During the Visioning Process of acquiring a 3600-acre area south of Highway 50, issues of residential, business, schools, open space and transportation were discussed.

During this process, little has been mentioned of the old Southern Pacific Railroad Corridor running through the Sphere of Influence.

The rail corridor was built in 1864 to provide freight and passenger service to and from Placerville.

Let us think of revitalizing the rail corridor with transit oriented development in the area, utilizing energy-efficient rail vehicles such as energy efficient trolley/streetcars to connect with the Palladio, Folsom Lake College and Folsom’s Historic District.

Rail travel is making a comeback throughout our nation. It is proven that revitalizing railroad lines increases property values.

Vehicle traffic on East Bidwell Street will only increase with development in this area.

The use of a trolley/streetcar system will not only help reduce vehicle emissions by reducing traffic on East Bidwell, but will also bring tourist dollars to the community. Visit the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Here lies a proven success.

Let’s take advantage of the rail corridor and put it to use as it was originally intended — transportation.

Bill Anderson, Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Association