2007-2008 Annual Report
 

The Central Valley Rails to Trails Foundation is pleased to report on another successful year spent educating the public on the many benefits of creating a local rail trail.  The Central California Traction Company Rail Corridor (CCTC) remains the focus of our efforts, and we know the timing is right to move this project to the next stage.

 Challenges Create Opportunities

The slowing economy and skyrocketing gas prices experienced by Central Valley residents and businesses have created many challenges and forced people to rethink their transportation habits.  More and more, alternative transportation for work and recreation purposes has become attractive, and even a necessity.  As a result, the concept of creating a 27 mile trail that links multiple communities and business centers has been given even more attention, and the reality of moving forward with the acquisition is approaching.

 Locally we have seen the closing of a major car dealership, while bike shops have increased business.  People are bringing their bikes out from storage and are having them reconditioned so they can bike to work, school or for recreation.

 Another unfortunate aspect of the current economy is lower property values.  This has created tremendous hardship for local property owners as foreclosures are on the rise.  The only silver lining is that we anticipate the value of the CCTC rail corridor has also decreased, making its acquisition more affordable to local agencies that will provide most of the resources.

The Next Step

In order to move forward with the acquisition, CVRTF must reach agreement with the owners of the CCTC, Union Pacific and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad companies.  Since Union Pacific maintains the majority interest, all discussions regarding the acquisition will initiate with their office.  Our next step is to raise approximately $30,000 needed to facilitate an appraisal of the rail corridor.  When complete, our partners at the Trust for Public Land (TPL) will begin discussions on the actual value of the corridor and its assets.  When an agreed upon figure has been achieved, TPL will work with CVRTF, and the government agencies who will eventually take title, to find the resources needed to acquire and eventually develop the 27 mile portion of the corridor, from Elder Creek Road in Sacramento, to the Woodbridge Winery in Acampo. 

It’s A Long Road Ahead

One can not oversimplify the process we have before us to achieve our goals.  However, we have proven by our actions and our tremendous base of support, that we will see this through until we all have the pleasure of riding our bikes and horses, taking the dog for a walk, or conditioning for that marathon – along the Central California Traction Rail Corridor.  Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers and supporters who will make this possible!

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