DISCUSS COVID-19 impacts on rail projects.

Staff will discuss the temporary and long-term anticipated impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the rail program and seek feedback on any issues/concerns related to the crisis and how it may effect the rail program.

Construction delays and delays caused by remote work may have financial implications to the rail program. Federal or state infrastructure stimulus funds may help offset the costs of lost ridership on the transit system.

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.

On March 27, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. 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 Amtrak:

• 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.

As reported under the Salinas Rail Extension project update, construction of Package 1, stage 2, is subject to delays as a result of the April 3 County Health Department order changing the definition of "essential" construction projects. The remaining work within the rail station project area (Stage 2) will be delayed until the construction restrictions are lifted, for the safety of construction workers.

Anticipated grant funding for rail projects may be delayed. TAMC supported two applications for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grants - one from Monterey-Salinas Transit for the SURF! project in the Monterey Branch Line corridor, and one from the Los Angeles - San Diego - San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency for a valuation of the coast rail corridor. The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) was scheduled to announce awards on April 1, but delayed announcements on the TIRCP awards. Staff will update the Committee once the awards are announced.

On April 15, 2020, Todd Clark from the Museum of Handcar Technology contacted TAMC to suspend the lease agreement for a demonstration handcar project on the Monterey Branch Line this summer, due to the impacts of sheltering in place requirements and the anticipated continuing limitations on gatherings and travel. As the lease agreement expires on August 31, 2020, TAMC will reach out to Mr. Clark to determine next steps in advance of that expiration date and will update the Committee in August.