Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.
This title shall be known, and may be cited, as the Central California Railroad Authority Act.
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
California Government Code — §§ 93300-93304
Sections (5)
Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this title, to provide an alternative for ensuring railroad service if the Surface Transportation Board authorizes the abandonment or discontinuance of service on, or in the event of bankruptcy or sale of, short-line railroads in the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Merced.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a means to consider and, if justified, to pursue economic development opportunities and projects related to rail service along railroad lines in participating counties.
(c)It is the intent of the Legislature that enactment of this title not provide a justification for the Surface Transportation Board to grant a petition for abandonment or discontinuance of service on the affected short lines.
(d)It is the intent of the Legislature that the authority be expanded to include the Counties of Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin if those counties request to be included at a future date.
Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.
The Legislature finds and declares that maintaining a railroad service through central California will provide economic benefits and do all of the following:
(a)Ensure continuing short-line freight railroad service between Kern County and Merced County.
(b)Enable opportunities for the improvement of short-line rail service, including passenger service connecting to high-speed rail stations, extending from Kern County to the Port of Oakland.
(c)Reduce reliance on motor vehicles and encourage the use of rail service as an alternative transportation means.
(d)Reduce traffic congestion on and deterioration of state and federal highway systems and local roads in central California.
(e)Provide convenient and attractive short-line transportation service for shippers and receivers through central California.
Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.
As used in this title, “authority” means the Central California Railroad Authority.
Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 234, Sec. 1. (SB 325) Effective January 1, 2012.
The authority is a local agency for purposes of the Disaster Assistance Act (Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 8680) of Division 1 of Title 2).