RECEIVE update on the planned increase in passenger rail service along the coast corridor between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Progress since the last update on the coast rail project to this Committee on May 1, 2017 includes meetings and progress on SB 477 (Cannella), permitting the extension of rail services.

The project costs are still under evaluation.

Coast Rail Coordinating Council

The CRCC Policy Committee met on June 23 in Salinas to discuss legislative efforts, new state funding for rail, the state rail plan (expected to be published in July for a 60-day review period), and the request for the Coast Starlight to stop in King City. The group also discussed the proposed tour of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) line on August 11. The CRCC Technical Advisory Group next meets on July 20. Staff will give a verbal update at the meeting.

Senate Bill 477 (Cannella)

Senator Cannella's SB 477 will permit intercity rail corridors to extend beyond their legislatively designated boundaries. Senator Galgiani, Assembly Members Caballero, Mark Stone and Cunningham signed on as coauthors. The bill was passed by the Senate floor unanimously on May 31 and was heard by the Assembly Transportation Committee on July 10 and the Assembly Local Government Committee on July 12. Staff will report back on the status of the bill at the meeting. The bill is a web attachment.