93000-93005

GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 93000-93005




93000.  This title shall be known and may be cited as the North
Coast Railroad Authority Act.



93001.  It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this title,
to provide an alternative for ensuring railroad service if the
Interstate Commerce Commission authorizes the abandonment or
discontinuance of service on, or in the event of the bankruptcy or
sale of, the current Eureka Southern Railroad line, the Northwestern
Pacific Railroad line, or the California Western Railroad line.
   It is the intent of the Legislature to provide a means to consider
and, if justified, to pursue economic development opportunities and
projects related to rail service along these railroad lines.
   It is the further intent of the Legislature that this title not
provide a justification for the commission to grant a petition for
abandonment or discontinuance of service on any of those lines.



93002.  It is the intent of the Legislature that the authority be
expanded to include the County of Del Norte if the extension of rail
service to that county becomes feasible at a future date.



93003.  The Legislature finds and declares that maintaining railroad
service to the north coast area of California will provide economic
benefits and, in addition, do all of the following:
   (a) Ensure continuing passenger and freight railroad service to
the north coast area.
   (b) Explore opportunities for the improvement of rail service
extending from Humboldt County through Mendocino County, and the
potential extension of rail service to Del Norte County.
   (c) Enhance tourist access to the north coast area and encourage
the establishment of tourist-related facilities.
   (d) Reduce reliance on motor vehicles and encourage the use of
rail service as an alternative transportation means.
   (e) Reduce traffic congestion on and deterioration of State
Highway Route 101.
   (f) Provide convenient and attractive transportation service for
residents of and visitors to the north coast area.



93004.  As used in this title "authority" means the North Coast
Railroad Authority.



93005.  The authority is a local agency for purposes of the Disaster
Assistance Act (Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 8680) of
Division 1 of Title 2).