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Digital News Report – The California Transportation Commission has approved the purchase of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission from the Union Pacific Railroad.
The purchase of the 32-mile branch line has been held up because of appraisal discrepancies. The purchase will benefit local residents, according to Regional Transportation Commissioner Mark Stone. “This expansion of our region’s transportation system will facilitate increased mobility options and generate positive economic impacts”, Stone said.
Assemblyman Luis A. Alejo (D-Salinas) says the purchase makes sense. “The rail line purchase will allow our families to appreciate the natural beauty of our coast lines and attract visitors to stimulate our local economy,” Alejo said.
The county still needs to purchase insurance policies, finalize the purchase documents and submit a railway application to the federal Surface Transportation Board.
By Mark Williams