Central California Railroad Authority.

Existing law authorizes the creation of railroad authorities in various parts of the state. This bill would enact the Central California Railroad Authority Act to create the Central California Railroad Authority as an alternative for ensuring short-line railroad service in the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Merced. The bill would require the authority to be governed by a board of directors who would be appointed by the council of governments or county association of governments within the Counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, and Merced, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The bill would authorize the Counties of Madera, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin to elect to join the authority. The bill would set forth the powers and duties of the authority, as specified. The bill would require the authority to conduct its first meeting not later than 120 days after abandonment or discontinuance of service on, or the bankruptcy or sale of, the short-line railroads in the member counties if the members have formed a joint exercise of powers agreement to implement and manage the authority. The bill would authorize the authority to acquire and operate railroads or select a franchisee to operate a rail transportation system, to prepare a plan for acquisition and operation of specified railroad lines, and establish criteria for the award of a franchise for the acquisition, financing, and operation of the railroad system. The bill would further authorize the authority to issue revenue bonds pursuant to the Revenue Bond Law of 1941. The bill would provide that the state is not liable for any contract, debt, or obligation of the authority. The bill would prohibit the authority from being a claimant for Transportation Development Act funds or from receiving funds from the Public Transportation Account. The bill would also state the intent of the Legislature in enacting the authority. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.