Costs of Gorge oil train derailment adding up

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Six months after a train hauling Bakken crude oil derailed along the Columbia River Gorge, state and other officials are still tabulating a bill to send to Union Pacific Railroad.

Union Pacific said in a statement that it is committed to absorbing all the costs incurred as a result of the fiery crash on June 3 in Mosier, Oregon.

The railroad is not required to disclose costs associated with its cleanup efforts or how much its insurance policy will cover, but an email obtained by the Columbian newspaper (https://goo.gl/EBccAm) shows the railroad has estimated its costs associated with the derailment at about $8.9 million.

Two Washington state agencies responded to the derailment plan to bill the railroad $66,000 next month.

An Oregon state agency is also seeking $240,000 in reimbursement costs though that number could increase.

Meanwhile, an intergovernmental group made up of Mosier city officials, fire district and school foundation is currently in negotiations with the railroad.

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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com