The final acquisition of an important rail segment has given the International Port of Coos Bay a chance at economic stability. Union Pacific Railroad and the port are nearing a deal for a 22-mile stretch of railroad that runs from the north spit of lower Coos Bay to Coquille.
The port also hopes a strong rail line will lure international investors that depend on rail to ship their products coast to coast. Every added rail car represents revenue for Coos Bay, which gets a percentage of the original shipping rate. The port initially will add tariffs to cover operation costs.