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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Amtrak train route to B.C.

For Immediate Release: October 12, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement, addressing the second passenger train from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.:

�It�s very disappointing that the Canadian Border Services Agency sees the need to impose a border clearance fee on Washington state, in effect killing the second Amtrak train to Vancouver, British Columbia. During a time of economic fragility, we need to ensure we�re taking every step possible to encourage tourism and economic recovery.

�The second line was a major step in that direction. Since the initiation of the second train, ridership into Vancouver has doubled to 70,000 passengers. Greater-Vancouver spending by passengers has significantly increased, soaring to $31 million. Washington and British Columbia transportation officials worked tirelessly to develop promotions � encouraging an increase in tourism for both our state and B.C. to help our restaurants, hotels and shopping centers.

�The decision to impose a $550,000 fee effective November 1 puts at risk the businesses in both Washington state and British Columbia that have benefited from the second train. And it eliminates an alternative form of transportation that helped take 35,000 passengers off the road, which improves our movement at the border and aids our effort to reduce harmful green house gas emissions.

�I am committed to doing all I can to continue the second train without the imposition of additional fees on Washington taxpayers. I have spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell and Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer to share my concerns. I also sent a letter to Canada�s Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews to express my disappointment.

�I have worked closely with Premier Campbell, and am proud of the strong partnership we have created to develop economic opportunities for both Washington state and B.C. I pledge to do all I can to protect and maintain those opportunities by ensuring the second train continues.�

To read the letter sent to Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews, visit: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/20101008_letter_to_minister_toews.pdf