The aim of this research effort is to develop an analytical approach that will allow public transportation agencies to evaluate potential locations, value, and benefits from proposed inland rail port alternatives. Previous research has focused predominantly on the size and scale requirements for inland ports to sustain their economic viability without adequately addressing how inland port terminals generate public benefits by improving freight efficiencies that shift import/export freight movements away from congested urban highways and onto rail. These efficiency improvements span multiple commodities and supply-chain systems and can potentially advance new business opportunities. This innovative analysis framework may be applied nationwide as congested ports in urban areas face similar challenges in providing safe, efficient, and inclusive transportation that satisfies many states’ climate and equity policy goals. The focal area will include agricultural export commodities produced in Washington state and will consider an inland port terminal on the east side of the Cascade mountains near Ellensburg, Washington.
Principal Investigators:
Eric Jessup, School of Economic Sciences, WSU
Jake Wagner, School of Economic Sciences, WSU
Sponsor: WSDOT
WSDOT Technical Monitor: Jason Beloso
WSDOT Project Manager: Doug Brodin
Scheduled Completion: April 2023