A major infrastructure initiative at the Port of Coos Bay is gaining momentum with a $100m funding boost from the state of Oregon, setting the stage for the creation of the west coast’s first fully ship-to-rail container port.

The Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project aims to establish a container terminal that will directly link ocean freight to inland markets via rail, bypassing the need for long-haul trucking.

Once completed, cargo arriving at the port of Coos Bay will be loaded directly onto the Coos Bay Rail Line, which connects to Union Pacific’s mainline in Eugene, opening access to Midwest markets and beyond.

“This project is an investment in rural Oregon,” said Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the port redevelopment. “Rural Oregon has felt left behind for a very long time when it comes to opportunities, and we have to reinvest not only in infrastructure but in employment opportunities.”

Alongside the state funding, the project has also secured federal support through various US Department of Transportation grants. These funds will contribute to rail upgrades, terminal construction, and critical infrastructure permitting.

While the project is still in its early stages, including the initiation of environmental permitting, completion is projected within the next five years.