About Us
Family owned and operated in washington state since 1986
Washington State’s premier shortline partner
History
October 14, 1986, Nick Temple purchased 350 miles of track in Central Washington from the Burlington Northern, thus forming the Washington Central Railroad. Over the next ten years, the volume more than tripled, increasing from 7,000 to 26,500 cars.
In 1996 the BNSF identified the Pacific Northwest as a vital corridor for their future. As a result, the Washington Central Railroad accepted an offer from BNSF and in December of that year the line changed hands. The BNSF wanted to secure a third line to reach the ports of Western Washington and did not have a need for the line that extended from Connell, WA to Moses Lake, WA. The Temple Family leased back the approximate 86 miles of track from the BNSF and the Columbia Basin Railroad was created.
Management of the company has transitioned from Nick Temple to his two sons, Brig and Eric Temple. In their tenure, the railroad has seen tremendous growth. They have leased a 33 mile line in Vancouver, WA forming the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad. Through a long term lease they regained approximately 60 miles of the former Washington forming the Central Washington Railroad (CWA).
The Railroads have a strong track record of economic and business development, and are well positioned for further growth. With a dispatch office to handle the daily operations of the railroad and a maintenance crew that oversees everything from routine repair to construction of new spurs, the Temples railroads are ready to support your transportation needs.
The Temples started Iron Horse Development, one of two companies that manages land for the BNSF. They are also in the process of developing a 140 acre commercial development in Yakima, WA under Terrace Heights Development. Currently there are 3 office complexes, two credit unions and the first new medical school in the past 60 years located in the Pacific Northwest on the property. There are many new and exciting businesses looking at the area.
The Temple organizations employ 50 people and will continue to add employment with the growth of their businesses. They reach out and touch the communities that they are doing business in. They have been very involved with Boys and Girls Club, Heritage College, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and the Circle of Success.