RECEIVE update on the Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study.

Progress on the Monterey Bay Area Rail Network Integration Study since the last report to this Committee on June 3 includes securing approval of the contract by Caltrans Audits and Investigations. Since the contract has only just been fully executed, no activities have happened since the last report.

This report does not have a financial impact.

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.

With the final approval of the contract by Caltrans Audits and Investigations, TAMC executed the contract in July. The updated schedule is attached. Staff will report back at the next meeting of this Committee on the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the Network Advisory Committee (NAC).