STB confirms Mendocino Railway's status as federally regulated rail carrier

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Sept. 26 issued a ruling affirming that Mendocino Railway is and has been a common carrier railroad since 2004 and is therefore subject to federal regulation. 

Mendocino Railway is a public utility and common carrier railroad that provides freight, excursion and passenger services across Northern California, Mendocino Railway officials said in a press release. It was formed as a subsidiary of the Sierra Railroad Co. Mendocino owns and operates the California Western Railroad, the River Fox Train and the Sunburst Train.

Mendocino Railway petitioned the STB in July for confirmation of its status due to legal challenges by local municipalities and state agencies tied to the railroad's acquisition of the 300-acre Fort Bragg Mill Site property, Mendocino Railway officials said. The city of Fort Bragg challenged the railroad's ability to operate outside of normal permitting processes as a common carrier railroad.

The litigation was paused in 2024; the railroad has since collaborated directly with the city and with the California Coastal Commission on planning for mixed-use development on the site. Most of the property will fall under state and local oversight with only a small number of rail activities federally preempted under the STB ruling, railroad officials said. 

"The STB's decision provides clarity for the future of Mendocino Railway's operations and represents an important step in preserving America’s unique rail heritage," said Robert Jason Pinoli, president and CEO of Mendocino Railway.

The STB's ruling can be read here.