Yolo County rail relocation study says area would benefit

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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A map showing all the projects covered under the proposed rail relocation project.
CH2M/Yolo County

A study designed to quantify the economic benefits of relocating existing shortline rail infrastructure in Yolo County, Calif., has found the area could tap into significant benefits if it were to follow through with the relocation.

 

Yolo County, Calif., the cities of Davis, West Sacramento and Woodland and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency completed the Yolo Rail Realignment Economic Benefits Study, which found the area could see between see between $1.9 billion and $2.6 billion in ongoing economic activity.

The study analyzed the economic potential of relocating the rail line that runs through the centers of Davis and Woodland and extending rail service to industrial areas in Woodland, the west side of West Sacramento and the Port of West Sacramento. It was prepared with support from a 2014 U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. Study findings show rail relocation could generate substantial economic benefit in Yolo County and align well with regional flood protection options currently being studied.

Opportunities to significantly reduce the estimated $156-335 million project costs by integrating the rail relocation project with other flood control projects under consideration in Yolo and Sacramento counties were also identified. By eliminating 22 at-grade crossings, the project will improve access and increase safety. The relocated line will also allow for the proposed widening of the Sacramento Weir and Yolo Bypass, and will remove the shortline trestle over the Yolo Bypass providing increased flood protection for the entire Central Valley.

Economic growth opportunities, including redevelopment in urban corridors presently impacted by rail lines, increased rail access for agribusiness and industry and creation of sustainable employment were examined. Using a 20-40 year full-build-out timeframe, the study found net new commercial and residential development enabled by the phased rail relocation could generate between 38,700 to 53,200 ongoing jobs countywide and beneficial economic impacts projected at between $5.9 and $8.1 billion of annual output (market value of goods and services, including $2 to $2.7 billion of labor income).

With last week’s U.S. EDA conference and the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual Capital-to-Capital trip this week, the timing and tangible outcomes of this collaborative effort are particularly meaningful for Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-06).

“The more efficiently we are moving goods, the more our economy will grow,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-06). “The findings of this study reinforce the value of crafting multi-benefit, regional infrastructure projects that generate new economic opportunities that advance the entire region. Rail realignment could spur redevelopment and increase public safety, creating opportunities for new homes, businesses and jobs in our community.”

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