HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1977/11/01 Item 13CITY OF CHULA VISTA
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.~_
For meeting of 11/1/77
ITEM TITLE Resolution 8875 ~ Supporting MTDB's acquisition of SD&AE Railway
SUBMITTED BY Mayor Hyde ~-
ITEM EXPLANATION (4/5TH'S VOTE REQUIRED YES_ NO X )
A preliminary offer by Southern Pacific to sell MTDB the San Diego and Arizona Eastern
Railway has prompted the Board to seek public support or rejection. Although the acquisition
was not solicited by MTDB, it may facilitate the accomplishment of significant community
goals. MTDB desires Chula Vista's support in this endeavor through the adoption of a
resolution.
The following considerations are relative to the acquisition of SD&AE. MTDB appears to be
the only agency with funds immediately available for purchase. A definite development
schedule is permitted since MTDB can buy now. Immediate acquisition would also stop the
abandonment process and permit early restoration of full rail freight service.
In addition, MTDB will be the principal user of the facility and should be in a position
to control the necessary passenger/freight joint usage to insure passenger safety.
MTDB ownership would permit net revenues from freight operations to be used to help
upgrade and develop the system.
On the other hand, MTDB ownership would carry with it responsibility for maintaining rail
freight service in the region. Although the day-to-day operation of the freight service
would probably be provided by contract, some Board and staff attention would be required.
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Agreement Resolution X Ordinance_ Plat_ Notification List_
Other ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT: Attached_ Submitted on
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
N/A
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
COUNCIL ACTION
A P P R O
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A SUCCINCT STATEMENT OF THE SAN DIEGO h1ETROPOLITAN TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT BOARD
POSITION WITH RESPECT TO ACQUISITION OF THE SAN DIEGO AND ARIZONA EASTERN
RAILWAY IS AS FOLLOWS:
In 1975, the State Legislature created the San Diego Metropo titan Transit
Development Board (MTDB) for the purpose of studying, and possibly construc-
ting, rapid transit facilities in the greater metropolitan San Diego area.
We have been in the process of making this study and, in connection with that
study, we have adopted some basic principles relating to these possible transit
facilities:
Long Distance
High Speed
Low Cost
At Grade
5. Mostly exclusive right-of-way
Since the adoption of these basic principles, we have been engaged in a further,
more detailed, study of corridors of travel that would meet these standards. In
this regard, our Board has adopted a corridor for study purposes that runs from
the Santa Fe Depot in the City of San Diego, south to the Mexican Border at San
Ysidro. It has also selected alternate corridors running essentially from down-
town San Diego to E1 Cajon and from the Santa Fe Depot to the Sports Arena.
Earlier this year, the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway (SD & AE Ry) peti-
tioned the Interstate Commerce Commission for abandonment of its freight opera-
tions in San Diego and Imperial Counties. One freight line runs from the Santa
Fe Depot to the border, from there into Mexico, thence back into the United States
near Campo, and from there on over to Plaster City and beyond to the town cf
Seeley. Additionally, a freight line runs essentially from downtown San Diego
to El Cajon, terminating in the vicinity of Gillespie Field. There is also a
small portion of track that runs from the National City area to the Coronado
Salt Works. MTDB joined with almost every other San Diego County organization
in opposing this abandonment.
Mendus .4gench~s- Cily of (.,hula Vista, City of EI Cajon, (:Ity of Imperial Bench, City of La Mesa
City n( Conlon Grove, Clty of National City, Ciry of San Dingo, County of San Diego, Stn le of California
Page 2
As discussion and investigation of the abandonment proceeded, it became obvious
to us that a rare opportunity might be made available to acquire these railroad
- rights-of-way and to use them for the combined purpose of rapid transit and
freight. The attractiveness of this opportunity involves the ability to create
a rapid transit service in a short time, at a relatively low cost, and, at the
same time, preserve and improve the freight operations.
Our Board is seeking an expression of public support for possible acquisition
of the SD & AE Ry. If such support is evident at a public hearing the Board
has called for November 21, .the .following calendar is likely:
November 21, 1977, MTDB staff will recommend to the Board
the filing of an application with CalTrans to acquire the
SD & AE Ry. This recommendation will include:
a. Authorization to develop a comprehensive freight service
plan to rebuild damaged portions, provide for contract
operations, and identify all assets and liabilities as a
basis for price negotiations.
b. Authorization to study all aspects of the feasibility of
operating mass transit passenger service on the SD & AE Ry
right-of-way, with initial emphasis on the Santa Fe Depot
to San Ysidro routes.
2. In the Spring of 1978, the Board will decide whether or not they
should proceed with actual acquisition of the SD & AE Ry, based
on the results of all studies and negotiations, including the
feasibility studies.
The possibility of acquisition of the railroad may offer an opportunity to accomplish
a number of significant community goals. Support by Resolution, by your organization,
would be most helpful to our Board at this time.
11/1/77
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Office of
J@NNIE M. FULASZ, C[TY CLERK
November 8, 1977
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Honorable Mayor and City Council
You will find enclosed a certified copy- of Resolution No. 8875
recommending an investigation into the feasibility of the
D4etropolitan Transit Development Board's acquisition of the
San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway.
The Council approved and adopted this resolution at the meeting
of November 1, 1977.
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Jennie M. Fulasz, CMC
City Clerk
Reso. 8875 enclosed
Copies o£ this letter Bere sent to;
Mayor $ Council of the cities of E1 Cajon, La Mesa, National City, Imperial Beach
and San Diego
County Board of Supervisors
Senator James R. Mills
MTDB
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