APPROVE Resolution 2021-08 authorizing the Executive Director to execute a Master Agreement for State Funded Transit Projects with Caltrans for funding for Monterey County rail projects, which will replace the prior Master Agreement that expires July 11, 2021, and subsequent funding allocation specific Program Supplements, pending approval by Agency Counsel.

The TAMC Board originally approved a Master Agreement for State Funded Transit Projects with Caltrans for funding for Monterey County rail projects in 2001, upon receipt of Transportation Congestion Relief Program funding. The original Master Agreement expired in 2011, when TAMC and Caltrans approved a renewed Master Agreement. This is the third Master Agreement for this project and is largely identical to the two preceding agreements, with the addition of new funding sources that have been added to the TAMC rail program in the intervening years. Each funding allocation has a separate Program Supplement that is governed by this Master Agreement.

The Master Agreement is required for state-funded transit projects. State rail funding is allocated by the California Transportation Commission pursuant to this Master Agreement. Each allocation has its own Program Supplement that describes the purpose of that funding allocation. This Agreement is critical to securing and completing funding for the TAMC rail program.

Since the original Master Agreement was executed in 2001, Caltrans and TAMC have continued to make progress on the Monterey County Rail Extension project with multiple state funding sources. The Agreement was renewed in 2011, and this renewal will extend the Agreement to 2031. The renewal will enable the Rail Extension project to continue making progress and will also govern future allocations for rail projects in Monterey County.

TAMC also has a separate Master Agreement for the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funding, which has different rules from other state funding sources, pursuant to state law. That Agreement is separate and distinct from this Agreement that governs all other state funding sources.

The attached renewed Master Agreement and Resolution 2021-08 will enable the Agency to continue to progress its rail priorities.