2nd daily Amtrak train to B.C. about to be canceled

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced Monday that it and members of Congress will be holding discussions with British Columbia officials after Canada decided last week to impose border fees that would force the cancellation of the second daily Amtrak Cascades train to Vancouver, B.C.

The Canadian federal government said late last week it would require the state's transportation department to pay nearly $550,000 a year for border-clearance services, according to a WSDOT news release. The money would cover additional staffing for the Canada Border Services Agency.

"British Columbia and Washington are so disappointed by this news," said Paula Hammond, Washington transportation secretary, in the news release. "The economic benefits for Vancouver and Washington are clear as travelers shop, eat and stay in local hotels. The second train has brought an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefits to British Columbia during the year it has been allowed to operate."

The second Amtrak Cascades train has been operating since Aug. 19, 2009, according to the news release. After the 2010 Winter Olympics, the trial period was extended through Sept. 30. Its service has been extended through Oct. 31.

Carly Flandro: 206-464-2108 or cflandro@seattletimes.com