The Region
The Northwest is a hub of the global tech sector, and its vibrant cities and natural beauty make tourism a bedrock of the economy.
The region consists of Cascadia—the strip of land along the West Coast that includes Seattle and Portland—and the northern states of the Mountain West.
Cascadia is growing rapidly, both in population and resources. It will add up to 3.5 million people to the current population of 9 million by 2040, and its GDP per capita is among the highest in North America. Millions of tourists visit the Mountain West states each year for the spectacular skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
State of Development
The Federal Railroad Administration has not yet done a plan for the region, but other important projects are underway:
Cascadia Ultra High-Speed
A proposed high-speed line through Cascadia would create a one-hour trip from Seattle to Portland or Vancouver. The drive takes three hours.
Amtrak Cascades
Amtrak’s Cascades line—running from Eugene, OR, to Vancouver, B.C.—is dramatically under-utilized. Improving the frequency and speed of service on the line is critical to the entire region’s economic vitality, sustainability, and livability.
Inter-Regional
The Federal Railroad Administration may study improved or restored service on four Amtrak routes that are vital to the Northwest, especially its rural areas: Seattle to LA; two routes running from Seattle to Chicago; and Denver to Portland.
