Logo courtesy of Yuba City

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – The Yuba City Council joined other public agencies earlier this month in urging federal regulators to approve the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, citing benefits to agriculture, businesses and the regional economy.

The council approved a letter to the Surface Transportation Board as part of its consent calendar, describing freight rail as an important component of the nation's transportation network.

"Freight rail plays a vital role in our regional and national economy by connecting businesses, supporting agriculture, and moving goods efficiently throughout the country," Yuba City Mayor Marc Boomgaarden wrote. "A reliable and modern freight rail network is essential to maintaining economic competitiveness, strengthening supply chains, and supporting sustainable transportation."

The letter describes a range of anticipated benefits, including more dependable service, shorter shipping times, additional infrastructure and technology investments, and broader access to markets for businesses, industries and communities throughout the region.

Boomgaarden also expressed support for transportation investments that enhance regional connectivity and economic growth before encouraging the Surface Transportation Board to give favorable consideration to the proposal.

Union Pacific operates primarily in the western United States, while Norfolk Southern serves much of the eastern portion of the country. If approved, the merger would create the nation's first single-line freight railroad connecting the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, allowing freight to move across the country on a single rail network rather than transferring between carriers.

The proposed merger remains under review by the Surface Transportation Board, which must determine whether the transaction is consistent with the public interest under federal rail merger rules.