[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMEMORATING THE 100TH YEAR OF THE LAKE COUNTY RAILROAD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate 
the 100th year of the Lake County Railroad, a 55-mile stretch of track 
connecting the neighboring communities of Alturas, California and 
Lakeview, Oregon.
  Since its completion in January 1912 as part of the Nevada-
California-Oregon Railway, this rail line has been a vital economic 
lifeline to the region, transporting Lake County's abundant 
agricultural and natural resources to markets around this great nation 
and the world.
  The arrival of the NCO Railway was heralded at the time as ``the most 
important epoch in the history of Lakeview and Lake County.'' Despite 
the limitations of its narrow-gauged tracks, the railroad spurred the 
growth of the livestock, mineral, and timber industries, brought in 
scores of new settlers, and turned a dusty frontier town into a vibrant 
community. Along with a passenger depot which still stands today, the 
railroad ushered in a building boom that saw the construction of a new 
opera house, high school, and even a sewer system.
  In 1927, the line was sold to Southern Pacific, which quickly 
converted it to standard-gauge operations. As a result, Lakeview 
changed from a commercial center to an industrial hub containing up to 
ten lumber mills and remanufacturing plants. For nearly 60 years, rail-
related trade in the region thrived as millions of board feet of 
ponderosa pine were carried to market via railcar.
  With the beginning of the demise of the timber industry in the 
Northwest in the early 1980s, Southern Pacific announced plans to 
abandon the line. Recognizing the economic impact abandonment of the 
line would have on communities served by the railroad and appreciating 
its historic significance, Lake County purchased the line in 1986. In 
1996, the county took over direct operations and established the Lake 
County Railroad.
  Today, timber shipments have largely been replaced by loads of 
perlite, but the importance of the line has never been more pronounced. 
Reliable transportation brings industry and jobs, especially in rural 
Oregon.
  While it has not been an easy task, the business and government 
leaders of Lake County have maintained and strengthened the Lake County 
Railroad with a tenacity and dedication that rivals those who first 
established the railroad. I am proud to have personally supported, 
advocated for, and been deeply involved in their many efforts to fuel 
this economic engine. And I will continue to do so.
  On October 6, Lake County, Oregon, and the Town of Lakeview will 
celebrate the Centennial of the Lake County Railroad. Ten years ago, I 
had the pleasure of being on hand, with my son, to share in the 
community's previous celebration of the line. While unfortunately I 
cannot be there again to mark this momentous occasion, this record 
honors those efforts of my good friends in preserving the history of 
and building a future for railroads in America.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Lake 
County Railroad on 100 years of excellent service.

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