California's North Coast Railroad Authority has narrowed down the potential operator of the Northwestern Pacific line to two finalists.

The two finalists are the Sierra Railroad of Oakdale, and NWP Inc., which is led by the Woodside Consulting Group of Palo Alto. NCRA will select the operator of the line - running between Eureka and Novato, California - at the NCRA Board of Directors meeting on June 7.

The Sierra Railroad operates the Skunk excursion train between Fort Bragg and Willits, as well as other short-line freight and excursion trains in Oakdale, West Sacramento and Woodland.

NCRA Vice Chairman and Mendocino County Supervisor Hal Wagenet said repair of the line will begin this summer in coordination with the new operator.