Picked this up from the CSCN list. ODOT is looking into running the Cascades service on the former Oregon Electric line through the Willamette Valley:
http://www.democratherald.com/articles/200...rains071709.txt
Small segments of the line are already owned by ODOT and UP (which would benefit from getting the passenger service off of its mainline), with the rest owned by BNSF. The Portland and Western Railroad leases or has rights over the entire line.
Here is the draft study from ODOT:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/docs/Passe..._Rail_Study.pdf
It looks to be very pricey, but it would allow more passenger trains with improved running times
http://www.democratherald.com/articles/200...rains071709.txt
Small segments of the line are already owned by ODOT and UP (which would benefit from getting the passenger service off of its mainline), with the rest owned by BNSF. The Portland and Western Railroad leases or has rights over the entire line.
Here is the draft study from ODOT:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/docs/Passe..._Rail_Study.pdf
It looks to be very pricey, but it would allow more passenger trains with improved running times