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Modoc Line Rail to Trail |
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Synopsis of the Modoc Line & LLTT involvement:
Southern Pacific purchased the N-C-O in 1925 and converted the railroad to standard gauge between 1927 and 1928. Union Pacific assumed control of the Line in 1996 and has not operated a through train over the Modoc since 1997. Rails and ties were removed between Wendel and the McArthur siding during 2003 and 2004.
Originally, Lassen & Modoc Counties were to partner with BLM and hold title to the line (in each respective County), with BLM & the Counties agreeing to a memorandum of understanding that the BLM would manage the maintenance on the line.
BLM & Partners contracted an appraiser for the line , who came back with an appraised value of the line.
Lassen County submitted an offer to Union Pacific.
Because of concerns over stringent environmental liability language in the letter of offer format suggested by Union Pacific, Lassen County did NOT mention who would hold title to the line.
As a result, Union Pacific rejected the offer based on the lack of “who” would hold the Title—not the amount offered.
Rail Banking was set to expire in the summer of 2007, which had potential to lead to the line reverting to underlying ownership.
LLTT became involved at this point to help ease concerns over the environmental hazards of the line that were causing the County to hesitate at holding title
With LLTT involvement, rail banking was extended to March 3rd, 2008
LLTT partnering with BLM & the Sierra Nevada Conservancy assembled a strategy to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the line.
LLTT wrote and received a grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to cover some of thecosts of the ESA, while BLM agreed to pay for the bulk of the sum
This grant also covered LLTT’s part & staff time in creating a long-term management plan for the line
As of January 2008, the Phase 1 ESA has come back clean, and LLTT’s Board of Directors have voted to proceed in negotiating the acquisition of the line.
Rail Banking was once again set to expire on March 3rd 2008, and LLTT and partners successfully re-negotiated another extension until September 3rd 2008.
Due to the valuable habitat that the line travels through, LLTT has submitted a Land Acquisition Evaluation to the Wildlife Conservation Board to pay for the negotiated price of the line.
LLTT is anticipating a final determination from the Wildlife Conservation Board in May of 2008.
If the Wildlife Conservation Board accepts LLTT’s proposal, it is anticipated that LLTT will become the owner of the line in the summer of 2008.
Because more than half of the Modoc line runs through BLM property, LLTT is partnering with BLM to create a management plan & joint powers agreement to manage the line.
Click here for a draft version of the Joint Powers agreement
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