The region is currently served just once a day by the Coast Starlight train.

“The northern Sacramento Valley will soon be better connected to the Bay Area and the northern San Joaquin Valley with the addition of a new rail line, according to the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG).” Matthew Nobert reports the story for Fox 40 Sacramento.
The North Valley Rail line will add to the once-daily service currently provided by Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train. “Not only will this rail line provide a greater connection amongst these north Sacramento cities, it will also allow riders to access rail services that reach San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Stockton and eventually the Early Operating Segment of the High Speed Rail project.” The train will also connect to a bus service to the Sacramento airport.
At a projected cost of $500 million, the line is expected to start running by 2028 with two daily trips and ramp up to four trips per day by 2030. According to the project’s website, “For North Valley Rail, BCAG is working closely with San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, San Joaquin JPA, Caltrans, local governments, and other stakeholders along the corridor.”
FULL STORY: New rail line to connect Chico with Bay Area and Southern California

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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