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 August 7, 2017 includes meetings and a tour of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit train and operations center.

The project costs are still under evaluation.

 Coast Rail Coordinating Council

The CRCC Policy Committee met on August 10 in San Rafael to discuss legislative efforts, new state funding for rail, the state rail plan (expected to be published in September for a 60-day review period), and the request for the Coast Starlight to stop in King City. The group also discussed the agenda for the tour of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) line on August 11. The CRCC Technical Advisory Group next meets on September 15. 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 is currently on suspense with the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Staff will report back on the status of the bill at the meeting. The bill is a web attachment.