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Public opposition grows to including Mendocino Railway (Skunk Train) in regional transportation plan
Summary
Public commenters urged MCOG to remove Mendocino Railway (the "Skunk Train") from the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan, arguing it is a tourist excursion that should not receive public funds; staff said legal status remains unsettled after recent appellate action and the plan includes language that MCOG will not provide direct financial support.
Public testimony at the Mendocino Council of Governments meeting on Feb. 2 focused heavily on whether the privately owned Mendocino Railway, commonly called the Skunk Train, should be included in the county’s Regional Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Plan.
Multiple speakers, including Peter McNamee, summarized letters and comments asserting the Skunk Train is an excursion/tourist service not intended or equipped to provide regular public transportation. A range of written and oral comments urged MCOG to remove…
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