To Mitsy Bitsko; I have read & reread the comments by Little Lake Listener, and I can't see where he agrees with your position. I also fail to understand how a " rails - to - trails conversion " is a better social use for the R of W than trying to alleviate truck traffic on Hwy 101. Past postings on this subject have mentioned the operator of the Gravel Pit @ Island Mountain as being a rather smart fellow; he will probably find a way to move his product to market, if not by train, then by truck. If Global Warming is the great social cause of our time, why would you be against the 2nd most fuel - efficient way to move freight by land, and therefore be in favor of more trucks on Hwy 101 ??? Consider that it takes 3 to 4 trucks to legally haul the same tonnage as 1 railcar; also consider that the most fuel - efficient method to move freight, a barge, is not an option on the Eel River, the 1964 floods not withstanding.
Please understand, I do not have a dog in this fight; and I have so far stayed out of the " Great NWP Debate". But I do know that 1 million dollars in spending, whether public or private, will buy you a lot more Railroad than Highway. Think about that fact the next time you are sitting in traffic, like tomorrow morning...