A proposed freight-dependent logistics park in the Brush Prairie area is moving forward, according to Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR) owner Eric Temple, who says the project could bring jobs, reduce truck traffic and expand rail-based industry in the region.
Temple said the effort has been years in the making, but recent developments have now cleared the way for progress.
“Our plan is to proceed,” Temple said. “We have sort of waited patiently for the issues regarding 5517 to be resolved. They now have been. And so our plan is to move forward with the logistics park as we have for years now.”
On March 30, PVJR released a statement thanking the state Legislature and governor’s office for “ending the long-running controversy over sewer for freight rail-dependent uses in Clark County.”
PVJR stated the issue prior to Senate Bill 5517 was clouded over by misinterpretation, obstruction and “political gamesmanship.” With Growth Management Act practice, the question came down to if the specified use could allow urban governmental services such as sewer. Infrastructure serving specified rail-related purposes were recognized as being able to exist in either an urban or rural framework. PVJR stated the real controversy over the years has been the allowance of sewer.
The envisioned development in the Brush Prairie area near state Route 503 would include a mix of warehouses and laydown yards designed to support rail-based freight movement. Temple described the project as similar in character to other industrial rail hubs in the region, like the Port of Woodland, with modern infrastructure and multiple tenants.
“It will be a combination of laydown yards and warehouses, different places basically to load and unload rail cars,” he said. “It’ll be a new development, obviously, with newer buildings, and it’ll look very nice.”
While specific tenants have not yet been identified, Temple said the project has drawn interest from a variety of companies seeking rail-served industrial space. He noted that PVJR has worked with regional economic development groups for years to identify potential users.
“It’s tough to say who we will end up locating there as time goes forward,” Temple said. “It’s a good list of companies. Some are huge employers. Some are a little lighter. It varies.”
Possible industries for the project include automotive, hydrogen production, wood manufacturing and more.
Temple said he hopes to break ground within the next six months. He did acknowledge that the timeline could shift as challenges from environmental groups and other entities could arise.
“At this point, we’re working diligently on it,” he said. “We want to make sure that we do everything correctly and work to the extent we’re able to with Clark County and others.”
Potential layouts are currently being analyzed. Temple added that, depending on a tenant and space requirements for their industry, a layout could change.
Temple also said he was not willing to fully divulge on specific locations, citing past community opposition and misinformation as reasons for limiting early disclosure.
A key issue for the project will be infrastructure, particularly whether the development will rely on sewer services. Temple said despite the state decision, that question remains unresolved and will likely involve further discussions with county officials.
Beyond the logistics park in Brush Prairie, Temple pointed to broader plans to expand rail use in north Clark County, including improvements along the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad corridor. He said the existing track is in strong condition and could support increased use with modest investment.
Temple also highlighted a proposed expansion of the Chelatchie rail yard, which he said could help unlock access to natural resources in the area while reducing truck traffic on local roads.
“That type of train can probably replace 40,000 trucks a year running on (state Route) 503,” Temple said. “When you think about the environmental benefits of moving by rail, it’s the most efficient way to move freight over land.”
Outside of environmental issues that have since been resolved through paid fines and to resolve concerns laid out by the Washington Department of Ecology, one major concern by cities and environmentalists was the “miles-long train” idea.
“We will not have mile-long trains running 24/7 through downtown Battle Ground,” Temple said. “Worst case scenario, we’ll have one train a day, maybe 30 to 40 cars.”
Temple framed the project as an opportunity to create local jobs while keeping industrial activity within the county.
“You’re not trucking in rock or other materials from outside the county or outside the state,” Temple said. “It’s a really great deal for the county.”
However, the project has not been without controversy over the years. Temple confirmed that PVJR is currently involved in legal disputes with Clark County related to environmental issues and infrastructure.
Temple alleged that past conflicts stemmed from stormwater management issues, which he claims were improperly attributed to his operations in the Barberton area.
Temple asserted, and illustrated in a complaint filed in the Cowlitz County Superior Court, that Clark County essentially “constructed a fraudulent stormwater system in Barberton.”
The disputes are ongoing, Temple added.
Temple also illustrated that past opposition and political dynamics with current Clark County Council members have complicated the project’s progress.
Despite the challenges, Temple said he intends to move forward and emphasized a commitment to working within regulatory requirements.
“In spite of what’s been said about me, we intend to be great neighbors, protect the environment and bring jobs to Clark County,” Temple said.
