Caltrans, which manages two of the nation’s busiest passenger rail lines, is asking its rapidly growing passenger base what they think about rail systems in the Golden State.

The department will host five public open houses and a statewide webinar this month to solicit input on the draft California State Rail Plan (CSRP), which will lay out a vision for freight, passenger and high-speed rail in the state. The draft plan is available here and comments can be submitted through March 11.  

“Each year, nearly six million passengers ride the trains in California,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

Eight free, two-hour workshops with information and grant application assistance for replacing agricultural equipment including tractors, mobile equipment and stationary ag pumps are scheduled Jan. 14-17 throughout the Valley.

The workshops will be hosted by staff from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s grant program, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, public utility companies and the agricultural community.

“This grant program fills a big need, and we anticipate a healthy attendance at these events,” said Aaron Tarango, a District grant program supervisor.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

Monday, Jan. 14

9-11 a.m.: Kings County Administration Bldg., multipurpose room, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Hanford

1-3 p.m.: Fresno County Farm Bureau, 1274 W. Hedges Ave., Fresno

Tuesday, Jan.