and capital investment:

• Pass the proposed Western WA Rail Act of 2025^[2] to require 2.5 hr trip time SEA-PDX and 2.75 hr SEA-Vancouver B.C. (see RCW 47.79.020), minimum 88% reliability, and step-wise project implementation to be completed by 2030-2035  
• Integrate I-5 highway planning with rail revisions through Nisqually
• Build two modest-cost capital projects at Kelso and Centralia to improve reliability at station stops^[3]

B. Provide two major infrastructure improvements to the Amtrak Cascades corridor to enable 110 mph top speed and minimum 88% reliability

Fund state match and seek federal funding for two capital projects to help meet the proposed Western WA Rail Act of 2025 standards^[4] that further contribute to 2.5 hr trip times SEA-PDX and 2.75 hrs SEA-Vancouver BC, reliable on-time service, and reduced emissions and energy use

• Implement rail alignment change on the Point Defiance Bypass south of Dupont, designed for 100 mph
• Build 110 mph dedicated passenger tracks along the existing corridor between Nisqually and Chehalis
• Re-negotiate a Master Agreement with BNSF^[5] 

2. Re-establish a Rail Office and Expand Rail Programming

A. Re-establish a Rail Office

B. Oversee funding for rail programs with near-term benefits

C. Provide organizational structures for professional and citizen participation in rail decision-making

• Re-establish a Rail Office dedicated to rail transportation, staffed with professionals in rail engineering and operations, to:^[6]

• Plan the rail element of the state transportation system  
• Implement, manage, and prioritize rail projects that can deliver benefits by 2030-2035 and meet emissions reduction goals (RCW 70A.45.020)  
• Apply for all federal grants dedicated to rail expansion and improvement, prioritizing existing routes  

• Allocate Climate Commitment Act revenue and other applicable funds for near-term rail projects, prioritizing 2030-2035 completion timelines
• Create a Rail Advisory Committee^[7] for stakeholders and partners
• Create a Passenger Rail Opinion Group^[8]

3. Revive the Statewide Rail System

A. Establish East-West Passenger Rail Service through Central Washington

• Engage with Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to plan the Washington segment of long-distance service under the FRA Service Restoration initiative and Corridor Identification and Development (CID) program

• Fund a benefit-cost analysis of restoration of state-sponsored east-west passenger rail service^[9] via Stampede Pass, connecting Seattle, Auburn, Ellensburg, Yakima, Tri-Cities, and Spokane

B. Reconnect SE Washington Shortline Network

• Increase transportation resilience in SE WA through connectivity, capacity, and additional rail options for farmers and shippers

• Commission a benefit-cost analysis for a Rosalia-to-Pasco Shortline Access Corridor using state-owned track as well as abandoned right-of-way^[10]

C. Electrify Rail

Reduce climate emissions and diesel particulate emissions harmful to rail workers and fenceline communities

• Continue the electrification of rail yards that began with appropriation for Tacoma Rail^[11] 
• Begin planning mainline electrification similar to the car and truck Transportation Electrification Strategy (RCW 43.292), in order to coordinate between state agencies and localities and guide legislative action and priorities^[12]

D. Develop Rail Curriculum that will Educate the Next Generation of Rail Professionals

• Develop professional rail curricula in state college and university  engineering programs, utilizing historic and modern rail knowledge
• Develop job-training programs for technical colleges to build a well-trained rail workforce
• Fund a task force with academic and rail experts to develop a scope of work and budget for these specialized curricula