California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

it is in the strategic interest of the State to maintain, preserve and improveCalifornia’s freight rail system.• System Planning: A long range, sustainable, system planning program toidentify freight rail system needs and projects which increase mobility andenhance the environment should be undertaken.• Rail Preservation: To maintain the State’s economic health, at a minimumthe State’s rail network, and the system’s freight market share, must bepreserved to the maximum extent feasible.• Environment: California must expand and improve its freight rail systemand operations and simultaneously work to reduce associated health risksand community impacts. Local, state, and federal agencies must worktogether as partners with private citizens and business concerns to providea clean environment and a healthy business climate. These goals arefundamental to Governor Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan.• Funding: In order to maintain and strengthen the position andcontributions the freight rail system makes to California, the regions and thenation, the State must be an active partner with the private sector and othergovernment entities in the funding of major freight rail improvements.• Partnerships: To foster the maintenance, preservation, and improvementof the State freight rail system, its planning and development must beundertaken as an ongoing partnership between the State and other levelsof government, and the freight railroads and private sector interests. Thispartnership should seek to maximize mutual benefit, including publicmobility, safety, and environmental objectives, and private sector businessopportunities and return on investment.Importance of the Freight Rail System to CaliforniaCalifornia has a rapidly growing population and an expanding economy.In addition it serves as the entryway for goods from Pacific Rim countries.In order to provide mobility for its citizens and efficient movement of goodsinvestments in the ageing infrastructure are extremely important. Particularlyimportant are the four major goods movement corridors: Los Angeles-LongBeach/Inland Empire; San Diego/Border; Bay Area; and Central Valley.The Strategic Growth PlanTo address funding needs for an improved infrastructure the Governor’sStrategic Growth Plan (SGP) has been initiated. The SGP includes policies andactions which directly impact freight rail in the State. An important element ofthe SGP is the Goods Movement Action Plan, which is an initiative for economicgrowth, enhanced security and improved quality of life.CHAPTER XV–System OverviewThis chapter provides a short written description of the rail network in the stateand the economic significance of California ports in the Pacific Rim economies.It also illustrates, by map and tables, freight rail traffic and other economic data.Executive Summary California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18 17