Let’s Meet: Friends of the Rail and Trail

Meilin Obinata interviews Friends of the Rail & Trail (FORT) board members, Matt Farrell and Sally Arnold about the threats to our rail and trail future and how FORT is launching a Summer of Action to keep our county on track.  Listeners are invited to a Rally to Save Our Tracks on May 20, next Wednesday, which you can learn more about here. Wait, didn’t we already vote on this?  Yes! In 2022 over 73% of the county voted NO on the Measure D 2022 plan to tear out the tracks, but cost over runs have created an opportunity for this spectacularly unpopular idea to rise again. In this exciting election season, there are important matters which do not get as much exposure, like transportation – specifically the Rail and Trail Project. This conversation gives an eye-opening look at the free money our community could receive from the federal government to support our desires for the Rail and Trail. Because the Regional Transportation Commission is composed mostly of elected officials, voters’ choices in this election season have an impact on critical infrastructure project planning for our community’s future. You’ll learn why it’s important to remind candidates and elected officials what we need as a community. The guests explain the survey they provide for candidates running for offices in this June election to answer, the results of which you can read for yourself here: https://www.railandtrail.org/2026-06-candidate-survey  You’ll learn about the “big tent” of FORT which embraces people of all political stripes combining successfully, to the fun parties that people have while supporting a heart-warming cause. Whether you love trails, or want a train, love to hike, bike, walk or ride, this episode will show you how you can have it all: passenger rail with a trail. In this environment of political divisiveness, you might enjoy learning about this cause which attracts people to bring out the best in us. You can learn more about FORT on social media and on their website: https://www.railandtrail.org/