California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter XIII – IntroductionCHAPTER XIIIINTRODUCTIONThe purpose of the freight element is to illustrate key features of the freight railsystem, current issues facing freight rail including funding, and policy goals for themaintenance, preservation and improvement of the system. California faces a hugetask in the movement of people and goods within the State. A well maintained andimproved freight rail system can be a potent method for the alleviation some of themajor issues facing the State, including traffic congestion, air quality, and prudentuse of fuel resources.The Department’s efforts for the maintenance, preservation and implementation ofthe state’s freight rail system revolve around recommendations and fundingstrategies in the Administration’s Strategic Growth Plan (SGP), the utilization offunds from other sources, and the coordination and cooperation with the freight railindustry and local agencies.This draft 2007-08 to 2017-18 California State Rail Plan provides a description ofthe freight rail network, issues concerning the freight rail industry, and policyrecommendations and goals for the maintenance, preservation and improvement ofthe freight rail system. It is based in part on preliminary information fromCalifornia’s railroads. The final version will incorporate their full technical andanalysis inputs.203