Washington, DC – In another historic milestone, today the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) granted a petition by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to acquire the 32-mile Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. The STB’s decision removes one of the final barriers for the RTC to move forward with the final stages of closing escrow on the property deal.
“Today’s decision brings us all one step closer in realizing our long-standing dream of providing greater access and use of this transportation corridor that connects Santa Cruz and Monterey counties around the Monterey Bay,” said Congressman Sam Farr. “This transportation project will not only offer our region an environmentally friendly and healthy form of alternative transportation, but it has the potential to spur economic activity and educate residents and tourists about the value of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. I have championed this project for a long time, but it is days like this that we are reminded of what is possible when communities come together.”
According to Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Chair Mark Stone, “Today’s decision is a milestone event in our long journey to secure the Santa Cruz Branch Line as an infrastructure asset for the community. Future generations will benefit from the transportation and trail opportunities that this purchase will provide.” Stone, who is Chair of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors also remarked, “Congressman Sam Farr has been a vital proponent of this project every step of the way, and we are grateful for his leadership in aggressively seeking viable alternative forms of transportation for the Monterey Bay region.”
A number of groups have been anxiously awaiting news about the rail corridor acquisition. Bruce Sawhill, chair of Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) said “Once in a while, when you’ve just about given up hope, miracles actually do happen. But in truth, luck is made out of people, and a lot of people worked to make this happen. We at FORT are looking forward to an exciting new chapter working with the RTC to get a coastal rail trail built as the centerpiece of the Santa Cruz County portion of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network while preserving the rail functionality of the corridor for potential future uses. Plus, I’ve always wanted a train set for Christmas!”
The STB decision was on the checklist of requirements to be completed before acquisition could be completed. Concluding rail corridor acquisition steps include finalizing purchase documents, completing the escrow process and purchase of necessary insurance policies.
The RTC has been working on assessments and negotiation to acquire the transportation corridor for the last ten years culminating with a unanimous decision to submit final purchase documents in May 2010. This decision followed a meticulous, comprehensive and required analysis of the property’s condition. Based on this analysis, the RTC and Union Pacific agreed on a purchase price for the Branch Line of $14.2 million with a commitment to make $5 million in improvements. The California Transportation Commission approved the sale and release of funding at their January 2011 meeting.
Funding for the purchase and improvements to the line come from Proposition 116, the region’s share of State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and a $1.5 million federal earmark secured by Congressman Sam Farr. Proposition 116 was approved by voters in 1990 and designated $11 million for rail projects in Santa Cruz County. $10 million in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds were designated for the project in 2000.
A public celebration will be planned once escrow for the property closes.
For more details about acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line or other projects, visit the RTC website or call (831) 460-3200.