Re: Freight service in Marin comes closer to reality
Author: Glen Icanberry
Date: 06-22-2011 - 06:59
GREAT post Dick!
Railroads engaged in interstate commerce should not be encumbered by meddling local bureaucrats, who have little if any authority, over the railroads. Those local bureaucrats need to properly apply, through the proper authorities, such as the state public utilities commission, the Surface Transportation Board, and the FRA. These authorities will hopefully inform the local bureaucrats that they have little or no authority over rail carriers.
As good neighbors the railroads might cooperate to a point, but stop short of setting any legal precedents, as your post pointed out. What ever happened to welcoming the railroad into town, as an alternative to trucks beating up public roads, and in terms of providing freight transportation to local business, previously held captive by higher truck rates? Times have certainly changed. The old NWP was operating through Navato long before there was a Highway 101, (a highway paid for by tax dollars), and long before the current crop of NIMBY's moved in.
Glen Icanberry
Redlands, CA