Three years after Mendocino Railway attempted to use eminent domain to acquire private property in Willits, the court decided in favor of the property owner. The trial wrapped up at the end of August last year, but Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Jeanine Nadel just issued her decision on Wednesday.
Mendocino Railway, also known as the Skunk Train, asked federal regulators to allow it to purchase 13 miles of track. The Surface Transportation Board found Thursday afternoon that the company “has not demonstrated financial responsibility.”