Folsom City Council votes to support Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad with operating license

The Folsom City Council green-lighted a seven-year operating license for the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad, or PSVRR. During a packed regular meeting Jan. 23, the council unanimously voted to recommend and support the non-profit PVSRR's continued operation of the old 15-mile railroad spur line for train excursions through Folsom into El Dorado County. The license was last renewed in 2018, and it expired in December 2023, officials said. The city of Folsom is part of the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor Joint Power Authority, and the council directed staff to work with PSVRR over the White Rock Road crossing and track issues. The city intended to submit a proposed license agreement for consideration Feb. 5, officials said. "This will help direct the JPTC-JPA on how to craft the operating license," said PSVRR President Jim Harville. "We still have some hurdles with the Capital Southeast Connector (White Rock Road)." The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad was deeded to the Sacramento and Placerville Railroad in 1877. The railroad once operated more than 49 miles of track between Sacramento and Shingle Springs. The non-profit PSVRR now operates seasonal scenic train excursions and "motorcar" rides year-round on what's left of the railroad between Folsom and Latrobe on the "Placerville Branch." A main issue discussed Jan. 23 was the railroad crossing at White Rock Road on whether to build a costly bridge or tunnel or keep it on the ground. "We are very confident that we can work with the city and county of Sacramento to work out all issues," Harville said. "When you start taking amenities away like the railroad ... you sterilize the city and become like everywhere else," Folsom Mayor Mike Kozlowski said. "None of us moved here because Folsom is like everywhere else. We moved here because Folsom is like Folsom. It's that important."