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Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
Author: South Pacific Coast
Date: 03-01-2011 - 10:52
I wonder if Sierra Northern will participate in the Santa Cruz rail acquisition celebration.
From the SCCRTC Agenda, Thursday, March 3, 2011
Deputy Director Luis Mendez reported that staff has begun the work for a rail acquisition celebration. He noted that Commissioner Mark Stone attended the last planning meeting. There is no definitive date for the event at this point because it depends on the closing of escrow. Staff is investigating the possibility of holding more than one event at different locations along the rail line and staff will work to obtain donations and sponsorships to keep the costs to a minimum. At each location community leaders corresponding to that location could participate and be recognized for their efforts in securing the rail line purchase.
In response to high levels of community interest, RTC staff has begun planning a modest community event to commemorate the acquisition. Determining a date for the event is challenging, since it is dependent upon escrow closing which requires approval of the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) application which could take 30-90 days. An event could be held in mid May, contingent upon STB approval and escrow closing. Staff is asking commissioners and interested parties to save the date for May 14, 2011. Once it is clear when escrow will close, a notice will be sent out to confirm the date.
The concept developed for the acquisition commemoration would be events at both ends of the line, one in Watsonville and one in Santa Cruz. Staff will request in-kind donations for items such as refreshments, and envisions minimal costs for other items such as advertising and displays. Co-sponsorship and participation by local jurisdictions, businesses and community groups will be also be sought.
The objective for the event is to celebrate the transfer to public ownership of this new community asset, to highlight the potential for rail and varied transportation uses, to acknowledge the efforts of many that worked to make this happen, and to spark interest by the communities, parks, schools, villages, etc linked by the line.
From the SCCRTC Agenda, Thursday, March 3, 2011
Deputy Director Luis Mendez reported that staff has begun the work for a rail acquisition celebration. He noted that Commissioner Mark Stone attended the last planning meeting. There is no definitive date for the event at this point because it depends on the closing of escrow. Staff is investigating the possibility of holding more than one event at different locations along the rail line and staff will work to obtain donations and sponsorships to keep the costs to a minimum. At each location community leaders corresponding to that location could participate and be recognized for their efforts in securing the rail line purchase.
In response to high levels of community interest, RTC staff has begun planning a modest community event to commemorate the acquisition. Determining a date for the event is challenging, since it is dependent upon escrow closing which requires approval of the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) application which could take 30-90 days. An event could be held in mid May, contingent upon STB approval and escrow closing. Staff is asking commissioners and interested parties to save the date for May 14, 2011. Once it is clear when escrow will close, a notice will be sent out to confirm the date.
The concept developed for the acquisition commemoration would be events at both ends of the line, one in Watsonville and one in Santa Cruz. Staff will request in-kind donations for items such as refreshments, and envisions minimal costs for other items such as advertising and displays. Co-sponsorship and participation by local jurisdictions, businesses and community groups will be also be sought.
The objective for the event is to celebrate the transfer to public ownership of this new community asset, to highlight the potential for rail and varied transportation uses, to acknowledge the efforts of many that worked to make this happen, and to spark interest by the communities, parks, schools, villages, etc linked by the line.
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line |
South Pacific Coast | 03-01-2011 - 10:52 |
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Re: Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
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Sam Reeves | 03-01-2011 - 11:51 |
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Re: Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
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wsabo | 03-01-2011 - 14:52 |
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Re: Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
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FresnoSub | 03-01-2011 - 15:13 |
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Re: Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
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stash | 03-01-2011 - 15:14 |
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Re: Rail Acquisition Celebration Santa Cruz Branch Line
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Brian | 03-02-2011 - 11:16 |