Chapter 1. General Provisions of California Government Code >> Title 12. >> Chapter 1.

This title shall be known and may be cited as the North Coast Railroad Authority Act.

It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this title, to provide an alternative for ensuring railroad service if the Interstate Commerce Commission authorizes the abandonment or discontinuance of service on, or in the event of the bankruptcy or sale of, the current Eureka Southern Railroad line, the Northwestern Pacific Railroad line, or the California Western Railroad line. 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 these railroad lines. It is the further intent of the Legislature that this title not provide a justification for the commission to grant a petition for abandonment or discontinuance of service on any of those lines.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the authority be expanded to include the County of Del Norte if the extension of rail service to that county becomes feasible at a future date.

The Legislature finds and declares that maintaining railroad service to the north coast area of California will provide economic benefits and, in addition, do all of the following:
  (a) Ensure continuing passenger and freight railroad service to the north coast area.
  (b) Explore opportunities for the improvement of rail service extending from Humboldt County through Mendocino County, and the potential extension of rail service to Del Norte County.
  (c) Enhance tourist access to the north coast area and encourage the establishment of tourist-related facilities.
  (d) Reduce reliance on motor vehicles and encourage the use of rail service as an alternative transportation means.
  (e) Reduce traffic congestion on and deterioration of State Highway Route 101.
  (f) Provide convenient and attractive transportation service for residents of and visitors to the north coast area.

As used in this title "authority" means the North Coast Railroad Authority.

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).