King City, Soledad included in state rail plan

King City and Soledad are being included in the state’s Rail Plan, aimed at building a rail corridor throughout the state.

It’s big news for the small communities that have less than 30,000 residents each.

“The state rail plan is their vision of connecting California with rail transit,” said King City Mayor Mike Lebarre. “Broken down in three phases which is 2022, 2027 and a 2040 which provides guidelines and a blueprint moving forward adding access. King City and Soledad were two small rural communities that made it into the State Rail Plan and specifically to provide access to under-served communities and also to bring those opportunities of equity to our residents in South County.”

Passenger trains do come through town but don’t stop. Passengers can still book Amtrak trips, however it’s via a bus.

King City is also working on a grant that would fund construction for a new hub at the east end of Broadway.

“That will help us build a multi-modal transit center which will be a train station and also provide a security section for Fort Hunter Liggett also provide opportunities for us to access our airport, our bus stations and other transit systems,” Lebarre said.

The facility could cost $8-10 million and be up and running between 2023-2025. It would not only introduce King City residents to other parts of the state but introduces the state to South County.

“There is a lot of opportunity to bring tourists to South County,” Lebarre said. “We have some of the world renowned wineries that grow the best grapes, people love that. But also, the agricultural history. It’s very important. So that is once piece of the component. The Pinnacles is another huge piece so right now we’re getting a quarter million visitors a year, and that’s still increasing.”

People think it will definitely help boost popularity.

“They’re small quiet towns and like I said, the Pinnacles is an attraction that they probably, I’m sure only have heard of,” said Soledad resident Jose Lopez. “And you know somewhere you can stop. There’s hotels where they can spend the night or the weekend for a quick little trip and there’s other sights to see around here.”

City leaders are asking residents to submit comments on the 2018 State Rail Plan. The deadline is on December 11. Folks can learn more here.