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Last week, the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) announced it has narrowed the field of potential Northwestern Pacific line operators to two finalists: the Sierra Railroad Co. and NWP Inc. The authority expects to name the operator for the 316-mile line, which parallels Highway 101 between Eureka and Novato, Calif., on June 14.

Sierra Railroad operates a 49-mile short line, 26 track miles formerly owned by Yolo Shortline Railroad Co., the Skunk Train excursion service between Fort Bragg and Willits, Calif., and dinner trains. NWP is owned by Woodside Consulting Group.

Last month, the California Transportation Commission approved a plan to provide NCRA $7.8 million to rehabilitate the line, which runs through Eel River Canyon. In summer, the authority plans begin repairing culverts, bridges, levees and crossings. NCRA expects to restore rail service within 18 months.

In 1998, Union Pacific Railroad closed the line — which it acquired in the Southern Pacific Railroad merger — after a series of storms. The trackbed frequently slid into the Eel River during major storms. The line reopened briefly between Willits and Schellville, but was closed by the Federal Railroad Administration because of safety concerns.