Rail Companies Swap Control of Santa Maria Tracks Quietly
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Notice
Summary
OmniTRAX and HGS Railway Holdings are keeping control of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad as it gets ready to start running trains for the public. This move lets Santa Maria Valley Railroad take over some rail lines in Santa Barbara County, California, from Coast Belle Rail. No big money changes now, but this sets the stage for new rail service soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Rail employees: no labor protections
Because this transaction involves only Class III rail carriers, the Surface Transportation Board may not impose labor protective conditions. That means labor protections that the Board can impose in other transactions will not apply to this continuance-in-control exemption, effective April 12, 2025.
No environmental or historic review
The Board states this action is categorically excluded from environmental review under 49 CFR 1105.6(c) and from historic reporting under 49 CFR 1105.8(b). That means the proposed acquisition and operation of rail lines in Santa Barbara County, California, will not undergo the Board's normal environmental or historic-reporting review processes for this exemption.
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