Attached are a state update from Agency legislative consultant Gus Khouri and a draft bill list. Additions from the list adopted by the TAMC Board of Directors on March 25, 2020 include the following bills:
- Assembly Bill 2011 (Holden): West San Bernardino County Rail Construction Authority and Senate Bill 1390 (Portantino): Montclair to Ontario Airport Construction Authority - both bills would undermine existing local sales tax authorities by creating new entities to be funded through a previously approved sales tax measure currently overseen by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, who are asking partner agencies around the state to oppose this measure. Staff recommends an oppose position on both bills.
- Senate Bill 1363 (Allen): Regional Transportation Plans: Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled: this bill would give the California Air Resources Board even more authority over the currently locally-driven planning process. Staff recommends an oppose position.
On March 19, 2020, Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) declared a fiscal emergency to enable implementation of emergency service reductions and other strategies to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, including seeking state or federal assistance (see web attachment). As this situation is fluctuating daily, TAMC staff will present an update and request direction as to expressing support for MST in this crisis.
On March 25, the US Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act (see web attachment). The Transportation section has important grant features that may help MST through this crisis:
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Transit Infrastructure Grants – $25 billion for transit providers, including states and local governments across the country, for operating and capital expenses. Funding will be distributed using existing FTA formulas.
In addition, the CARES Act could help airports and Amtrak:
- Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) – $10 billion to maintain operations at our nation’s airports that are facing a record drop in passengers. AIP funds will be distributed by formula.
- Amtrak – $1.018 billion for Amtrak operating assistance to cover revenue losses related to coronavirus. In addition funding is provided to help states pay for their share of the cost of state supported routes.
Staff will provide a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.