Landmark investment moves nationally significant trade gateway closer to construction, connecting Oregon's South Coast to global markets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026

COOS BAY, Ore. – The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay has been awarded $204.8 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program to advance construction of the rail infrastructure supporting the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP). The funding will support major improvements to the Coos Bay Rail Line, connecting a planned international container terminal on Oregon's South Coast to the national freight rail network.

Among the largest awards nationwide in this year's CRISI grant cycle, the $204.8 million investment surpasses all previous public funding commitments to the PCIP and marks its first major federal award supporting construction. It represents a substantial federal commitment to developing a new West Coast container gateway.

"This is the kind of investment that changes what's possible for a region," said Kyle Stevens, President of the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Board of Commissioners. "For decades, the South Coast has had the geographic advantages and the ambition to play a larger role in international trade. What we've needed is the infrastructure to match. This award brings that future within reach, and we're incredibly grateful to Oregon's congressional delegation and the many partners who have helped get us here."

The award will fund final design and construction of major improvements to the Port's Coos Bay Rail Line. Work includes upgrades to track, bridges, and tunnels; new sidings and turnarounds; and installation of Centralized Traffic Control. These improvements will accommodate double-stack container trains, providing the capacity necessary to support the future terminal.

The PCIP is being advanced through a public-private partnership between the Port of Coos Bay and NorthPoint Development, which is leading development of the marine terminal. NorthPoint's development team includes Bohlin Group, which has worked on the project for more than five years and managed the technical aspects of the federal grant applications that have helped advance the PCIP.

"There’s a massive difference between a great vision and a great project. You can't operate a new a port with drawings and paperwork," said Chad Meyer, President of NorthPoint Development. "The planning, engineering, and permitting are essential, but at some point you've got to put people and equipment on the ground and start building. That's what makes this award different. For the first time, we've secured major federal funding for construction, not just planning for it. Once the necessary permits are in place, this investment will help us get to work."

The PCIP is being developed to establish the first new container gateway on the U.S. West Coast in a generation and the nation's first ship-to-rail container terminal designed to move nearly all landside cargo by rail. 

“Rail is the backbone of this project, and this award sends a powerful signal to the global shipping industry that the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port has serious public investment behind it,” said Melissa Cribbins, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port. “For shipping lines and international cargo customers evaluating future trade routes, that level of federal support matters. It demonstrates that the United States is prepared to invest in expanding its maritime capacity. Oregon’s congressional delegation and the federal administration deserve tremendous credit for helping make that possible. This is a great stride forward, and this initial construction grant is a strong indication of how important this critical infrastructure project is locally and for the long-term strength of the country.”

With a planned annual capacity of approximately 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the PCIP is projected to support approximately 2,500 permanent direct jobs and 2,600 construction jobs over a three-year construction period.

The award builds on $160 million committed by the Oregon Legislature, nearly $70 million in previous federal grants, and a $25 million private-sector commitment from NorthPoint Development.

The Port and its partners continue advancing environmental review, permitting, engineering, and design for the marine terminal, navigation channel, and associated rail infrastructure.

About the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port

The Pacific Coast Intermodal Port is a proposed international container gateway on Oregon's South Coast, bringing together a modern marine terminal, navigation channel improvements, and upgrades to 111 miles of the Coos Bay Rail Line, which connects the region to the national freight rail network in Eugene. Designed to move nearly all landside cargo by rail, the PCIP will expand West Coast container capacity, strengthen America's connections to global markets, and create new economic opportunities across southwest Oregon.

Funding awarded for the PCIP is restricted to designated project purposes under applicable federal laws, grant requirements, and agreements. These funds are separate from those used for Port operations and other capital projects.

Media Contact:

Matt Friesen
mfriesen@portofcoosbay.com
Oregon International Port of Coos Bay