The Centralia City Council has agreed to spend $46,250 to make repairs to the city owned railroad track spur at the Industrial Park.
Public Works Director Jeff Schwartz says the Burlington Northern Railroad is threatening to stop delivering paper products by rail to Graphic Packaging if repairs are not made.
“Every year we do quite a bit of maintenance on that track. This year after winter there was about 350 foot of it that sunk and they called me and let us know if we don’t get it fixed before long they won’t be bringing cars in anymore. They are replacing 60-100 ties and raising the track.”
Schwartz says several other Industrial Park businesses could be impacted as well if the track is unusable.
The City approved a resolution waiving the bidding requirements and accepting a proposal from Hulcher Services, Inc. Schwartz noted they were the only company within 100 miles that can complete the work.
The council agreed to proceed with demolition of seven more derelict homes if repairs are not made. They are at 620 West Broadway, 842 East Broadway, 612 South Locust, 505 North Hickory, 1203 South Cherry, 1122 McKee and 1021 Case Street.
The council honored three employees for long time service. Fire Lieutenant Cary Altadonna and Fire Captain Jeffrey Day were honored for 25 years of service and Police Telecommunicator Chris Wolenhaupt for 20 years of service.
