Which century?
It will cost $4 million to remove the rails (yes, remove them), grade and pave a multi-use trail from Eureka to Arcata. There are grants available to do this. But first, the North Coast Railroad Authority needs to follow the lead of other non-functioning railroads across the U.S. and railbank that section of the line so it can be used for other purposes. It is a procedure established to protect the railroad’s right of way. The law says specifically when and if we have the money and the potential freight traffic to reopen the closed rail line, the right of way still exists. If not, let’s put that very public right of way to its best and highest use.
Right now railroad fans insist that trail fans come up with $31 million — not $4 million — to build a trail beside the non-operational rail line. Even if we found that money, the big unanswered question is: What will rail fans have then? They still won’t have any freight and they still won’t have a line from Eureka through the Eel River canyon. They will have a section of track to nowhere from nowhere moving nothing. (By the way, this plan does not preclude backers of a tourist train from running from Arcata to the proposed railroad museum in Samoa.)
One more thing: Tell Bonnie Neely you unequivocally support her in her effort to hold Caltrans’ feet to the fire. How dare Caltrans officials come up with a “transportation” plan that doesn’t include foot and bike transportation for that 101 corridor?
Which century do they live in?
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on the cover
Railroad!
Proposed lines ‘set rich blood a-tingling’ in early 1900s
Some Other Proposed North Coast Railroads
Choo-choo Fantasies
Exposing this east-west rail nonsense
seven-o-heaven
Undeterred Will
Will chides Andrew for lack of attention to detail and makes plans for his inevitable victory.
Recent publisher
May 17
My Bully Pulpit
Dec. 1, 2011
The Envelope, Please
Nov. 24, 2011
What’s it all about?
Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
events / 8 a.m.-noon. Woodside Preschool, 900 Hodgson St, Eureka. www.woodsidepreschool.com. 445-9132.
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
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