RECEIVE update on the Salinas Rail Extension project.

Activities on the Salinas Rail Extension project since the last update on September 11, 2017 include meetings related to operations scenarios and progress in the acquisition of properties in Salinas.

The capital cost of the Salinas Rail Extension Kick-Start project (a phased implementation of the Salinas station and improvements in Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Jose - Tamien) is estimated at a total of $70-80 million, including funds already expended on planning, environmental, and right-of-way to date. The Kick-Start project is proceeding with design and right-of-way acquisition under the adopted state environmental clearance. The funding plan does not include the acquisition of equipment to support the service, which is expected to be a Caltrans-funded effort to acquire two new trainsets and spare cars.

Staff is anticipating applying for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funding, a program funded with cap and trade greenhouse gas emissions program dollars as well as a new infusion of funds via Senate Bill (SB) 1 (Beall). The next round of this program will be for a five-year program, and TAMC has been encouraged to apply for the funds to fully fund the Kick Start project (estimated $8-10 million shortfall) plus the Salinas Rail full build-out (estimated $100 million for Pajaro/Watsonville and Castroville stations and an expanded layover facility in Salinas), phased in over the five-year horizon of the grant program. The TIRCP grant guidelines are online as a web attachment.

Operations Discussions

Staff attended a business plan workshop at Caltrain on September 20, a meeting of the Northern California Megaregion group on October 9, and meetings pertaining to the 2018 State Rail Plan (see other item on this month's agenda). Staff will provide a verbal update at the meeting.

City of Salinas

Agency staff met with Salinas staff on October 16 to discuss issues pertaining to Agency-City coordination on the Intermodal Transportation Center.

Property Acquisition

TAMC hired Geocon, Inc. on September 27 to do the hazardous materials testing of the structures on parcels the Agency is acquiring for the Package 1 work (Lincoln Avenue extension and circulation/parking improvements at the train station). Geocon kicked off their work on September 29 and anticipate having a final study to the HDR design team before Thanksgiving. Simultaneously, HDR is developing the plans, specifications, and estimates for the demolition contractor so that TAMC can approve the bid documents in February 2018 and hire a demolition team in May 2018.

Staff will present an update on the status of property acquisition at the Salinas train station.

1. Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program Guidelines