On April 24, TAMC selected AECOM to perform a Monterey Bay Area Network Integration Study ("Study"). The study will lay the groundwork for implementing the State Rail Plan in the Monterey Bay Area by determining the optimal options for: rail connectivity and operations, equipment needs, governance, and community benefits for service between Monterey County and Santa Clara County, Monterey and Santa Cruz, and the Coast Rail Corridor.
This study will also assist TAMC by providing the data needed to prepare grant applications for funding new stations at Pajaro/Watsonville, Castroville, Soledad and King City. The consultant team has expertise in working with commuter, intercity, and freight railroad operators and access to the Viriato tool that was used in the development of the 2018 California State Rail Plan.
The draft schedule for this Study is as follows:
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Task
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Date/ Timeframe
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Anticipated RPC Presentation
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Project management
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Ongoing
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N/A
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Stakeholder coordination and public outreach
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Ongoing
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June 2019
|
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Existing conditions analysis
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Summer 2019
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August 2019
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Future service vision
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Fall 2019
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September 2019
|
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Network modeling/ scenario development
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Winter 2019-2020
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March 2020
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Governance models
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Winter 2019-2020
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March 2020
|
|
Implementation planning
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Spring 2020
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May 2020
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Benefits assessment
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Spring 2020
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June 2020
|
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Grants support
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Spring 2020
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June 2020
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Draft study
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Winter 2020
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November 2020
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Final study
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Spring 2021
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June 2021
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Meanwhile, multiple Board members have reported being approached by Dennis Lowery of Lowery Capital Partners about providing a privately operated train connecting Monterey and San Jose. TAMC Executive Director sent a letter (attached) to Mr. Lowery outlining what the Agency needs before engaging in negotiations regarding this proposal. Staff will provide a verbal update at the meeting.