History buffs laying tracks for future railroad excursions

If you are new to Folsom you may have noticed the railroad tracks that cross roads and run alongside East Bidwell Street, under Highway 50 and out into the hills and El Dorado County.They belong to the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad, built from Folsom to Latrobe in 1864 and ultimately extended through Shingle Springs to Placerville. The route was last used commercially in 1987 and remains "out of use," though definitely not abandoned. Along with what is now the light rail line to Sacramento, the right-of-way was purchased by a Joint Powers Authority in 1996 under rail banking regulations, to protect the route for future re-use by rail and other complimentary community uses.Today the railroad offers a fantastic opportunity for the communities of Folsom and El Dorado County to benefit economically from the re-activation of the line. The current city, state and national financial woes means there has never been a better time to invest in sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient rail development that will bring countless benefits for the whole community.The Iron Point Highway 50 junction to Historic Folsom section is perfect for a community trolley service, connecting hotels, shopping centers, medical facilities, businesses and the college to RT and Historic Folsom.Iron Point to Latrobe and up to Diamond Springs can be developed as an excursion rail operation that will bring many economic benefits to the "Economic 50" corridor.Of course any future residential or commercial developments in the "sphere of influence" area will benefit from a ready made and available transit route. The opportunities to link with cycling and trails groups and other leisure businesses will enhance the attractiveness of the area to visitors and investors. The self-propelled trolley will help create an effective public transit system for Folsom that includes the Historic District, providing a link that also celebrates Folsom's heritage.Members of the Folsom, El Dorado and Sacramento Historical Railroad Association are determined to bring these economic and community benefits to Folsom and can be found working on locomotives, rolling stock and other tasks at their shop at the "Wye" off Bidwell Street.The public face of the group is Bill Anderson who, on weekends, can usually be found at the railroad museum by the beautiful old passenger depot on Wool Street.Bill will tell you everything you want to know about both the history and the potentially bright future for the railroad, including the opportunity to turn the old Southern Pacific superintendent's house at the "Wye" into a permanent railroad museum — and at the same time improve the view coming into Folsom on Folsom Boulevard.The railroad brought prosperity, development and the modern world to the Sierra Nevada and the foothills. In fact it brought Folsom to Folsom! Our railroads blazed a trail in the West and will continue to do so if Bill and his growing band of investors have their way!For more information, please go to fedshra.org or email feds@fedshra.org.