What We've Done

Feature Case Study - Watco Railroad Companies

• Watco Railroad Companies (1 page)

The Situation

Shortline railroads were disappearing from the Idaho landscape losing their role as a significant commodity transportation link. Kansas -based Watco Railroad Companies purchased four shortline railroad segments and wanted to revive government support, market place recognition and use of railroads.

Our Approach

Veritas met with Watco officials to understand and familiarize ourselves with the issue. After analysis we designed a multi-faceted and multi-year strategy to bring broad-based credibility and acceptance to Watco’s concerns. We organized hands-on strategies to educate and inform top legislative leaders. With their earned backing and support we researched, wrote and lobbied legislation, organized the statewide shortline railroad companies into a grassroots network, used our one-on-one top drawer lobbying access and contacts to position an appropriation request.

Veritas Results

Our approach yielded a legislative interim committee to study shortline railroads and issued a report recommending our desired two levels of infrastructure policy. Veritas’ lobbying resulted in creation of land-based port districts as a governmental entity to act as hubs for commerce development to be served by shortline railroads. To operationalize our land based port districts we drafted and lobbied additional legislation created a revolving loan program and successfully lobbied a $5,000,000 million appropriation for the program.

The partners at Veritas Advisors have added great value to our external and government relations efforts in Idaho.  They are quick to respond to urgent issues, they communicate regularly and provide clear, concise updates.  They have strong relationships and strategic skills that have helped us achieve our goals.