RAIL LINE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT JG

OFFICIALS IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY HAVE TENTATIVELY AGREED TO BUY 32 MILES OF RAIL LINE FROM THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY. THE AREA STRETCHES FROM WATSONVILLE TO DAVENPORT. THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (R.T.C.) WILL VOTE ON DECEMBER 2ND WHETHER TO FINALIZE THE 19 MILLION DOLLAR DEAL. AGREEING TO DO SO WOULD REQUIRE THE R.T.C. TO FIND AN OPERATOR TO CARRY FREIGHT ON THE LINE, FINISH ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AND SEVERAL OTHER TASKS BEFORE AUGUST 23RD. FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE IS EXPECTED TO COME FROM STATE AND FEDERAL SOURCES. IF PURCHASED, THE RAIL LINE COULD SEE A TOURIST TROLLEY, A HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL AND A COMMUTER TRAIN TO SALINAS.