WILLITS, CA (MPG) – The Surface Transportation Board has denied a request to remove the 40-mile Fort Bragg–Willits rail corridor from the national rail network, preserving the line for potential freight and passenger service.
The unanimous decision keeps the corridor within the interstate rail system and affirms its eligibility for continued rail use.
Robert Jason Pinoli, president and chief executive officer of Mendocino Railway, said the ruling protects a public asset in Mendocino County.
“This corridor remains a vital public asset for Mendocino County,” Pinoli said. “We appreciate the Board’s thoughtful review. Our focus now is simple: protect the corridor, continue investing in it, and work constructively with regional partners on long-term solutions.”
The board’s decision does not block recreational trail development. It allows trail use to coexist with rail service if properly planned.
Mendocino Railway has called on the Great Redwood Trail Agency to pursue a coordinated rail-and-trail approach. Pinoli said rail corridors can serve both transportation and recreation needs.
“We respect the GRTA’s vision,” Pinoli said. “Rail corridors are uniquely valuable because they can serve multiple public purposes. We are prepared to work together on a solution that preserves freight access, maintains passenger service, and expands trail opportunities for the community.”
The company stated it has experience developing rail-with-trail projects in California and owns equipment needed to build and maintain trail infrastructure.
Mendocino Railway also reported it is advancing federally supported infrastructure improvements intended to restore full functionality of the line between Fort Bragg and Willits. The company said the work aims to strengthen freight options for local businesses and maintain excursion passenger service.
Pinoli said preserving the corridor keeps future transportation options open.
“Once a rail corridor is lost, it is rarely recovered,” Pinoli said. “Our commitment is to protect it, and to ensure it serves the people and businesses of Mendocino County in the most constructive way possible.”
Mendocino Railway operates as a federally regulated Class III common carrier railroad providing freight and passenger service in Northern California. The company has operated and maintained the Fort Bragg–Willits line, including Skunk Train passenger service, since 2004.