Bruce Daniels
- Mark Taylor, Supervisor Janice Rutherford’s deputy chief of staff, at a recent meeting on the potential of alternative transportation modes to and from the mountains.
Part II of an editorial by Guest Editorialst Bruce Daniels
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans never considered how a cog-rail or suspended light rail might fit into their multi-modes of transportation. However, the City of Big Bear Lake had a trail-blazing idea and is doing something about it.
In 1996 the city conducted a study of non-road access alternatives that included a comparative cost-benefit analysis of various existing systems. This study was based on the finding that any expansion of highway access was prohibitively expensive. This year, the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) updated that study and the final report is due to be circulated.
The “Three Wise Men” of our mountain, economists John Husing, Harrison “Buzz” Price and Al Gobar all agreed on the need to expand tourism and recreation via access to, and across, the mountain. Since then, the recession, catastrophic fires and a flood-ravaged closure of State Highway 330 have severely and adversely impacted our mountain economy.
While priority attention is being given appropriately to local businesses, our community is re-grouping to continue our journey. A safer, more convenient and timely access to our mountain destinations is now in order. We have attractions and limited connections. A rail system offers both in one package. Furthermore, this alternative can enhance our precious environment via relief of traffic congestion, energy conservation and emissions reduction.
The various routes include first and foremost, bases located at the San Bernardino International Airport, San Manuel Casino, Running Springs, Snow Valley and Big Bear. Possible connections to Lake Arrowhead and Crestline are also considered.
The non-road alternative initiative began with a study done at the request of the late congressman, George Brown. A corresponding study was accomplished by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a major investor due to its casino revenue, strategic location and interest in development and ecology. Finally, the San Bernardino International Airport, formerly known as Norton Air Force Base, is organized by joint redevelopment and airport authorities consisting of the County of San Bernardino and the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland and Loma Linda. Its inclusion as an “inland port” justifies the scale of this investment. Access to the Eastern U.S., Mexico and the Pacific Rim as an intermodal freight and passenger transportation hub offers uniquely great competitive advantages. The airport could serve as a base of operations connecting all forms of transportation with a variety of attractions. (More later on that hot topic.)
In its 2011 SANBAG (San Bernardino Associated Governmenyts) study, consultants InfraConsult came up with the following key findings regarding technology factors:
(1) Cable-propelled ropeway-proven technology (yes), competitive speed (no), capital cost (lower), freight capability (limited) and U.S. Forest Service firefighting (potentially problematic).
(2) Self-propelled ropeway-proven technology (no), competitive speed (yes), capital cost (lower), freight capability (possible) and Forest Service firefighting (potentially problematic).
(3) Suspended monorail-proven technology (yes), competitive speed (yes), capital cost (higher), freight capacity (limited) and Forest Service firefighting (OK).
(4) Cog rail-proven technology (yes), competitive speed (yes), capital cost (high), freight capability (yes) and Forest Service Firefighting (OK).
The questions I have are:
* What are the potential sources of funding and financing, including international investors?
* How does this study compare with an itemized evaluation of the 1996 study findings and conclusions?>
* How did the consultants arrive at the conclusion that the technology for a self-propelled ropeway is unproven? What were the criteria applied?
* USFS firefighting: Why are the cable propelled ropeway and self-propelled ropeway considered “potentially problematic” and the suspended monorail and cog rain are not? Is not the proposed cog-rail route alignment similar or the same as SR 330 which has been closed to previous forest fires and how does this relieve rather than aggravate traffic jams? What are the criteria for its findings? Are they challengeable and if so, how?
* Freight capacity: what is the difference between “limited,” “possible” and “yes?” How do they compare, especially by applying current freight volumes?
In order to attract potential private and public investors, the study must include an intensive financial and market feasibility analysis, providing projections based on quantitative and reliable data supported by sources. For public investment, this analysis must accurately project the number and type of jobs generated and saved. What are the potential job-generating and business opportunity projections, separating construction from permanent service and maintenance employment? Market feasibility must be effective into a marketing package for investors, both private and public.
I am most optimistic that today’s economic trends portends well for San Bernardino Mountains tourism. In this recession recent increases in local ski traffic attest to the appeal of a more accessible, less expensive and localized traveling alternative. Big Bear and the San Bernardino Mountains already provide the essential base for tourism and recreational investment that can be improved and expanded. While addressing long-term rail access, we must immediately address the mid-week and “shoulder season” market.
the San Bernardino National Forest and former Air Force base have local, sate, national, even international, priority. The federal government has a legacy of investment responsibility that can address the priority goals of:
* Jobs, training and business opportunities for veterans, Native Americans and lower-income residents;
* Economic recovery of the Inland Empire, a “swing area,” politically;
* Acknowledged federal attention to California transportation a la Stimulus and other funding.
I look forward to having these questions answered with solutions. Perhaps a project started by a “Brown” can end with a “Brown.”
Bruce Daniels is an economic development consultant and former city manager who directed the Big Bear Lake and County of Riverside economic development/redevelopment programs. he has also served as a consultant for intermodal rail studies. He has been a resident of the San Bernardino Mountains for 30 years.
