santa cruz county is one step closer to acquiring the (32-mile rail line from watsonville to davenport), known as the “Branch Rail line.” the deal was previously approved and set to go forward, however union pacific pulled out at the last minute. that left county transportation officials needing to find a new operator for the railway. Iowa Pacific was chosen, and will operate locally under the name “santa cruz and monterey railway.” A final petition to acquire the line was again granted last week, moving the process into the final phase before passenger and freight trains start running.
