mook Wrote:
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> Of the shippers you mentioned, only one is not in
> Watsonville. Now that UP has taken the line back,
> I would expect an embargo or surcharge on work
> past Watsonville that renders shipments there
> uneconomic. Sad, but almost certainly true. I also
> lived in SC area at one time, and still have
> family there - the railroad is part of the
> atmosphere. But from an economic standpoint it's
> even deader than NWP; SC politically and
> economically is definitely not an area that will
> support industrial or commercial activity that
> requires rail service. S.End of NWP at least had
> several large feed/lumber operations that were
> potential (and now actual) sources for near-daily
> traffic, and the at-least-partially-funded
> prospect of a public agency upgrading &
> maintaining the line for commuter service
> (probably reducing maintenance costs). Outside of
> Watsonville (i.e. local switching off Watsonville
> Jct. by UP) that doesn't exist in SC absent the
> cement plant. Even the old feed mill (or whatever
> that place was at 17th Ave. that had just gone out
> of business when I lived there) is gone. So unless
> the County somehow can go through with the
> purchase anyway - perhaps teaming with RC&BT for
> excursion service? - I think those of us who want
> to remember the line should spend a little time
> with cameras there in the very near future.


Mook,

I think I covered every inch and all the operational aspects of the branch line over the last two years in my three threads on West Coast Rail Forums. I always knew the current situation was a possibility and stated that was one of the reasons I was documenting the branch line.

The following is the latest from the SCCRTC website. The closed session with UP negotiators yesterday would have been interesting to listen to.

Both the RTC and Union Pacific (UP) are determined to find the best solution for completing the purchase of the rail line. UP is still interested in selling and RTC is working with consultants on options for purchasing the Rail Corridor while meeting the RTC’s goals for the Rail Corridor as a community owned transportation asset.

The RTC made a commitment to operate passenger service, and the initial service is still likely to be recreational in nature. Any new operator would have to submit an operations plan to the RTC for approval before commencing operations, just as Sierra Northern would have.

RTC will discuss options with negotiators in a closed session on Jan.5.

Planning for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network will continue on schedule, including any segments that fall within the rail right-of-way.