Board of supervisors has what it needs to move rail-trail project forward

Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about the state of the coastal rail-tail project. Is it running on fumes? Is it the target of political smoke and mirrors? Is it moving forward, thanks to skillful planning and some very successful work to secure grant funding? And mostly, I’m hearing, why is the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors going to vote yet again on the project at its Tuesday meeting, and how is the vote expected to go?

The short answers are: No, it is not running on fumes. The debate is less about political smoke and mirrors than about those who have opposed the project, in one way or another, since before Greenway’s historic defeat at the ballot in 2022. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) has been successful in securing tens of millions of dollars in grant funding, and its staff is on track for more success over the next couple of years.

At its March 26 meeting, the board of supervisors deadlocked 2-2 and failed to approve receipt of nearly $68 million in state grant funds. Supervisors have decided to reconsider that prior vote, though it is unclear if the vote will turn out any differently than it did the last time.

So, in advance of Tuesday’s meeting, let’s dig in to explore what’s new and how the funding issues are looking.

Locally owned railroad operator Roaring Camp Railroads has offered to take on the critical task of moving the rail tracks in Segment 10 (from 17th Avenue to 47th Avenue in Live Oak) at no cost to the taxpayers. This generous offer eliminates up to $8 million of the $27 million funding gap that has caused significant concern for some supervisors.

Since the previous board of supervisors meeting, the RTC met on April 18 and approved a staff recommendation to move forward on the next portion of the rail trail: Segments 10 and 11 (17th Avenue to State Park Drive in Aptos). The commission also reaffirmed support for accepting the $68 million Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) being offered to our community. It’s the largest such grant awarded in California history.

The RTC also addressed other important issues on April 18. For instance, the RTC clarified that it will hold full responsibility for funding the remaining project shortfall, not the county.

This is for two reasons: the county’s current economic challenges and concerns raised by Supervisors Manu Koenig and Bruce McPherson.  

Ensuring equity for South County is essential in the development of the trail. The RTC will consider specific funding proposals in June. In anticipation of an expected funding gap that needs to be filled in 2026, RTC staff has moved to submit grant applications for needed funds. RTC staff have been effective in obtaining grants, so we can be optimistic. Success in obtaining these grants is one of the best strategies available to protect future funding for South County.

There is another real issue – the $68 million ATP grant from the CTC. If the rail-trail project isn’t approved to proceed now, we face a very real possibility the grant will be taken away from our community.

If the supervisors fail to take positive action on Tuesday, they will not be able to meet the state’s requirements to receive the grant. A failure to act will create doubt and concern at the CTC. Local agencies that delay project delivery reduce their competitiveness for future grants. 

This is a risk our community cannot afford to take.

The CTC is simply not going to award a grant to our community for a project that includes removal of the rail line. Should trail-only advocates prevail, it’s important to understand that our community would be on the hook to fund the entire project all by ourselves, with no outside grant funding. 

So, if the board of supervisors fails to advance the rail-trail project, there is no path forward for either the trail or rail, let alone both. Since Supervisor Zach Friend has recused himself from the vote, at least three supervisors among the remaining four (Justin Cummings, Felipe Hernandez, Koenig and McPherson) need to vote in favor of moving forward with the project. 

Supervisors raised important funding issues at the March 26 meeting. The RTC, with support from Roaring Camp Railroads and engaged community members, quickly responded with several substantive and positive actions.

Local voters believe in the vision for the rail trail, which got clear support at the ballot box numerous times. The state believes in this project, as evidenced by funding it has awarded our community to support the rail trail. Yes, there is an expected funding gap. Our community has two years to fill the gap and is already making progress to do so.

Buoyed by the success of being awarded the largest grant of its kind in California history, the RTC has demonstrated a path forward to filling the funding gap. Let’s not short-change our future. Now is the time to keep up the momentum and approve continued progress for the rail-trail project.

The board of supervisors should take all steps necessary to receive the state’s ATP grant, complete environmental review, and move forward with the project. 

Matt Farrell is the board chair of Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail and Trail (FORT).