SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A bill by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) to bring critical state investment to rail infrastructure in the Central Valley passed the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee by a bipartisan unanimous vote today.

“Valley farmers and farmworkers depend on our rail system to get food grown in the most fertile fields in America to our grocery stores and tables,” Senator Hurtado said. “This bill – the Valley Railroad and Jobs Act of 2026 – will bring critical resources to build the infrastructure necessary to keep our farmers competitive while supporting a Valley economy for all.”

The bill, SB 1287, targets “short line” railroads – which link smaller communities to the broader national rail system. The legislation provides an annual tax credit designed to match private investment to modernize this rail infrastructure and construct new rail connections to ensure continued goods movement in key economic sectors statewide. In turn, local manufacturers, small businesses and the agricultural industry will get increased access to regional and international markets. 

"Short line railroads like the San Joaquin Valley Railroad play a key role in moving goods, reducing emissions, and facilitating economic activity in the Central Valley” Jessie Ugaitafa, General Manager of the San Joaquin Valley Railroad, said. “We thank Senator Hurtado for her leadership and her work to create a public private partnership to improve California's vital infrastructure." 

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

###