MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA

Transcription

1 MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MEMBER AGENCIES California Department of Transportation Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority North San Diego County Transit Development Board Orange County Transportation Authority San Diego Association of Governments San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Ventura County Transportation Commission EX-OFFICIO MEMBER Southern California Association of Governments ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Amtrak Burlington Northern Santa Fe California Public Utilities Commission Southern California Regional Rail Authority Union Pacific LOSSAN RAIL CORRIDOR AGENCY JOINT POWERS BOARD The Board may take action on any item appearing on this agenda. Wednesday, May 5, noon Union Station Conference Room, 3 rd Floor Metropolitan Transportation Authority Los Angeles, CA LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT 11:45 A.M. SANDAG Staff Contact: Linda Culp (619) lcu@sandag.org SANDAG 401 B Street, Suite 800 San Diego, CA fax: (619)

2 LOSSAN RAIL CORRIDOR AGENCY JOINT POWERS BOARD Wednesday, May 5, 2004 ITEM # TAC RECOMMENDATION 1. CHAIR S REPORT Welcome and Introductions 2. PUBLIC COMMENT/COMMUNICATIONS Speakers are limited to three minutes each. +3. JANUARY 7, 2004 MEETING SUMMARY (pp. 6-7) APPROVE The meeting summary is included for approval. 4. DRAFT PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT / ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (PEIR/EIS) EFFORTS RELEVANT TO THE LOSSAN CORRIDOR: +4A. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY (CHSRA) DRAFT PEIR/EIS FOR THE PROPOSED STATEWIDE HIGH- SPEED TRAIN SYSTEM (Dan Leavitt, CHSRA) (pp. 8-20) In January 2004, the CHSRA released the draft PEIR/EIS for the proposed statement high-speed train system, including highspeed service for the coastal rail corridor from Los Angeles to Orange County and conventional improvements to the corridor south to San Diego. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recommends a number of comments to the Board of Directors. 4B. CALTRANS DRAFT PEIR/EIS FOR THE LOS ANGELES TO SAN DIEGO PORTION OF THE LOSSAN CORRIDOR (Pat Merrill, Caltrans) Based on the same technical studies as the draft PEIR/EIS by the CHSRA, Caltrans anticipates completing the draft PEIR/EIS for conventional improvements to the Los Angeles to San Diego segment of the LOSSAN corridor in May Caltrans will provide an update on this effort at the meeting. REVIEW AND COMMENT INFORMATION 5. LOSSAN CORRIDOR LEGISLATIVE AND FUNDING ISSUES There are a number of state and federal legislative and other funding activities that warrant the Board s discussion and possible action at this time: 2

3 ITEM # TAC RECOMMENDATION 5A. POTENTIAL STATE BUDGET IMPACTS ON THE LOSSAN CORRIDOR (Bill Bronte, Caltrans) DISCUSSION Potential impacts on LOSSAN projects from the upcoming May 2004 revisions to the FY 2005 state budget forecast will be provided at the meeting. +5B. STATE LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO LOSSAN (Caroline Reis, NCTD) (pp ) APPROVE The TAC recommends that the Board of Directors take a position on several state bills that are relevant to the corridor. +5C. FEDERAL ACTIVITIES: UPDATE ON TEA-21 REAUTHORIZATION ACTIVITIES; FY 2005 AMTRAK APPROPRIATION (Caroline Reis, NCTD; Liz O Donoghue, Amtrak) (pp ) APPROVE The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed separate reauthorization measures since February The conference committee is expected to convene in May 2004 to reconcile these efforts. Amtrak has requested a federal appropriation of $1.8 billion for FY The Board of Directors is asked to support this request. 5D. UPDATE ON MEMBER AGENCY ADVOCACY EFFORTS FOR LOSSAN PRIORITY PROJECTS AND CORRIDOR DEFINITION (Linda Culp, SANDAG) POSSIBLE ACTION In TEA-21, LOSSAN is defined very narrowly as the rail corridor between Del Mar and San Diego and should be changed in the reauthorization bill to represent the entire LOSSAN corridor. Some member agencies have recently visited the corridor delegation and will discuss progress related to the corridor. +5E. LOSSAN PRIORITY PROJECTS (Linda Culp, SANDAG) (pp ) APPROVE The TAC recommends that the LOSSAN Board of Directors add the Fullerton Station Parking Structure back to the list of priority projects. 3

4 ITEM # +6. LOSSAN FY 2005 WORK PROGRAM (Linda Culp, SANDAG) (pp ) TAC RECOMMENDATION APPROVE Since October 2004, the TAC has worked to refine the major work elements for LOSSAN in FY 2005 and their impact to member agency budgets. The LOSSAN Board of Directors is asked to approve a request of member agencies to each provide $5,000 to SANDAG to expand administrative services provided to LOSSAN. +7. LOSSAN ROAD SHOW (Linda Culp, SANDAG) (pp ) At the January 27, 2004 meeting, the Board of Directors approved an informational slideshow to be presented at LOSSAN member agencies and other interested parties as a way to increase the dialogue between LOSSAN and its members. To date, three presentations have been made and others are scheduled through the summer. +8. PACIFIC SURFLINER REPORT (Liz O Donoghue, Amtrak) (pp ) INFORMATION INFORMATION The latest intercity ridership and revenue statistics for the corridor are attached. An update on the additional trip to San Luis Obispo endorsed by the Board of Directors in January will be provided at the meeting. An update on the Rail2Rail programs and marketing efforts also will be given. 9. RAIL PASSENGER SAFETY INITIATIVES (Richard Phelps, Amtrak) The March 11, 2004 terrorist attacks on passenger rail services in Spain have drawn attention to the safety of U.S. rail systems. TAC and member agencies will discuss recent initiatives in terms of public safety as well as the status of federal rail safety funding efforts. 10. NEXT MEETING DATE AND LOCATION POSSIBLE ACTION INFORMATION The next LOSSAN Board of Directors is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8, 2004: NOTE: Location and Time Change: SANDAG 401 B Street, 7 th Floor downtown San Diego 10:30 12:00 Attachment: LOSSAN Board Roster (p. 5) + next to an agenda item indicates an attachment 4

5 LOSSAN (LOS ANGELES SAN DIEGO SAN LUIS OBISPO RAIL CORRIDOR AGENCY) MEMBERSHIP This board is composed of current and former elected officials representing rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along Amtrak s Pacific Surfliner corridor between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. LOSSAN is staffed by SANDAG. The objective of the agency is to coordinate planning and programs that increase ridership, revenue, reliability, and safety on the coastal rail line from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles to San Diego. The Los Angeles - San Diego San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency meets every quarter. Staff contact: Linda Culp (619) ; lcu@sandag.org MEMBERS Chair: Arthur Brown Orange County Transportation Authority Vice Chair: Jacki Bacharach Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Julianne Nygaard North County Transit Development Board Chris Norby Orange County Transportation Authority Beatrice Proo Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Jerry Rindone Metropolitan Transit System Joe Kellejian San Diego Association of Governments Bill Davis Ventura County Transportation Commission Joni Gray Santa Barbara County Association of Governments John Shoals San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Warren Weber Caltrans, Division of Rail ALTERNATES Harry Mathis San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board Brian Humphrey Ventura County Transportation Commission Susan Rose Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Fred Munroe San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Ann Kulchin North County Transit Development Board Ex Officio Member Richard Dixon Southern California Association of Governments Additional Technical Advisory Committee Members Amtrak Burlington Northern Santa Fe California Public Utilities Commission Southern California Regional Rail Authority Union Pacific Revised: April 16, 2004

6 Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency JOINT POWERS BOARD May 5, 2004 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 3 Action Requested: APPROVE JANUARY 7, 2004 MEETING SUMMARY The LOSSAN Joint Powers Board met on January 7, 2004, including a joint meeting with the Coast Rail Coordinating Council. The following LOSSAN Board members were in attendance: Julianne Nygaard, Chair, NCTD Art Brown, OCTA Jacki Bacharach, LACMTA Jerry Rindone, MTDB Joni Gray, SBCAG Fred Munroe, SLOCOG Warren Weber, Caltrans Division of Rail The major items discussed during the meeting are summarized as follows: Selection Of 2004 Chair And Vice Chair The Board of Directors elected Art Brown, Councilmember from the City of Buena Park, and LOSSAN Board Member representing OCTA, as chair for Ms. Jacki Bacharach, Board Member representing MTA, will remain as vice chair for LOSSAN Road Show The Board approved a slide presentation and accompanying script that discusses the LOSSAN Corridor and the role of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency to be presented to member agencies and other interested groups. The Board directed staff to schedule these meetings over the next few months. Legislative Support The Board of Directors approved the Technical Advisory Committee s (TAC) recommendation to develop five criteria that are key to LOSSAN s support of federal legislation related to rail capital and operations. These criteria are: (1) proposals address the future of Amtrak and specifically a stable, multi-year funding source, (2) proposals include a separate rail capital and/or operating program for a long-term source of federal funds for rail, (3) any such rail program has a dedicated funding source and does not impact earmarks such as the highway trust fund, (4) there is geographic equity between all corridors nationwide, and (5) there is a diversity of rail projects eligible for funding. The TAC will continue to review the relevant legislation, and along with the Chair and Vice Chair, submit LOSSAN s support where applicable. 6

7 LOSSAN Joint Meeting With The Coast Rail Coordinating Council The LOSSAN Board of Directors also held a joint meeting with the Policy Committee of the Coast Rail Coordinating Council (CRCC), a coastal rail advocacy group of agencies between Los Angeles and San Francisco. As a result of the discussion on potential state budget impacts, reauthorization of the federal surface transportation bill (TEA-21), and other federal legislation, both LOSSAN and CRCC jointly voted to write letters to bill co-sponsors, the corridor delegation, and the State of California to express our issues with each effort. Members also voted to send a joint letter to Amtrak and the State to express support for an additional round trip to San Luis Obispo, on top of the one round trip currently provided on weekdays. Amtrak is currently looking at the operational details of this additional service. Corridorwide Strategic Plan Development Caltrans provided an informational update on the LOSSAN Strategic Plan, a long-range plan for the Los Angeles to San Diego segment of the corridor finalized in October This plan was conducted in conjunction with both the California High-Speed Rail Authority s statewide programmatic environmental impact report/environmental impact statement (PEIR/EIS) and Caltrans Los Angeles to San Diego corridorwide PEIR/EIS efforts. The Strategic Plan is available on TAC members will continue to discuss efforts to expand this plan for the entire LOSSAN corridor in FY 2005 at their January 27, 2004 meeting. Pacific Surfliner Report Amtrak reported on recent trends in corridor ridership and revenue. The Pacific Surfliner corridor is the fastest growing corridor nationwide. Statistics for November 2003 show that it was the highest November ridership in the history of the service with gains in both business and coach class. Amtrak continues to see gains in ridership from the Rail-2-Rail program, a joint venture with Metrolink and Caltrans that allows Metrolink riders to use Amtrak trains at no additional charge. Board and TAC members discussed the possible expansion of the program to Coaster service, with NCTD, Amtrak, and Caltrans currently working on the details. Next Meetings The LOSSAN TAC will next meet on Tuesday, January 27, The Board approved the next two Board meetings for 2004: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at MTA (later rescheduled to May 5, 2004) and Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at SANDAG (and plans to hold a meeting in 2005 in the northern segment of the corridor). The Board asked staff to reschedule the December 2004 meeting to an earlier date in November and report back. 7

8 Los Angeles San Diego San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency JOINT POWERS BOARD May 5, 2004 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 4-A Action Requested: REVIEW AND COMMENT CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY (CHSRA) DRAFT PEIR/EIS FOR THE PROPOSED STATEWIDE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN SYSTEM Introduction On January 27, 2004, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released the draft statewide programmatic environmental impact report / environmental impact statement (PEIR/EIS). This document addresses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed statewide high-speed train system at a conceptual level. Design options for the Coastal Los Angeles to San Diego via Orange County are provided as Attachment 1 and for the Bakersfield to Los Angeles corridor as Attachment 2. The summary brochure on the statewide document will be available at the meeting. These and other related reports are available at The official public comment period ends August 31, Recommendation The Technical Advisory Committee recommends that the LOSSAN Board of Directors submit these comments to the CHSRA: LOSSAN supports conventional improvements to the Pacific Surfliner corridor between San Diego and San Luis Obispo to facilitate access to the statewide high-speed train (HST) network. LOSSAN supports improvements to the feeder rail network called for in the CHSRA Business Plan and in the Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21 st Century. LOSSAN supports station locations with direct links to current and planned intercity and commuter rail systems (i.e., HST stations at Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS), Anaheim, Irvine, University City in San Diego County, and downtown San Diego). LOSSAN supports continued study of the LAUS location (first priority) and the LAUS South station alternative (second priority), but does not support the LAUS East station location because it would preclude HST service to Orange County. LOSSAN looks forward to continued coordination between the CHSRA, LOSSAN and its member agencies on specific alignment and station alternatives carried forward for further study. LOSSAN supports the Authority s decision to continue study of steel-wheel-on-steel-rail technology for the statewide HST system. 8

9 Additional Points Regarding The Draft PEIR/EIS: The CHSRA is holding public hearings throughout the state. In the LOSSAN Corridor, hearings have been held in Los Angeles (April 13, 2004 at MTA) and San Diego (April 20, 2004 at SANDAG). Staff provided a brief update from LOSSAN, including general support for the project, at the San Diego hearing. An additional public hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2004 at MTA in Los Angeles from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Several LOSSAN member agencies and additional TAC members plan to provide comments to CHRSA separately. State-of-the art, electrically-powered, high-speed, steel-wheel-on-steel rail technology is being proposed for the statewide system. Speeds could be as high as 220 mph in some areas. This system will primarily run on exclusive track with small portions of the route on shared track with other passenger rail operations, including the Los Angeles to San Diego via Orange County corridor. In this corridor, high-speed trains would not extend further south than Irvine. Cost to implement this statewide system is estimated between $33 billion and $37 billion. This includes right-of-way, track guideway, tunneling, stations, and mitigation. The federal lead agency is the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Several agencies are cooperating agencies including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Authority is the state lead agency responsible for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the federal lead, FTA, is responsible for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A final PEIR/EIS will be prepared after the close of public comments. In this final document, the Authority and FRA may select a preferred corridor, general station locations, and recommended mitigation strategy; or may recommend further strategies to consider at a more detailed, project level. Caltrans is the lead agency for a companion document for the Los Angeles to San Diego coastal rail corridor. This is more detailed for the coastal rail corridor compared to the Authority s draft statewide document. This draft corridor document is tentatively scheduled for a May 2004 release. Both documents rely on the same technical studies for the corridor. (The Board will receive an update on this effort at the May 5, 2004 meeting under Item #4b.) 9

10 CALIFORNIA S HIGH-SPEED TRAIN REGIONAL ALIGNMENT AND STATION OPTIONS LOS ANGELES ORANGE COUNTY SAN DIEGO The Draft Program EIR/EIS identifies all alignment and station options for the proposed 700- mile-long high-speed train system. Below is a brief overview of the options under consideration for connecting Los Angeles to San Diego via the Inland Empire. The region from Los Angeles to San Diego via Orange County has been divided into four segments: Los Angeles to LAX, Los Angeles to Anaheim/Irvine, Irvine to Oceanside, and Oceanside to San Diego. LOS ANGELES TO LAX (Map 16) The Authority narrowed down to a single alignment option to connect Los Angeles to LAX the MTA Harbor Subdivision rail right-of-way. This segment is a little over 15 miles long. If service to LAX is selected, connectivity to LAX and southwest Los Angeles will be increased. If LAX is not directly served, local transportation (shuttle, regional transit or the automobile) will be needed between Los Angeles and the airport or to Western Los Angeles County. Potential Station Locations: There is one potential station location that has been investigated along the segment between Los Angeles and LAX. The LAX station would be a below-grade station adjacent to the airport terminals and would permit easy access to the airport by a potential people mover, shuttle, or walking. LOS ANGELES TO ANAHEIM/IRVINE (Map 10) Three options are being considered between Los Angeles and Orange County: 1. Direct high-speed train service on dedicated tracks only for high-speed trains along the Union Pacific Railroad Santa Ana freight line to Anaheim. To bring high-speed train service to Irvine, shared tracks with Metrolink and Surfliner service on improved LOSSAN rail corridor would be required. 2. Sharing tracks with an improved LOSSAN rail corridor assumes four tracks to separate freight and passenger service between Los Angeles and Fullerton. Sharing tracks with non-electric Metrolink commuter rail and Surfliner means high-speed trains would operate at reduced speeds. 3. Different levels of improvement to conventional service that would act as a feeder service to the high-speed train system and require a transfer at Los Angeles Union Station.

11 Potential Station Locations: There are several potential high-speed train station locations that have been investigated along the segment between Los Angeles and Anaheim/Irvine. The Authority could decide both the appropriate number of stations and the preferred location for those stations for this segment. Southeast Los Angeles County (Gateway Cities): Norwalk (UP) or Norwalk (LOSSAN) Central Orange County: Anaheim Transportation Center Southern Orange County: Irvine Transportation Center IRVINE TO OCEANSIDE (Map 11) South of Irvine, only conventional non electric improvements are being considered. The conventional service options for the LOSSAN corridor are presented as a range between high end and low end improvements. The most significant differences between design options are at San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point/San Clemente. There are two options for reaching San Juan Capistrano, both of which bypass the existing single-track alignment through San Juan Capistrano and reduce impacts to the historical district: 1. Tunneling under Interstate 5 with no station at San Juan Capistrano 2. Trabuco Creek alignment There are two options for reaching Dana Point/San Clemente, both of which assume the construction of a new station in San Clemente to maintain Amtrak service to this area: 1. Split Long tunnel under I-5 (two split tunnels) that would completely bypass the beach 2. Single Short Tunnel along I-5 about six miles long that would bypass the beach at San Clemente, maintains the existing alignment along the beach at Dana Point Potential Station Locations: The Draft Program EIR/EIS includes improvements to the three existing Amtrak stations along the segment between Irvine and Oceanside that are served by the Surfliner service at: San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Oceanside Transportation Center. OCEANSIDE TO SAN DIEGO (Map 12) The conventional service options for the LOSSAN corridor between Oceanside and San Diego are presented as a range between high end and low end improvements. The most significant differences between these design options are at Del Mar and Mirimar Canyon. There are also trench and cover concepts being investigated through downtown Encinitas and Carlsbad. There are two options for reaching Del Mar: tunneling under Camino Del Mar or tunneling under I-5. PAGE 2 OF 3

12 South of Del Mar, there are two options which avoid the steep grades and tight curves along Miramar Canyon that greatly impact travel times: 1. Tunneling under I-5 with no station at University Towne Centre 2. Tunnelimg under University Towne Centre Potential Station Locations: There are two existing Amtrak stations along the segment between Oceanside and San Diego that are served by the non-electric Surfliner service Solano Beach Transit Center and Downtown San Diego Santa Fe Depot. One additional potential station location at University Towne Centre is being considered. Visit the California High-Speed Rail Authority Web site at for a complete look at proposed alignments and stations, to download a copy of the Draft Program EIR/EIS, or for a listing of libraries carrying a hard copy of the Draft Program EIR/EIS. PAGE 3 OF 3

13 Los Angeles to San Diego (LOSSAN) - Los Angeles to LAX Figure Los Angeles to LAX Alignment and Potential Station Options Map 16

14 Los Angeles to Irvine Map 10

15 Irvine to Oceanside Map 11

16 Oceanside to San Diego Map 12

17 CALIFORNIA S HIGH-SPEED TRAIN REGIONAL ALIGNMENT AND STATION OPTIONS BAKERSFIELD TO LOS ANGELES The Draft Program EIR/EIS identifies all alignment and station options for the proposed 700- mile-long high-speed train system. Below is a brief overview of the options under consideration for connecting Bakersfield to Los Angeles. The Bakersfield to Los Angeles region was divided into two segments: Bakersfield to Sylmar and Sylmar to Los Angeles. BAKERSFIELD SYLMAR (Map 8) From Bakersfield to Sylmar, the system must cross the Tehachapi Mountains that separate the Central Valley from the Los Angeles basin. This is one of the most difficult geographic features encountered by the proposed high-speed train system. There are two corridor alternatives between Bakersfield and Sylmar. Both corridors require new rights-of-way through the mountain range. They are: 1. The Interstate 5 alignment with two options: Union Avenue and Wheeler Ridge 2. The Antelope Valley alignment The I-5 options are shorter in distance and travel times. Express train travel time between San Francisco and Los Angeles would be about 10 minutes less as compared to the Antelope Valley option. The Antelope Valley option includes a potential station at Palmdale. Potential Station Locations: There are several potential HST station locations that have been investigated along the segment between Bakersfield and Sylmar. The Authority could decide both the appropriate number of stations and the preferred location for those stations for this segment. Palmdale Transportation Center Sylmar Metrolink Sylmar Roxford Station SYLMAR LOS ANGELES (Map 9) There are two alignment options between Sylmar and Los Angeles: 1. Metrolink/Union Pacific Railroad (UP) extends southeast generally following the Metrolink/UP line between Sylmar and Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS). 2. Metrolink/Interstate 5 extends southeast following the UP from Sylmar to Burbank Metrolink Station, then follows I-5 to a tunnel under Elysian Park to LAUS area.

18 Potential Station Locations: There are several potential high-speed train station locations that have been investigated along the segment between Sylmar and Los Angeles. The Authority could decide both the appropriate number of stations and the preferred location for those stations for this segment. Burbank Burbank Metrolink Burbank Airport Los Angeles Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) Union Station South LA River East Visit the California High-Speed Rail Authority Web site at for a complete look at proposed alignments and stations, to download a copy of the Draft Program EIR/EIS, or for a listing of libraries carrying a hard copy of the Draft Program EIR/EIS. PAGE 2 OF 2

19 Bakersfield to Sylmar Map 8

20 Sylmar to Los Angeles Map 9

21 Los Angeles San Diego San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency JOINT POWERS BOARD May 5, 2004 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 5-B Action Requested: APPROVE STATE LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO THE LOSSAN CORRIDOR Introduction Several bills have been introduced this spring in both the California State Senate and Assembly that are relevant to the LOSSAN corridor. At their April 13, 2004 meeting, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) developed two lists of state legislation. Attachment 1 summarizes six (6) bills that TAC believes LOSSAN should take a position on at this time. Attachment 2 summarizes additional bills that LOSSAN may wish to take a position on at this time. For each bill, the actions taken to date by member agencies also are included. Recommendation The TAC recommends action on selected state legislation as identified in Attachment 1. Option: The Board may take action on any or all of the legislation as identified in Attachment 2. 21

22 LOSSAN STATE LEGISLATION FOR BOARD ACTION May 5, 2004 Attachment 1 #1 Bill #: AB 2372 Author: Subject: Description: Correa-D State Transportation Improvements Program (STIP) County Shares Prohibits the California Transportation Commission (CTC) from carrying forward a county's STIP surplus in lieu of programming funds for the projects in that county within the 4-year county share period unless requested. Also prohibits the Commission s ability to advance project programming over programming of county shares within the county share period. Status: Transportation Cmte; Last Action 4/26/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Addresses the inability of Councils of Governments (COGs) to access carryover funds. SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA (Sponsor) SANDAG #2 Bill #: ACA 21 Author: Subject: Description: Bogh-D Motor Vehicle Fuel: Sales Tax Amends the State Constitution to require that in order to suspend Proposition 42 (the local streets and roads maintenance and rehabilitation program approved by the voters in April 2002) both houses of the Legislature must approve that action by a four-fifths vote rather than the current two-thirds Status: Assembly Transportation Cmte; Last Action 4/19/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Very contentious issue making passage unlikely. SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA SANDAG 22

23 #3 Bill #: SB 1169 Author: Subject: Description: Murray-D High-Speed Rail Bond The Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century provides that bonds for the high-speed train system would not be issued earlier than January 1, This bill would instead submit a High-Speed Passenger Train Bond proposal to the voters for approval at the November 7, 2006, general election, and provide that the bonds not be issued earlier than Jan. 1, 2008 Status: Senate, Third Reading; Last Action 4/29/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: The bond act includes $950 million for rail feeder services (including Pacific Surfliner service and other rail services along the corridor). SUPPORT SLOCOG SANDAG OCTA #4 Bill #: SB 1256 Author: Subject: Description: McClintock-R High Speed Rail Bond This bill would repeal the Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century that is currently scheduled to appear on the November 2, 2004 ballot. Status: Transportation Cmte; Last Action 3/30/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: The bond act includes $950 million for rail feeder services (including Pacific Surfliner service and other rail services along the corridor). OPPOSE SLOCOG; SANDAG OCTA 23

24 #5 Bill #: AB 392 Author: Subject: Description: Status: Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Montanez-D Environmental Justice and Community Based Planning Grants Creates two subaccounts in the State Highway Account, the Environmental Justice Subaccount and the Community Based Planning Subaccount for the purposes of providing grants up to $300,000. Divides funding equally between the two accounts and specifies eligible uses and commonly understood livable community concepts. Senate Transportation Committee: Last Action: 2/17/04; on hold No funding source identified SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA; SANDAG #6 Bill #: AB 1065 Author: Subject: Description: Status: Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Longville-D Local Sales and Use Tax County Authorizes a county to increase the tax rate that may be imposed under the State Sales and Use Tax Law (Bradley-Burns) from 1.25% to 1.5%. Allows an increase in Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds from.25% to 0.5% thereby doubling the funding for transportation purposes (public transit and local streets and roads). According to the Board of Equalization (BOE) this is a General Tax that requires a majority vote of the electorate for approval Passed to Senate, Rev. And Tax. Cmte; Last Action: 7/9/03; On Hold Would double TDA funds for each RTPA. CTA Sponsored bill. SUPPORT SLOCOG OCTA; SANDAG 24

25 LOSSAN STATE LEGISLATION FOR POSSIBLE BOARD ACTION OR CONTINUED MONITORING BY TAC May 5, 2004 Attachment 2 #7 Bill #: AB 2847 Author: Subject: Oropeza-D Gas and Diesel Fuel Fee Description: Would impose until January 1, 2008, with a majority vote of the Legislature, a statewide 5 cent "fee" on each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel (based on annual findings of need). The revenue is to be deposited in the Highway Fee Fund to be used to finance the maintenance, operation, improvement, and construction of the state highway and local street and road system, and to finance environmental programs that mitigate motor vehicle air impacts Status: Assembly Transportation Cmte; Last Action 4/28/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SLOCOG OCTA #8 Bill #: ACA 24 Author: Subject: Description: Status: Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Dutra-D Loans of Transportation Funds Amends the State Constitution to require that funding the Transportation Investment Fund may be loaned to the General Fund or any other state fund under the condition that it is repaid in same fiscal year in which the loan was made, without interest or conditions, or if not, within three fiscal years with interest, and under the condition the Governor has declared a financial emergency. Assembly Elections, Redistricting, Constitutional Amend Cmte; Last Action 4/20/04 SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA; SANDAG 25

26 #9 Bill #: SB 1614 Author: Subject: Torklakson-D Gas and Diesel Fuel Fee Description: Would impose, with a majority vote of the Legislature, a statewide 10 cent "fee" on each gallon of gas and diesel fuel (based on annual findings of need), and require the revenue to be deposited in the Highway Fee Fund created by the bill. Would require upon appropriation by the Legislature, that 9 cents be used for the maintenance, operation, improvement, and construction of the state highway and local street and road system, and 1cent for env. programs that mitigate the air impacts of motor vehicles. Status: Senate Transportation Cmte; Last Action 4/20/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SLOCOG; SANDAG OCTA #10 Bill #: SCA 2 Author: Subject: Torlakson-D Local Transportation Taxes: Majority Vote Description: Amends the State Constitution to authorize a county, a city and county, a local transportation authority, or a regional transportation agency, with approval of a "majority" of its voters, to impose a special tax, if it is imposed exclusively to fund transportation projects and services and smart growth planning. Status: Senate 3 rd Reading; Last Action 3/13/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: 25% to be dedicated to smart growth projects SUPPORT OCTA (w/ amendment on how smart growth projects are chosen) SLOCOG; SANDAG 26

27 #11 Bill #: AB 340 Author: Subject: Frommer-D Mobile Infrared Traffic Signal Disrupters Description: Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase, possession, or manufacturing of mobile infrared transmitters that can interrupt or change a traffic signal. The operators of public safety, emergency and certain public transit vehicles would still be permitted to use these devices. Status: Senate Transportation Cmte; Last Action 2/17/04; On Hold Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Use of such devises impacts traffic sign system and public safety, possible relationship to At Grade Rail Crossings. SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA SANDAG #12 Bill #: AB 2032 Author: Subject: Description: Dutra-D High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes: Demonstration Projects. Authorizes the operation of demonstration programs on specified highways in the state where single occupant motorists would be allowed to access high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes by paying a toll. NOTE: Bill has changed since TAC reviewed on April 13, Status: Assembly Appropriations Cmte; Last Action 4/20/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SANDAG (Sponsor) OCTA 27

28 #13 Bill #: ACA 7 Author: Subject: Dutra-D Local Transportation Sales Taxes Description: Amends the State Constitution to authorize a county, city and county, or a regional transportation agency to impose an additional sales and use tax for a period of 20 to 30 years at a rate of 0.5% exclusively for transportation purposes if the tax is approved by 55% of the voters of the jurisdiction voting on the tax Status: Inactive; Last Action 9/8/03 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT OCTA; SANDAG SLOCOG #14 Bill #: ACA 9 Author: Subject: Levine-D Special Tax: Majority Vote Threshold Description: Would revise the voter threshold requirements for passage of special and general taxes. Currently, the California Constitution requires a majority of voters to approve a general tax by a city or county, whereas the imposition of a special tax by a city or county must be approved by two-thirds of voters. Would switch these voter-approval requirements to authorize a city, county, or special district, to impose a special tax by a majority approval, while a general tax would require two-thirds approval. Status: Inactive; Last Action: 9/8/03 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SLOCOG OCTA 28

29 #15 Bill #: ACA 11 Author: Subject: Levine-D Local Government: General Obligation Bonds for Infrastructure Description: Provides an exception to the maximum 1 percent rate for real property on condition that funds are used to finance debt service for infrastructure projects, as approved by 55% of voters voting on the proposition. Defines infrastructure projects to include but not be limited to streets and roads, highways, & transportation systems. Status: Inactive; Last Action 9/8/03 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SLOCOG OCTA #16 Bill #: ACA 14 Author: Subject: Steinberg-D Special Taxes: Vote Threshold Description: Authorizes a local government, with approval of 55% of its voters in an election to impose a special tax to fund infrastructure projects. Requires the local government proposing the tax to have an infrastructure plan that designates an agency to implement, administer and authorize expenditures. Also requires that there be a citizen s advisory committee with members appointed by local government that has the power to review compliance with the plan. Status: Inactive; Last Action 9/2/03 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: SUPPORT SLOCOG OCTA; SANDAG 29

30 #17 Bill #: SB 1210 Author: Subject: Torlakson-D Caltrans Pilot Design and Build Program Description: This bill would extend the operation of the Department of Transportation s pilot project for the design and construction of not more than 12 transportation projects to January Status: Senate Consent Calendar; Last Action 4/28/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: New concept to improve Caltrans project delivery process SUPPORT SLOCOG SANDAG OCTA #18 Bill #: SCA 7 Author: Subject: Murray-D Loans of Transportation Revenues Description: Requires that loans of motor vehicle fuel revenue or funds from the Public Transportation Account be repaid within the fiscal year of the loan, or must be repaid in full, with interest, within three fiscal years from the date of the loan if one of two conditions are met: the Governor has declared a state of emergency; or General Fund revenues for the current fiscal are projected to be lower than for the previous fiscal year when adjusted for inflation Status: Inactive; Last Action 5/29/03 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Prop 13 concerns exist SUPPORT SLOCOG; OCTA; SANDAG 30

31 #19 Bill #: SCA 11 Author: Subject: Alarcon Local Government: Special Taxes and General Obligation Bonds Description: Authorizes a local government, with the approval of 55% of its voters, to issue general obligation bonds or to impose a special tax under the condition that the revenues be spent according to the following formula: at least 25% & not more than 30% for construction of affordable housing; at least 20% for transportation enhancement activities; at least 20% for acquisition of open space; at least 20% for general infrastructure Status: Senate Cmte on Const. Amendments; Hearing Cancelled 4/26/04 Comments TAC Recommendation: LOSSAN Members: Support: Oppose: Monitor: No Action To Date: Prop 13 concerns exist MONITOR SLOCOG; SANDAG OCTA 31

32 Los Angeles San Diego San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency JOINT POWERS BOARD May 5, 2004 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 5-C Action Requested: APPROVE FEDERAL ACTIVITIES: UPDATE ON TEA-21 REAUTHORIZATION ACTIVITIES, FY 2005 AMTRAK APPROPRIATION, AND RELEVANT FEDERAL LEGISLATION Update on TEA-21 Reauthorization The Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21), the nation s surface transportation bill, expired in September Currently, this bill has been extended through April 30, 2004 by the second of two continuing resolutions since last September. In February 2004, the U.S. Senate passed S.1072, the reauthorization bill providing $318 billion over the next six years for transportation. In April 2004, the U.S. House passed H.R.3550, a $275 billion version of the bill. A conference committee will be set up in May 2004 to reconcile these efforts. The Bush Administration has indicated a veto for any bill that exceeds the $256 billion level set by the Administration s SAFETEA bill, released last year. It appears at this time that the House and Senate will pass a third continuing resolution, however, the duration of this is unclear at the time of the mailout of this agenda. Further details will be provided at the meeting. FY 2005 Amtrak Appropriation Amtrak recently requested a $1.8 billion appropriation from Congress in FY The press release provides a summary of this request (Attachment 1). Recommendation The TAC recommends that the Board of Directors: (1) Direct staff to contact both the corridor delegation and California representative(s) on the conference committee to urge their support for funding transportation at the higher Senate levels. (2) Request LOSSAN member agencies make the same request. (3) Direct staff to contact the corridor delegation to urge their support for the FY 2005 appropriation request from Amtrak. 32

33 Attachment 1 Amtrak Press Release on FY 05 Appropriations Request 02/10/04 - State-of-Good-Repair is Aim of FY 05 Federal Funding Proposal National Railroad Passenger Corporation 60 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Fourth Floor Washington, D.C FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Media Relations ATK February 10, 2004 STATE-OF-GOOD-REPAIR IS AIM OF FY 05 FEDERAL FUNDING PROPOSAL Plans continue rebuilding and stabilization of national passenger railroad WASHINGTON - Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer David L. Gunn today sent to Congress the railroad s FY 05 federal grant request of $1.798 billion. Continuing Amtrak s comprehensive effort to return the railroad to a state-of-good-repair, the request would fund $791 million in capital projects, provide $570 million for operations and repay a $100 million federal loan obtained in The balance of the request is for debt service and working capital. As we enter the second year of our five-year strategic plan, this request should come as no surprise to anyone. When we announced our plan last February, we said we d need about $1.7 billion in FY 05, and that is what we have proposed, said Gunn. The $1.8 billion request amounts to a roughly $300 million increase over the current year s federal funding and relief, comprised of an appropriation of $1.2 billion, carry-over of more than $150 million from FY 03 and deferral of the $100 million loan repayment. The nearly $1.4 billion in real dollars and $100 million in loan repayment relief will be adequate for this year, but we will need a full appropriation in FY 05 if we are to continue stabilizing the railroad according to our strategic plan and eventually return our plant and equipment to a state-of-goodrepair, said Gunn. 33

34 Amtrak Funding Needs Capital COMPARISON OF AMTRAK FUNDING NEEDS FY 04 / FY 05 ($millions) FY05 FY04 Revised Budget Strategic Plan Grant Request Infrastructure Fleet Other (a) Subtotal, Capital Operating Debt Service Working Capital Subtotal 1,375 1,725 1,698 DOT Loan Repayment Total, with Loan Repayment 1,375 1,725 1,798 (a) Environmental compliance, information technology, real estate, procurement and safety Strategic Plan focuses on State-of-good-repair After years of deferred maintenance and investment that diminished operating reliability and on-time performance, Gunn last February announced a five-year, $4.5 billion capital plan supported by federal, state and other sources. In the first year of that plan, 2003, Amtrak rebuilt or overhauled 124 locomotives and passenger cars, installed nearly 200,000 ties, converted or upgraded 36 bridges, replaced 33 miles of signal cable and renewed catenary (electric power lines) hardware along 37 miles of line. Gunn has also instituted management reforms since becoming Amtrak s president in 2002 that returned the company to a traditional railroad organizational structure, eliminated duplicate layers of management and reduced total number of employees by 3,417, from 23,393 in May 2002 to 19,976 at the end of These fiscal and management reforms have enabled Amtrak to better control its costs, and, for the first time since 1995, Amtrak in FY 03 did not have to borrow cash to make payroll. Amtrak also set a record for ridership in FY 03, carrying 24 million passengers. 34

35 Los Angeles San Diego San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 5, 2004 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 5-E Action Requested: APPROVE LOSSAN PRIORITY PROJECTS Introduction At their January 2003 meeting, the LOSSAN Board of Directors approved a recommendation by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to revise the list of LOSSAN priority projects, for which funding will be sought over the next six years. One main revision was the deletion of two station parking projects in Orange County, in the Cities of Fullerton and Irvine. At that time, state funding was planned to complete these projects. The priority project list approved by the Board is included as Attachment 1. Given the status of the state budget situation over the past year, the City of Fullerton requested on January 7, 2004 that LOSSAN consider returning the Fullerton station project to the list. The Board requested that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) review this request and report back to the Board at their May 2004 meeting. The following specific information was reviewed by the TAC at their January 27, 2004 meeting: Project: Fullerton Parking Structure Corridor Benefit: Capacity County: Orange County Total Cost: $11,200,000 Existing Funding: $ 7,200,000 Funding Needed: $4,000,000 Recommendation The TAC recommends that the Board of Directors revise the LOSSAN priority projects list to include the Fullerton Parking Structure. As a result, total funding needed for this list of LOSSAN priorities is $402.4 million. 35

36 IMMEDIATE LOSSAN PROJECT NEEDS DURING THE REAUTHORIZATION PERIOD (All dollars shown are in thousands) PROJECT CORRIDOR BENEFIT 1 COUNTY TOTAL COST EXISTING FUNDING FUNDING NEED Track and Bridge Projects: These projects benefit (1) commuter passenger, (2) intercity passenger and (3) freight rail services Los Angeles to Fullerton Junction Third Main Track Improvements Capacity/ Reliability Los Angeles/ Orange $85,000 $22,000 $63,000 Surf to Guadalupe Siding Extension and Track Improvements Capacity/ Reliability San Luis Obispo/ Santa Barbara $12,000 $4,400 $7,600 Los Angeles Union Station Run Through Tracks Capacity/ Reliability Los Angeles $250,000 $28,000 $222,000 Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Reliability San Diego $27,200 $9,200 $18,000 Santa Margarita River Bridge Replacement and Second Track Project Capacity/ Reliability San Diego $31,400 $2,500 $28,900 Station Projects : These projects benefit (1) commuter passenger and (2) intercity passenger rail services Los Angeles Union Station Improvements (Ramps) Capacity Los Angeles $10,500 $600 $9,900 Solana Beach Station Parking Structure 2 Capacity San Diego $12,500 $5,500 $7,000 Renovation and Other Projects: These projects benefit (1) commuter passenger, (2) intercity passenger and (3) freight rail services Reconstruct Bridge 4 th Crossing Arroyo Simi Reliability Ventura $2,000 $0 $2,000 ITS: Passenger Information Delivery System, Automated fare collection, and Global Positioning System enhancements Railroad Infrastructure Improvements : Bridge replacement, double tracking, grade separation to be identified Customer Corridorwide $11,500 $1,500 $10,000 All Corridorwide $71,500 $41,500 3 $30,000 Total: $513,600 $110,200 $398, Project exemplifies a major corridor benefit: Reliability: project improves operators ability to consistently adhere to schedules; Capacity: project provides additional opportunities to increase service in the corridor; Customer: provides additional customer amenities. Joint development project. $5 million expected from developer fees. Includes $32 million available through revised 1/31/03 Attachment 1 36

37 CITY OF FULLERTON Office of the Mayor and City Council January 6, 2004 CITY COUNCIL Mayor, Mike Clesceri Mayor Pro Tern, Shawn Nelson Don Bankhead F. Richard Jones, M.D. Leland Wilson Ms. Julianne Nygaard, Chair LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Joint Powers Board c/o SANDAG 401 B Street, Suite 800 San Diego, CA Dear Ms. Nygaard: In 2003, the LOSSAN Board removed the Fullerton Transportation Center Parking Expansion Project from the LOSSAN corridor priority projects list. This action was taken on assurance by Caltrans and OCTA that the Fullerton project was approved for state funding. As we all know, that funding has all but disappeared. The need for additional parking has only increased and we are unable to move ahead with the expansion project without assistance. Since LOSSAN has the possibility of acquiring Federal funds, the City of Fullerton is requesting that the Fullerton project be added back to the LOSSAN corridor priority list. There are currently about 200 cars parking on streets adjacent to the Transportation Center. About half of these spaces will be lost due to private construction activity and the necessity of putting time limits on one of the streets that must be used to support downtown business parking needs. We appreciate the support that we have received from the LOSSAN Board in the past. We hope that you will honor our request for this critical project. Copies: City Council City Manager Mike Clesceri Mayor Fullerton: 100 Years of Community Pride (714) W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California I.Fax (714) council@ci.fullerton.ca.us.