Port officials and users interviewed for this story said Portland's strong suits as a distribution hub include good rail ami interstate highway connections, intermodal facilities, and a barge feeder system that supports agriculture producers and other businesses up the Columbia River. Interstate 5. the major north/ south West Coast highway, goes through Portland and the port has spurs connecting to the Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) main lines that go to the Midwest. Despite the good connections, rail service in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere around the country, deteriorated last year when railroads lacked the manpower, equipment and track to handle the surge of import cargo, coal and wheat shipments. The Portland area, which is a major interchange for north/south and east/west rail corridors, is already at maximum capacity as freight and intercity passenger rail services expand.
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