BILL NUMBER: SB 325	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Rubio

                        FEBRUARY 14, 2011

   An act to add Title 12.5 (commencing with Section 93300) to the
Government Code, relating to railroads.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 325, as introduced, Rubio. Central California Railroad
Authority.
   Existing law authorizes the creation of railroad authorities in
various parts of the state.
   This bill would state the intent of the Legislature relative to
the creation of the Central California Railroad Authority as an
alternative for ensuring continuation of short-line railroad
operations in the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Title 12.5 (commencing with Section 93300) is added to
the Government Code, to read:

      TITLE 12.5.  CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AUTHORITY


   93300.  This title shall be known, and may be cited, as the
Central California Railroad Authority Act.
   93301.  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 continuation of railroad
service if the Surface Transportation Board authorizes abandonment or
discontinuance of service on, or in the event of bankruptcy of, or
sale of, the existing short-line railroad operations in the Counties
of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno.
   (b) It is further 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 on the affected
short lines described in subdivision (a).
   (c) It is further 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 further the intent of the Legislature that the coverage
of this title be expanded to include short-line railroad operations
in the Counties of Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin if
that becomes feasible at a future date.
   93302.  The Legislature finds and declares that creation of the
Central California Railroad Authority and the retention of railroad
service will provide economic and other related benefits, as follows:

   (a) Continuation of short-line railroad service in affected
counties.
   (b) The opportunity to explore expanded freight service operations
between the Port of Oakland and the affected counties.
   (c) The reduced reliance on motor vehicles and the benefits that
result from use of alternative transportation means.
   (d) Reduced traffic congestion on and deterioration of State
Highway Routes 5 and 99.
   (e) The provision of convenient and attractive alternative
transportation options for shippers in central California and
elsewhere.
   93303.  It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation
that would create the Central California Railroad Authority. It is
also the intent of the Legislature that the authority, when created,
shall be a local agency for purposes of the Disaster Assistance Act
(Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 8680) of Division 1 of Title
2).