California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter XIV – Policy Statement/Recommendations• Provide for system security• Manage growth• Conserve natural resources• Commit to a clean and energy efficient systemSteps to carry out this goal have recently been inaugurated by the current Stateadministration. Initiatives, which have come from the Administration’s StrategicGrowth Plan, have a direct bearing on freight rail in the State.Funding provided by elements of Proposition 1B will benefit the freight railsystem in the State. As well as being a component of the national rail network,railroads in California serve as an integral part of the California transportationsystem. Although moving large amounts of goods both within and throughCalifornia, they do not benefit from publicly funded infrastructure such ashighways and airports as do competitive modes of transportation.A key transportation element of the SGP is the Goods Movement Action Plan(GMAP). The realization that the State faces a great number of mobility andenvironmental challenges with the continued growth of both population and theeconomy brought about the initiation of studies focusing on these issues.The GMAP provides a path for the development of projects, which will expeditegoods movement in the State and provide a pivot for congestion relief andenvironmental enhancement. It focuses on priority regions and corridors inCalifornia and the impacts of goods movement along them. Development of theGMAP began in 2004 and a final report was signed by Governor Schwarzeneggerin January 2007. It reflects the Administration policy for goods movement.Its purpose is to present a framework for action and is an initiative to:• Generate jobs.• Increase mobility and relieve traffic congestion• Improve air quality and protect public health• Enhance public and port safety.• Improve California’s quality of life.The development of the GMAP was a two-phase process. The Phase I elementreleased in September 2005 described the state’s involvement in goods movement.It also compiled an inventory of existing and proposed goods movementinfrastructure projects. Phase II focused on a set of preliminary candidate actionsfor operational improvements, infrastructure additions, impacts mitigation,workforce development and security and public safety improvement efforts.All these efforts illustrate, by their overviews, analyses, funding recommendationsand implementation plans the vital role played by the freight rail system in theoverall transportation network of the state. They emphasize the continuing207