General Provisions - Central California Railroad Authority - Government - CA

Section § 93300

This law section names the act and allows it to be referred to as the Central California Railroad Authority Act.

This title shall be known, and may be cited, as the Central California Railroad Authority Act.

Central California Railroad Authority act citation ...

Section § 93301

This law aims to ensure continued railroad service in certain California counties if the Surface Transportation Board allows for abandonment or other disruptions. It's intended to explore economic opportunities related to rail service and to not encourage ending current services. There's also an option for additional counties to join in the future.

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.

railroad service Surface Transportation Board abandonment ...

Section § 93302

This law highlights the benefits of keeping railroad services in central California. It aims to keep freight trains running between Kern and Merced Counties, and suggests improving rail services, including passenger routes linked to high-speed rail stations from Kern to the Port of Oakland. The goal is to use rail as a transport option to ease road traffic, lessen vehicle dependence, and provide efficient service for shippers in the area.

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.

(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.

railroad service central California short-line freight ...

Section § 93303

This section defines 'authority' as the Central California Railroad Authority whenever it's mentioned in this title of the law.

As used in this title, “authority” means the Central California Railroad Authority.

Central California Railroad Authority railroad authority definition ...

Section § 93304

This law states that the authority in question is considered a local agency under the Disaster Assistance Act. This means it can participate in the programs and receive assistance as outlined in that act.

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).

local agency designation Disaster Assistance Act disaster relief eligibility ...