Calif. governor, lawmakers make it easier for Valley Link light-rail project

Written by RT&S Staff
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Maryland officials have rejected a proposal to build a new rail tunnel underneath the city of Baltimore.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers have gift-wrapped everything for the Tri-Valley/San Joaquin Valley Regional Authority.

The passage of Senate Bill 548, which was signed into law by the governor, designates the authority as a rail transit district, which means certain regulation provisions laid out by cities and counties on building, zoning, and other matters will not apply to the Tri-Valley. The bill also allows the Valley Link project to connect with the Altamont Corridor Express rail system at the most optimal location.

Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez said the Valley Link project is vital to the economy given the recovery needs cities and counties are now facing. Hernandez also is vice chair of the Regional Rail Authority’s Board of Directors.

The Valley Link commuter light-rail project will eliminate a critical gap by connecting the San Joaquin Valley to the BART rail network. About 33,000 commuters are expected to use Valley Link’s 74 daily round trips by 2040.

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