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Take That, Peoples!
Author: J
Date: 08-02-2018 - 07:19
Letter: Keep the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line intact
Why is it in Santa Cruz County that an entity that is beneficial to the residents is often met with opposition, litigation and controversy?
Take, for example, the historic Santa Cruz Branch railroad line which runs from Watsonville to Santa Cruz and Davenport. Purchased from the Union Pacific Railroad in 2012 by the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission, with plans to preserve and restore this scenic line for passenger, commuter and freight trains, it will be operated under contract by a private railroad.
As many of your readers can attest, traffic congestion in the county is a big concern and this asset can go a long way to alleviate it.
Unfortunately, there are powerful anti-rail forces at work that are attempting to undermine the effort of the RTC through litigation. Their goal is to see it turned into a bike and pedestrian trail as quickly as possible, which is very shortsighted and will only benefit a few.
Moreover, the rail line is essential for businesses in downtown Watsonville who depend on it to receive and ship their commodities.
In summary, the line must be kept intact future rail use.
Gary V. Plomp
Gilroy
Mercury News
Why is it in Santa Cruz County that an entity that is beneficial to the residents is often met with opposition, litigation and controversy?
Take, for example, the historic Santa Cruz Branch railroad line which runs from Watsonville to Santa Cruz and Davenport. Purchased from the Union Pacific Railroad in 2012 by the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission, with plans to preserve and restore this scenic line for passenger, commuter and freight trains, it will be operated under contract by a private railroad.
As many of your readers can attest, traffic congestion in the county is a big concern and this asset can go a long way to alleviate it.
Unfortunately, there are powerful anti-rail forces at work that are attempting to undermine the effort of the RTC through litigation. Their goal is to see it turned into a bike and pedestrian trail as quickly as possible, which is very shortsighted and will only benefit a few.
Moreover, the rail line is essential for businesses in downtown Watsonville who depend on it to receive and ship their commodities.
In summary, the line must be kept intact future rail use.
Gary V. Plomp
Gilroy
Mercury News
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 Take That, Peoples! |
J | 08-02-2018 - 07:19 |