Eugene was awarded membership in Union Pacific's Train Town USA Registry as part of the railroad's year-long 150th anniversary celebration. Mayor Kitty Piercy received an official Train Town USA resolution signed by Union Pacific Chairman Jim Young on July 12, making this city an official part of Union Pacific's 150th anniversary celebration across its 23-state network.
"The history of the railroad in Eugene stretches back nearly as far as Union Pacific's," said Brock Nelson, Union Pacific director of public affairs for Oregon. "With a major investment in our Eugene rail yard last year, we are committed to a bright future with the Eugene community."
Eugene today is a critical part of Union Pacific's operation in the state of Oregon. From Christmas trees to recyclables, agricultural products to lumber, Union Pacific helps Oregon businesses ship and receive products and commodities that Americans use every day. And with the ability to move a ton nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, Union Pacific moves freight with four times the fuel efficiency of trucks.
“We greatly appreciate this recognition from Union Pacific. It is very fitting to receive this designation in the year that we are also celebrating Eugene’s 150th anniversary. The establishment of the rail line here was an important factor in Eugene’s development as a city,” said Mayor Piercy. “The City of Eugene and the State of Oregon are very supportive of robust freight and passenger service; both are served on the same line here, so it is important to address both.”