I think this thread kind of gets close to the real issue/problem. The North Coast is a beautiful place and attracts quite a few tourists but it is, and will always be, quite a ways 'off the beaten path' as far as heavy industry is concerned, other than lumber, which isn't what it use to be.

Eureka boosters have been very persistant at trying to get better transportation and somehow develop the port for international trade, but I just don't see it happening. Sure, I would love to see trains running along the Eel River again, but I fear it is just not in the cards.

I am sure I will get a counterpoint from one of the NWP boosters, and I certainly respect their passion and committment to the subject, but I will be very surprised if trains ever run from the Bay Area to Willits again, let alone all the way to Eureka.