BNSF News

BNSF Works with Amtrak to Restore Passenger Service to Washington Tourist Attraction

2009-09-28

Eagerly awaited rail passenger service has been restored to a popular Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains, thanks in part to cooperation between city officials at Leavenworth, Wash., and leaders at Amtrak and BNSF.

Amtrak Empire Builder service to Leavenworth resumed on Friday, Sept. 25. The Empire Builder uses BNSF track between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seattle.

"Icicle Station, and Amtrak rail passenger service to the Leavenworth, will benefit our community in many ways -- transportation choices for our residents as well as welcoming visitors from the entire Amtrak system," said Mayor Rob Eaton of Leavenworth. "I am truly appreciative of all of the support and encouragement we have received from the BNSF Railway team. and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with BNSF."

Leavenworth is a four-season destination in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains with more than 2 million visitors each year.

City officials worked with the Port of Chelan, Chelan County commissions, Washington State Sen. Linda Evans Parlette and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray as they worked with Amtrak and BNSF. In addition, the local community, Projekt Bayern (a local service group) and the local chamber of commerce were instrumental in supporting Icicle Station.

Murray helped obtain federal funding to build Icicle Station. Parlette noted that the addition of passenger rail service to the area will help strengthen the local economy by bringing in tourist dollars.

About the photo: Here's what Icicle Station looked like during the construction phase of the new facility.

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