Council accepts quitclaim deed for West First Street crossing tied to West Side sewer project

The Dalles City Council on Sept. 22 adopted Special Ordinance No. 25‑610 to accept a quitclaim deed covering a private railroad spur crossing on West First Street. The deed, signed and notarized by Oregon Cherry Growers LLC, transfers any interest the company may have in the crossing to the city so the crossing can be demolished as part of the West Side Interceptor Phase 2 sanitary‑sewer upsizing project.

City Attorney Cara told the council that Union Pacific Railroad indicated it has no interest in the spur and that Oregon Cherry Growers had agreed to convey any interest they might hold. The crossing removal will allow construction work on the sewer main that passes beneath the railroad spur and serves Pacific Coast Producers (also referred to in staff comments as Oregon Cherry Growers’ adjacent operations).

Councilor Ring moved the ordinance and was seconded by Councilor McLaughlin; the ordinance was read by title only and adopted. Staff noted budget implications in the packet (page 39) and said the project will proceed under the city’s public‑works schedule; project engineers and the public‑works director were present for questions.

Ending note: The ordinance acceptance gives the city clear title (to the extent such private interest existed) so the sewer upsizing work on West First can proceed as planned.