BILL NUMBER: SB 325INTRODUCED 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).