There is one major source of state funding to consider and it is the same one that has contributed to keeping CAHSR alive: CA Cap/trade system. It has generated billions in revenues (about half returned to utilities) and a source of funding for all of those specialized community projects that need funding to do whatever it is they try to do. But it is also the source of the TIRCP funds, which has just awarded SMART $million.

It's all documented on the CA ARP website. $22B has been raised. $11B distributed to utilities. According to the 2021 Annual report $3.4B of the $11B has been provided to CAHSR.

Would this be a funding source to subsidize GGBHTD to take over the rail line?

No one knows. It's never happened before. But for sure much of the incredibly high paid SMART staff would have to seek employment elsewhere.

There is also the "common carrier" status SMART obtained to consider. If SMART is dissolved what happens to the freight trains? What is the obligation of the state to continue freight service to the 4 (?) customers currently served in Sonoma Co.?