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Friends of the Rail Trail, Inc. – FORT Mission: FORT is a not for profit organization dedicated to the development of bicycle and pedestrian paths within rail corridors throughout Santa Cruz County. Members and volunteers build and maintain rail trails, inform and involve the public, and recommend best trail practices to government agencies. What is the Rail Trail? How can the Rail Trail Become a Reality? The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) has agreed to purchase the rail corridor from Union Pacific. The SCCRTC must now access State funding sources for the purchase How Will the SCCRTC pay for the corridor? The most logical way is to use $11 million dollars of State Prop 116 funds. 116 was approved by voters in 1990, and Santa Cruz County taxpayers have been paying into the 116 rail fund since that time (14 years). They can now reclaim their rail transportation money, as many counties in California have already done. In order to qualify for Prop 116 funds, the SCCRTC must implement some form of passenger/recreational rail service. A recreational train running from Capitola to Aptos has been proposed and studied for both financial and environmental impacts. The SCCRTC can match the 116 funding with $10 million of STIP funds, which have already been allocated. What impacts will the proposed tourist train have on the community? The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shows that, with minor mitigation, the environmental impacts are “less than significant” in every category (noise, pollution, and traffic). As you would expect, the train has about the same impact as a bus. One important benefit is an increase in property values. Trails and train stations nearly always increase the value of nearby homes according to studies by the National Association of Home Builders and Nat’l Assn. of Realtors (see studies on www.santacruztrail.org). The Rail Trail would be a tremendous community resource for local residents, provide an alternative transportation route to crowded Hwy 1, and give tourists cycle access to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. The train will provide Aptos and Capitola business owners with a valuable tourist attraction, and improve Capitola parking issues. It is likely that local students will be offered use of the train for a reduced rate for local commutes. Who ultimately makes the decision? Can a recreational trolley between Capitola and Aptos pay for itself? Numerous expert sources have verified that the proposed trolley would be profitable, just like other tourist trains, such as Roaring Camp. The Business Plan created by SYSTRA consulting draws concludes that the trolley will be profitable. In the “Most Likely scenario… In the year 2005, revenue to the RTC would be $6,100.” The Business Plan states that “Revenues from transportation and other uses are greater than, or equal to, operating costs” Roaring Camp writes “Roaring Camp would willingly enter into a contract with the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to guarantee to provide recreational rail, without fare box subsidies, for up to 50 years (or whatever time is needed) that will comply with the funding requirements of State Proposition 116.” Sierra Railroad writes “…we would guarantee to provide service, without fare box subsidies, to comply with the funding requirements of Proposition 116 funds contemplated for use in acquiring the Santa Cruz branch from Union Pacific Railroad.” What can I do to help?
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