Stanwood back on track

Helen Saunders and Dr. John Dueringer of Camano Island ride into Stanwood. PHOTO BY KELLY RUHOFF In the Saturday morning cold, amidst cheers, flashing cameras and at least one miniature American flag, Island County Commissioner John Dean, Stanwood Mayor Dianne White and Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Wash.) stepped off the first train to Stanwood Station in 38 years.

So did 135 others.

The moment, several years in the making, electrified the 600- foot long platform with the immediacy of history being made.

“We have arrived!” Dean proclaimed to those gathered.

White, who remembers Stanwood’s train as a child, was also exuberant.

“Congratulations to all of us who get a rail station back in Stanwood!” she said. “Isn’t this just a jewel?”

Both Dean and White expressed thanks to Haugen for funding she secured for the project.

Island County Commissioner John Dean, Stanwood Mayor Dianne White, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Wash.) and state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond cut the ribbon, putting Stanwood Station back on the map. PHOTO BY COLLEEN PEARSON | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS “Mary Margaret Haugen has come through again and again over the years,” Dean said.

Haugen was joyful.

“I love this train, too!” she declared, addressing the crowd with Dean and White. “This is a wonderful day.” Haugen thanked Stanwood City Council, and the citizens, for the opportunity to serve them. She also thanked Design Stanwood for its instrumental role in the project’s conceptualization.

“This wouldn’t have happened without you,” she noted.

Haugen, chairwoman of Washington State’s transportation committee, secured authorization for the station in 2005 when she gathered $5 million from the state Legislature to begin a rail system in Stanwood. Haugen followed up each year with additional funding and measures to guarantee its completion.

Amtrak Cascades arrives in Stanwood to a crowd of well wishers. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O In addition to the pandemonium of the project’s fruition and the realization of that first train, there was anticipation of the future. In many people’s eyes, this was the beginning of a new era for Stanwood.

“This is going to spark our economic development,” White said.

Haugen concurred.

“This is about the next generation,” she said.

So it was fitting that the next generation participated in the festivities.

Stanwood’s Boy Scouts of American Troop 46 presented the colors on the platform, and Stanwood Middle School’s Jazz Band, led by teacher Michele Rockwood, provided music.

And the community turned out to see itself literally connected to the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

For travel times, destinations and fares visit www. AmtrakCascades.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews. com.