Amtrak to temporarily relocate from Denver Union Station

Beginning February 1, Amtrak will temporarily relocate from the Denver

Union Station to 1800 21st Street, at the intersection of 21st and Wewatta Streets, west of Coors Field in Downtown Denver’s Prospect Neighborhood.

The move is necessary to accommodate construction of the new commuter rail station at Denver Union Station that will serve Amtrak and the East, Gold, North Metro and Northwest Rail commuter rail lines. When improvements are complete, Denver Union Station will be the centerpiece of the Regional Transportation District’s FasTracks transit expansion program and will serve as a multimodal hub for the region. Amtrak will return to Union Station in the spring of 2014.

In addition to the eight-track Amtrak and RTD commuter rail station, the $484 million

Denver Union Station redevelopment project includes a 22-bay regional bus facility, new light rail station for current and future light rail lines, extension of the 16th Street Mall Shuttle and several public plazas to integrate transit services with adjacent neighborhoods.

Last year, 128,410 Amtrak passengers used the Denver station.

"The opening of the temporary Amtrak station represents another significant milestone for the project," said Elbra Wedgeworth, president of the Denver Union Station Project Authority.

L.B. Foster awarded rail contract for CRANDIC track upgrade

L.B. Foster Company was awarded a contract by Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway to provide approximately 1,000 tons of 115# standard rail for the upgrade of aging track and for the construction of a new 10,000-ft. siding for a unit train interchange. An L.B. Foster weld train will deliver 54,450 linear feet of continuous welded rail in February 2011 for track rehabilitation as required for the upkeep of 60 miles of mainline rail and 40 miles of yard track. L.B. Foster Company has also provided 82,000-ft of CWR to the CRANDIC in 2009.

The new rail was manufactured in lengths of 240 feet by L.B. Foster’s strategic partner, Steel Dynamics, Inc., and then welded into 1,650-foot sections at their rail welding facility. The welding of rail strings began on January 24 and proceeded quickly to accommodate an expedited shipping schedule in early February. L.B. Foster personnel will coordinate the transport and unloading of the train to meet the ambitious delivery date.

"Managing a CWR shipment with our own company weld train allows L.B. Foster to expedite delivery and meet critical project deadlines," said Joe Mahoney, L.B. Foster regional sales manager.

Obama

In a state-of-the union speech on January 25, 2011, the United Transportation Union reports, President Obama singled out high-speed rail as "the most reliable way to move people," saying that "within 25 years, our goal is to give 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car.

"For some [high-speed rail] trips, it will be faster than flying — without the pat-down," said the president. "As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway." 

The White House press office said the president would release more details on his desires for high-speed rail, transit and Amtrak improvements when he delivers his fiscal year 2012 budget request to Congress in early February.

"Countries in Europe and Russia invest more in their roads and railways than we do," said the president in his speech. "China is building faster trains … We have to do better. America is the nation that built the transcontinental railroad."

Many Republicans, however, have signaled they will oppose Obama’s high-speed rail spending proposals and also seek to reduce federal subsidies for Amtrak during congressional budget deliberations.

However, the chairman of the House Rail Subcommittee, Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), indicated he is not opposed to more spending on high-speed rail and Amtrak, but has reservations.

He said, "The Obama administration’s high-speed rail grants, rather than focusing on a small number of projects with the most potential for success, have been spread among numerous projects. Most of these have been grants to Amtrak, and nearly all are slower-speed rail projects. 

"In addition, the administration has virtually ignored the one region of the United States where high-speed rail makes the most sense and would have the most national benefit — the Northeast Corridor between Washington, New York and Boston. Amtrak’s Acela currently serves this route, but at an average speed of only 83 mph."

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the subcommittee’s parent, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, has voiced support for more high-speed rail funding in the Northeast Corridor and for a limited number of high-speed rail projects — but with private sector investment in addition to federal funding.

 

CSXT to invest $2 billion

CSXT Corporation will invest $2 billion to increase the quality, flexibility and capacity of its rail network. That’s on top of the $1.8 billion the company invested in 2010, a year in which operating income was $3.1 billion. 

"CSXT believes in the ability of the U.S. economy to continue growing and is committed to supporting its customers as that occurs," said Michael Ward, CSXT chief executive officer. "This is an important time for CSXT and other companies to take stock in what we need to do together to drive growth and increase U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace while creating jobs." 

The company also said that it will increase employment by one to two percent in 2011 as business levels continue to return in an improving economy. CSXT currently employs 30,000 people.

 

Viterra confirms interest in MPA Grain Terminal

Viterra Inc., a global agribusiness, has confirmed that it is in discussions regarding a possible transaction to lease and operate the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) Grain Terminal. 

The MPA Grain Terminal is a CGC licensed transfer elevator, which operates year round and has a storage capacity of 262,000 metric tons. The terminal is located in the deepest inland seaport in North America and connects directly to both CN and CP rail networks. It provides direct and efficient shipping routes to various destinations in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. 

These discussions are ongoing and no transaction has been finalized at this time.

 

TTC to close portion of Yonge subway for trackwork

The Toronto Transit Commission will be constructing a new double cross-over section of subway track at College Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line. Once completed, the new cross-over will result in more efficient and reliable service. When completed, subway trains will be able to turn back at College Station. At this time, trains must turn back at Union or Bloor stations. 

In order to undertake this work, the TTC will close the Yonge line from Union Station to Bloor Station on three weekends, starting with Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30. Regular subway service will resume on Monday, January 31.

 

New special interest group for rail transport

ODVA will form a new special interest group to evolve ODVA technologies for rail transport. Aimed at enhancing ODVA’s specifications with services and device profiles to meet the needs of rail transport, the resulting standards are expected to provide a comprehensive solution for rail transport, encompassing on-board train controls, monitoring, signaling and demand-response. The formation of this special interest group reflects increased interest in ODVA technologies by OEMs in the rail transport industry. 

The strong business outlook for rail transport is driving increased investment by OEMs in information and communication technologies (ICT) such as the ODVA technology portfolio. ICT will be critical to the realization of improvements in safety and service in combination with market demands for increased rail capacity and higher performance equipment. The intimate connection of rail transport with key sectors of the economic ecosystem – industrial, retail, commercial, residential and government – mandates that future ICT implementations in rail transport adapt automation technologies that are open, interoperable and whenever possible, embrace the use of commercial off-the-shelf and standard, unmodified Internet and Ethernet technologies. All of these attributes are exemplified by ODVA and its cornerstone technologies, the Common Industrial Protocol and EtherNet/IP. 

"This is a new market sector for ODVA technologies, which ODVA is entering due to the interest of members," said Katherine Voss, executive director of ODVA. "As one of ODVA’s vertical market SIGs, the Rail Transport SIG will provide a unique opportunity for leaders in the rail industry and information technology to collaborate for best-in-class, open and interoperable communication standards for the next generation in railway transport." 

The SIG is expected to hold its initial invitational meeting in the first quarter of 2011.

 

Savage to construct, own and operate a multi-user railport at Trenton, N.D.

Savage Companies has made plans to construct, own and operate a large multi-user rail terminal in Trenton, N.D. The terminal, to be known as Trenton Railport, will be served by BNSF, and will be designed to bring large-scale rail service to the Bakken Formation with oil-field related materials such as tubular, frac sand and other strategic materials, including the capability to load and ship unit trains of crude oil.

The 270-acre site on which the Trenton Railport will be built was secured by Savage in cooperation with Yellowstone Ethanol, LLC. Bob Gannaway, president of Yellowstone, stated "We are excited to be working with Savage, and see where it will bring many new opportunities for our area." Savage has begun first-level engineering, design and permitting studies and anticipates that construction will begin later this year, with completion expected by late 2011.

The facilities will include rail infrastructure, open space for oil field materials storage, and receiving capability for frac sand and other materials. In support of its Trenton Railport customers, Savage intends to provide a total service model featuring the providing of railcars, and a complete logistics package.

 

Laramie, Wyo. to begin trans-modal rail project this spring

The Laramie Economic Development Corp. is currently on track for developing its proposed South Laramie Trans-Modal rail site project this spring, reports the Wyoming Business Report. 

The project will allow Laramie and Albany County businesses to access Union Pacific track and will be constructed south of the old UP tie plant. 

The LEDC received the State Lands and Investment Board’s unanimous approval on January 20, for an $805,050 Wyoming Business Council Business Ready Community Grant. It will use the grant for new rail spur infrastructure, including ties, road base and design and construction costs. 

On January 21, the Wyoming Department of Transportation approved a WYDOT and Albany County Industrial Road Program Grant for $500,000 for the project. 

Once the of LEDC’s lease agreement is finalized with UP the city of Laramie and Albany County each stand ready to loan LEDC $100,000 each from their respective economic development recapture funds. 

LEDC hopes to call for proposal requests in early February and plans to begin construction 60-90 days after a contractor has been hired.

 

Alaska Railroad permit for construction in danger

The Alaska Railroad Corporation has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reject the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to impede a permit for construction of a bridge over the Tanana River near Salcha, Ak. The Alaska Railroad has requested the Corps of Engineers grant the permits under the Clean Water Act so work can begin on the Northern Rail Extension project to Delta Junction. 

The NRE project will extend the rail line from Eielson Air Force Base to Delta Junction in four phases and provide year round access to military training grounds on the south side of the Tanana River after the bridge is completed. The recent actions by the EPA threaten to delay and possibly eliminate Phase 1 of the NRE, effectively canceling the entire project. 

The NRE project is supported with federal funds from the Department of Defense and the State of Alaska. The NRE project is broken into four phases, with the Phase 1 calling for a bridge over the Tanana River near Salcha, providing, for the first time, year round surface access to substantial military training grounds on the far side. Phase 2 through 4 would extend the rail line southeast, approximately 80 miles to Delta Junction. The total cost for the project is estimated to be about $800 million. 

The NRE project has been under a formal environmental review at the direction of the Surface Transportation Board since 2005 with an Environmental Impact Statement published in the fall of 2009. The STB’s formal Record of Decision dated January 5, 2010 approved the route to Delta Junction. The STB’s decision gives the Alaska Railroad a green light to proceed with filing for the proper permits in order to begin the design and engineering of Phase 1. After nearly four years of extensive environmental analysis, the EPA in 2009, concurred with the alternatives considered by STB and the selection of Salcha as the crossing point of the Tanana River as described in the Draft EIS document. The EPA has suddenly reversed its position in two letters to the Corps of Engineers (November and December, 2010) and elected to impede the adjudication of the Corps of Engineers’ permitting process by challenging these fundamental findings from the EIS.  

"To say we are disappointed in the EPA’s recent actions would be an understatement," said Alaska Railroad Vice President of Engineering and Chief Engineer Tom Brooks. "The EPA concurred with the STB that this should be the preferred route. Having the EPA come back at the eleventh hour and try to circumvent the environmental process by now objecting to the findings to which they previously agreed puts this project in serious jeopardy." 

The Alaska Railroad first learned of the EPA’s objections after applying for required permits under the Clean Water Act to begin the project. One of the EPA’s claims is the Tanana River should be considered an "Aquatic Resource of National Importance" under Section 404(q) of the Clean Water Act. 

The Alaska Railroad has responded to the EPA’s concerns by noting that the NEPA process executed by STB is required to weigh the entire suite of environmental impacts in the approval of the project, rather than allow a single regulatory concern to skew result. The Alaska Railroad supplemented the Corps of Engineers permit application with further minimization and "avoidance of impacts" through additional and more costly design refinements than the EIS provided.

 

Calif. looks at high-speed rail possibility

More than 100 California public and private sector transportation leaders voiced strong support for implementing high-speed rail in California in a report from the Center for Urban Infrastructure at Brandman University. The report said that in addition to the advantages of job creation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the top priority should be creating a more efficient mass transit system. The leaders also said California is in a prime position to build a high-speed rail system that will attract riders and private capital from multiple sources. 

The report examined the views of public officials, private sector developers, transportation planners and investment backers who attended a conference sponsored by the Center for Urban Infrastructure in late August. Among the results, the survey showed 89 percent of the transportation experts give widespread support for high-speed rail. More than half of the respondents believe that private investment, including foreign investment, is seen as an important part of the high-speed rail system’s success. The survey shows that transit connectivity is an extremely important component to a successful high-speed rail system. The transportation leaders also said there is strong support for additional public/private partnership legislation. 

Last month, the California High-Speed Rail Authority decided to begin construction of the Anaheim-to-San Francisco system on a 120-mile stretch of track in the Central Valley – between Fresno and Bakersfield. Approximately $5.5 billion is available to California today to begin construction on the statewide system. Preparations will continue on the rest of the system to connect this first segment of new infrastructure to major population centers in California. 

"More than 80,000 jobs will be created in the Central Valley over the next five years," said Curt Pringle, chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. "Companies from throughout California and investors from around the world are looking at California high-speed rail as a valuable investment and economic development opportunity. Our great state has only two options – move forward to invigorate and strengthen our economy or be left behind in a gridlock of freeway congestion and high unemployment rates."

 

South Florida Tri-Rail, Conecuh Valley RR workers join UTU

Employees of railroads in Alabama and Florida have chosen the United Transportation Union as their bargaining representative, the UTU reports.

On South Florida Tri-Rail, a commuter railroad where the UTU already represents both sides of the cab, employees of the operations center have chosen the UTU as their bargaining representative.

In Alabama, train and engine workers on Conecuh Valley Railroad voted "UTU, yes."

UTU organizer Mike Lewis worked with employees of both railroads to explain the UTU’s history, structure and representation strength.

South Florida Tri-Rail operates over 71 miles for former CSXT track linking West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Owned by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail is operated by Veolia Transportation.
Conecuh Valley Railroad, owned by shortline holding company Gulf and Ohio Railways, operates over former Central of Georgia (now Norfolk Southern) track between Troy, Ala., and Gadsden, Ala.

 

Axion contracted to supply materials for third

Axion International, producer of recycled composite plastic railroad ties, has been commissioned to provide its patented Recycled Structural Composite to be used in the construction of another bridge at the U.S. Army’s Camp Mackall installation at Fort Bragg, N.C. The bridge is the third to be built entirely out of Axion’s patented product capable of supporting 70-plus ton, tracked vehicles.

"Our announcement today is further testament to our client’s confidence in Axion and its unique RSC designed from 100 percent recycled plastic," stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s CEO. "Our products are more economical to transport, install and maintain over the long haul. The experiences we’ve shared with our clients have shown – particularly at Fort Bragg – that after more than a year of constant trial under rigorous testing and challenging conditions, that our RSC will withstand all that the Military and Mother Nature can deliver."

Demolition of the existing structure is complete and soil tests have been finalized. The new thermoplastic structure will be 58 feet long and 17 feet wide and will be supported by 22, 12-inch diameter pilings driven to a depth of 40-55 feet. Construction of the new structure is expected to begin by February 2011.

Axion will be supplying all materials for the bridge with the exception of the stainless steel fasteners and the poured concrete for the bridge approach aprons. A partial Bill of Materials list includes: pilings, I-beam girders, bulkheads, I-beam pile caps and 3" x 12" decking used for the surface, all made from Axion’s proprietary RSC formulations. Axion contracted to supply materials for third "Tank Bridge"

Axion International, producer of recycled composite plastic railroad ties, has been commissioned to provide its patented Recycled Structural Composite to be used in the construction of another bridge at the U.S. Army’s Camp Mackall installation at Fort Bragg, N.C. The bridge is the third to be built entirely out of Axion’s patented product capable of supporting 70-plus ton, tracked vehicles. 

"Our announcement today is further testament to our client’s confidence in Axion and its unique RSC designed from 100 percent recycled plastic," stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s CEO. "Our products are more economical to transport, install and maintain over the long haul. The experiences we’ve shared with our clients have shown – particularly at Fort Bragg – that after more than a year of constant trial under rigorous testing and challenging conditions, that our RSC will withstand all that the Military and Mother Nature can deliver."

Demolition of the existing structure is complete and soil tests have been finalized. The new thermoplastic structure will be 58 feet long and 17 feet wide and will be supported by 22, 12-inch diameter pilings driven to a depth of 40-55 feet. Construction of the new structure is expected to begin by February 2011.

Axion will be supplying all materials for the bridge with the exception of the stainless steel fasteners and the poured concrete for the bridge approach aprons. A partial Bill of Materials list includes: pilings, I-beam girders, bulkheads, I-beam pile caps and 3" x 12" decking used for the surface, all made from Axion’s proprietary RSC formulations. Production for the Bill of Materials has already begun at Axion’s facility in Portland, Pa., with delivery starting at the end of January.

McLaren Engineering Group of West Nyack, NY, designed the new bridge and the general contractor for the project is WECC, based in Fayetteville, N.C. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research & Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, Ill, is administering the contract for this project.
Production for the Bill of Materials has already begun at Axion’s facility in Portland, Pa., with delivery starting at the end of January.

McLaren Engineering Group of West Nyack, NY, designed the new bridge and the general contractor for the project is WECC, based in Fayetteville, N.C. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research & Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, Ill, is administering the contract for this project.

 

WMATA names Sarles as CEO and GM

The Metro Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority named Richard Sarles as Metro’s new chief executive officer and general manager.

In a statement WMATA said the Board "will have more to say on this matter at its meeting on Jan. 27, at which time a vote will be taken." 

Republican Study Committee proposes $2.5 trillion in cuts, including transit, Amtrak, HSR

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Chairman of the RSC Budget and Spending Task Force and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, unveiled the Spending Reduction Act, to address the rapidly growing national debt by making substantial spending cuts immediately and throughout the next decade.

FTA gives $179.2 million in TIGER grant agreements

The Federal Transit Administration signed five Recovery Act Grant Agreements totaling to $179.2 million. The benefiting cities are Detroit, Mich., New Orleans, La., Tucson, Ariz., Dallas, Texas and Portland Ore.

Detroit:
The proposed Woodward Avenue Light Rail project in Detroit is a step closer to reality thanks to a signed grant agreement between the FTA, the city of Detroit, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The project received $25 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.
“Building this light rail system will create jobs for this great American city, and it will stimulate long-term economic growth by attracting investment to downtown Detroit and the New Center area,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.



New Orleans:
Progress continues on the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal/Loyola Loop Streetcar project thanks to a signed grant agreement between the FTA and the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority. The project received $45 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“This Recovery Act money means more jobs for workers in New Orleans, and greater access to the central business district, where the jobs are,” Secretary LaHood said. “And for those traveling outside the city, it will provide a seamless link to Amtrak trains, as well.”

Tucson:
Tucson’s Modern Streetcar project received a boost from a signed grant agreement between the FTA and the city of Tucson. The project received $63 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“Investments like Tucson’s Modern Streetcar project are at the heart of President Obama’s efforts to create jobs and give people access to convenient, affordable transportation options,” said Secretary LaHood. “This Recovery Act money will help give people greater access to Tucson’s employment centers like the University of Arizona.”

Dallas:
The much anticipated Downtown Dallas Streetcar project is a step closer to reality as the result of a grant agreement signed by the FTA and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The project received $23 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“The Dallas streetcar project is another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs and providing accessible transportation,” Secretary LaHood said.  “Residents will soon be able to take the streetcar to work or shopping downtown.  It will also provide a direct connection to light rail and commuter rail at Union Station.”

Portland:
Reconstruction of Moody Avenue in the South Waterfront area of Portland, Ore., will soon begin thanks to a grant agreement between the City of Portland and the FTA. The project received $23.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.
 


“This innovative transit project will not only create jobs and streamline transportation on Southwest Moody Avenue, but it will also transform an area that was once deemed an environmental hazard into an engine of economic growth,” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff.


Shuster to head Railroad subcommittee; additional members named

U.S. Rep. John L. Mica, the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, named chairmen, vice chairs and memberships of the six subcommittees for the 112th Congress.

Congressman Bill Shuster will serve as chairman of the subcommittee on railroads, pipelines and hazardous materials.  



The subcommittee on railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials has jurisdiction over the federal programs and policies that relate to the economic management and safety of the nation’s railroads and the safety of pipelines and transporting hazardous materials.
 

“I am honored to have been selected to chair the subcommittee on railroads, pipelines and hazardous materials in the 112th Congress and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with Chairman Mica and the new Republican majority,” Shuster said.  



“Bill Shuster has proven himself to be a leader on transportation issues, especially where surface transportation and railroads are concerned,” said Chairman John Mica. “Bill’s depth of knowledge on rail issues and his leadership as ranking member last congress proved that he is well equipped to lead the railroads subcommittee in the 112th Congress.  I look forward to working with him closely as we tackle our nation’s pressing transportation challenges.”



“Chairman Mica has indicated that he wants to see a strong rail title in this year’s highway bill and that is something I look forward to working with him on in the coming months,” Shuster said. “We also need to make significant changes to the way our nation approaches high-speed passenger rail and that begins with oversight on how previous high-speed rail funding was allocated and which projects should take precedence as we continue to build a real high-speed infrastructure in America.”



“Freight rail will continue to play a key role in our economic strength and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the subcommittee to ensure this vital piece of our economy remains strong, vibrant and protected from onerous regulation,” Shuster added. 

Republican Memberships of Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee:

Bill Shuster (PA), Chairman,
Tom Reed (NY), Vice Chair
Gary Miller (CA)
Sam Graves (MO)
Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
Jean Schmidt (OH)
Candice Miller (MI)
Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA)
Randy Hultgren (IL)
Lou Barletta (PA)
Larry Bucshon (IN)
Billy Long (MO)
Patrick Meehan (PA)
Richard Hanna (NY)
Stephen Fincher (TN)
Jeff Landry (LA)
Jeff Denham (CA)
John Mica (FL), (ex officio).

Democratic memberships of  Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee:
Ranking Democratic Member: Corrine Brown (FL), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Elijah E. Cummings (MD), Rick Larsen (WA), Timothy H. Bishop (NY), Michael H. Michaud (ME), Grace Napolitano (CA), Daniel Lipinski (IL), Jason Altmire (PA), Timothy J. Walz (MN), Laura A. Richardson (CA), Albio Sires (NJ), Peter A. DeFazio (OR), and Nick J. Rahall (WV) (ex-officio).

CTC approves Santa Cruz line acquisition

The California Transportation Commission has approved the acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line signaling that all of the requirements for purchase and use of the voter-approved Proposition 116 funds have been met and that the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission can finalize the agreed upon deal with the current property owner, Union Pacific, to purchase the 32-mile transportation corridor.

Local California Transportation Commissioner Carl Guardino led the CTC’s action to move forward with the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line acquisition citing the importance of bringing the 135-year-old transportation corridor from limited private freight, into public use. The corridor spans the length of Santa Cruz County through many prime activity areas, parallels the congested Highway 1 corridor, and if lost, would be impossible to reassemble given high population densities and development between the mountains and the coast.

In June 2010, the CTC unanimously approved the deal contingent upon the RTC meeting six conditions: execute an agreement between the RTC and the operator (Sierra Northern Railway); commit to initiating recreational passenger rail service; commit to continue freight rail service for as long as would be required by the federal Surface Transportation Board; commit to be responsible for hazardous waste clean up; commit to reimburse the CTC should the RTC cease to use the Branch Line for the original purpose approved by the CTC; and to explain the methodology for the appraised value of the property. Although the RTC met all six conditions, CTC and Caltrans staff had questions about the last condition regarding the appraisal of the property, resulting in an eleventh hour revised CTC staff recommendation.

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. California Transportation Commissioners negotiated a $400,000 price decrease from Union Pacific.

Funding for the purchase and improvements to the line comes from Proposition 116, the region’s share of State Transportation Improvement Program and a $1.5 million federal earmark secured by Congressman Sam Farr. Based on recent bond sales, these funds are expected to be available, however the general condition of the state budget may affect the actual availability of the funds.

Next steps for the project include finalizing purchase documents, completing the escrow process, purchase of necessary insurance policies and submitting the required railway application to the federal Surface Transportation Board.