The Tri-Valley - San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority Board elected San Joaquin County Supervisor Robert Rickman to serve as Chair, at their meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

“I am humbled and honored that my board colleagues have placed their confidence in me to lead the board and work closely with the Authority’s Executive Leadership Team, as we continue the momentum in moving the Valley Link Project forward,” said Rickman.

The Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority was created by the California Legislature in 2017. Its primary purpose is to plan, develop and deliver cost-effective transit connectivity between the San Joaquin Valley and the Bay Area. The Authority is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by its 15-member agencies.

The proposed project includes seven stations along 42 miles of track, connecting the existing Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station to the proposed ACE North Lathrop Station. Trains would be scheduled to allow for convenient transfers to BART. The first Valley Link trains could be placed into service in 2028.

The passenger rail project is expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy, creating thousands of jobs during construction an economic impact in the billions for the region. During service, Valley Link is expected to create 400 jobs and an economic impact of nearly $70 million per year.

Additional information on the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority, is available on the Regional Rail Authority’s website at www.valleylinkrail.com.