RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project since the last update in May include progress on construction of Package 1, the Lincoln Avenue Extension and parking improvements, and meetings related to future rail operations.

The capital cost of the Monterey County Rail Extension project, Phase 1, Salinas Kick Start project (the Salinas station and improvements in Santa Clara County), is estimated at $81 million. The Kick Start project is proceeding with secured state funding under the adopted state environmental clearance.

Package 1 is under construction by MPE Engineering for an original contract amount of $7,487,989 with a contingency fund of $1,123,200. On April 24, TAMC approved the ninth construction change order to update the quantities of hot mix asphalt for $168,250. Approved change orders now total $447,542.98, or 40% of the contingency fund approved by the Board. TAMC staff and MNS are working on additional change orders and will update the Committee when they have been approved.

The Monterey County Rail Extension Project extends passenger rail service from Santa Clara County south to Salinas. TAMC is pursuing a phased implementation of the Project. Phase 1, known as the Kick Start Project, includes Salinas train station circulation improvements, a train layover facility in Salinas, and track improvements at the Gilroy station and between Salinas and Gilroy. The Kick Start Project is proceeding with construction of Package 1, improvements at the Salinas train station. The layover facility (Package 2) and track improvements (Package 3) are ready for final design, pending comments from Union Pacific Railroad.

Package 1:  Salinas Station Improvements

TAMC hired Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) for construction of Package 1, MNS Engineers as Construction Managers on the project, and HDR Engineering to provide design support during construction. In May 2020, the construction team continued to make progress constructing the Lincoln Avenue Extension and associated parking improvements. The construction work is now 53% complete per the amended budget and 65% percent complete per the schedule.

The May 1 revised County Health Department Order related to COVID-19 designated all construction as "essential", so stage 2 of this project will not be delayed. MPE paved stage 1 areas (Lincoln Avenue Extension and parking lots) in May. Once the signal at Lincoln and West Market is activated by Caltrans, MPE will be able to re-route traffic to the station via Lincoln Avenue and Palmetto Avenue, and initiate stage 2 construction (Railroad Avenue and associated improvements). The team currently anticipates completion of the project in October.

Package 2: Salinas Layover Facility

On December 4, 2019, the Transportation Agency Board approved Resolutions of Necessity on portions of four parcels and one full parcel needed for the Salinas layover facility. TAMC staff continues to oversee the right-of-way consulting team of AR/WS and Meyers Nave to further negotiations and finalize the acquisitions.

Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements, Operations Scenarios

Staff held meetings with City of Gilroy staff to discuss the project and the High-Speed Rail Environmental Impact Report/ Study on April 24 and May 1. Staff attended the virtual town hall meeting held by the High-Speed Rail Authority on May 11 and discussed the interplay between the planned track improvements as part of the Salinas Rail project at the Gilroy station and the proposed downtown High-Speed Rail station track alignments. Comments on the EIR/S are due on June 8.

Staff will provide a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.