Salinas Rail Package 2 Property Acquisition RFP

1. APPROVE Request for Proposals for potential property acquisition for Package 2 of the Salinas Rail Extension Kick-Start project, subject to counsel approval;
2. AUTHORIZE staff to publish the RFP, and return to the Board of Directors with a recommendation for approval of a consultant; and
3. APPROVE the use of funds from the approved project budget for this contract in an amount not-to-exceed $85,000.

This request for proposals will seek bids from qualified property acquisition consultants to assist the Agency with the potential purchase of the Package 2 parcels, for the proposed train layover facility and associated improvements.

The Salinas Rail Extension Kick Start project budget includes secured funding for property acquisition. The total project budget is estimated at $81 million. The not-to-exceed amount for this proposed contract for property appraisal and acquisition services for Package 2 properties is $85,000.

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County, as the local lead agency, grantee agency and owner of the Salinas Rail Extension project, proposes to extend passenger rail service from Santa Clara County south to Salinas. The service will start with two daily round trips, expanding to up to six round trips as demand warrants. The project provides an alternative to the highly congested US 101 corridor to access to jobs, education, and health care, and improves interregional transportation and air quality. It also promotes mixed-use, transit-oriented development, affordable housing, livable communities and economic growth around the station.

Package 2 of the Salinas Rail Extension Kick Start project includes the potential acquisition of six parcels, and it is critical that all the acquisition proceed according to all applicable state and federal laws. The Transportation Agency’s current contract with Overland, Pacific, and Cutler for property acquisition services has covered the Package 1 parcels for the Lincoln Avenue extension and parking areas. This Request for Proposals will allow staff to select a qualified firm to assist with the potential acquisition of the Package 2 parcels for the train layover facility and associated improvements, as well as finalizing property settlements for two parcels in Agency possession, and the appraisal of a third parcel already owned by the Agency to determine the fair-market value for potential sale or land swap.

The selected consultant will provide acquisition agent services necessary to negotiate equitable right-of-way agreements, complete the property purchases, conduct property appraisals, and provide relocation assistance, as applicable. For those parcels where agreement is reached, the selected consultant shall secure title reports, prepare grant deeds, prepare escrow instructions, and coordinate with the Transportation Agency to assure close of escrow and payment to owner.

Other parties under separate contract with the Transportation Agency are providing legal and engineering services (including hazardous materials investigations, as necessary). 

The proposed schedule for the Request for Qualifications is as follows: