GUEST OPINION: SMART's committed to building train in Sonoma County

<p>In November 2008, nearly 70 percent of Sonoma and Marin County voters supported the SMART project, a 70-mile passenger train and pathway connecting all the cities along Highway 101, from Cloverdale to Larkspur.</p><p>We are moving this project forward at a time when most government agencies are struggling to get by in this deep economic recession. SMART has not been spared; the resulting 9 percent drop in sales tax revenue leaves a $155 million shortfall in our plan to build the entire line by 2014. Since May, when we first reported this shortfall, we have been looking for ways to fill that gap.</p><p>One idea, discussed at last month's public meeting, was to build the train in two phases, with the goal of having the train running along the whole route by 2016. This option would depend upon SMART receiving funds from a federal program called “New Starts.” If we built the train on a “pay as you go” basis, with no new funding, the line might not be complete until 2021. No one on our board liked that option.</p><p>So the board voted unanimously to explore the possibility of New Starts funding.</p><p>Unfortunately, some newspaper readers have been left with the impression that we have already decided where to build the train first, with some believing that we have abandoned Sonoma County. These impressions are simply wrong.</p><p>Now, several weeks later, SMART has learned that the federal funding we would need in order to even consider the two-phase option may not be available to us due to regional funding priorities for BART and other large rail transit projects in the Bay Area. Still, when we met with Metropolitan Transportation Commission representatives last week, they told us they want to help us solve the shortfall for the SMART project, and the agency is willing to provide regional assistance to SMART to tackle our funding gap. We are very encouraged by this response and look forward to working with our regional partners at MTC and around the North Bay to deliver this important regional rail and pathway project.</p><p>Unfortunately, as we explore these strategies for making this project whole, some who oppose the train and bike path are happy to spread the erroneous impression that the SMART board would leave Sonoma County in the dust. On top of that, a politically motivated petition is being circulated accusing the SMART board of betraying the voters.</p><p>Let's be clear. Bringing a 21st century transportation system to both Sonoma and Marin is absolutely vital for the future of the region. It means a cleaner environment, more jobs and less traffic.</p><p>We and our fellow board members are committed to minimizing SMART's financial challenge, securing alternative revenues and, most importantly, ensuring that the entire system gets built as quickly and efficiently as possible. </p><p>We will continue to move this project forward toward that goal. You can help us by taking part in our station design workshops being held this month and other meetings and workshops that will be held. See the current meeting schedule at www.sonomamarintrain.org.</p><p>We urge everyone to come out, make your voices heard, and join us in planning the future of your SMART train.</p><p><i>Debora Fudge is chairwoman of SMART and a member of the Windsor Town Council. Charles McGlashan is a Marin County supervisor and a member of the SMART board.</i></p>