Excursion trains are sought over protests of area residents. By Cathy Locke - Bee Staff Writer
El Dorado County trails advocates were reminded that trains have first dibs on the railroad right of way they covet for recreational uses.
The Board of Supervisors last week approved a document soliciting proposals for operating excursion trains along part of the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor, formerly the Southern Pacific railroad right of way. The corridor was purchased in 1996 by a joint powers authority consisting of El Dorado and Sacramento counties, the city of Folsom and Sacramento Regional Transit.
The 53-mile corridor, extending from 65th Street near Brighton Avenue in Sacramento County to just west of Placerville in El Dorado County, was
acquired under the National Rail System Act. Commonly known as the "rails to trails" act, it preserves the area for future rail use while allowing alternative and recreational uses, including hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
El Dorado County has been working to develop trails along sections of the 28 miles of the corridor in its jurisdiction. At the same time, groups including the El Dorado and Sacramento Historical Railroad Association have aired proposals to provide excursion rail service from Folsom's Sutter Street area into El Dorado County.
"We at the JPA have knowledge of three different entities ... that want to make use of the right of way, and we can't just say 'no,' " said Supervisor Jack Sweeney, who represents the county on the joint powers authority board.
The JPA board directed staff members in May to prepare a request for proposals. The document ...
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Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, July 26, 2007
Story appeared in El DORADO FOLSOM RANCHO CORDO section, Page H2
