RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Kick Start project since the last update in November include the ribbon-cutting and the end of construction of Package 1 (Salinas Station access and circulation improvements) and coordination efforts with Union Pacific, Caltrans, Caltrain, and the City of Gilroy on Packages 2 (Salinas layover facility) and 3 (Gilroy track connections).

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. Approved change orders to date total $772,875.74, or 68.8% of the contingency fund approved by the Board.

The Monterey County Rail Extension Project will extend 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 now in final design.

Construction of 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 January 2021, the construction team wrapped up work on Railroad Avenue and the transit plaza. TAMC celebrated with a ribbon-cutting photo op, streamed on Facebook Live, on Friday, January 15 at noon. Staff is coordinating with the City of Salinas on the logistics to transfer ownership of the completed project to the City.

Property Acquisition for 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.

Final Design for Package 2 and Package 3: Gilroy Station & Track Improvements; Operations Scenarios 

The final design team held the following meetings to further the project's design:

• January 20 - kicked off the design review with the City of Salinas Development Review Committee.
• January 20 - held first monthly meeting with Caltrain and Caltrans.

Caltrans will develop a strategic service deployment playbook for delivering the near-term extension of Caltrain to Salinas as well as the potential extension of an intercity train from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. Caltrans is also initiating the outreach for the 2022 State Rail Plan. Caltrans staff will present an update at the meeting on both efforts.

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