Chair, Christina Fugazi, City of Stockton Commissioner, Nancy Young, City of Tracy Vice Chair, Leo Zuber, City of Ripon Commissioner, Bob Elliott, San Joaquin County Commissioner, Debby Moorhead, City of Manteca Commissioner, Scott Haggerty, Alameda County Commissioner, Doug Kuehne, City of Lodi Commissioner, John Marchand, City of Livermore
Executive Director, Stacey Mortensen
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE BOARD MEETING
Call-In Information: 1 (408) 650-3123 Conference Access Code: 322-881-829 GoToMeeting Link: https://www.gotomeet.me/acerail/sjrrc-board-meeting-may
SPECIAL NOTICE Coronavirus COVID-19
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Board Members will be attending this meeting via teleconference. Members of the public may observe the meeting by dialing 1 (408) 650-3123 with access code: 322-881-829 or log-in using a computer, tablet or smartphone at GoToMeeting.com using link: https://www.gotomeet.me/acerail/sjrrc-board-meeting-may.
Please note that all members of the public will be placed on mute until such times allow for public comments to be made. If a person wishes to make a public comment during the meeting, to do so they must either 1) use GoToMeeting and will have the option to notify SJRRC staff by alerting them via the “Chat” function or they can 2) contact SJRRC staff via email at [email protected] in which staff will read the comment aloud during the public comment period. Public comments will be limited to two (2) minutes per comment.
This Agenda shall be made available upon request in alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12132) and the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code § 54954.2). Persons requesting a disability related modification or accommodation in order to participate in the meeting should contact San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) staff, at (209) 944-6220, during regular business hours, at least twenty-four hours prior to the time of the meeting.
All proceedings before the Commission are conducted in English. Anyone wishing to address the SJRRC Board is advised to have an interpreter or to contact SJRRC during regular business hours at least 48 hours prior to the time of the meeting so that SJRRC can provide an interpreter. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available upon request in both English and Spanish for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Director located at 949 East Channel Street, Stockton, California, 95202 during normal business hours or by calling (209) 944-6220. The Agenda is available on the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission website: www.acerail.com.
May 1, 2020 – 8:00 am
949 East Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202 (800) 411-RAIL (7245) www.acerail.com
1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Chair Fugazi
Roll Call: Haggerty, Marchand, Elliott, Moorhead, Young, Kuehne, Zuber, Chair Fugazi
Ex- Officios: Chesley, Salazar, Zoslocki, McElhinney
2. Public Comments Persons wishing to address the Commission on any item of interest to the public regarding rail shall state their names and addresses and make their presentation. Please limit presentations to two minutes. The Commission cannot take action on matters not on the agenda unless the action is authorized by Section 54954.2 of the Government Code. Materials related to an item on the Agenda submitted to the Board of Directors after distribution of the agenda packet are available for the public inspection in the Commission Office at 949 E. Channel Street during normal business hours. These documents are also available on the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission website at https://acerail.com/board-of-directors/ subject to staff’s ability to post the documents prior to the meeting.
3. Consent Calendar 3.1 Minutes of SJRRC Board Meeting April 3, 2020 ACTION 3.2 Rail Commission/ACE Monthly Expenditure INFORMATION 3.3 ACE Monthly Fare Revenue INFORMATION 3.4 ACE Ridership INFORMATION 3.5 ACE On-Time Performance INFORMATION 3.6 Update on Positive Train Control INFORMATION 3.7 Washington Update INFORMATION
4. Status of COVID-19 Impacts and Relief Funding INFORMATION (Stacey Mortensen)
5. Assumptions for the Draft Capital and Operating Budgets for Fiscal INFORMATION Year 2020/2021 (Kevin Sheridan/Brian Schmidt) (All Voting Members) 6. Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. for Security Camera Equipment, Installation and Maintenance and Associated Costs Not-To-Exceed $319,961 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents (Sarah Rasheed/Autumn Gowan) (All Voting Members)
7. ACTION Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving a Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Preliminary Design for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project for an Amount Not-to- Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project (Kevin Sheridan) (Regular Voting Members)
8. Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Authorizing the Executive Director to Submit and Execute Any and All Grant Applications, Agreements, Certifications and Assurances and Any Other Documents Necessary to Claim $534,417 from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program (Jordan Peterson/Rene Gutierrez) (All Voting Members)
9. Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program INFORMATION Update (Dan Leavitt)
10. Commissioner’s Comments
11. Ex-Officio Comments
12. Executive Director’s Report
13. CLOSED SESSION: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title: Executive Director
14. Adjournment The next regular meeting is scheduled for: June 5, 2020 – 8:00 am Robert J. Cabral Station 949 East Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
Item 3.1 ACTION Minutes of SJRRC Board Meeting April 3, 2020 The regular meeting of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission was held at 8:00 am, April 3, 2020 at the Robert J. Cabral Station, 949 East Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202. 1 Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Oath of Office for Incoming Commissioner Doug Kuehne, Roll Call
Chair Fugazi called the meeting to order at 8:00 am and led the audience in the pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Kuehne took the Oath of Office. Commissioners Present: Haggerty, Marchand, Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi Commissioners Absent: Moorhead
Ex-Officio Members Present: Mr. Chesley, Mr. McElhinney, Mr. Zoslocki
2 Public Comments No public comments were made.
3 Consent Calendar
3.1 Minutes of SJRRC Board Meeting March 6, 2020 ACTION 3.2 Rail Commission/ACE Monthly Expenditure INFORMATION 3.3 ACE Monthly Fare Revenue INFORMATION 3.4 ACE Ridership INFORMATION 3.5 ACE On-Time Performance INFORMATION 3.6 Update on Positive Train Control INFORMATION 3.7 Washington Update INFORMATION 3.8 Conceptual Work Program INFORMATION 3.9 Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Claim and Authorizing Submission by the Executive Director to the San Joaquin Council of Governments for Local Transportation Funds (LTF) and State Transit Assistance Funds (STA) for a Total of $9,558,852 3.10 Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Adopting the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Debt Policy 3.11 Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Adopting Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Budget Amendment #1:
a) Replacing the Public Information Display Systems (PIDS) Project with the WiFi Project, Increasing the Capital Budget in the Amount of $100,000, from $92,733,015 to $92,833,015
3.12 Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Authorizing and Directing the Executive Director to Sign and Submit the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 State Transit Assistance Application to Claim Alameda County Transportation Commission Apportionment for the ACE Service in the Amount of $495,904
M/S/C (Marchand/Zuber) Approve the Consent Calendar. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: 5 Marchand, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi
NOES: 0 ABSTAIN: 0 ABSENT: 3 Moorhead, Kuehne, Haggerty
4 Status of the Impacts of COVID-19 on Passenger Rail Service and the Reduction INFORMATION of ACE and San Joaquin Service
Ms. Mortensen did a presentation on this item.
No comments were made on this item.
5 Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin ACTION Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Bombardier Transit Corporation for Bi-Level Commuter Passenger Rail Coach and Cab Cars and Associated Costs, Not-To-Exceed $66,500,000, and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents
Mr. Schmidt and Ms. Gowan did a presentation on this item.
No comments were made on this item.
M/S/C (Zuber/Marchand) Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Bombardier Transit Corporation for Bi-Level Commuter Passenger Rail Coach and Cab Cars and Associated Costs, Not-To-Exceed $66,500,000, and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit: AYES: 6 Marchand, Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi NOES: 0 ABSTAIN 0 ABSENT:: 2 Moorhead, Haggerty
6 Approve Two (2) Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners of the San ACTION Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving Agreements with Nomad Digital, Inc. and Xenconsult, Inc. (dba Xentrans) for Wi-Fi Hardware, Software, Service, Support, and Oversight Services and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project
Mr. Lipari and Ms. Gowan did a presentation on this item.
Vice-Chair Zuber inquired about the potential for additional capital costs over time for upgrades or additional equipment. Mr. Lipari explained the process that would occur if there were additional capital costs for additional or upgraded equipment.
Commissioner Young inquired about the price of the previous WiFi system. Ms. Gowan explained the cost of the previous WiFi system and the reasoning for the cost differential between the old and new system.
Commissioner Young asked about the timeline for the project. Mr. Lipari stated that the project timeline is on track to be completed by the Fall of 2020.
Commissioner Haggerty inquired about the advertising potential. Mr. Lipari stated staff will look into the advertising potential and report back to the Commissioner.
M/S/C (Young/Haggerty) Approve Two (2) Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving Agreements with Nomad Digital, Inc. and Xenconsult, Inc. (dba Xentrans) for Wi-Fi Hardware, Software, Service, Support, and Oversight Services and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project. Action 1. Approve a Five (5) Year Agreement with a Five Year Extension Option with Nomad Digital, Inc. for Wi-Fi Hardware, Installation, Software, Service, and Support Not-To-Exceed $2,620,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: 7 Haggerty, Marchand, Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi NOES: 0 ABSTAIN 0 ABSENT:: 1 Moorhead M/S/C (Marchand/Haggerty) Approve Two (2) Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving Agreements with Nomad Digital, Inc. and Xenconsult, Inc. (dba Xentrans) for Wi-Fi Hardware, Software, Service, Support, and Oversight Services and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project. Action 2. Approve a Five (5) Year Agreement with a Five Year Extension Option with Xenconsult, Inc. (dba Xentrans) for Wi-Fi Oversight, Service, and Support Not-To-Exceed $830,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: 7 Haggerty, Marchand, Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi NOES: 0 ABSTAIN 0 ABSENT:: 1 Moorhead
7 Appoint a Member and an Alternate of the San Joaquin Regional Rail INFORMATION Commission Who is a Resident of San Joaquin County to be a Board Member of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Ms. Mortensen did a presentation on this item.
Commissioner Kuehne nominated Commissioner Elliott.
M/S/C (Kuehne/Young) Appoint a Member of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Who is a Resident of San Joaquin County to be a Board Member of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: 5 Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi
NOES: 0 ABSTAIN 0 ABSENT:: 1 Moorhead
Vice-Chair Zuber nominated Commissioner Kuehne to serve as the Alternate.
M/S/C (Zuber/Fugazi) Appoint an Alternate of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Who is a Resident of San Joaquin County to be a Board Member of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. Passed and Adopted by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission on the 3rd day of April, 2020 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: 5 Kuehne, Elliott, Young, Zuber, Chair Fugazi NOES: 0 ABSTAIN 0 ABSENT:: 1 Moorhead
8 Commissioner’s Comments
Commissioner Kuehne thanked the commissioners for his appointment as an alternate to the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.
Commissioner Young welcomed Commissioner Kuehne to the Rail Commission.
Chair Fugazi also welcomed Commissioner Kuehne to the Rail Commission and thanked staff for their work.
9 Ex-Officio Comments
Mr. Chesley commented on how SJCOG is working with the Rail Commission and SJRTD regarding the CARES Act funding. Mr. Chesley also explained the sales tax impact that will occur due to COVID-19.
Mr. McElhinney commented on the Caltrans emergency operating centers and what Caltrans is doing regarding COVID-19.
Mr. Zoslocki thanked the Rail Commission.
Commissioner Young inquired about the bridge toll suspension. Mr. McElhinney explained that tolls are still being collected but that there is no staff on the bridges to collect cash payments.
10 Executive Director’s Report
There were no comments on this item.
11 Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 am. The next regular meeting is scheduled for: May 1, 2020 – 8:00 am Robert J. Cabral Station 949 E. Channel Street Stockton, CA 95202
Item 3.2
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Altamont Corridor Express Operating and Capital Expense Report February 2020 67% of Budget Year Elapsed
SJRRC EXPENSE % ACE EXPENSE % FY 19-20 TO SPENT FY 19-20 TO SPENT OPERATING EXPENSES ALLOCATION DATE TO DATE ALLOCATION DATE TO DATE
Project Management, Services & Supplies Subtotal 1,934,892 846,738 44% 5,839,961 2,143,344 37% Contracted Services Subtotal 459,323 174,614 38% 21,262,253 12,244,249 58% Shuttle Services 1,354,855 903,237 67% TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,394,215 1,021,353 43% 28,457,069 15,290,830 54%
CAPITAL EXPENSE FY 19-20 TO SPENT CAPITAL PROJECTS ALLOCATION DATE TO DATE SAN JOAQUIN RAIL COMMISSION 1 East Channel Street Improvements 350,000 138,329 40% 2 Robert J. Cabral Station Expansion 1,345,761 36,200 1% 3 SJRRC Maintenance Vehicles 150,000 - 0% TOTAL CAPITAL PROJECT SJRRC $ 1,845,761 $ 174,529 9%
ALTAMONT CORRIDOR EXPRESS 1 SJ COG Loan Repayment 1,118,012 1,118,012 100% 2 A1 & A2 Bond Repayment 3,038,212 622,448 20% 3 UPRR Capital Access Fee 3,566,768 3,242,516 91% 4 UPRR Capitalized Maintenance Projects 4,400,000 646,879 15% 5 UPRR Safety Fund 500,000 - 0% 6 ACE Extension Natomas to Stockton 5,000,000 37,246 1% 7 ACE Extension Lathrop to Ceres/Merced 10,000,000 935,813 9% 8 Locomotives (4) 6,063,042 4,593,214 76% 9 Platform Extension Projects 7,900,000 126,783 1% 10 Cabral Track Extension 10,021,409 182,382 1% 11 Positive Train Control 1,681,304 308,593 1% 12 Rail Cars (5) 12,000,000 - 0% 13 Railcar Midlife Overhaul 7,700,000 5,057 0% 14 Sunol Quiet Zone Quad Gates 555,835 42,129 8% 15 Facility Upgrades and Capital Improvements 129,268 - 0% 16 Lathrop/Manteca Station Improvements 904,025 - 0% 17 Tracy ACE Station Improvements 285,432 156,740 55% 18 Lyoth Derail 500,000 - 0% 19 Capital Spares 914,414 484,568 53% 20 Safety/Security Projects 796,508 268,090 34% 21 E-Ticketing 100,000 - 0% 22 Short Range Transit Plan 26,123 - 0% 23 Public Information Display Systems (PIDS) 700,000 - 0% 24 Network Integration 1,000,000 244,472 24% TOTAL CAPITAL PROJECTS ACE $ 78,900,352 $ 13,014,941 16%
TOTAL CAPITAL PROJECTS SJRRC & ACE $ 80,746,113 $ 13,189,470 16% Status of Capital Projects - As of February 2020 SAN JOAQUIN RAIL COMMISSION 1 East Channel Street Improvements - SJRRC received $2 million from the San Joaquin Council of Governments’ Measure K funds to improve the pedestrian and bicycle access along Channel Street between the Downtown Transit Center and Cabral Station. SJRRC has begun the environmental clearance and final design for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in 2020. Construction is slated to begin FY 2020/2021. 2 Robert J. Cabral Parking Lot Expansion -Project will construct a new parking lot at the site of the old Western Pacific depot in Stockton, as well as reconstruct the building. Environmental work has been completed and design is underway for the parking lot and building reconstruction. 3 SJRRC Maintenance Vehicles - Purchase of Agency Support Vehicles. Invitation For Bids (IFB) was released in November 2019 with submissions due by January 3, 2020. The lowest bid will be taken to the board for approval at the March 6th, 2020 Board Meeting.
ALTAMONT CORRIDOR EXPRESS 1 SJ COG Loan Repayment - Annual payment made July 1, 2019 per SJCOG amended loan agreement. 2 Bond Repayments - Bond repayments are made bi-annually, payments FY 19-20 are due in October 2019 and April 2020. 3 UPRR Capital Access Fee - Payment for calendar year 2020 paid in two installments. First payment to be processed in January 2020 and second payment in May 2020 4 UPRR Capitalized Maintenance Projects - Multi-year project is budgeted at $4,000,000 for the year. Invoices are received throughout the year. 5 UPRR Safety Fund - Ongoing project. Invoice expected to be received FY 19-20.
6 ACE Extension Natomas to Stockton - Environmental work for the project is currently underway. It is estimated that the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be released in early 2020. 7 ACE Extension Lathrop to Ceres/Merced - The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified in August 2018. Final design is currently underway for individual projects along the corridor. 8 Locomotives (4) - Multi-year project to procure up to five Tier 4 locomotives for ACE service. A contract for the procurement was approved in April 2018. First unit arrived September 2019, 3 months ahead of schedule with the contract scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2020. 9 Platform Extension Projects - Multi-year project to extend the existing Lathrop/Manteca, Tracy, Vasco, Livermore, and Pleasanton platforms. A contract for final design was approved in May 2018 and is currently under review by Union Pacific. Environmental and design are currently underway for construction of a 400-foot platform extension at the Fremont ACE Station.
10 Cabral Track Extension - Staff is coordinating with FTA to finalize environmental approval and move forward with final design. Coordination with Union Pacific on design review is ongoing. 11 Positive Train Control - Multi-year project and work in progress until Caltrain and UPRR are fully FRA compliant, or December 31st, 2020, whichever comes first. On-board equipment installation is complete and the Hosted Back Officer Server is operational. PTC is operating as designed on the UPRR and Caltrain corridors which ACE operates on.
12 Rail Cars - Multi-year project which uses a competitive negotiation process to procure five passenger rail cab cars and 12 coach cars, with an option to purchase up to 17 additional passenger rail cars. A joint procurement is currently underway, with Sound Transit and North County Transit District. 13 Railcar Midlife Overhaul - Herzog will soon begin midlife overhauls of ACE’s fleet of 30 railcars.
14 Sunol Quiet Zone - Construction has been completed but to address public concerns, revisions need to be made. Design for the revised project, Four Quadrant Gates on Main Street Sunol, is underway. 15 Facility Upgrades and Capital Improvements - Currently ongoing 16 Lathrop/Manteca Station Improvements - Contract was awarded at the May 3rd 2019 Board meeting. Environmental and design are currently underway. 17 Tracy ACE Station Improvements - Contract was awarded at the May 3rd 2019 Board meeting. Environmental and design are currently underway. 18 Lyoth Derail - Installation of electric-powered derails near the Tracy ACE Station. Coordination with UPPR is currently underway. 19 Capital Spares - Preventative Maintenance is ongoing. 20 Safety and Security/Video Cameras - The camera security project was awarded in June 2018 and is in construction.
21 E-Ticketing - Multi-year pilot project is currently ongoing. A contract for the implementation of the Altamont Corridor Express Mobile Ticketing System was approved in May 2018. Full roll out release as of April 2019. As of January, the mobile ticketing program has seen an almost 30% adoption rate and the rate continues to increase. 22 Short Range Transit Plan - Update to FY 2018 - FY 2027 SRTP is ongoing. 23 Public Information Display System (PIDS) - Currently ongoing project, PIDS system gives the ability to send train status and general information to ACE stations.
24 Network Integration - Planning consulting services of integrating the ACE and SJJPA services with high-speed rail and other rail transit services. Fare Revenue Item 3.3
1,000,000
750,000
500,000
250,000
0 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 FY TOTAL FY 19-20 Fare Revenue 1,038,170 912,427 968,729 1,052,213 816,770 822,711 1,040,903 886,822 493,357 - - - 8,032,103 FY 18-19 Fare Revenue 1,002,921 949,503 901,396 1,049,117 856,601 756,642 970,009 837,812 932,548 990,292 933,163 749,631 10,929,633
% of Budget Year Elapsed: 75% FY 19-20 % of Budgeted Fare Revenue Received to Date 76.5% Projected Annual Fare Revenue: $10,500,000 Ridership Item 3.4
170,000
160,000
150,000
140,000
130,000
120,000
110,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
- Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 FY TOTAL FY 19/20 Ridership 122,770 133,972 124,677 141,701 114,973 101,363 126,661 114,984 53,665 - - - 1,034,766 FY 18/19 Ridership 120,779 137,442 122,227 151,604 122,880 98,973 127,130 114,725 125,199 131,558 141,113 112,573 1,506,203 ACE ON TIME PERFORMANCE
100
90
80
70
60 OTP% 50
40
30
20
10
0 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20
Monthly OTP % 76.19 81.61 84.09 85.53 86.75 78.98 85.8 86 88.1 85.23 59.04 56.67 86.47 Item 3.5 YTD OTP % 62.35 67.37 70.85 73.09 75.04 75.56 76.75 77.83 78.75 79.3 59.04 57.85 66.98 SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 3.6 INFORMATION Update on Positive Train Control
With the installation of new on-board software in April, ACE train delays associated with Positive Train Control (PTC) have decrease to less than a minute.
Communications to Passengers: Staff continues to provide passengers with updated information regarding the delays using the following channels: • ACE Website • Social Media (Facebook and Twitter) • Onboard announcements
Coordination with UPRR, Caltrain and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): Staff continue bi-weekly conference calls/meetings with UPRR and Caltrain, and regular calls with the FRA on PTC as PTC continues to evolve.
ACE is fully PTC operational over the entire 86-mile ACE corridor.
UPRR and Caltrain are working on becoming fully interoperable with all their tenants prior to January 1, 2021.
General: The next FRA Collaboration Session is scheduled for June 2020 in Washington DC. It is unknown if the meeting will be via webinar or postponed.
Tai Ginsberg & Associates, LLC Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC 810 7th Street, NE 1700 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20002 Washington, DC 20006 T 202 415 9703 T 202 452 7900
TO: San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) FROM: TG&A Staff SUBJECT: Monthly Progress Report for MARCH 2020 DATE: March 26, 2020
THE ADMINISTRATION/EXECUTIVE BRANCH For a compilation of legislation/proclamations/reports etc. see the Coronavirus Resource Guide.
March 23, 2020. The President signed into law S 893 (Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020), which requires the President to develop a strategy to: (1) ensure the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure in the United States; and (2) assist allies and strategic partners in maximizing the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure; and the President signed into law S 1822 (Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act), which requires the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules relating to the collection of data with respect to the availability of broadband services.
March 13, 2020. President Donald Trump issued a PROCLAMATION on Declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The Secretary of Health and Human Services may exercise the authority under section 1135 of the Social Security Act to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs and of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairs Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Dina Titus (D-NV) issued STATEMENTS on the President’s National Emergency Declaration in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
March 11, 2020. President Donald Trump issued a PROCLAMATION announcing a 30-day ban on some travel from Europe into the U.S. due to the risks posed in possible transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, as it spans 112 countries and regions. The travel suspension will begin March 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. but will exclude the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security sent a LETTER to Secretaries Chad Wolf, Alex Azar, and Robert Redfield, M.D., of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control, respectively. The letter seeks details and explanation on the travel ban by March 17, 2020. March 16, 2020. The DHS issued Arrival Restrictions regarding travelers from the United Kingdom to arrive at a US airport where the government is focusing upon public health resources.
March 11, 2020. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao released a STATEMENT in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, “The President and the administration have taken unprecedented steps to protect the American people through a whole-of-government approach, including these recent steps to further protect Americans from areas where the virus has spread significantly. The federal government’s swift actions have saved lives and will reduce the number of Americans impacted. The Department of Transportation continues to work closely with our partners across the transportation system to prioritize safety.”
2019-2020 TRANSPORTATION-RELATED NOMINATIONS/CONFIRMATIONS/RESIGNATIONS Type in name at this URL: Nominations Since the February 2020 Report, following are the only changes in status to transportation-related nominees, sans changes in the status of Amtrak nominees. A full 2019/2020 listing of “Nominations” is available from TG/&A upon request. NOMINEE US DOT ADMINISTRATOR / OTHER STATUS Mr. Finch Fulton Assistant Secretary of Transportation President Trump announced his intent to nominate on 12/9/2019. Fulton Nomination received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on 12/9/2019. Returned to the President under the provisions of Senate Rules – 1/3/20. Received in the Senate on 1/28/2020 and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on 3/11/2020.
APPROPRIATIONS/BUDGET March 25, 2020. As of this writing White House/Senate negotiators announced an agreement on an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to address the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill (HR 748) sometime after the Senate reconvenes at noon on March 25, 2020. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated that the bill shows improvement and that the House Democrats will now review the final provisions and legislative text of the agreement. With the House in pro forma session, the Speaker would likely need to clear the package by voice vote or unanimous consent. The President has indicated that he will sign the Senate’s bill as written.
PRELIMINARY TRANSPORTATION PROVISIONS – WHITE HOUSE/SENATE CORONAVIRUS AGREEMENT - Essential Air Service $ 56,000,000 - Grants-In-Aid for Airports $10,000,000,000 1./ - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (repurposed Oblim.) $ 150,000 - Transit Infrastructure Grants $25,000,000,000 2./ - Amtrak Northeast Corridor Grants $ 492,000,000 - Amtrak National Network Grants $ 526,000,000 3./ - Maritime Administration (Operations/Training) $ 3,134,000 - Dept. Army/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers $ 50,000,000 4./ - Passenger Air Carrier Loan Guarantees/Grants $25,000,000,000 - Cargo Air Carriers Loans/Grants $ 4,000,000,000 - Grants for Air Carrier employees $25,000,000,000 - Grants for Cargo Air Carrier employees $ 4,000,000,000 - Suspension of Certain Aviation Excise Taxes 5./ - Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund 6./ - Maintain Scheduled Air Service 7./ - 1./ 100 percent federal share with splits as follows: $500 million for FY 2020 AIP grants; $100 million for General Aviation airports; $2 billion for to airports based on a modified apportionment formula, and $7.4 billion for any lawful purpose. 2./ Splits as follows: $1.8 billion for rural area formula grants (5311), $13.9 billion for urbanized area formula grants (5307), $7.6 billion for State of Good Repair grants (5337), and $1.7 billion for Fast-Growth/High-Density States (5340) - using respective FY 2020 apportionment formulas within seven days of enactment of the bill. 3./ A State shall not be required to pay Amtrak more than 80 percent of the amount paid in FY 2019 under Sec. 209 of PRIIA and that not less than $239 million shall be made available under this section for use in lieu of any increase to a state’s payment and amounts under this portion may be made available to NEC to prevent and respond to COVID-19. 4./ To support Emergency Operations Centers and emergency operations in Corps Districts to ensure the continuous operation of Corps projects across the country related to coronavirus prevention/response. 5./ Suspends certain aviation taxes beginning upon enactment thru January 1, 2021.
6./ Eventual spend-down of the HMTF surplus balance. 7./ Air carriers receiving loans/loan guarantees are required (to extent reasonable) to maintain scheduled air transportation service.
March 18, 2020. President Trump announced his intent to nominate Russell T. Vought, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Vought has served as the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget since January 2019.
March 17, 2020. Acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought sent a LETTER to the Senate on behalf of the Administration seeking additional FY 2020 coronavirus funding in the amount of $45.8 billion.
ADMINISTRATION'S FY 2020 SUPPLEMENTAL CORONAVIRUS APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST (Selected Transportation Items) Vought OMB Letter
DEPARTMENT/AGENCY ACCOUNT/BUREAU AMOUNT REQUESTED PAGE Energy/Power Marketing Administration Construction, Rehabilitation, Operation and 2,000,000 17 Maintenance, Western Area Power Administration Energy/Administration Departmental Administration 21,000,000 18 Homeland Security/TSA Operations and Support 152,800,000 37 Homeland Security/FEMA Disaster Relief Fund 2,000,000,000 47 Transportation/Office of the Secretary Working Capital Fund 1,653,000 78 Transportation/FAA Operations 16,000,000 79 Transportation/FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs 150,000 80 Transportation/FRA Safety and Operations 250,000 81 Transportation/FRA National Network Grants to the National Railroad 250,000,000 82 Passenger Corporation Transportation/FRA Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad 250,000,000 83 Passenger Corporation Transportation/FTA Administrative Expenses 110,000 84 Maritime Operations and Training 2,384,000 85
SELECTED CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS/BUSINESS March 24, 2020. The House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies POSTPONED a Member Day hearing to receive Members’ programmatic and language submissions for consideration in the FY 2021 appropriations bill. Committee Link.
March 11, 2020. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a Full Committee Business Meeting (Agenda and Committee Record). The Committee ordered several bills favorably reported, including: S. 3045, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002; S. 3418, to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; S. 3207, to require the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator in each State; H.R. 3675, to require a review of Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler programs; H.R. 5273, to require Homeland Security to develop a plan to increase to 100 percent the rates of scanning of commercial and passenger vehicles entering the U.S. at border land ports of entry.
March 11, 2020. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened a nominations hearing following an executive session, to consider presidential nominations to the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, and the Federal Communications Commission including: o Finch Fulton - Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation. Fulton Opening Statement.
March 11, 2020. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened an executive session (Committee Link) to consider several legislative measures and Coast Guard promotions including: o S 3303 - Promoting Service in Transportation Act” to promote transportation career opportunities and improve diversity in the workforce. S 3303 was ordered to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
March 5, 2020. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a Full Committee hearing to discuss and receive testimony on, “Threats Posed by State-Owned and State-Supported Enterprises to Public Transportation.” Committee Link and Testimony. [Recall – on December 20, 2019, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S 1790 – P.L. No: 116-92) that included a provision banning and/or penalizing transit agencies from using federal funds to purchase/award a contract or subcontract for the procurement of any Chinese made rolling stock (rail/bus) from China’s state-owned CRRC Corp. and BYD Co., another Chinese company. Failure to comply with the certification requirement is to result in the loss of §5337 (STATE OF GOOD REPAIR FORMULA APPORTIONMENTS) funding.]
March 4, 2020. The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing to discuss and receive testimony on, “Review of the FY 2021 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Transportation.” See Secretary Elaine Chao Testimony. Committee Link and Testimony.
March 4, 2020. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing to discuss and receive testimony on, “Funding a Robust Freight and Passenger Rail Network.” Committee Link and Testimony. Chairs DeFazio and Lipinski Statement.
March 3, 2020. The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing to discuss and receive testimony on, “Review of the FY2021 Budget Request for TSA.” Committee Link and Testimony.
March 3, 2020. The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing to discuss and receive testimony on, “A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security.” Committee Link and Testimony. Chairman Bennie G. Thompson Statement.
February 27, 2020. US DOT Secretary Elaine Chao remarked in TESTIMONY before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development that, “In anticipation of this deadline, [expiration of the FAST Act] I am especially pleased to share that the President’s budget includes the Administration’s plan for the next surface transportation authorization. This proposal envisions a historic 10-year authorization that will provide $810 billion of predictable funding.” Secretary Chao continued by noting that, “The Administration’s detailed legislative language is currently under review within the Administration.”
SELECTED CONGRESSIONAL “TRANSPORTATION-RELATED” BILLS – MARCH SENATE BILLS S 3463 E. Markey (D-MA) To authorize appropriations for S. Res. 537 T. Carper (D-DE) To encourage the Trump Administration highway-rail grade crossing improvement to maintain protections under the NEPA and reverse projects. Introduced 3/12/2020. ongoing administrative actions to weaken the law and its protections for U.S. communities. Introduced 3/10/2020. S 3391 E. Markey (D-MA) “Connecting America’s Active S 3387 M. Hassan (D-NH) “Capital Investment Grant Program Transportation System Act. Introduced 3/4/2020. Improvement Act of 2020.” Introduced 3/4/2020. S 3373 M. Heinrich (D-NM) Low or No Emission Bus Access Act of 2020.” Introduced 3/2/2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Legislation S 3548 M. McConnell (R-KY) “CARES Act.”’ To provide HR 6201 N. Lowey (D-NY) “Families First Coronavirus Response (aka emergency assistance and health care response Act.” The bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by for individuals, families, and businesses affected Summary providing paid sick leave/free coronavirus testing, HR 748) by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Introduced expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, 3/19/2020. and requiring employers to provide protections for health care workers. Introduced 3/11/2020. Signed by the President 3/18/2020. Public Law No: 116-127. HR 6074 N. Lowey (D-NY) “Coronavirus Preparedness and HR 6379 N. Lowey (D-NY) “Take Responsibility for Workers and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, Summary Families Act.” Making emergency supplemental 2020.” The bill provides $8.3 billion in emergency One Pager appropriations (more than $2.5 billion) for the fiscal year funding for federal agencies to respond to the DeFazio ending September 30, 2020. Introduced 3/23/2020. coronavirus outbreak. Introduced 3/4/2020. Press Release Signed by the President 3/6/2020. Public Law No: 116-123.
HOUSE BILLS HR 6359 Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) To include a payment HR 6248 J. Langevin (D-RI) To increase accessible transportation and performance security requirement for certain for individuals with disabilities. Introduced 3/12/2020. infrastructure financing. Introduced 3/23/2020.
HR 6246 D. Kilmer (D-WA) “Protecting Collective Bargaining HR 6225 D. Lipinski (D-IL) To increase the number of quiet zones and Official Time for Federal Workers Act.” To around railroad tracks. Introduced 3/12/2020. provide that certain Executive Orders with respect Press Release to Federal employee collective bargaining shall have no force or effect. Introduced 3/12/2020. HR 6226 D. Lipinski (D-IL) To improve the operation of HR 6223 D. Lipinski (D-IL) To reduce blocked crossings and their Chicago Union Station by transferring certain impact on local communities. Introduced 3/12/2020. Press aspects of operational control of Chicago Union Press Release Release Station to Metra. Introduced 3/12/2020.
HR 6224 D. Lipinski (D-IL) To increase the number of rail- HR 6171 D. Lipinski (D-IL) To direct US DOT to publish a national grade crossing separations (overpass/underpass) strategic action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Press around the country. Introduced 3/12/2020. in the transportation sector. Introduced 3/10/2020. Release
HR 6156 J. Langevin (D-RI) To develop and improve the HR 6184 A. Lowenthal (D-CA) To modify the reporting transportation workforce. Introduced 3/9/2020. requirement for the nationally significant freight and highway projects program. Introduced 3/10/2020. HR 1140 B. Thompson (D-MS) “Rights for Transportation HR 6071 J. Garamendi (D-CA) FEMA Disaster Preparedness Security Officers Act of 2020.” To enhance the Improvement Act’’. Introduced 3/4/2020. H Res 877 security operations of the TSA by applying the personnel system under Title 5, USC, to employees HR 1140 of the TSA who provide screening of Fact Sheet passengers/property. Introduced 2/11/2019. The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1140 - See See Admin. SOAP on sidebar. Passed House on 3/5/2020 230 SOAP – 171.
HR 6066 D. Heck (D-WA) “Passenger Train Safety Act’’. HR 6063 A. Brown (D-MD) “Pilot Training Enhancement Act.” Introduced 3/3/2020. Introduced 3/3/2020. HR 6032 J. Langevin (D-RI) “Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act.” Introduced 2/28/2020.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFOs) - GRANT AWARDS See Addendum A. - Calendar Year NOFO/AWARDS SCORECARD – at end of report.
March 18, 2020. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making available $11 million in FY 2019 Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) Challenge Grants. The AIM Initiative is intended to foster innovative transit technologies, practices and solutions that incentivize travelers to choose public transportation, promote economic development in communities, and enhance public/private partnerships to improve personal mobility. Completed proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 17, 2020.
March 17, 2020. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is making available $8 million in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for competitive discretionary funds from the Highway Use Tax Evasion (HUTE) Program. Funds are available for projects enhancing compliance of motor fuel and highway use taxes. Of those funds, $2,000,000 are set aside each year for Intergovernmental Enforcement Efforts in identifying and reducing fuel tax evasion. Eligible applicants are State transportation agencies from States and the federal share of the cost of a project is 100 percent. The closing date for applications is May 22, 2020.
March 16, 2020. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced approximately $20.3 million in FY 2019 awards under the Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) program (discrepancy here - the NOFO notes that funding was provided from FY 2017/2018 research funds). Twenty-five projects in 23 states will receive funding under the program. The projects will advance mobility through creative partnerships and emerging technologies. FTA is making innovation a priority in the year ahead through the Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) initiative announced in January 2020.
March 12, 2020. US DOT Secretary Elaine Chao announced, via a PRESS RELEASE, the recipients of FY 2019 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program funds in the amount of $248.5 million for a wide variety of state and local railroad infrastructure projects. The grants will fund 32 projects in 27 states and will be administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Click HERE for a complete listing of awarded projects.
March 12, 2020. The US Department of Agriculture has extended the application window, via a Federal Register notice, for the broadband pilot program known as the "ReConnect Pilot Program" until midnight March 31, 2020. The ReConnect Pilot Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. The original Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and solicitation for applications was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2019. The December 2019 FOA made available approximately $512 million and the original deadline was March 16, 2020.
March 3, 2020. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the Federal Register (FR) for approximately $8.5 million in competitive FY 2020 "Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone" (HOPE) program. The HOPE program provides funds to eligible entities that are in areas of persistent poverty. The FTA anticipates that the maximum award will not exceed $850,000. Complete proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 4, 2020. The FTA will host two webinars in late March/early April to provide information about FTA’s HOPE Program. The webinars are scheduled for March 25, 2020, at 2 p.m. ET, and on April 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
March 2, 2020. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced, via the Federal Register, the allocation of $423.3 million in FY 2019 Bus/Bus Facilities Program to fund 94 projects. These funds will provide financial assistance to states and eligible public agencies to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses, vans, and related equipment, and for capital projects to rehabilitate, purchase, construct, or lease bus-related facilities. Successful applicants should contact the appropriate FTA Regional Office.
OTHER TRANSPORTATION-RELATED FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES March 4, 2020. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a FINAL RULE amending its regulations requiring commuter and intercity passenger rail (IPR) operations to develop and implement a system safety program (SSP) to improve the safety of their operations. The rule clarifies that each passenger rail operation has responsibility for ensuring compliance with the SSP final rule. The final rule is effective May 4, 2020.
OTHER REPORTS/NOTICES/NEWS ARTICLES March 24, 2020. The Trump Administration has delayed the October 1, 2020 REAL ID deadline that would have required Americans to have Real ID compliant driver’s licenses and other identification cards in order to board an airplane. The Administration has not indicated the end date of the extension. The decision comes as state governments are preoccupied with the coronavirus outbreak and many motor vehicle departments have closed.
March 23, 2020. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a REPORT entitled, “Emergency Funding for Public Transportation Agencies Due to COVID-19.”
March 20, 2020. Congressman Bennie Thompson Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a LETTER to Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske detailing a series of questions regarding the protection of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) serving on the frontlines at airports during the coronavirus pandemic.
March 18, 2020. In response to combating the impacts of COVID-19, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) sent a LETTER to congressional leaders seeking/supporting: o A nationwide waiver of truck weight restrictions; o $16.7 billion in federal funding support to state DOTs through the Federal-aid Highway formula program at 100 percent federal share; o Amtrak’s emergency request for $978 million (including $200 million to help offset losses on state- supported routes).
March 18, 2020. The US DOT Office of Inspector General has will soon commence an AUDIT of the Federal Highway Administration’s Post-Award Oversight of BUILD and TIGER Grants. An audit is being conducted due to the importance of oversight of BUILD and TIGER grants and to ensure effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
March 18, 2020. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a REPORT entitled, “NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD - More Detail on the Selection Process Could Increase the Understanding of the Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements.” The GAO recommended that the NTSB improve how it documents and communicates decisions for its Most Wanted List.
March 17, 2020. In response to combating the impacts of COVID-19, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) REQUESTED$12.875 billion for public transit to offset direct costs and revenue losses. The APTA request consists of the following: o $1.75 billion in Direct Costs (cleaning vehicles/facilities); o $6.0 billion for Farebox Revenue Loss; o $4.875 billion in Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue Loss; o $250 million in Restart Costs.
March 16, 2020. The National Academies Press released a REPORT entitled, “Attracting, Retaining, and Advancing Women in Transit (2020).”
March 16, 2020. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and other congressional leaders released a STATEMENT urging Acting Secretary Chad Wolf of the Department of Homeland Security to delay the October 1, 2020 REAL ID Act implementation deadline due the impact of COVID-19.
March 14, 2020. Federal Railroad Administrator (FRA) Ronald Batory issued a Declaration of Emergency Situation and determined that the imminent threat and exposure to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a risk of serious illness that constitutes an "emergency situation" as related to railroad operations.
March 12. 2020. The US Department of Treasury released its March 2020 Treasury Bulletin. The Bulletin contains narratives on the status of transportation trust funds. Click on hyperlink and scroll to Trust Funds tab.
March 2, 2020. The National Academies Press released a REPORT entitled, “Minutes Matter: A Bus Transit Service Reliability Guidebook (2020).”
February 28, 2020. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released its Positive Train Control (PTC) update for Q4 2019 (December 31, 2019.) As of December 31, 2019, PTC systems were in operation on 55,601 route miles – 96.3 percent of the nearly 58,000 route miles subject to the mandate. However, significant work remains for several commuter railroads’ PTC systems as only 54.7 percent of commuter railroad’s cumulative required route miles were PTC-governed at the close of the quarter. FRA considers the following 8 hose railroads at risk of not fully implementing a PTC system on all required main lines by the close of 2020: 1) Alaska Railroad, 2) The Belt Railway Company of Chicago, 3) Florida East Coast Railway, 4) Kansas City Terminal Railway, 5) New Jersey Transit, 6) New Mexico Rail Runner Express, 7) Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. (aka Metra), and 8) TEXRail.
February 26, 2020. The Congressional Research Service issued a REPORT entitled, “Federal Freight Policy: In Brief.”
UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL CALENDAR – MARCH/APRIL
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) cancelled the Senate’s recess next week (March 18- 22) to address passage of a coronavirus relief package. Senator McConnell noted, “I have canceled next week’s state work period so the Senate can work on this urgent legislation and reauthorize key national security tools that law enforcement need to keep us safe.” The U.S. House of Representatives remains in recess (District Work Period) March 16-20.
Both Chambers may institute modified March/April schedules to mitigate COVID-19.
UPCOMING DEADLINES/EVENTS Note: Many upcoming events are being cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. March 15-17 CANCELED - APTA Legislative Conference; March 17-19 CANCELED - National Shared Mobility Summit - Chicago, IL; March 19 CANCELED - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Safety Summit, Washington, D.C. April 20-22 Joint Rail Conference St. Louis, MO; April 25-27 Transit CEOs Seminar Albuquerque, NM; April 25-28 American Planning Association 2020 National Planning Conference; May 11-18 United for Infrastructure a week to highlight the state of the nation’s infrastructure: roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, water and sewer systems; SCUTTLEBUTT March 5, 2020. Politico reported that the House T&I Committee is in the process of drafting a $55 billion rail title for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. Congressman Dan Lipinski, (Subcommittee Chairman Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials) is reportedly eyeing priorities that include: State of Good Repair projects for commuter rail, Amtrak long-distance service, quiet zones, and especially grade crossing safety/blocked crossings.
March 4, 2020. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) sent a LETTER and detailed comments to Mr. Edward Boling, Associate Director for the National Policy Act Council on Environment Quality regarding procedural revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). AASHTO noted that they support, “CEQ’s goal of expedition the delivery of transportation and other infrastructure projects while protecting the environment.” Moreover AASHTO, supports, “updating CEQ’s NEPA regulations to reflect current technologies and agency practices, encourage brevity, readability, and quality writing in NEPA materials, and promote better decision-making.” March 11, 2020. Chair DeFazio Letter to CEQ Opposing Re-write the NEPA Regulations.
March 4, 2020. US DOT Secretary Elain Chao intimated, in a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, that the White House Task Force is tackling the spread of the coronavirus via input from transportation officials. Joel Szabat, Acting Under Secretary for Policy, Department of Transportation is a members of the President’s Coronavirus Task Force.
March 3, 2020. An article from RT&S reported that the Trump Administration has set a deadline of May 10, 2020 to lift the ban on the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. Recall that on December 18, 2019, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) wrote a letter to Mr. Howard Elliott, Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (DeFazio and Malinowski Letter) detailing their concerns over a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed changes to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to allow for the bulk transportation of LNG. Groups opposed to the transport of LNG by rail include environmentalists, rail worker unions, firefighters, the District of Columbia, 15 States and the National Transportation Board.
March 3, 2020. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has begun a new Public Outreach Campaign (click appropriate State on map) entitled, “The Benefits of Transportation: the Solutions State DOTs Bring to People & Their Communities.” The AASHTO REPORT notes, “The Federal Highway Administration, for one, estimates that each dollar spent on road, highway, and bridge improvements results in an average benefit of $5.20 in the form of reduced vehicle maintenance costs, reduced delays, reduced fuel consumption, improved safety, reduced road and bridge maintenance costs, and reduced emissions as a result of improved traffic flow. Similarly, the American Public Transportation Association estimates that, over the long term, the total economic effect of “enhanced investment” in transit systems sustained over 20 years is in the range of 3.7 times the amount being spent annually.”
March 2, 2020. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) sent a LETTER and detailed comments to Ms. Marlene Dortch, Secretary of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for submission to the docket regarding “Use of the 5.850-5.929 GHz Band.” AASHTO stated that they, “believe that the FCC proposal to permit unlicensed devices to operate in the lower 45- megahertz portion of the band at 5.850-5.895 GHz leaving ITS operations in the upper 30-megahertz portion of the band at 5.895-5.925 GHz is wrong and misguided.”
February 26, 2020. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) spoke at the 2020 AASHTO Washington Briefing and intimated that Congressional Democrats would unveil a surface transportation reauthorization bill in March, to be followed by committee consideration in April. Meanwhile, Ranking House Ways and Means member Kevin Brady (R-TX) intimated to Politico that “There really has never been either a vote or a nose count, or even a family discussion” regarding a gas tax increase.
February 26, 2020. Former FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to take on the job of president (beginning March 9) of New York City Transit/MTA Bus and Corporate Governance. Ms. Feinberg’s appointment expires on June 30, 2023.
Addendum A. – Calendar Year NOFO/AWARDS SCORECARD SELECTED TRANSPORTATION NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES (NOFOs) &/OR AWARDS (SCORECARD for CY 2020) 3/18/2020 TYPE NOFO NOFO $s APPLICATION NOFO $ NOFO TITLE (NOFO / AWARD) ISSUANCE DATE NOFO URL MADE AVAILABLE DEADLINE AWARDS AWARDS URL AWARDED - DATE COMMENTS US DOT FY 2020 INFRA Grants NOFO 1/13/2020 NOFO URL 906,000,000 2/25/2020 TBD TBD TBD $150 m. in prior year available.
FY 2020 National Infrastructure Investments (BUILD) NOFO 2/19/2020 NOFO URL 1,000,000,000 5/18/2020 TBD TBD TBD
US DHS/ FEMA FY 2020 Transit Security Grant Program NOFO 2/15/2020 NOFO URL 88,000,000 4/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Port Security Grant Program NOFO 2/15/2020 NOFO URL 100,000,000 4/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program NOFO 2/15/2020 NOFO URL 2,000,000 4/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Intercity Passenger Rail - Amtrak NOFO 2/15/2020 NOFO URL 10,000,000 4/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Nonprofit Security Grant Program NOFO 2/15/2020 NOFO URL 90,000,000 4/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
DOE FY 2020 Bioenergy Technologies Multi-Topic FOA NOFO 1/23/2020 NOFO URL 97,000,000 4/30/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research FOA NOFO 1/23/2020 NOFO URL 133,200,000 4/14/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 H2@Scale New Markets FOA NOFO 1/23/2020 NOFO URL 64,000,000 4/20/2020 TBD TBD TBD 2/25/20 Deadline/Concept Papers.
EPA FY 2020 – FY 2021 Pollution Prevention Grant Program NOFO 1/29/2020 NOFO URL 9,380,000 3/31/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FAA FY 2018 Small Community Air Service Development Program NOFO/AWARD 5/6/2019 NOFO URL 12,500,000 7/15/2019 12,500,000 Award URL 2/24/2020
FEMA FY 2019 Assistance to Firefighter Grants NOFO 1/27/2020 NOFO URL 315,000,000 3/20/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FHWA Accelerated Innovative Deployment Demonstration Program NOFO/AWARD 10/21/2019 Amended NOFO URL 10,000,000 Rolling 8,091,503 Award URL 1/21/2020 Initial NOFO URL
FY 2020 Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program NOFO 1/31/2020 NOFO URL 1,000,000 3/16/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program NOFO 3/10/2020 NOFO URL 720,000 4/27/2020 TBD TBD TBD
Highway Use Tax Evasion Program NOFO 3/17/2020 NOFO URL 8,000,000 5/22/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FRA FY 2019/2020 Restoration and Enhancement Grants NOFO 1/2/2020 Amended NOFO URL 26,337,600 2/5/2020 TBD TBD TBD Initial NOFO URL
FY 2019 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements NOFO/AWARD 8/19/2019 NOFO URL 244,621,500 10/18/2019 248,500,000 Award URL 3/12/2020
Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) NOFO 3/16/2020 NOFO URL 35,000,000,000 6/15/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FTA FY 2020 Low or No Emission Grant Program NOFO 1/24/2020 NOFO URL 130,000,000 3/17/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Passenger Ferry Grant Program NOFO 1/30/2020 NOFO URL 30,000,000 3/30/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Buses and Bus Facilities Program NOFO 1/30/2020 NOFO URL 454,600,000 3/30/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2018 Public Transportation Innovation Program NOFO 2/11/2020 NOFO URL 2,000,000 3/24/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2018/2019 Public Transportation Innovation Funds NOFO 2/13/2020 NOFO URL 7,300,000 3/24/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2019 Bus/Bus Facilities Program NOFO/AWARD 5/15/2019 NOFO URL 423,350,240 6/21/2019 423,350,240 Award URL 3/2/2020
FY 2020 Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) Program NOFO 3/3/2020 NOFO URL 8,500,000 5/4/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2017/2018 Integrated Mobility Innovation Demonstration Program NOFO/AWARD 5/8/2019 NOFO URL 15,000,000 8/6/2019 20,355,847 Award URL 3/16/2020 FY 2017/FY 2018 FTA research funds.
FY 2019 Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) Challenge Grants NOFO 3/18/2020 NOFO URL 11,000,000 4/17/2020 TBD TBD TBD
MARAD FY 2019 Short Sea Transportation Program (America's Marine Hwy. Pgm.) NOFO/AWARD 6/14/2019 NOFO URL 7,000,000 6/14/2019 7,503,000 Award URL 1/7/2020 Deadline Extension URL
FY 2020 Small Shipyard Grants NOFO 1/6/2020 NOFO URL 19,600,000 2/18/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2019 Port Infrastructure Development Program NOFO/AWARD 6/18/2019 NOFO URL 292,730,000 9/16/2019 287,303,341 Award URL 2/14/2020
FY 2020 Port Infrastructure Development Grants NOFO 2/19/2020 NOFO URL 225,000,000 5/18/2020 TBD TBD TBD FR NOFO 3 March 2020
FY 2020 Short Sea Transportation Program (America's Marine Hwy. Pgm.) NOFO 3/5/2020 NOFO URL 9,481,750 4/10/2020 TBD TBD TBD
Maritime Energy Efficiency Pilot/Demonstration Project NOFO 3/14/2020 NOFO URL 1,000,000 5/13/2020 TBD TBD TBD
FY 2020 Short Sea Transportation Program (America's Marine Hwy. Pgm.) NOFO 3/19/2020 NOFO URL 9,775,000 4/10/2020 TBD TBD TBD
NHTSA / FMCSA FY 2020 High Priority Program - Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) NOFO 1/7/2020 NOFO URL 25,211,500 2/21/2020 TBD TBD TBD
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 4 INFORMATION Status of COVID-19 Impacts and Relief Funding
Background: A verbal report will be given on this item.
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 5 INFORMATION Assumptions for the Draft Capital and Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020/2021
Background: The Rail Commission Work Program annually approved by the Board, highlights programs implemented from the previous year, as well as initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, including the Annual Operating and Capital Budgets. In light of the COVID-19 situation, this report will discuss the likely impacts of the virus containment strategies on the ridership and revenue sources. More will be known in May as to the Governor’s plan for easing the Shelter in Place mandates, so a Draft Work Program and Budget will be presented in June and the final Work Program and Budget will be presented to the Board in July.
The first information will reflect the service levels and associated Operating and Capital Budgets that were anticipated prior to the Corona Virus outbreak. Next, assumptions will be made using data from the Metropolitan Planning Organizations about the likely impact of the Corona Virus on transit service revenues for the next 12 to 18 months, and any state or federal relief funding. And finally, assumptions will be made about different ACE service levels possible under different revenue assumptions.
Pre COVID-19 Draft Work Program, Operating and Capital Budgets The original 2020/21 Draft Work Program assumed four daily roundtrip ACE trains and the suspension of the pilot Saturday Service program due to low ridership. The 20/21 Operating Budget costs compared to the existing fiscal year budget is shown below: FY 19/20 Approved SJRRC/ACE Combined Operating Budget (current year): $30,749,284 Pre-Corona Virus Draft 20/21 SJRRC/ACE Combined Operating Budget: $30,744,313 The 2020/2021 Draft Capital Budget contains projects associated with the new railcar procurement, the ACE Extension from Stockton to Natomas, the ACE Extension from Lathrop to Ceres/Merced, station and facility improvements, and initiatives associated with SJRRC’s Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan. Key projects included in the Draft Capital Budget include: • Rail Cars Purchase • ACE Extension - Stockton to Natomas • ACE Extension - Lathrop to Ceres/Merced • Railcar Midlife Overhaul • Cabral Station Track Extension • Platform Extension Projects (including Fremont Station) • Robert J. Cabral Station Expansion
A substantial portion of the 2020/2021 Capital Budget is funded by Senate Bill 132 (SB 132) and the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) award for Valley Rail, which have been secured. The 2020/2021 Capital Budget also contains projects associated with the San Joaquins intercity rail service, with all funding and costs the responsibility of SJJPA. No costs for the SJJPA are attributable to SJRRC or ACE.
The 2020/2021 Capital Budget is estimated at $88 million and continues many multi-year projects already underway. At this time, there has been no indication these projects will be affected by the virus containment strategies. However, staff will work with the state agencies over the next two months to have better guidance on those capital funding sources.
Financial Agency Estimates for Transit Revenue Losses The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and San Joaquin Council of Governments have been evaluating potential impacts to critical transit revenues. ACE ridership and passenger fares have dropped 95%, which alone, would have a dramatic impact on operating the service. In addition, transportation sales tax revenues could drop by over 60 % this summer and last for six to ten months. Some estimates outline another six to eight months of sales tax revenues reduced by over 40%.
In recognition of this crisis, Congress passed the Federal CARES Act to keep essential transit service operating and employees and the supply chains working. Current estimates from the Bay Area and San Joaquin County federal formula programs identify $20-$22M in relief funding for the ACE service.
At the meeting, staff will present several potential ACE service scenarios that correlate to various revenue pictures throughout the next fiscal year. Based upon this discussion, staff will present a Draft 2020/2021 Work Program and Budget at the June meeting.
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 6 ACTION Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. for Security Camera Equipment, Installation and Maintenance and Associated Costs Not-To-Exceed $319,961 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents
Background: The current Rail Commission security camera equipment and license plate readers (LPR) have been in use for over eight (8) years. Since the implementation of the current equipment, there have been numerous developments and improvements when it comes to the technology surrounding security and surveillance. The Rail Commission is seeking to upgrade the current security camera equipment and LPR to a more current and effective standard. Additionally, the RFP included the need to provide an option to purchase security camera equipment for new stations associated with the Valley Rail Program. Below is a breakdown of the equipment request for the current ACE stations: Location Amount of Cameras Stockton – Outside Cabral Station and Platform 26 Inside Cabral Station 29 Rail Maintenance Facility 57 Lathrop and Manteca Station 19 Tracy Station 18 Vasco Station 13 Livermore Station 5 Pleasanton Station 10 Current Total Cameras 177 Current Total License Plate Readers (LPR) 27
Request for Proposal (RFP) and Selection Process: On January 30, 2020, SJRRC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) via vendor portal Planet Bids for the solicitation of Security Camera Equipment & Maintenance Services. By utilizing Planet Bids, 117 firms were notified of the opportunity and twenty-eight (28) firms downloaded the solicitation documents. SJRRC hosted a pre-proposal meeting on February 19, 2020 at the Cabral Station for potential proposers, with seven (7) firms attending.
On the due date of March 17, 2020 four (4) firms submitted proposals. SJRRC received proposals from the following firms: • 3D Datacom dba 3D Technology Services • Delta Wireless, Inc. • Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. • Netxperts, Inc.
The proposals were evaluated by a panel consisting of SJRRC’s Executive and Legislative Coordinator, Director of Operations, Director of Capital Projects, and Facilities Superintendent.
Two (2) firms were invited for interviews to allow the selection panel to evaluate the team in person. Interviews were held on April 7 ,2020 via teleconference. Firms were evaluated on presentation and responses to the selection panel’s questions. Scores from the interviews were combined with scores from the written proposals. Based on the ranking, staff deems Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. (Edgeworth) the most responsive and responsible proposers.
Edgeworth’s headquarters is located in Pleasanton, CA. Some of Edgeworth’s clients include the Livermore Unified School District and Stanislaus County.
The contract total of $319,961 will be expended over phases and multiple fiscal years: • Phase One: Equipment Purchase and Delivery (FY1920) = $188,861 • Phase Two: Equipment Installation (throughout contract term) = $52,000 • Phase Three: System Implementation & Preventative Maintenance (throughout contract term) = $79,100
Any additional funding for this project will be brought before the Board for approval and amended into the contract as needed.
Fiscal Impact: Project costs for the current fiscal year are identified in the 2019/2020 Work Program & Budget within the Capital Projects Budget. As a multi-year contract, future project costs will be included in subsequent year’s Work Program & Budgets. Funding for the security camera equipment comes from PTMISEA.
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. for Security Camera Equipment, Installation and Maintenance and Associated Costs Not-To-Exceed $319,961 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents.
RESOLUTION SJRRC-R-19/20-
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH EDGEWORTH INTEGRATION, LLC. DBA VAS SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. FOR SECURITY CAMERA EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE AND ASSOCIATED COSTS NOT-TO-EXCEED $319,961 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
WHEREAS, SJRRC currently has outdated security surveillance equipment that needs to be updated; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC desires to purchase 177 security cameras and twenty-seven (27) license plate readers to be installed and implemented at ACE stations along the corridor; and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Security Camera Equipment & Maintenance Services was released on January 30, 2020 with proposals due on February 19, 2020; and
WHEREAS, four (4) proposals were received and reviewed for completeness, responsiveness and evaluated as part of the procurement process; and
WHEREAS, of the four (4) responsive proposals received, two (2) were invited for oral presentations and interviews as part of the evaluation process; and
WHEREAS, following interviews and based on the final scores staff deemed Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. (Edgeworth) the top ranked, most responsive and responsible proposal; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC and Edgeworth came to agreement on the terms and prices;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Hereby Approves a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving an Agreement with Edgeworth Integration, LLC. Dba VAS Security Systems, Inc. for Security Camera Equipment, Installation and Maintenance and Associated Costs Not-To-Exceed $319,961 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Necessary Documents
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners this 1st day of May 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
ATTEST: SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION
______STACEY MORTENSEN, Secretary CHRISTINA FUGAZI, Chair SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 7 ACTION Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving a Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Preliminary Design for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project for an Amount Not-to- Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project
Background: The Valley Rail/ACE extension from Lathrop to Ceres/Merced includes many new station and track connection projects. To complete these projects and make ready for construction, SJRRC enters into contracts with engineering consulting firms to prepare the final engineering and design. As the owner operator of the rail facilities that ACE operates over, the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) must review and approve all engineering plans. To review engineering plans the UPRR uses Preliminary Engineering (PE) agreements to perform agency project reviews and approvals prior to construction.
In coordination with the UPRR, SJRRC staff developed a plan to submit engineering plans for review efficiently by combining design segments at key project locations. The result of this effort reduced the number of PE agreements from nine to three. The PE agreement identified in this staff report covers track improvements from the Lathrop Wye to the Calla siding (Austin Road), and the Manteca Transit Center Station Platform.
The Lathrop Wye track connection project is a critical connection to begin service to Ceres/Merced as there is no existing direct connection (south) between the UPRR’s Oakland and Fresno Subdivisions. Project elements of the ACE extension connecting to the Lathrop Wye include double track sections, signal crossing upgrades, and the new Manteca Transit Center Station Platform. Under this PE agreement the UPRR will complete reviews and approvals necessary to enter into UPRR Construction & Maintenance (CM) Agreements for these project elements.
Staff is requesting to enter into a reimbursement agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project, amount not-to-exceed $500,000.
Fiscal Impact: The funding source for this agreement is part of the SB 132 funding for the Valley Rail Project. Expenses associated with this agreement are identified in the SJRRC/ACE Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Capital Budget.
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Approving a Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Preliminary Design for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project.
RESOLUTION SJRRC-R-19/20- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION APPROVING A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD FOR PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR THE LATHROP WYE TRACK EXTENSION PROJECT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $500,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE PROJECT
WHEREAS, SJRRC will enter into and execute a reimbursement contract with the Union Pacific Railroad to provide preliminary engineering services for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC and UPRR have agreed upon terms and desire to enter into an agreement for these services for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission hereby Approve a Reimbursement Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Preliminary Design for the Lathrop Wye Track Extension Project for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to Execute Any and All Documents Related to the Project.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners this 1st day of May 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION
______STACEY MORTENSEN, Secretary CHRISTINA FUGAZI, Chair
SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 8 ACTION Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Authorizing the Executive Director to Submit and Execute Any and All Grant Applications, Agreements, Certifications and Assurances and Any Other Documents Necessary to Claim $534,417 from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program
Background: The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) is one of several programs that are part of the Transit, Affordable Housing, and Sustainable Communities Program established by the California Legislature in 2014 with Senate Bill 862 (SB 862). SB 862 established LCTOP as a noncompetitive, formulaic program, with 5% of annual auction proceeds being continually appropriated at the beginning of each calendar year.
LCTOP was created to provide operating and capital assistance to transit agencies with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving mobility, with an emphasis on serving Disadvantaged Communities (DAC). Moneys from the program shall be expended to provide transit operating or capital assistance that include: • Operational expenditures that increase transit mode share.
Through extensive coordination throughout the ACE Corridor, including collaboration with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), staff has identified the need to develop a means-based component the ACE discounted ticketing program. While a 50% ticket discount is currently offered to persons with disabilities, seniors, and those with Medicare cards, the inclusion of a means-based discount would offer the same discount for low-income individuals.
In coordinating with MTC on the inclusion of the Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), SJRRC has identified the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program as a vital initiative in addressing equity and attracting low- income passengers to the ACE system. The development and implementation of a means- based ticketing program is a key priority of MTC for transit systems in the Bay Area seeking to enhance regional mobility and transit affordability for people with low-incomes.
Staff is proposing the utilization of LCTOP funding to provide 50% discounted tickets to low- income individuals as part of the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program in FY 20- 21. The Program will involve the coordination with community-based organizations throughout the ACE Corridor to identify and distribute discounted tickets to individuals that meet a certain income threshold, depending on the county in which they live. Staff have begun coordinating with community-based organizations throughout the ACE Corridor, including the Family Resource & Referral Center of San Joaquin, on the process for distributing tickets.
Staff intends to request LCTOP funding over the next three fiscal years to subsidize the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program, with this year’s LCTOP request funding the Program for FY 20-21. Staff will work with MTC and other partners to ensure stable, continued funding for the Program. In addition, staff will be closely monitoring the success of the Program, adapting to lessons learned in subsequent years.
Fiscal Impact: Allocated LCTOP funding will be included in the FY 20-21 Operating Budget.
Recommendation: Approve a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Authorizing the Executive Director to Submit and Execute Any and All Grant Applications, Agreements, Certifications and Assurances and Any Other Documents Necessary to Claim $534,417 from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program. The ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Proposed Fares will reflect the current prices in the 2019 ACE Discount Fare Price Table below: RESOLUTION SJRRC-R-19/20-
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL GRANT APPLICATIONS, AGREEMENTS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO CLAIM $534,417 FROM THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FOR THE ACE MEANS-BASED DISCOUNTED TICKETING PROGRAM
WHEREAS, SJRRC is an eligible project sponsor and may receive state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for transit projects; and
WHEREAS, the statutes related to state-funded transit projects require a local or regional implementing agency to abide by various regulations; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 862 (2014) named the Department of Transportation (Department) as the administrative agency for the LCTOP; and
WHEREAS, the Department has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to eligible project sponsors (local agencies); and
WHEREAS, SJRRC wishes to delegate authorization to execute these documents and any amendments thereto to the Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC wishes to implement the following LCTOP project listed above; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) throughout the ACE Corridor and surrounding stations, including the Robert J. Cabral Station in Stockton and the Lathrop/Manteca ACE Station; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC is committed to enhancing regional mobility and transit affordability for low-income populaces; and
WHEREAS, SJRRC proposes to implement an ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program in FY 20-21 to provide 50% discounted tickets to low-income individuals;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission Authorize the Executive Director to Submit and Execute Any and All Grant Applications, Agreements, Certifications and Assurances and Any Other Documents Necessary to Claim $534,417 from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for the ACE Means-Based Discounted Ticketing Program.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the Board of Commissioners this 1st day of May 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
ATTEST: SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION
______STACEY MORTENSEN, Secretary CHRISTINA FUGAZI, Chair SAN JOAQUIN REGIONAL RAIL COMMISSION Meeting of May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT
Item 9 INFORMATON
Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program Update
The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program has been identified as the first step towards the implementation of the Altamont Corridor Vision (see Fact Sheet and list of supporters attached). The Altamont Corridor Vision is consistent with the 2018 State Rail Plan, 2007 MTC Regional Rail Plan, MTC Resolution 3829 from 2007, and the CHSRA’s Altamont Corridor Rail Project. The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program will provide safe, frequent, and reliable regional rail service by modernizing passenger rail in the Altamont Corridor. The vastly improved infrastructure through the Altamont Pass would be separated from freight, double tracked, grade separated, and enable fast (up to 125 mph maximum speeds), and frequent service.
The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program is the result of a partnership between SJRRC (Altamont Corridor Express [ACE]), Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority (Valley Link), and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (San Joaquins). The Bay Area improvements of this Phase 1 Program include $1.1 billion for the implementation of 8.6-miles of new alignment through the Altamont Pass (between Greenville Road and the San Joaquin County Line) to be used by both ACE and Valley Link services. This new alignment through the Altamont Pass would include a 3.5 mile tunnel and enable speeds up to 125 mph that would decrease train travel times through the Altamont Pass by 11 – 15 minutes. Bay Area Phase 1 improvements also includes $600 million to fund equipment and the additional infrastructure needed to complete the Valley Link service between Dublin/Pleasanton BART and Livermore. In the near-term, the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority anticipates running 25 Valley Link daily round-trips between Dublin/Pleasanton BART and North Lathrop Transfer Station in San Joaquin County. In addition, Phase 1 also includes $200 million for new ACE equipment and Bay Area station/alignment improvements for two additional ACE round-trips between the San Joaquin Valley and San Jose, and four additional round trips between the San Joaquin Valley and Fremont/Newark/Union City.
Staff will be presenting an update on the progress of the proposed Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program, the status of Bay Area’s $100 billion “FASTER Bay Area” Measure, and efforts to get the Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 included in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC’s) fiscally constrained Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1: Valley Link, Improved ACE, Shared Altamont Pass
$1.9 billion (FY19) requested in FASTER Bay Area Measure Antioch
Pittsburg/ To Sacramento Bay Point
Richmond Stockton What is the Altamont Corridor Vision? alnut Creek The Altamont Corridor that connects the San Joaquin Valley to the Bay Area is North Lathrop Downtown Manteca one of the most heavily traveled, mostOakland River congested, and fastest growing corridors Islands Mountain Tracy Manteca in the Northern California megaregion. The Dublin/ Isabel Greenville House San Leandro Pleasanton Bay Area Council estimates that Altamont To Merced Pleasanton Hayward Tracy Corridor (I-580) congestion will increase Livermore Pleasanton an additional 75% between 2016 and 2040. Livermore Vasco Road To achieve state and regional environmental
and economic development goals, robust Phase 1 Fremont passenger rail alternatives are needed in Fremont the Altamont Corridor to increase mobility by Phase 2 providing a sustainable transportation option, provide greater connectivity, and a better Great America quality of life and access to jobs, educational Santa Clara San Jose Altamont Pass Tunnel / opportunities and health care facilities. Alignment Improvements San Jose
The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program is the result of a partnership between San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (Altamont Corridor Express [ACE]), Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority (Valley Link), and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (San Joaquins). The Bay Area improvements of this Phase 1 Program include $1.1 billion (FY19) for the implementation of 8.6 miles of new alignment through the Altamont Pass (between Greenville Road and the San Joaquin County Line) to be used by both ACE and Valley Link services. This new alignment through the Altamont Pass would include a 3.5 mile tunnel and enable speeds up to 125 mph which would decrease train travel times through the Altamont Pass by 11-15 minutes. Bay Area Phase 1 improvements also include $600 million (FY19) to fund equipment and the additional infrastructure needed to complete the Valley Link service between Dublin/Pleasanton BART and Livermore. In the near-term, the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority anticipates running 25 Valley Link daily round-trips between Dublin/Pleasanton BART and the North Lathrop Transfer Station in San Joaquin County. In addition, Phase 1 also includes $200 million (FY19) for new ACE equipment and Bay Area station/alignment improvements for two additional ACE round-trips between the San Joaquin Valley and San Jose, and four more additional round-trips between the San Joaquin Valley and Fremont/Newark/Union City. The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program will provide safe, frequent, and reliable regional rail service by modernizing passenger rail in the Altamont Corridor. The vastly improved infrastructure through the Altamont Pass would be separated from freight, double tracked, grade separated, and enable fast (up to 125 mph maximum speeds), and frequent service. The Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Improvement Program is the first step towards the completion of the Altamont Corridor Vision which is consistent with the 2018 State Rail Plan, 2007 MTC Regional Rail Plan, MTC Resolution 3829 from 2007, and the CHSRA’s Altamont Corridor Rail Project. Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1: Valley Link, Improved ACE, Shared Altamont Pass
What are the benefits of the Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1? Expands Passenger Increases Connectivity Reduces GHG Rail Ridership in the • Improved ACE and new Valley Emissions & Improves Link services are a key part of an Altamont Corridor integrated, coordinated, megaregional Public Health • Current ACE annual ridership: 1.5 rail system • VMT reduction of hundreds of million • Introduces increased frequencies, millions of miles annually in 2030 • Phase 1 2030 annual ridership: broader market reach, regular interval • Millions of metric tons of Over 12 million service, and new connectivity greenhouse gas emissions reduced • Over 4.6 million annual riders on in the first decade ACE (Central Valley to Bay Area) • Provides improved direct connections • 7.4 million annual Valley Link to BART, Caltrain, Capitol Corridor • Reduces injuries and fatalities as a riders and future High-Speed Rail and result of VMT reduction Dumbarton services
Promotes Transit- Regional Equity & Leverages Existing/ Oriented Development Benefits to Priority Matching Funding • Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 Populations • Over $1 billion in state funding creates new TOD opportunities at secured for expansion of ACE and • Expands rail service in the Tri-Valley Livermore, Tracy, and River Islands San Joaquins in the Central Valley and increases rail connectivity in the • Increases TOD potential at Bay heavily trafficked I-580 corridor which • $628 million in ACTC Measure BB Area and San Joaquin Valley ACE is the primary transportation link funds and Tri-Valley Transit Access stations (including Pleasanton, between the Bay Area and Northern Improvement funds identified for the Fremont, Great America, Stockton, San Joaquin Valley Valley Link Program Modesto, Merced, Manteca, and • Directly serves many of California’s Ripon) Disadvantaged Communities and Low- • Supports the Diridon Station Master Income Communities Plan
What is the timeline for Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1? Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 is ready to advance. If the $1.9 billion (FY19) in Bay Area funds needed for this program is included Valley Link CEQA Complete in FASTER Bay Area and the measure passes in November 2020, design/construction is estimated to start in 2021. The environmental ACV Phase 1 process for Valley Link is underway and draft documents for public CEQA Complete review will be available in Fall 2019. Additional environmental clearance for the Altamont Pass section would be done through FASTER Bay Area Measure a supplemental EIR after FASTER is successful. The Altamont ACE Saturday Corridor Vision Phase 1 can be fully implemented and in service Service ACV Phase 1 ACV Phase 1 Design/ Service Starts within the next eight years if funding is secured. Initiated Construction Begins
Contact: Potential SJCOG Measure Dan Leavitt Michael Tree Manager of Regional Initiatives Executive Director [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] (209) 944-6266 Tri-Valley–San Joaquin Valley SJRRC / SJJPA Regional Rail Authority 949 East Channel Street 1362 Rutan Court, Suite 100 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Stockton, CA 95202 Livermore, CA 94551
4/20/20 Altamont Corridor Vision Support Valley Link, Improved ACE, Shared Altamont Pass
$1.9 billion (FY19) requested in FASTER Bay Area Measure
Altamont Corridor Vision Phase 1 list of letters of support received by April 17, 2020:
Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority City of Ripon San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority City of Riverbank San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission City of Stockton City of Tracy State and Federal Representatives Congressman Swalwell Organizations/Education/Private Companies Congressman Harder Chabot Las Positas Community College District Senator Wieckowski Dublin Chamber of Commerce Senator Galgiani East Bay Leadership Council Senator Caballero Hacienda Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group Assemblymember Gray Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce Assemblymember Eggman Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce San Jose State University Local and Regional Agencies Santa Clara University City of Dublin Tri-Valley Transportation Council City of Livermore Tri-Valley Career Center City of Pleasanton Visit Tri-Valley City of San Ramon Wente City of Fremont Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association City of Union City Building Owners & Managers Association of Oakland/East Contra Costa Transportation Authority Bay Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority Association for Commuter Transportation Northern CA Caltrans District 10 Chapter Stanislaus COG University of the Pacific San Joaquin Council of Governments California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley San Joaquin County Supervisor Miller Central Valley Rail Working Group San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies’ Downtown Stockton Alliance Directors’ Committee Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Stanislaus County, Public Works Department Modesto Chamber of Commerce Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Rail Passenger Association of California and Nevada City of Ceres San Joaquin Partnership City of Lathrop Save Downtown Stockton Foundation City of Merced Tracy City Center Association City of Modesto TenSpace Mountain House Visionary Homebuilders
Contact: Dan Leavitt, Manager of Regional Initiatives Michael Tree. Executive Director [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] (209) 944-6266 Tri-Valley–San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority SJRRC / SJJPA 1362 Rutan Court, Suite 100 949 East Channel Street Livermore, CA 94551 Stockton, CA 95202