2005/03/09
Senator Wesley Chesbro
For more information:
Darby Kernan 916-445-3375
CHESBRO
PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO SAVE
NORTH COAST
RAILROAD AUTHORITY
SACRAMENTO – Senator Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata) has introduced a bill
that would provide the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) funding to
jumpstart the railroad and move closer to opening the line from Humboldt to
Marin County.
SB 792 would allow the
reallocation of $5.5 million of NCRA funds that have been held in a reserve
bank account, to be used to complete the Environmental Consent Decree between
Mendocino and Humboldt Counties, as well as, provide $2 million for NCRA
administrative and operating costs.
This measure is dependent on the passage of federal legislation which is
being authored by Congressman Mike Thompson, also a strong supporter of the
railroad.
“I believe the railroad is a
vital link for the future of the North Coast’s economy. It will revitalize our Port, bring jobs to
our region, and help reduce the number of large trucks on Highway 101,” said
Chesbro. “We need the federal
government to forgive this loan, so the NCRA can move forward and complete the
environmental work on the line, manage repairs, and get trains running in
Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, and Humboldt Counties.”
“Everyone knows we have had our
share of setbacks since 1998. That said, we simply can't afford to give up on
this railroad,” said John Woolley, Chair of the NCRA. “It represents the future for the Port of Humboldt Bay, and a
major boost to the North Coast economy.”
The NCRA is responsible for 316
miles of right-of-way from Lombard in Napa to Samoa in Humboldt County. Until the railroad is fully operational,
NCRA is responsible for emergency maintenance issues such as strengthening of
levees, repairs of bridges, repair of culverts and flood-related damage,
vegetation and weed abatement, as well as other general maintenance.
“I think it is critical to remember
that if the NCRA goes away, the State will be responsible for the line and I
believe the State and the North Coast are better served by an operating
railroad,” Chesbro added.
“This legislation will play a vital
role in the future of the North Western Pacific line,” added Woolley. The funding will be used to manage repairs
on the South End, fund administrative costs, complete the
court-ordered cleanup of nine rail yards, and begin a detailed assessment
of conditions in the Eel River Canyon and the North End.
The State Legislature
created the NCRA in 1990 to preserve 316 miles of the NWP rail line between
Marin County and the Humboldt Bay.
SB 792 needs to be in print
for 30 days and then it will be set in the Senate Transportation Committee for
a hearing.
####