The Mendocino Council of Governments on a roll-call vote approved a CEQA negative declaration for the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Plan after a public hearing that featured opposing views on the role of Mendocino Railway.

Hector Ortega, project analyst for MCOG, told the board the plan’s negative declaration and project materials were prepared for adoption and would be forwarded to Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission as required. Ortega also confirmed the meeting notice was published in the Ukiah Daily Journal on Nov. 21, 2025.

Public testimony focused on the rail element. Robert Pennoli, identified in the record as president of Mendocino Railway, urged the board to retain and strengthen the rail element and described the railroad as “a regulated Class 3 common carrier” whose inclusion could help bring federal and state funds to the county. “Mendocino Railway…is not an excursion railroad exclusively,” Pennoli said, arguing removal would limit freight and environmental options.

Several other commenters disputed that characterization. Peter McNamee and other residents told the board the Skunk Train functions primarily as a tourist operation and does not provide regular freight or point-to-point passenger service; they urged MCOG to remove or demote the rail element. Mary Rose Kosovarski submitted a written compilation of court decisions and agency findings and told the board she believed court rulings and Coastal Commission determinations undermine the railway’s claim to common-carrier status.

Board members and staff noted those submissions will be part of the public record. The board’s action on the CEQA document does not itself change plan content; after approving the negative declaration the board voted to continue final adoption of the RTP and active transportation plan to the MCOG meeting on Feb. 2, 2026, allowing staff to incorporate public comments and record materials.

The board’s approval was procedural and limited to the environmental finding required for circulation; any decision to amend the rail element’s status in the plan would require board action at a future meeting. The public hearing record for the RTP now includes emailed comment summaries and written exhibits submitted during the hearing.