HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2009-061 N.C.S. 05/04/2009Resolution No. 2009-061 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
APPROVING LETTER TO NORTH COAST RAIL AUTHORITY
IN SUPPORT OF TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
WITHIN THE NCRA RIGHT-OF-WAYS
WHEREAS, the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) is proposing to resume rail service
throughout Northern California; and,
WHEREAS, the NCRA was formed in 1989 by-the California Legislature under the
North Coast Railroad_Authority Act, Government Code Sections 93000, et seq. The Act was
intended to ensure continuation of railroad service in Northwestern California and envisioned a
railroad playing a significant role in the transportation infrastructure serving a vital part of the
State that suffers from restricted access and limited transport options; and,
WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the North Coast
Railroad Authority Project (SCH 2007072052) has been issued for public comments. The DEIR
analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the North Coast Railroad Authority Russian
River Division Freight Rail Project, and incorporates comments received during the scoping
period of the Notice of Preparation; and,
WHEREAS, the NCRA had considered proposed policies to specifically exclude any
and all trail development within the NCRA right-of--way. Although the Rail with Trail
Guidelines was never adopted, it was subsequently included in the NCRA's Draft EIR for the
Freight Rail Project in the Russian River Division; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayors' &Councilmembers' Association has voted to send a letter to
the NCRA formally contesting the inclusion of those guidelines within the body of the Draft
EIR.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Petaluma does hereby
support the position of the Mayors' &Councilmembers' Association, which is to oppose the
inclusion of the Trail with Rail Guidelines in the Draft and Final EIR documents for the North
Coast Railroad Authority Russian River Division Freight Rail Project (#SCH 2007072052).
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City
REFERENCE: [hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approve s to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 4`h day of May, 2009, CM;or
by the following vote:
City Atto ney
AYES: Vice Mayor Barrett, Glass, Harris, Healy, Rabbitt, Renee, Mayor Torliatt
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
U
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Resolution No. 2009-061 N.C.S. Page 1
ATTACHMENT A
May 4, 2009
North Coast Rail Authority
Board of Directors
c/o Mitch Stogner, Executive Director
419 Talmage Road, Suite M
Ukiah, CA 95482
RE: Rail with Trail Guidelines
Dear Board of Directors:
The City of Petaluma is supporting the position in the letter dated April 16, 2009 from Susan Gorin,
Mayor of Santa Rosa, on behalf of the Sonoma County Mayors' and Councilmembers'
Association. The letter states opposition to the inclusion of the Trail with Rail Guidelines in your
Draft and Final EIR documents for the North Coast Railroad Authority Russian River Division Freight
Rail Project (#SCH 2007072052).
Sincerely,
Pamela Torliatt
Mayor of Petaluma
Resolution No: 2009-Obl N.C.S. Page 2