Executive Committee Agenda
Friday, July 9, 2021 8 a.m. **Teleconference Meeting**
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
The Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, July 9, 2021, will be conducted virtually in accordance with Governor Newsom’s State of Emergency declaration regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, Executive Order N-29-20, and the Guidance for Gatherings issued by the California Department of Public Health. Board Members will primarily participate in the meeting virtually, while practicing social distancing, from individual remote locations. To participate via Zoom webinar, click the link to join the meeting: zoom.us/j/98943688410 Webinar ID: 989 4368 8410 To participate via phone, dial a number based on your current location in the U.S.: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 International numbers available: zoom.us/u/adv6enY18n
SANDAG is relying on commercial technology to broadcast the meeting via Zoom. With the recent increase of virtual meetings, platforms such as Microsoft Teams, WebEx, GoToMeeting, and Zoom are working to scale their systems to meet the new demand. If we experience technical difficulty or you are unexpectedly disconnected from the broadcast, please close and reopen your browser and click the link to rejoin the meeting. SANDAG staff will take all possible measures to ensure a publicly accessible experience. Public Comments: Persons who wish to address the members on an item to be considered at this meeting, or on non-agendized issues, may email comments to the Clerk at [email protected] (please reference July 9, Executive Committee Meeting in your subject line and identify the item number(s) to which your comments pertain). Comments received by 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, will be provided to members prior to the meeting. If you desire to provide live verbal comment during the meeting, please join the Zoom meeting by computer or phone and use the “Raise Hand” function to request to provide public comment. On a computer, the “Raise Hand” feature is on the Zoom toolbar. By phone, enter *9 to “Raise Hand” and *6 to unmute. Requests to provide live public comment must be made at the beginning of the relevant item, and no later than the end of any staff presentation on the item. The Clerk will call on members of the public who have timely requested to provide comment by name for those joining via a computer and by the last three digits of for those joining via telephone. All comments received prior to the close of the meeting will be made part of the meeting record. Please note that any available chat feature on the Zoom meeting platform should be used by panelists and attendees solely for procedural or other “housekeeping” matters as comments provided via the chat feature will not be retained as part of the meeting record. All comments to be provided for the record must be made via email or orally per the instructions above.
Welcome to SANDAG. Members of the public may speak to the Executive Committee on any item at the time the Committee is considering the item. Public speakers are limited to three minutes or less per person. The Committee may only take action on any item appearing on the agenda. In order to keep the public informed in an efficient manner and facilitate public participation, SANDAG also provides access to all agenda and meeting materials online at sandag.org/meetings. Additionally, interested persons can sign up for email notifications at sandag.org/subscribe. SANDAG operates its programs without regard to race, color, and national origin in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. SANDAG has developed procedures for investigating and tracking Title VI complaints, and the procedures for filing a complaint are available to the public upon request. Questions concerning SANDAG nondiscrimination obligations or complaint procedures should be directed to the SANDAG General Counsel, John Kirk, at (619) 699-1997 or [email protected]. Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of persons to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI also may file a written complaint with the Federal Transit Administration. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons who require assistance in order to participate in SANDAG meetings. If such assistance is required, please contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] or at (619) 699-1985, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. To request this document or related reports in an alternative format, please call (619) 699-1900 or (619) 699-1904 (TTY), or fax (619) 699-1905 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. SANDAG agenda materials can be made available in alternative languages. To make a request, call (619) 699-1900 in advance of the meeting. Los materiales de la agenda de SANDAG están disponibles en otros idiomas. Para hacer una solicitud, llame al (619) 699-1900. 如有需要, 我们可以把SANDAG议程材料翻译成其他語言. 请在会议前至少 72 小时打电话 (619) 699-1900 提出请求. Message from the Clerk In compliance with Government Code §54952.3, the Clerk hereby announces that the compensation for legislative body members attending the following simultaneous or serial meetings is: Executive Committee (EC) $100, Board of Directors (BOD) $150, and Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) $100. Compensation rates for the EC and BOD are set pursuant to the SANDAG Bylaws, and the compensation rate for the RTC is set pursuant to state law. Vision Statement Pursuing a brighter future for all. Mission Statement We are the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities. Our Commitment to Equity We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. We acknowledge we have much to learn and much to change; and we firmly uphold equity and inclusion for every person in the San Diego region. This includes historically underserved, systemically marginalized groups impacted by actions and inactions at all levels of our government and society. We have an obligation to eliminate disparities and ensure that safe, healthy, accessible, and inclusive opportunities are available to everyone. In 2021, SANDAG will develop an equity action plan that will inform how we plan, prioritize, fund, and build projects and programs; frame how we work with our communities; define how we recruit and develop our employees; guide our efforts to conduct unbiased research and interpret data; and set expectations for companies and stakeholders that work with us. We are committed to creating a San Diego region where every person who visits, works, and lives can thrive.
San Diego Association of Governments 401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101-4231 × (619) 699-1900 × Fax (619) 699-1905 × sandag.org
2 Executive Committee Friday, July 9, 2021
Item No. Action +1. Approval of Meeting Minutes Approve The Executive Committee is asked to review and approve the minutes from its June 11, 2021, minutes.
2. Public Comments/Communications/Member Comments
Members of the public shall have the opportunity to address the Executive Committee on any issue within the jurisdiction of the Committee that is not on this agenda. Public speakers are limited to three minutes or less per person. Committee members also may provide information and announcements under this agenda item. If the number of public comments under this agenda item exceeds five, additional public comments will be taken at the end of the agenda. Subjects of previous agenda items may not again be addressed under public comment.
Reports
+3. Review of Draft Board Agenda Approve Victoria Stackwick, SANDAG
The Executive Committee is asked to approve the draft July 23, 2021, Board of Directors meeting agenda.
+4. Performance Evaluation of Executive Director and FY 2022 Discussion/ Performance Objectives Possible Action Melissa Coffelt, SANDAG The Executive Committee is asked to discuss the performance of the Executive Director for the period July 2020 through June 2021, and to consider whether to provide any compensation adjustment or performance bonus to the Executive Director based upon such performance. The Executive Committee is also asked to recommend performance objectives for the Executive Director for FY 2022.
+5. Legislative Status Report Information Laurie Grover, Hector Vanegas, Robyn Wapner, SANDAG Peter Peyser, Peyser Associates LLC An update on SANDAG legislative and policy activities will be presented.
6. Upcoming Meetings Information The August 13, 2021, Executive Committee meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is September 10, 2021, at 8 a.m.
7. Adjournment
+ next to an agenda item indicates an attachment
Executive Committee Item: 1 July 9, 2021 June 11, 2021, Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Chair Catherine Blakespear (North County Coastal) Action: Approve called the meeting of the Executive Committee to order at 8 a.m. The Executive Committee is asked to review and approve the minutes from its 1. Public Comments/Communications/Member June 11, 2021, meeting. Comments None.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Approve) There were no public comments on this item. Action: Upon a motion by Vice Chair Todd Gloria (City of San Diego) and a second by Second Vice Chair Alejandra Sotelo-Solis (South County), the Executive Committee voted to approve the minutes from its May 14, 2021, meeting. The motion passed. Yes: Chair Blakespear, Vice Chair Gloria, Second Vice Chair Sotelo-Solis, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (County of San Diego), Mayor Racquel Vasquez (East County), and Mayor Steve Vaus (North County Inland). No: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Reports
3. Annual Review of Committees and Working Groups (Discussion)
Robyn Wapner presented an annual review of Committees and Working Groups. The Executive Committee was asked to provide feedback on any needed revisions in functions or membership. There were no public comments on this item. Action: Discussion only.
4. Review of Draft Board Agendas (Approve) Director of Government Relations Victoria Stackwick presented the item. There were no public comments on this item. Action: Upon a motion by Vice Chair Gloria and a second by Mayor Vaus, the Executive Committee voted to approve the June 25, 2021, and July 9, 2021, Board meeting agendas, as amended. The motion passed. Yes: Chair Blakespear, Vice Chair Gloria, Second Vice Chair Sotelo-Solis, Supervisor Lawson-Remer, Mayor Vasquez, and Mayor Vaus. No: None.
Abstain: None. Absent: None.
5. Legislative Status Report (Information) Associate Government Relations Analyst Laurie Grover, Borders Program Manager Héctor Vanegas, and Manager of Government Relations Robyn Wapner presented the item. Noah Harris, member of the public, spoke in support of Assembly Bill (AB) 43 (Friedman) and AB 117 (Boerner Horvath). Nicole Burgess, member of the public, spoke in support of AB 43 and AB 117. Action: Upon a motion by Second Vice Chair Sotelo Solis, and a second by Supervisor Lawson-Remer, the Executive Committee approved taking a support position on Senate Bill (SB) 4 (Gonzalez), AB 14 (Aguiar Curry), SB 671 (Gonzalez), AB 43, AB 117, and SB 1 (Atkins). The motion passed. Yes: Vice Chair Gloria, Second Vice Chair Sotelo-Solis, Supervisor Lawson-Remer, Mayor Vasquez, Mayor Matt Hall (North County Coastal) and Mayor Rebecca Jones (North County Inland). No: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
6. Upcoming Meetings (Information) The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 9, 2021, at 8 a.m.
7. Adjournment Vice Chair Gloria adjourned the meeting at 8:42 a.m.
2 Meeting Start Time: 8 a.m. Meeting Adjourned Time: 8:42 a.m.
Confirmed Attendance at SANDAG Executive Committee Meeting May 14, 2021
Member/ Jurisdiction Name Attend Alternate Steve Vaus Primary Yes North County Inland Rebecca Jones Alternate Yes Catherine Blakespear, Chair Primary Yes North County Coastal Matt Hall Alternate Yes Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Second Vice Chair Primary Yes South County Serge Dedina Alternate No Racquel Vasquez Primary Yes East County John Minto Alternate Yes Todd Gloria, Vice Chair Primary Yes City of San Diego Vivian Moreno Alternate No Marni von Wilpert Alternate No Terra Lawson-Remer Primary Yes County of San Diego Joel Anderson Alternate Yes
3 Agenda Item No. 3 Executive Committee July 9, 2021 Board of Directors Friday, July 23, 2021
Item No. Action 1. Public Comments/Communications/Member Comments
Public comments under this agenda item will be limited to five public speakers. Members of the public shall have the opportunity to address the Board on any issue within the jurisdiction of SANDAG that is not on this agenda. Public speakers are limited to three minutes or less per person. Board members also may provide information and announcements under this agenda item. If the number of public comments under this agenda item exceeds five, additional public comments will be taken at the end of the agenda. Subjects of previous agenda items may not again be addressed under public comment. 2. Chief Executive Officer Report (Hasan Ikhrata) Discussion
An update on key programs, projects, and agency initiatives will be presented.
Consent
+3. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Francesca Webb) Approve
The Board of Directors is asked to approve the minutes from its July 9, 2021, meeting. +4. Proposed FY 2022 Program Budget Amendment: San Diego Military Approve Installation Resilience 2 Grant Award (April Dejesus)
The Board of Directors is asked to approve the proposed amendment to the FY 2022 Program Budget, accepting $880,334 in grant funding from the Department of Defense to support Phase 2 of the San Diego Military Installation Resilience Study.
+5. Approval of Proposed Solicitations And Contract Awards (Julie Wiley) Approve
The Board of Directors is asked to review and approve the proposed solicitations and contract awards.
+6. Federal Transit Administration Final Federal Fiscal Year 2022-2024 Approve Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Triennial Goal (Elaine Richardson) The Board of Directors is asked to approve the Final Proposed Triennial Goal for the Federal Transit Administration Overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal- Setting Methodology for Federal Fiscal Year 2022 to Federal Fiscal Year 2024. +7. SANDAG 2021 Title VI Program Update (Elaine Richardson) Adopt
The Board of Directors is asked to adopt Resolution No. 2022-xx, approving the SANDAG 2021 Title VI Program for submittal to the Federal Transit Administration. +8. Policy Advisory Committee Actions (Francesca Webb) Approve The Board of Directors is asked to ratify the actions taken by the Policy Advisory Committees.
+9. Chief Executive Officer Delegated Actions (Kim Monasi)* Information
In accordance with various SANDAG Board Policies, this report summarizes certain delegated actions taken by the Chief Executive Officer. +10. Meetings and Events Attended on Behalf of SANDAG (Francesca Webb) Information
Board members will provide brief reports orally or in writing on external meetings and events attended on behalf of SANDAG.
Reports
+11. Workforce Development Program (Victoria Stackwick) Discussion/ Possible Action
The Board of Directors is asked to discuss potential next steps in entering into a community benefits and local hire agreement, including whether to direct staff to negotiate such an agreement with the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council. +12. Public Hearing: Draft San Diego Forward: The 2021 Regional Plan Conduct Public (Coleen Clementson) Hearing
The Board of Directors is asked to accept public testimony on the draft San Diego Forward: The 2021 Regional Plan. The public comment period for the draft 2021 Regional Plan will close on August 6, 2021. 13. Upcoming Meetings Information
Please note, the Board meetings scheduled for August have been cancelled. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 10, 2021, at 9 a.m. 14. Adjournment
+ next to an agenda item indicates an attachment
* next to an agenda item indicates that the Board of Directors also is acting as the San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission for that item
2 Executive Committee Item: 4 July 9, 2021 Performance Evaluation of Executive Director and FY 2022 Performance Objectives
Overview Action: Discussion/Possible Action Pursuant to the employment agreement with the The Executive Committee is asked to discuss Executive Director, Mr. Hasan Ikhrata, the Board of the performance of the Executive Director for Directors shall evaluate Mr. Ikhrata’s performance each the period July 2020 through June 2021, and year and determine if he has met expectations to consider whether to provide any (Attachment 1). As a result of the evaluation, compensation adjustment or performance Mr. Ikhrata’s employment agreement states that the bonus to the Executive Director based upon Board, at its sole discretion, may take action to adjust such performance. The Executive Committee is the Executive Director’s salary if his performance is also asked to recommend performance determined satisfactory, or the Board may recommend a objectives for the Executive Director for performance bonus in the event the Executive Director FY 2022. has exceeded performance expectations.
Key Considerations Fiscal Impact: If a compensation adjustment or performance The Executive Committee is responsible for advising the bonus is approved for the Executive Director, Board regarding the performance of the Executive funding would be provided through the Director and is asked to provide input regarding FY 2022 employee salaries and benefits Mr. Ikhrata’s performance during the period July 2020 budget. through June 2021 and to discuss and recommend goals Schedule/Scope Impact: and objectives for the year ahead. Mr. Ikhrata has prepared a summary of accomplishments (Attachment 2) If approved, the Performance Objectives are relative to the FY 2021 Performance Objectives approved applicable to the period July 2021 through by the Board of Directors in June 2020 (Attachment 3). June 2022, and if approved, a compensation adjustment would be retroactive and effective Proposed FY 2022 Performance Objectives also have to the beginning of FY 2022. been developed (Attachment 4).
Next Steps The Board is scheduled to discuss Mr. Ikhrata’s performance at its meeting on July 9, 2021, to determine whether Mr. Ikhrata’s performance during the past year is considered satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or exceeds expectations. The Board also will be asked to consider approval of the proposed FY 2022 Performance Objectives. To the extent that the Board desires to consider a salary adjustment or performance bonus for Mr. Ikhrata, that may be discussed during the July 9 meeting, or an item for that purpose may be placed on the agenda for a future meeting.
SANDAG Board Chair Catherine Blakespear Key Staff Contact: Melissa Coffelt, (619) 699-1955, [email protected] Attachments: 1. SANDAG Executive Director Employment Agreement 2. Correspondence from SANDAG Executive Director 3. FY 2021 Executive Director Performance Objectives 4. Proposed FY 2022 Executive Director Performance Objectives Attachment 1
2 3 4 5 6 10.7 Notices. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (a) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (b) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (c) by telecopy or facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; or (d) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt.
11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the
09/13/2018 HASANIKHRATA
SANDAG
Date: ______09/14/2018___ _ ���RY�� Chair, SANDAG Board of Directors
At-Will Executive Employment Agreement 6 7 8 9 10 11 09/14/2018
12 Attachment 2
Date: July 2, 2021
To: SANDAG Board of Directors
From: Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director
Subject: FY 2021 Performance Evaluation
The past 12 months have been challenging for our region, state, and country. The global pandemic and economic crisis brought pain and suffering to so many people and further spotlighted the inequities in our communities. Despite the challenges, SANDAG made significant progress in service to you and the communities you represent throughout the San Diego region. The past year was the hardest I’ve worked in my career, alongside the most talented, passionate, and diligent employees I’ve ever led. I’m very proud of the resilience and innovation SANDAG demonstrated. The ongoing transformation of SANDAG has positioned the agency for even greater levels of achievement in FY 2022 and beyond.
The Board of Directors set forth a comprehensive set of objectives for me in FY 2021, which I’ve responded to in Attachment 1. Beyond these goals and objectives, there’s more to my performance.
Much of the work my team and I do is behind the scenes. It’s the relationships we’re developing across the country and beyond our international border with our stakeholders, partners, and legislative leaders that have enabled SANDAG to have a seat at the table where we inform and influence the funding and policy decisions being made at the national and state level, and also showcase the San Diego region as a leader in achieving our shared goals. SANDAG has been invited to present to audiences far and wide – from the National Association of Regional Councils to the Southern California Leadership Council to our local City Councils and community stakeholder groups, including Mexico. SANDAG is viewed as a credible source for data and policymaking. We are the regional agency others aspire to become. This is what being a world class organization is all about.
SANDAG’s biggest asset is its people. I assure you that the agency’s incredible achievements would not be possible without the amazing employees who make up the SANDAG team. As their cheerleader, I empower my team to innovate, think boldly, and imagine possibilities; to build relationships and partnerships that advance our work; and relentlessly pursue our vision – a brighter future for all. You will not find a team more passionate about serving the people of the San Diego region. And it is the culmination of this work that has led to the highlights outlined below.
• An innovative, data-driven approach, using human-centered design, for development of the Vision for the 2021 Regional Plan; presentation of the Vision for the 2021 Regional Plan to deliver a faster, fairer, cleaner transportation future; multiple presentations regarding data, technology, environmental requirements, cost estimation methodology, and aligning government planning efforts; and the release of the Draft 2021 Regional Plan for public review
• Passage of AB 2731 (Gloria, 2020), California Environmental Quality Act streamlining legislation for redevelopment of the Old Town Center/NAVWAR site, and release of the Notice of Preparation for the Central Mobility Hub
13 • Identification of ~$100 million in funding to complete emergency repairs and stabilization of the Del Mar Bluffs • Creation of the Regional Digital Divide Taskforce and partnership with Caltrans and the County of San Diego to obtain $7 million to incorporate fiber optic conduit and cabling as part of the SR 67 Pavement Rehabilitation project • Successful bond refinancing that will save the region and taxpayers more than $22 million
• Securing more than $182 million in grant funding to advance regional priorities and the inclusion of $70 million for SANDAG projects in the draft surface transportation authorization bill (the INVEST in America Act)
• Adoption of SANDAG’s Commitment to Equity statement affirms the agency’s commitment to advance equity and inclusion for all • Adoption of the Vision and Mission statements, and Strategic Plan that will focus SANDAG’s efforts in service to the San Diego region
• Completion of a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico to advance completion of the future Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and support the efficient movement of goods and services in the region
• Construction for the $2 billion Mid-Coast Trolley project progressed to 90% complete and the project remains within budget and on schedule
Each of these accomplishments are individually significant. Together, they make a clear and bold statement about our ability to accomplish great things together.
It is my greatest professional honor to serve as your Executive Director. When I submitted my application three years ago, I was drawn to the opportunity based on several statements in the position description:
• The Board values a big picture perspective and forward-thinking attitude.
• The Board seeks an individual capable of positioning SANDAG as a regional leader and managing internal and external change.
• An individual with credibility, integrity, and the ability to build trust.
• A visionary with knowledge of regional planning and sustainable multimodal transportation systems who will support climate planning efforts throughout the region.
• An open, honest communicator and relationship builder with a strong local, state, and federal network who embraces collaboration and its importance to SANDAG’s success.
Based on the accomplishments highlighted above and those that are detailed in the accompanying attachment, I believe I have fulfilled the Board’s expectations for the Executive Director role. As we approach the end of FY 2021 and the start of FY 2022, I am grateful to lead a SANDAG team that will continue to reimagine possibilities, navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, and lean-in to the future calling us forward.
HASAN IKHRATA Executive Director
2 14 FY 2021 SANDAG Executive Director Goal Achievement
Objective: Clearly define the goals for the Regional Plan
• Within the first quarter of FY 2021, clearly define the required goals for the Regional Plan that the San Diego region must meet to be compliant with state and federal laws and mandates. • With the development of the 2021 Regional Plan, provide a report that demonstrates how the proposed portfolio of projects, programs, and policies contribute toward the achievement of the required goals. • Provide a regional progress report that depicts how the region, including local agency actions, are contributing toward achieving the required goals. At a joint meeting of the Transportation, Regional Planning, and Borders Committees on August 7, 2020, the 5 Big Moves team presented a deep dive into the data-driven process to develop the vision for the 2021 Regional Plan. Staff shared the approach and methodologies that informed creation of the vision, which aims to meet state greenhouse gas emissions mandates, reduce traffic congestion, and increase social equity by expanding access to quality transportation. Federal and state requirements for the Regional Plan are listed (Item 2, Attachment 3) in the staff report for the joint meeting, and Item 3, Attachment 2 from the Board of Directors meeting on August 14, 2020.
With the release of the Draft 2021 Regional Plan for public review and comment on May 28, 2021, staff completed the checklists of transportation planning requirements - developed by the California Transportation Commission - that show how the plan contributes toward the achievement of the required goals (Item 2, Attachments 1-2).
Following the adoption of the 2021 Regional Plan in late 2021, a monitoring report will be prepared in 2023, and every four years thereafter; this report will present a snapshot of regional areas of importance and assess how the region is performing in these areas. For example, the 2018 Regional Monitoring Report describes progress on indicators from the 2015 Regional Plan. Appendix E: Performance Monitoring of the Draft 2021 Regional Plan outlines the indicators that will be tracked.
Objective: Develop strong partnerships with member agencies and facilitate greater Board of Directors member effectiveness
• Provide Board members with agenda packets and supporting materials, including PowerPoint presentations at least seven days prior to Board and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. • Through enhanced Board and PAC reports, include necessary background, foundational information, and policy analysis with relevant agenda items; identify choices and related consequences to support effective decision-making. • Provide briefings to all interested Board members in advance of Board meetings. • Promote harmony with the Board by avoiding controversial or highly simplified statements on subjects that have not been decided by Board members. • Utilize the established committee process. For example, present the proposed Regional Transportation Plan to Transportation and Regional Planning committees prior to presentation to the Board. • At Board meetings, when there are questions from Board members, allow staff members who are subject-matter experts to respond whenever possible.
3 15 SANDAG made a concerted effort to improve communication and information-sharing with the Board, Policy Advisory Committees, and partner agencies in FY 2021. A new policy was implemented to reach out to every Board member in advance of Board meetings to offer briefings and respond to inquiries. We also organized several activities outside of the standard Board meetings to engage Board members in a more informal manner and provide detailed background on complex topics under consideration. In December 2020, SANDAG hosted a virtual holiday breakfast to provide Board members the opportunity to engage with each other and staff without any agency business to conduct. In February 2021, the New Member Orientation provided interested members the necessary background and foundational information needed to consider some of the key items on the Board agenda this year. In spring 2021, a series of subregional and Board workshops focused solely on the 2021 Regional Plan were held. Staff also actively reached out to provide informational presentations to member agencies about major SANDAG initiatives and projects, and sought opportunities to partner on regional priorities. For example, updates were provided to the North County Transit District Board about the LOSSAN Corridor Realignment, Del Mar City Council about the 2021 Regional Plan, and Lemon Grove City Council received a presentation on the agency’s five Priority Projects. SANDAG also partnered with Caltrans and the County of San Diego to incorporate the installation of fiber as part of the planned Caltrans State Route 67 Pavement Rehabilitation project – directly advancing the Board’s commitment to address the Digital Divide.
SANDAG was able to take advantage of the virtual environment to enhance Board access to staff members and independent experts. This direct interaction with subject matter experts gave the Board unprecedented access to technical expertise and real-world examples from industry leaders and government officials from across the country to help validate statements and recommendations made by SANDAG staff. At a more local level, staff engaged our established committee and working group structure to help inform and vet items prior to Board consideration of those items. In January 2021, the Social Equity Working Group helped to develop and present the agency’s Equity Statement prior to Board approval; and in spring 2021, the Transportation Committee reviewed several key financial items (like the Regional Transportation Improvement Program and bond issuances) before the Board took action.
Finally, staff implemented process improvements to ensure timely posting of Board and Policy Advisory Committee reports, including PowerPoint presentations. To date, there have been 68 Board and Policy Advisory Committee meetings in FY 2021. With the exception of six individual reports and seven PowerPoint presentations, all reports and supporting materials were posted for review at least seven days in advance. Beyond the normal meeting reports, staff provided several informational updates to the Board to support effective decision-making and more consistent communications between the Board and staff. Starting in late FY 2021, simultaneous English-Spanish interpretation is being offered for all Board and Policy Advisory Committee meetings, contributing to the better understanding of regional policies and agendas and connection with local constituents. • Provide budget vs actual cost comparison for capital projects via a quarterly report.
The quarterly report presented to the Board meeting on February 26, 2021 (Item 10, Attachments 1-4), included expenditures and milestones from July - December 2020 (Q1 and Q2), including FY 2021 Approved Budgets, FY 2021 Expenditures through December 2020, and the percentage of budget spent by project in the Capital Program, excluding Minor Capital and Projects Pending Closeout. The report also included the Estimate at Completion of each project, if known, to indicate how much additional funding is needed to fully complete the Capital Program. Information about project schedules and major milestones included estimated open to public dates, milestones that were completed in Quarter 2, planned milestones for Quarter 3, and the estimated completion date for the next major milestone of each project that is fully funded through the current
4 16 phase. The Quarter 3 report, presented to the Board on June 11, 2021 (Item 10, Attachments 1-4), included expenditures and milestones from July 2020 - March 2021. The Capital Program Quarterly Report was updated in fall 2020 to be responsive to requests from various Board members to receive actual capital expenditures data in relation to their annual budget. This information is now provided at the individual project level as well as an overall Capital Program level. Explanations for why certain projects are spending high/low, or if they have delayed milestones during the fiscal year, are also provided. • Oversee the agency’s proactive engagement of community groups and the public. The SANDAG website, sandag.org, is the agency's largest and most important communications tool to educate the public and our stakeholders about SANDAG programs, projects, and services. In FY 2021, the website redesign project moved from the design phase to the technical phase; the new site is currently in development and scheduled for completion in mid-FY 2022. In addition to redesigning the site's appearance and navigation, a new content management system will be introduced, all site content is being rewritten for ease of access and understanding, and an ADA compliance consultant is providing oversight. The project folds in KeepSanDiegoMoving.com and SDForward.com to streamline Regional Plan and capital project information, brand this information as part of SANDAG, and create a better user experience.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff reviewed and amended outreach strategies to include a virtual component, whenever possible, to continue to ensure meaningful interactions with the public. In-person and virtual activities took place with Caltrans, MTS, NCTD, and municipal partners, including ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies for the SR 11 / Otay Mesa East connectors project, the Inland Rail Trail, Bike Anywhere Week, press conferences, and other outreach activities. SANDAG increased social media presence, digital campaigns, and connected with communities through the use of QR codes and more traditional print ads, direct mail, and signage.
The COVID-19 public health crisis has forced SANDAG, and all public agencies, to rethink how we gather public input and feedback; pre-pandemic outreach relied predominantly on in-person events and limited digital options like surveys. New technologies emerged during the pandemic, which have made it cost-effective and efficient to create more robust and user-friendly virtual engagement sites, like the English and Spanish Social Pinpoint sites that SANDAG recently launched for the Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plans. This technology enabled us to evolve previously finite engagement opportunities – which took place at a set date, time, and location – into them almost infinite – accessible online for weeks or months at a time, from anywhere and by anyone. As a result, SANDAG was able to create a more holistically inclusive outreach program that isn’t constrained by availability, access to childcare or transportation, or any other previous limitations. Attendance at online public engagement meetings increased overall and the public welcomed the new platforms; SANDAG is able to reach a much greater and more diverse range of residents, stakeholders, and community groups.
FY 2021 Strategic Initiatives and Priority Projects
Strategic Initiatives
• Implement Organization Effectiveness actions Soon after I came to SANDAG, we embarked on a comprehensive organization assessment. Using a “360 evaluation” approach, we looked at the agency’s effectiveness, inside and out. Board members, stakeholders, and employees were engaged in several ways. The project examined and led to development of an Organization Effectiveness Plan that made recommendations to strengthen our culture, structure, and operational processes - all designed to optimize the agency’s overall capacity, invest in the
5 17 organization, and ensure SANDAG successfully delivers on its regional responsibilities through improved levels of performance. Recommendations from the Organizational Effectiveness Plan provided a foundation for discussion and were used to inform development of our Strategic Plan. One of the most significant accomplishments in FY 2021 was preparation and adoption of the agency’s first Strategic Plan, including our Vision and Mission statements:
Vision: Pursuing a brighter future for all Mission: We are the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities.
The Initiatives and Strategies outlined below provide clarity and direction about the organization’s focus in FY 2022 and beyond. Five Initiatives support SANDAG’s goal of becoming a world-class organization by investing in our team, the way we work, the technology we use, and obtaining sustainable, reliable resources. These are large, complex, and transformative efforts requiring commitment and coordination throughout the agency and with external partners.
• Advance equity and inclusion Foster a culture that places equity and inclusion at the forefront of everything we do
• Enhance organization culture Create a positive environment where employees can do their best work
• Improve digital capabilities Leverage technology to deliver innovative projects and programs, and engage with our partners, stakeholders, and communities
• Become a data-driven organization Increase the use of data and analytics to support innovation and decision-making
• Pursue funding sources Identify and secure new resources to bring our vision and Regional Plan to life
Six Strategies describe the bodies of work SANDAG will undertake to achieve its vision and mission. They collectively represent all agency activities and responsibilities, both internal and external. • Use data and analytics to support innovation and inform decision-making Enhance data integrity and transparency, improve research and analysis, and prepare for policy and operational assessments • Plan for a vibrant future Set forth an innovative and flexible strategy for a fast, fair, clean transportation system
• Bring plans and projects to life Implement the plans, projects, policies, and programs in the 2021 Regional Plan • Operate programs and services Deliver innovative mobility and public safety services, operate regional transportation facilities, and support law enforcement data systems
6 18 • Engage with the communities we serve Cultivate stakeholder relationships, create opportunities for meaningful participation, and share information about projects, programs, and services
• Provide outstanding business advisory services Internal business teams provide leadership, develop innovative solutions, and implement best practices in their areas of expertise
As our roadmap for transformation, we’re using the Strategic Plan to better align our teams, technologies, and resources. As we prepare for the start of FY 2022, the Executive Team has outlined what the agency intends to accomplish in the next three to five years. Directors and managers will be working with employees to align FY 2022 goals to our Strategies and/or Initiatives, and quarterly performance check-ins will support clarity and accountability. Over the last two and a half years, SANDAG has been on a journey to become a more effective organization. Recommendations from the Organizational Effectiveness Plan have been embedded in our Strategic Plan. Notable progress was made in several areas in FY 2021:
• Efforts to establish a higher level of trust between the Board of Directors and staff have included redesigning the New Board Member Orientation, building a member services team to support Board member engagement and awareness, and offering biweekly briefings to all Board members.
• To maximize the value of the organization’s matrix and network structures, SANDAG continued the reorganization and realignment of staffing resources that started in late 2019. As vacancies occur, Directors are using a holistic approach to align staffing resources with the agency’s highest priorities as they considered when and where recruitments take place and how responsibilities are distributed.
• Through our Strategic Communications department, public awareness of SANDAG projects, programs, and services has been elevated through use of new digital engagement platforms and increased social media presence. Awareness of SANDAG’s many sub-brands will be enhanced with the launch of the new sandag.org website in FY 2022.
• Internal Communications capacity has been created to reinforce organization transformation and embedding SANDAG’s guiding principles, values, vision, and mission throughout messaging to employees. A new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives program was established, including formation of a DEI Council, to provide input to enhance the employee experience at SANDAG.
• A Digital Workplace Program was established to support maximum productivity through digital proficiency, improved processes, and technology that supports business goals. This program includes automation of tasks, digitizing forms, and secure cloud-based file access regardless of user location. SANDAG’s transformation has only just begun and organizational alignment is a continuous process. External and internal conditions inevitably change, and we must respond to that change to maintain alignment. The agency must remain agile and responsive, able to adapt to meet the growing needs of the Board of Directors and the public we serve. Our success in implementing the Strategic Plan will be measured over time.
7 19 • Modernize the agency’s supporting systems and technology Digital capabilities were improved throughout SANDAG with agency-wide deployment of the Microsoft 365 suite and distribution of Surface laptops that enabled continuity of business while most employees teleworked in FY 2021. More efficient internal communication and collaboration has been observed through enhanced capabilities in Microsoft Office Online and SANDAG greatly increased participation in cloud-based document storage and collaboration. Tasks that were previously accomplished manually have been automated for greater efficiency and enhanced record-keeping. The antiquated analog telephone phone service was replaced with a cloud-based, hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) digital system that uses intelligent routing. From a cyber security perspective, SANDAG’s readiness and capability were improved through appointment of a dedicated team responsible for managing cyber security, implementation of a cloud-native security information and event manager platform, proactive web content filtering to prevent connection to malicious websites, multi-factor authentication for all system administration accounts, and release of a cloud-native patch management solution to better protect devices in remote work scenarios.
In early FY 2021, the agency transitioned from use of GoToWebinar to Zoom for public meetings during the pandemic, which resulted in a smoother process for both Board/PAC member and public participation. A services-based comprehensive RFP was developed to address the agency’s audio and video needs, including the ability to fully engage with the public using the latest multi-media technology. With easier access to virtual tools and reduced transportation considerations, SANDAG experienced an exponential increase in public participation at meetings during the pandemic. Staff plan to leverage this technology and to transform the Board Room to support full in-person or virtual participation, or a hybrid in-person and virtual scenario.
A significant effort in FY 2021 was mapping agency business processes, including financial, human resource information, contract management, document management, and public information dissemination. A comprehensive RFP was developed to solicit delivery of a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The ERP will digitize nearly all SANDAG internal processes, connect existing siloed systems and information, retire several outdated legacy information systems, and improve access and dissemination of information and SANDAG documents.
On the operations side, in FY 2021, SANDAG made progress on replacing two siloed tolling systems for the I-15 Express Lanes and South Bay Expressway and implementing a regional tolling systems that will accommodate existing and future road-pricing programs such as SR11 and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. Replacement of aging roadway equipment is underway on the I-15 Express Lanes and SR 125 upgrades will begin in June 2021. The I-15 customer service and payment system were successfully migrated to the new regional tolling system, and the South Bay Expressway legacy system will be moved in early FY 2022. The Regional Arterial Management System (RAMS) interconnects most of the signalized intersections in the region and allows the cities, County, and Caltrans to coordinate traffic timings across jurisdictions. RAMS is the precursor to Smart Intersections as described in the 5 Big Moves. In FY 2021, SANDAG began working with partner agencies to upgrade the RAMS telecommunication system to a Network on Demand system that will enable local agencies to more effectively manage their regional Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including signalized intersections. Our Integrated Corridor Management System (ICMS) is a national model that proactively manages the multimodal I-15 corridor as a single transportation asset, across several jurisdictions and transportation
8 20 providers. ICMS uses nearly real-time data collection - processed through a micro-simulation model - to predict issues and to recommend changes to the transportation network. Recommendations could be signal timing changes, directing travelers to alternate routes, or even to switch modes. SANDAG’s ICMS is an early version of the Next OS, the brain of the future transportation system envisioned in the 2021 Regional Plan. In FY 2021, the ICMS was updated with new operational data and enhanced to be more resilient and to improve uptime operations. The system was also enhanced to provide support our Transit Only Lane (TOL) project on I-805, which uses Connected Vehicle technology to safely operate on the inside shoulder during peak congestion.
• Become a data-driven organization In FY 2021, staff continued implementing SANDAG’s Data Governance initiative by appointing the agency’s first Data Governance Program Manager (interim). This role, in coordination with the Data Council, will be responsible for the development of policies, standards and best practices to support Data Governance implementation across the entire organization. In addition, the Data Supply Chain Management roadmap is being implemented to ensure data products and services acquired, procured, managed and delivered follow a standards-based approach to ensure that data products and services adhere to quality, accuracy, transparency and accessibility requirements.
Staff are leveraging and evaluating several emerging location-based data sources to support the development of the 5 Big Moves, Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plans (CMCP), and COVID-19 economic response and recovery analysis products. These data are also being evaluated to determine the long-term viability to augment and/or replace traditional data sources such as travel behavior surveys, transportation system performance data, employment inventory and other demographic data used in the development of SANDAG’s suite of land use and transportation modeling and analysis tools.
Several activities in FY 2021 showcased SANDAG’s progress to become a data-driven organization.
• The “Transformative Transportation Vision” Story Map describes the data-driven approach used to develop the 5 Big Moves and includes links to documentation describing the data, analytic processes and methodology used in the development of the 5 Big Moves. • The SDForward Open Data site was created to share data, input assumptions and performance metrics used and produced during the development of the 5 Big Moves and the 2021 Regional Plan/SCS transportation modeling process. • SANDAG’s second generation Activity Based Model (ABM2+) was deployed for use in the analysis of transportation network and policy alternatives included in the 2021 Regional Plan. ABM2+ underwent an external peer review process and is widely recognized as state of the practice by transportation modeling experts in the public/private sector and academia. ABM2+ is unique because it includes an area out of the country, the metropolitan zone of Tijuana.
• The SANDAG/SanGIS Open GIS Data Portal serves as the region’s public facing clearinghouse for accessing authoritative County of San Diego HHSA COVID-19 data. The data offerings evolved throughout the pandemic to include the most recent cases rates, triggers, tiered restrictions, and vaccination information. The Highway Hot Spots & Volumes Tracker interactive dashboard was published to monitor changes in VMT and speeds at key locations throughout the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
9 21 • The San Diego Region SB 743 VMT Maps application was developed as a web-based interactive mapping tool that provides modeled VMT per capita at several geographic scales.
• In partnership with SCAG and MTC, and funded by the largest Caltrans Planning Grant ever awarded, SANDAG led a statewide effort to collect data on ridehailing travel behavior in the three largest metropolitan areas in California. SANDAG provides timely and relevant information to decision makers and the community. In FY 2021, the agency published 11 InfoBits (including the 2020 State of the Commute Report), 9 CJ Flash reports, 8 CJ Bulletins, and 1 Substance Abuse Monitoring (SAM) report. Since January 2020, the agency published 11 pandemic-related economic impact reports that led to more than 100 media interviews and 50 presentations. Five public safety grant-funded evaluation reports, as well as almost 40 data dashboards, were published in FY 2021 to give real-time actionable information to agency partners. A total of 29 peer review process (PRP) and 49 quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) efforts were conducted in FY 2021, and the agency continues to develop PRP and QA/QC policies and procedures, including responding to TransNet auditors.
Priority Projects
Five priority projects drove SANDAG work in FY 2021:
• 2021 Regional Plan Since Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1730 in October 2019, allowing SANDAG additional time to develop a visionary Regional Plan, the SANDAG team has used cutting-edge data analytics and incorporated the latest transportation technologies to develop a draft 2021 Regional Plan that addresses congestion and safety on our roadways, improves social equity, and meets state and federal mandates for air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. FY 2021 was bookended by two important milestones for the 2021 Regional Plan. In August 2020, the Vision for a faster, fairer, cleaner transportation system was unveiled. In May 2021, the draft 2021 Regional Plan was released, marking the culmination of years of planning, data analysis, and community engagement.
The 2021 Regional Plan must comply with specific state and federal mandates, including a Sustainable Communities Strategy, per Senate Bill 375, that achieves GHG emission reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board; compliance with federal civil rights requirements (Title VI); and environmental justice considerations, air quality conformity, and a public participation process. The draft 2021 Regional Plan addresses state and federal requirements and reimagines our transportation system to build a network and fund services that include multimodal roadways; an expanded network of fast, frequent, and low-cost transit; 21st century technology that manages the entire transportation system and connects people to on-demand services; and zero-emission options for vehicles and micromobility. SANDAG is committed to sustainable growth and development through collaboration with local jurisdictions and proposes to fund programs that accelerate housing production while also addressing the intertwined issues of equity, climate resilience, and mobility. As a region, we can apply an innovative demand and system management approach to reduce solo driving and congestion through increased remote work, carsharing, vanpooling, pricing strategies, and parking-management programs that leverage partnerships and technology. This summer, the draft EIR is anticipated to be released for public review and in fall 2021, the Board of Directors will be asked to consider adoption of the 2021 Regional Plan and certification of the final EIR.
10 22 • Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization In the City of Del Mar, crews completed construction in FY 2021 on the fourth phase of stabilization efforts along the coastal bluffs. These improvements included the installation of support columns that stabilize localized areas and sea walls, construction of a drainage channel on the top of the bluffs, repair of concrete channels, and stabilization of storm chute outfalls and an existing headwall. In late February 2021, the Del Mar Bluffs suffered a failure just south of 4th Street in the City of Del Mar which necessitated emergency repairs. SANDAG worked quickly to advance design on repairs to the failure area and secured more than $10 million to fund the emergency repairs. Over the course of four weekends, SANDAG successfully installed 18 piles and tiebacks, effectively securing railroad tracks to return to normal operations. Work continues on grading the bluffs and constructing a sea wall at the base of the bluffs to prevent further erosion. In partnership with California Secretary of Transportation David Kim, SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) identified the funding needed to finally complete the stabilization of the Del Mar Bluffs. With the final two phases of stabilization underway, we are simultaneously working on the long- term solution to move the rail corridor off the Bluffs. In July 2020, SANDAG began the San Diego Regional Rail Corridor Alternative Alignment and Improvements Conceptual Engineering Study (SD-LOSSAN). SD- LOSSAN will identify alternative alignments, proposed improvements, and supporting analysis to identify improvements that will (1) reduce travel times; (2) increase capacity; and (3) enhance the safety of the corridor. In spring 2021, staff reached a critical milestone by narrowing down potential realignments to two specific alternatives. SANDAG is now working with its legislative delegations to identify the funding needed to continue to advance the study and complete the environmental work.
• Mid-Coast Trolley Project
Under construction since late 2016, the Mid-Coast Trolley project will extend UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley service from the historic Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego north through the University community of San Diego. The Trolley extension will include nine new stations along its 11-mile length and remains on schedule to begin service in late 2021. When complete, the $2.1 billion project will provide service to major activity areas such as the Veterans Administration Medical Center, UC San Diego, and University Towne Centre, commonly referred to as Westfield UTC mall. A little more than half of the project is being funded by the regional TransNet half-cent sales tax for transportation and the remainder by the federal government under a $1 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement, which was executed with the FTA in September 2016. The first half of the Trolley extension runs from the Santa Fe Depot to the southern section of the University community. It follows the heavy rail freight and passenger corridor right- of-way (ROW), which is operated by NCTD. The second section, which comprises four miles of elevated guideway, follows the Caltrans ROW along I-5, crossing over I-5 twice to travel through UC San Diego, and ends at University Town Center (UTC).
In FY 2021, SANDAG advanced construction to more than 90% completed. All major structural work was completed, including completion of the Trolley underpass at La Jolla Colony Drive, and all trackwork installed. Ongoing construction efforts focused on station construction, landscaping, and work on the overhead catenary system that will power the Trolley. The project achieved several major milestones including completion of roadway impacts along Friars Road and completion of the Nobel Drive Trolley Station parking structure. Crews also began the final phase of roadway construction along Genesee Avenue and broke ground on the future UTC Transit Center parking structure. Additionally, MTS accepted
11 23 delivery of the final light rail vehicle for the project; in total, 36 new vehicles were procured through the project and all have been accepted by MTS for service. SANDAG also progressed several concurrent efforts along the Mid-Coast Corridor, which were completed through the Construction Manager/General Constructor model agreement between SANDAG and Mid- Coast Transit Constructors (MCTC). Notable achievements include completion the Elvira to Morena Double Track project, a $192 million effort that added 2.6 miles of double-tracked railway along the Los Angeles- San Luis Obispo-San Diego (LOSSAN) rail corridor between State Route 52 and Garnet Avenue/Balboa Avenue in addition to constructing seven bridges, two rail crossovers, and several retaining walls; completion of the I-5/Genesee Avenue Auxiliary Lane project; installation of lighting and signage for the Gilman Bridge; and completion of the Rose Creek Bikeway. Additionally, SANDAG continues to work with Caltrans to progress efforts for the Voigt Drive Improvements project, which is expected to be completed in fall 2021 and will improve access to the future UC San Diego Health La Jolla Trolley Station.
In FY 2022, SANDAG will complete construction of the Trolley stations and the UTC Transit Center parking structure. Additionally, SANDAG will support MTS as they test the Trolley system. The Trolley extension is anticipated to begin revenue service in late 2021.
• Navy Old Town Campus Revitalization/Central Mobility Hub
For decades, San Diego has explored ways to improve regional connectivity to San Diego International Airport. With future traffic impacts to current San Diego International Airport roads projected to exceed capacity, combined with insufficient transit access to the airport, SANDAG has made it a chief priority to identify a solution for a direct transit connection to the airport. Revitalization of the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, situated on the west side of I-5 about one mile north of the airport, may solve this longstanding regional connectivity issue by providing a location for a proposed Central Mobility Hub.
The 70.5-acre Navy property currently houses the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command facilities, which the Navy seeks to redevelop and modernize to support its cyber security mission. On September 19, 2019, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and SANDAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata signed an Agreement to discuss how the property might be redeveloped to meet the Navy’s needs and those of the region at large. The Agreement outlines how SANDAG and the Navy will work together throughout the environmental clearance process and establish a timeline for redevelopment of the site. An additional Agreement was signed on January 23, 2020, which signifies that SANDAG and the Navy will collaborate exclusively to explore solutions for redeveloping the Navy Old Town Campus. The Central Mobility Hub at the revitalized Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, if realized, would include a state-of-the-art transportation center with a direct connection to the airport and additional connections to the Trolley, COASTER, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Rapid transit, local bus, and future transportation options. It would offer San Diegans a one-transfer connection to the airport from major destinations across the region for generations to come. In FY 2021, SANDAG conducted outreach to several community planning groups and local organizations to educate the public on the proposed Central Mobility Hub project and SANDAG’s concurrent effort to support redevelopment of the Navy Old Town Campus. SANDAG facilitated a community roundtable to engage community leaders and offer a personalized opportunity to discuss their respective communities’ needs. SANDAG also presented initial concepts for the Central Mobility Hub at a public workshop for the Central Mobility Hub and Connections Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Planning effort, which will
12 24 help inform the Central Mobility Hub project by development transportation solutions and connections in the area of San Diego International Airport and the surrounding communities. In April 2021, SANDAG began the environmental review process for the Central Mobility Hub project with the release of the Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report and hosted a public scoping meeting in mid-May. Lastly, virtual engagement sites were launched in English and Spanish to encourage ongoing public engagement throughout the project.
• Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and State Route 11 The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (POE) project, along with a new connecting future tolled road, State Route 11, is jointly undertaken by SANDAG and Caltrans in cooperation with key partner agencies on both sides of the United States–Mexico border. In FY 2021, a new project was awarded to install fiber optic network across south county in order to feed into the SR 11/Otay Mesa East POE and to interconnect a new border wait times system along the future Otay Mesa East POE and existing Otay Mesa and San Ysidro POEs. This communication infrastructure will support intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to provide travelers with live border wait time information across the region’s land ports of entry.
In addition, the project team began construction of the southbound State Route 125 to westbound State Route 905 connector, as well as the future Siempre Viva Interchange at the future SR 11. The first segment of Enrico Fermi Drive, a Diverging Diamond Interchange, opened to traffic in FY 2021, is the first of its kind in San Diego County and the first to cater to freight in California.
In FY 2021, the project received two important grants: the California Transportation Commission (CTC) awarded a $42.5 million grant as part of the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) awarded a $9.29 million Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment grant (ATCMTD). The project team also submitted an application for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation on behalf of Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA).
The project team recently celebrated the signing of a binational Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both the U.S. and Mexico. This MOU outlines the revenue sharing model (toll sharing), mirrors ITS functionality on both sides of the border, and emphasizes the goal of opening the Otay Mesa East POE in late 2024. During the first quarter of FY 2022, the project team will complete the investment grade traffic and revenue study and will complete the final stretch of SR 11 and the SR 125/905/11 connectors.
13 25 Attachment 3
FY 2021 SANDAG Executive Director Performance Objectives
Clearly define the goals for the Regional Plan • Within the first quarter of FY 2021, clearly define the required goals for the Regional Plan that the San Diego region must meet to be compliant with state and federal laws and mandates. • With the development of the 2021 Regional Plan, provide a report that demonstrates how the proposed portfolio of projects, programs, and policies contribute toward the achievement of the required goals. • Provide a regional progress report that depicts how the region, including local agency actions, are contributing toward achieving the required goals. Develop strong partnerships with member agencies and facilitate greater Board of Directors member effectiveness • Provide Board members with agenda packets and supporting materials, including PowerPoint presentations at least seven days prior to Board and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. • Through enhanced Board and PAC reports, include necessary background, foundational information, and policy analysis with relevant agenda items; identify choices and related consequences to support effective decision-making. • Provide briefings to all interested Board members in advance of Board meetings. • Provide budget vs actual cost comparison for capital projects via a quarterly report. • Promote harmony with the Board by avoiding controversial or highly simplified statements on subjects that have not been decided by Board members. • Utilize the established committee process. For example, present the proposed Regional Transportation Plan to Transportation and Regional Planning committees prior to presentation to the Board. • At Board meetings, when there are questions from Board members, allow staff members who are subject-matter experts to respond whenever possible. • Oversee the agency’s proactive engagement of community groups and the public. FY 2021 Strategic Initiatives and Priority Projects The Strategic Initiatives outlined by SANDAG are long-term, agency wide goals. The Priority Projects are updated each year to highlight particular areas of focus for the coming year. Strategic Initiatives • Implement Organization Effectiveness actions: SANDAG must think, work, and plan differently as the region changes. The strategic planning project that started in 2019 produced a set of recommendations tied to workplace culture, organization structure, and internal operations. Together, these actions serve as a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing the agency’s overall capacity and ensuring SANDAG successfully delivers on its regional responsibilities through improved levels of performance. • Modernize the agency’s supporting systems and technology: For SANDAG to become a world-class organization and deliver its vision for the region’s future, the best equipment, technology, and training are necessary. The agency has embarked on an effort to modernize digital technology used throughout the agency, to enable staff to collaborate better and to work more effectively and efficiently. Over the next few years, the agency will update its capabilities in finance, human resources, payroll, telecommunications, desktop and mobile computing, and in the use of cloud-based systems.
26 • Become a data-driven organization: SANDAG is using real-time data to solve real-world challenges. The agency is working to implement data solutions that are both secure and innovative, with an objective to develop a data-driven culture within the agency that fosters collaboration with public and private partners. SANDAG will deliver data services that will help to better illuminate issues and opportunities and will enhance decision-making and policy development. Priority Projects Five main priorities will drive SANDAG work in FY 2021: • 2021 Regional Plan Two important milestones were reached in fall 2019 to help SANDAG continue to develop a bold new vision for San Diego Forward: The 2021 Regional Plan (2021 Regional Plan). On October 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1730 (Gonzalez) into law, which in effect keeps the region in compliance with state laws and ensures that important state funds continue to flow into the region while the 2021 Regional Plan is developed. On November 15, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approved the SANDAG 2019 Federal Regional Transportation Plan (2019 Federal RTP). The 2019 Federal RTP, developed by SANDAG throughout 2019, is the region’s current long-range plan and maintains the region’s eligibility for state and federal transportation funding while the agency continues to develop the 2021 Regional Plan. The bold new transportation vision for the 2021 Regional Plan will focus on creating a balanced transportation system through the implementation of five strategies SANDAG refers to as the “5 Big Moves” – Complete Corridors, Transit Leap, Mobility Hubs, Flexible Fleets, and Next Operating System (Next OS). These closely coordinated initiatives create a framework for a transformative vision for mobility in our region, and this FY 2021 budget reflects the region’s early steps toward realizing that vision. Complete Corridors focuses on improving how people travel by balancing the need for dedicated space for cars, transit vehicles, shared mobility options, bike riders, pedestrians, commercial vehicles, and other fleets of vehicles that promote individual mobility (Flexible Fleets), including small transit shuttles and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. The anticipated benefits of developing Complete Corridors include increased roadway capacity, reduced congestion and air pollution, shorter travel times, increased transit ridership, improved safety, and the maximization of existing infrastructure. Transit Leap is an initiative to create a complete network of high-speed, high-capacity, and frequent transit services that connect major residential areas with employment centers and local attractions. New high-speed transit services, covering longer distances with limited stops, may be separated from vehicle traffic with bridges, tunnels, or dedicated lanes. Service times will be expanded, transit will be more personalized with a greater variety of vehicles and types of service, and new and existing transit service will transition to electric power or alternative fuels to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Less congestion, faster transit travel times, reduced air pollution, decreased demand for parking, and lower household transportation costs are among the anticipated benefits. Mobility Hubs are places of connectivity where different types of travel options—walking, biking, transit, and shared mobility—come together. They are uniquely designed around the needs of communities and better connect high-frequency transit to an individual’s origin or destination. Mobility Hubs offer people safe walkways and bikeways; shared mobility options such as transit, on-demand rideshare, and smaller vehicles such as scooters and bikes; support services such as real-time travel information and charging stations for electric cars and bikes; and other features. Higher transit ridership, less congestion, reduced
27 air pollution, and increased mobility for seniors and people with disabilities are among the anticipated benefits of Mobility Hubs. Flexible Fleets will provide people with shared vehicles for all types of trips 24 hours a day and seven days a week—all aimed at improving individual mobility. They will provide important connections between high-speed transit and key destinations such as work and home, making it easier for people to choose public transit and reduce the need to own a car. Anticipated benefits include better access to transit, trip convenience, reduced air pollution, congestion relief, and increased mobility for seniors and people who are physically disabled. Next OS is the “brain” of the entire transportation system, and it will be the digital platform through which technology and data can be used to connect and manage different modes of transportation, including passenger vehicles, buses, ridesharing vehicles, delivery trucks, bikes, scooters, and more. The result will be roadways and transit services that operate more smoothly and serve people better. Next OS will make the other four big moves discussed above work in unison to give people a seamless travel experience across all modes of transportation. On July 12, 2019, the Board directed staff to continue public outreach and develop a Regional Plan that conforms to all applicable federal and state laws, including state greenhouse gas targets; provides realistic and transparent revenue assumptions; utilizes the 5 Big Moves and complete corridor model, including highway and transit improvements; and prioritizes corridors previously scheduled for investment such as SR 78, 52, 67, and 94/125. • Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization In the City of Del Mar, construction began in FY 2020 on the fourth phase of stabilization efforts along the coastal bluffs. These improvements include the installation of support columns that stabilize localized areas and sea walls, construction of a drainage channel on the top of the bluffs, repair of concrete channels, and stabilization of storm chute outfalls and an existing headwall. SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) are currently seeking $100 million to accelerate two more phases of stabilization projects: Del Mar Bluffs Phase 5 and 6. Phase 5 is currently funded through design and will address additional seismic and general stabilization needs, install additional support columns, and replace more aging drainage structures. Phase 6 will continue to provide long-term rehabilitation and stabilization work, including protecting the base of the bluffs against additional bluff retreat and investigating improved pedestrian access. Simultaneously, to ensure the long-term viability of the corridor, SANDAG is also seeking $5 million to study potential long-term solutions, which could include tunneling below Del Mar. • Mid-Coast Trolley Project Under construction since late 2016, the Mid-Coast Trolley project will extend UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley service from the historic Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego north through the University community of San Diego. The Trolley extension will include nine new stations along its 11-mile length and is scheduled to begin service in late 2021. When complete, the $2.1 billion project will provide service to major activity areas such as the Veterans Administration Medical Center, UC San Diego, and University Towne Centre, commonly referred to as Westfield UTC mall. A little more than half of the project is being funded by the regional TransNet half-cent sales tax for transportation and the remainder by the federal government under a $1 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement, which was executed with the FTA in September 2016. The first half of the Trolley extension runs from the Santa Fe Depot to the southern section of the University community. It follows the heavy rail freight and passenger corridor right-of-way (ROW), which is operated by NCTD. The second section, which comprises four miles of elevated guideway, follows the Caltrans ROW along I-5, crossing over I-5 twice to travel through UC San Diego, and ends at University Towne Centre.
28 In FY 2020, SANDAG completed major work on bridges, abutments and piers, utility undergrounding, and columns in addition to forming the full length of the elevated Trolley viaduct by installing 192 pre- cast concrete girders and conducting cast-in-place concrete pours. Work also began on construction of the Trolley stations, including initial systems work, and the Trolley underpass. In addition, crews have almost completed realigning the rail corridor, double-tracking the heavy rail, and have begun to install the Trolley light-rail lines. In FY 2021, SANDAG will continue work on the viaducts in the northern section of the project and grading, drainage, retaining walls, and bridges in the southern section. Trackwork, station construction, and systems elements will also continue along the length of the alignment. • Navy Old Town Campus Revitalization/Central Mobility Hub For decades, San Diego has explored ways to improve regional connectivity to San Diego International Airport. With future traffic impacts to current San Diego International Airport roads projected to exceed capacity, combined with insufficient transit access to the airport, SANDAG has made it a chief priority to identify a solution for a direct transit connection to the airport. Revitalization of the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, situated on the west side of I-5 about one mile north of the airport, may solve this longstanding regional connectivity issue by providing a location for a new central mobility hub. The 70.5-acre Navy property currently houses the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command facilities, which the Navy seeks to redevelop and modernize to support its cyber security mission. On September 19, 2019, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and SANDAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata signed an Agreement to discuss how the property might be redeveloped to meet the Navy’s needs and those of the region at large. The Agreement outlines how SANDAG and the Navy will work together throughout the environmental clearance process and establish a timeline for redevelopment of the site. An additional Agreement was signed on January 23, 2020, which signifies that SANDAG and the Navy will collaborate exclusively to explore solutions for redeveloping the Navy Old Town Campus. The Central Mobility Hub at the revitalized Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, if realized, would include a state-of-the-art transportation center with a direct connection to the airport and additional connections to the Trolley, COASTER, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Rapid transit, local bus, and future transportation options. It would offer San Diegans a one-transfer connection to the airport from major destinations across the region for generations to come. In FY 2021, discussions will continue on redevelopment of the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus for the benefit of the Navy and the San Diego region. • Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and State Route 11 The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (POE) project, along with a new connecting future tolled road, SR 11, is jointly undertaken by SANDAG and Caltrans, in cooperation with key partner agencies on both sides of the United States–Mexico border. Project milestones reached so far include the start of construction in FY 2020 of the SR 125 southbound connectors to westbound SR 905 and SR 11, the final segment of SR 11, and procurement of ROW for the new POE. FY 2021 work will continue these construction efforts and begin construction on the Siempre Viva Road interchange improvements. Also in FY 2020, the project completed the binational Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) pre- deployment study; operationalized southbound border wait-time data collection; began implementation of a northbound border wait-time monitoring system; initiated an investment-grade Traffic and Revenue Analysis; and developed a comprehensive funding plan that includes public funds, tolls, and other revenues. Upon completion of these studies, a binational architectural and engineering design plan for both the
29 United States and Mexican sides of the POE complex will commence. In addition, the project team began designing the binational ITS.
30 Attachment 4
Draft for Discussion: FY 2022 SANDAG Executive Director Performance Objectives
SANDAG Vision: Pursuing a brighter future for all
SANDAG Mission: We are the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities.
1. Regional Leadership
o Strengthen collaborative working relationships with and between member agencies, partner organizations, and stakeholders to advance regional priorities.
o Provide the Board of Directors with the data, information, and resources needed to ensure informed decision-making and empower transformative policy-making for the region.
o Elevate the work of the agency and identify opportunities for SANDAG to serve as a model for state and/or federal initiatives in support of the 2021 Regional Plan.
o Deepen SANDAG partnerships at the local, regional, state, federal, and binational levels to position the San Diego region to successfully compete for funding and implement the Regional Plan.
2. Advance Regionally Significant Priorities and continue to Plan, Build, and Deliver Capital Projects
o Priority Projects o Mid-Coast Trolley Project: Open for revenue service by December 2021. o 2021 Regional Plan: Achieve Board approval and acceptance by the California Air Resources Board and Federal Highway Administration.
o Otay Mesa East Port of Entry: Complete traffic and revenue analysis and design/build bridging documents, with the goal of opening the new facility in late 2024.
o Central Mobility Hub: Conduct technical studies and prepare environmental documents for public review by late 2022.
o Del Mar Bluffs/LOSSAN Corridor: Complete planning studies and identify funding to begin environmental and design for the long-term realignment of the LOSSAN Corridor along the Del Mar Bluffs.
o Innovative Mobility Pilots: Bring the 5 Big Moves to life by completing the detailed planning; building of partnerships and the development of implementation plans for the pilot efforts described in the FY 2022 Annual Program Budget.
o Develop and deliver projects defined in the FY 2022 Capital Program, including environmental, design, and construction for regional bikeways and transit infrastructure improvement and enhancement initiatives.
31 o Implement the SANDAG Commitment to Equity, including development of the Digital Equity Strategy and Equity Action Plan, incorporation of the Social Equity Working Group in the SANDAG policy- making process, and other related activities. Accelerate the implementation of pilot projects, e.g. transit service enhancements; and the delivery of Bike Early Action Plan projects that address the needs of underserved communities.
3. Implement the Strategic Plan Initiatives Oversee internal transformational efforts that ensure SANDAG achieves the highest levels of organization performance.
o Advance equity and inclusion: Embed the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do; become the organization where all employees can feel safe, contribute, learn, advance, thrive, and do their best work; and an employer of choice for a diverse workforce; develop a comprehensive Equity Action Plan.
o Enhance organization culture: Reinforce SANDAG’s purpose throughout the organization; create a positive environment where employees can do their best work and are recognized for their contributions; encourage teamwork, collaboration, and knowledge sharing; achieve excellence through learning and continuous improvement; and provide opportunities and challenges for profes sional development.
o Improve digital capabilities: Foster innovation and resiliency by leveraging technology; promoting digital literacy; adopting effective work-from-anywhere practices; and building new capabilities for open and transparent digital solutions that drive seamless and efficient business practices; enhance IT infrastructure to support hybrid meetings; initiative implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning tool
o Become a data-drive organization: Implement comprehensive and effective data governance, quality control, and information management systems; develop employee expertise to analyze and translate data into actionable information; and establish policies and practices that increase the use of data and analytics to innovate, identify opportunities, solve problems, improve operations, and enhance policy development and decision-making.
o Pursue funding sources: Identify adequate funding using equitable frameworks, including grants, partnerships, cooperative arrangements, and innovative financing solutions from all available sources, to supplement existing revenues and support implementation of programs and projects; and carry out these efforts with transparency and integrity.
32 Executive Committee Item: 5 July 9, 2021 Legislative Status Report
Status reports on SANDAG legislative activities are Action: Information provided to the Executive Committee on a regular basis. An update on SANDAG legislative and policy Attachments 1 and 2 include summaries from activities will be presented. Ellison Wilson Advocacy LLC on state legislative activity, and from Peyser Associates LLC on federal legislative activity related to SANDAG for June 2021.
Victoria Stackwick, Director of Government Relations Key Staff Contacts: Robyn Wapner, (619) 699-1994, [email protected] Hector Vanegas, (619) 699-1972, [email protected] Laurie Grover, (619) 595-5388, [email protected] Attachments: 1. Report from Ellison Wilson Advocacy LLC 2. Report from Peyser Associates LLC Attachment 1
TO: SANDAG BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM: ELLISON WILSON ADVOCACY, LLC SUBJECT: SANDAG LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY REPORT – JUNE 2021
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Legislative Overview All bills were required to be passed from their house of origin by June 4. June 15 was the constitutional deadline for the Legislature to pass the Budget Bill. July 14 is the deadline for all remaining bills to be heard in policy committee, then the Legislature will adjourn for summer recess on July 16. They will return on August 16 for a 4-week sprint to the end-of-year deadline on September 10.
Legislature Passes Budget Bill AB 128, the main Budget Bill, was passed by the Legislature on Monday, June 14 and sent to the Governor in advance of the June 15 constitutional deadline. The action has been criticized because it was not a “real” budget because billions of dollars’ worth of spending on a variety of programs are still being negotiated between the Legislature and the Governor. It has been labeled a “placeholder” by some, and a “sham” by others. However, the passage of this work in progress does allow the Legislature to get paid under Prop 25, which penalizes late budgets. The 924-page budget bill allocates a record-setting $267 billion.
There are dozens of budget trailer bills still awaiting amendments and votes, expected to be completed throughout the remainder of the legislative session. On June 28, the respective budget committees are meeting to discuss several additional budget trailer bills, expected to be voted on by the full Legislature ASAP, which contain the following items:
Climate Resiliency. Approximately $3.7 billion Climate Resiliency Package, which includes the following categories of spending: • Regional Climate Resilience (e.g., regional climate resilience projects). • Urban Climate Resilience (e.g. urban greening, cooling/resilience centers, Transformative Climate Communities). • Watershed Protection (e.g., multibenefit flood protection, urban streams and rivers). • Fish and Wildlife Protection. • Agriculture and Food Supply Resilience (e.g., Farmland Protection Program, research on GHG reduction of agriculture). • Coastal Protection (e.g., wetlands restoration and sea-level rise projects).
2 Zero Emission Vehicles. Provides $2.7 billion in 2021-22, and $3.9 billion over three years, for a variety of zero emission vehicle programs. This includes multiyear investments in drayage trucks, transit buses, and school buses, as well as $500 million for ZEV infrastructure and $525 million for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.
Affordable Housing. Provides significant investment in developing, constructing, and preserving affordable and livable housing, including: • $1.75 billion to alleviate the backlog in affordable housing construction. • $300 million for the preservation of existing affordable housing. • $500 million for the creation of a Foreclosure Intervention Housing Preservation program. • $130 million for the development, maintenance, and preservation of farmworker housing. • $600 million for planning and implementation grants to help local governments plan for and meet their goals under their Sustainable Community Strategies.
Transportation. Provides $3 billion in funding for transportation infrastructure across the state, including for active transportation projects and projects identified for completion prior to 2028, subject to additional legislative action. Additionally, it provides roughly $2 billion in special funds and federal funds for streets, roads, and highway projects and provides $400 million over two years for a State and Local Transportation Adaptation program.
Broadband. Appropriates $6 billion over a multi-year period for broadband infrastructure and improved access to broadband services throughout the state, including $3.75 billion for middle-mile infrastructure in unserved communities. Details will continue to be worked out through three party negotiations. Administrative flexibilities will enable the appropriated funds to be accelerated to ensure they are available as needed to fund the expansion and improvements.
2 3 Attachment 2
PEYSERASSOCIATES LLC Peter A. Peyser
Transportation Update from Peyser Associates
June 4, 2021
House Committee Unveils Reauthorization/Infrastructure Plan for Transportation
The Democratic leadership of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) last night announced it has prepared legislation that “puts a core piece of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan into legislative text,” according to Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR).
The five-year, $547 billion measure reauthorizes current highway, transit and rail programs and also includes key elements of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Here are the highlights of the bill:
• $343 billion for highways, including a $32 billion bridge program, $4 billion for electric vehicle charging stations and $3 billion for a program to reconnect communities divided by highways. This spending total is about 40% higher than current spending. • $109 billion for transit, representing about a 70% increase from current funding levels. • $95 billion for passenger and freight rail, with $32 billion for Amtrak and $63 billion for passenger rail projects. This is a seven-fold increase over current spending levels.
When these five-year totals are measured against the eight-year totals in the Biden proposal, it becomes clear the House Democrats have actually gone bigger than Biden in spending on surface transportation – especially on passenger rail.
As of this writing, legislative language has just been released. A further update will include more detailed analysis.
DeFazio said his committee plans to forge ahead with a mark-up next Wednesday, June 9. At that time, it is expected earmarks will be inserted into the measure.
Biden Scales Back Infrastructure Plan in Talks with Senate GOP
President Biden yesterday scaled-back his formerly $2.5 trillion infrastructure plan to about $1 trillion. He also withdrew from the plan his proposal to pay for it by raising the corporate income tax from 21% to 28%. Instead, the new Biden plan would create a corporate minimum tax of 15%.
The immediate context of the new Biden offer was set by his conversations with Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (D-WV), who is the negotiator on behalf of the Senate Republicans. The offer
1
4 was in response to Capito’s offer last week of a $257 billion plan partially paid for by re- purposing as-yet unspent COVID-19 relief. The White House has not specified how it would pare back the spending proposed in the scaled-back $1.7 trillion plan released last week. The most likely reduction from the remaining items in the package is the $400 billion for home health care employment assistance.
While the Biden offer ostensibly was to respond to the GOP, it also appears aimed squarely at the sensibilities of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). Manchin has previously expressed disagreement with the corporate tax rate increase proposed by Biden and the inclusion of non-traditional infrastructure proposals in the American Jobs Plan.
Key Administration officials over the past week have been saying negotiations need to wrap up by end of this week so Congress can get to work on the infrastructure plan next week. The DeFazio announcement that his committee will meet next week on his proposed bill put an exclamation point on that. Having said that, given President Biden’s proclivity for taking his time with big decisions and the need to get Sen. Manchin on board, that “deadline” may be extended.
Capitol Hill Republicans expressed opposition to the Biden plan in anonymous statements to the press. They pointed out that the GOP remains opposed to using business taxes to pay for infrastructure and that Biden’s spending plans are still about four times what the GOP supports. On the Democratic side, the calls for immediate action on the original Biden plan escalated, with progressive House Members in particular, saying it is time to move ahead without GOP votes.
If the GOP rejects the Biden offer or he just decides to declare the conversation over, it is likely the House with forge ahead with a plan that more closely resembles the original Biden proposal. Again, the House T&I Committee proposal is an indication of that inclination.
June 5, 2021
Special Update from Peyser Associates: Policy and Program Changes in “INVEST in America Act” as Introduced in the House
Yesterday, you received a Special Update with a chart showing the funding allocated to programs authorized in the introduced version of the “INVEST in America Act.” Today’s update reviews the most significant policy and program changes in the legislation.
Highways
• Member Designated Projects – Distributes $14.7 billion in FY 2022 to states based on existing formulas. Then, states must allocate money to Member Designated Projects listed in the bill from their formula allocation. Any funds in their allocation not used on MDP’s can be used flexibly for any projects normally eligible for federal highway funds (i.e. highways and transit). • Tolling - Requires that any new toll facilities provide for electronic interoperability with other providers in the region and seeks to facilitate interoperable electronic tolling.
2
5 Provides mainstream authority for congestion pricing, subject to the considerations above, as well as impacts on congestion on the facility, adjacent routes, and the corridor to ensure that any planned investments in operational improvements or in alternate travel options reduce congestion in the corridor. Reinstates the authority for single-occupant Hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes for free. • Surface Transportation Program Suballocation – Increases from 55% to 60% the portion of STP funds allocated to a state that must be suballocated to local governments based on population. • Projects of National and Regional Significance -- Provides more than $12 billion over the life of the bill for large highway, transit, and passenger and freight rail projects that reduce congestion on roadways and that cannot be funded through annual apportionments or other discretionary sources. Includes the authority for the Secretary to award large grants over multiple years. • Community Transportation Investment Grants -- Establishes a $600 million per year grant program to support local investments in projects to improve safety, state of good repair, accessibility, and environmental quality through infrastructure investments. Sets aside a minimum of 25 percent of program funds for projects in rural communities and a minimum of 25 percent of program funds for projects in communities between 50,000 and 200,000 in population. • Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - Establishes a $1 billion per year clean corridors program to provide formula funding to states for electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Requires electric vehicle charging stations that receive title 23 funds to be usable by the majority of EV drivers, accessible to all members of the public, and network capable. • Community Climate Innovation Grants -- Establishes a new $250 million per year competitive grant program to support local investments in innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. • Metro Performance Program -- Provides $1 billion over the life of the bill for direct allocations to MPOs to advance locally-selected projects. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a high-performance tier of MPOs based on technical capacity to manage federal-aid highway funds. Provides between $10 and $50 million per year for the MPOs designated • Gridlock Reduction Grant Program -- Establishes a $500 million grant program to reduce traffic gridlock in large metropolitan areas. Supports projects to reduce and mitigate the adverse impacts of traffic congestion; make better use of existing capacity; and employ innovative, integrated, and multimodal solutions to reducing gridlock. • Reconnecting Neighborhoods Program -- Provides $3 billion over the life of the bill on a reconnecting neighborhoods discretionary grant program. The program is focused on remediating economically-disadvantaged and underserved communities and emphasizes projects that provide for inclusive economic development.
Transit
• All Stations Accessibility Program – For fiscal 2022 only, creates a $1 billion programs to upgrade accessibility for disabled persons at transit stations.
3
6 • Reducing Transit Deserts Program – For fiscal 2022 only, creates a program to provide improved transit service in underserved areas. Capital and operating expenses are eligible. • Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 Formulas – Ensures that fiscal year 2019 National Transit Database (NTD) date will be used to allocate formula funds in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. • Additional Allocations for CIG Projects – Grants the Secretary authority to increase by up to 30% the federal share of CIG projects that received funding allocations in fiscal years 2019, 2020 or 2021. • Multijurisdictional Bus Frequency and Ridership Competitive Grants -- Creates a new competitive program, funded at $100 million annually, to increase bus frequency, ridership, and total person throughput by redesigning urban streets and corridors to efficiently move transit vehicles in congested major urban areas. The program is structured to require a partnership between transit agencies and state or local government agencies responsible for roadways. • Incentivize Frequency in the Urbanized Area Formula Program – The bill removes the current incentive tier for low operating cost and replaces it with an incentive tier that rewards service frequency in the recipient’s busiest bus routes. • Property Disposition for Affordable Housing -- Allows a grantee to transfer property no longer needed to a local government authority, non-profit, or other third party for the purpose of transit-oriented development and releases the federal interest in that asset. Requires that at least 40 percent of the housing units in such a project be offered as affordable housing. • Affordable housing incentives in Capital Investment Grants -- Provides multiple incentives in the CIG ratings process if the project preserves or encourages higher density affordable housing near the project. Allows Economic Development Administration Public Works grants and Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development. • CIG Program Reforms – The bill makes several changes to the CIG program. These include: o Longer Time in Project Development – Extends to three years the deadline for completing PD and getting into Engineering. o Federal Cost Share – Re-establishes an 80% federal share cap. For agencies that opt for a share of less than 60%, there are benefits including : applicant determines the amount of contingency, self-certifies that local funds are available to operate the system, and needs only 75% of non-CIG funds committed to execute an FFGA. The remaining 25% must be budgeted at that time. Rail
• Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization, and Expansion (PRIME) Grants – Creates a new competitive program funded at $25 billion over five years to support high-speed and intercity rail passenger projects. Unlike last year’s version, there is no set-aside for Northeast Corridor projects. • Bridges Stations and Tunnels Grant Program – Creates a new competitive grant program funded at $25 billion over five years to support major intercity passenger rail
4
7 bridges, stations and tunnels. Eligibility criteria favor the Northeast Corridor, but other corridors are eligible. • RRIF – The bill makes some changes to the RRIF program. These include: making permanent the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) loan authority, reinstating the requirement the Credit Risk Premiums paid by borrowers be refunded when loans are satisfied, and authorizing funds to have the federal government pay all or part of the CRP for borrowers who are state and local governments, interstate compacts or government sponsored entities. • Amtrak Board Composition – Changes the Amtrak board make-up to re-instate a previous requirement to include a Mayor or Governor from the Northeast Corridor and a Mayor or Governor from a city or state not on the NEC that has Amtrak service. Also restores a requirement to include a representative of Amtrak employees. All appointments would be made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The House T&I Committee is planning a mark-up for Wednesday next week (June 9). Committee Members wishing to offer amendments must submit them by 1pm on Tuesday.
June 11, 2021
House Committee Approves INVEST in America Act – Floor Action Scheduled
After a 19-hour marathon mark-up (a small portion of which was devoted to water infrastructure legislation) the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved around 5am yesterday the “INVEST in America Act” introduced last week by the Democratic leaders of the committee. Committee Chair Peter DeFazio hailed it in a post-markup press release as “bi- partisan” legislation – 2 GOP Members of the committee voted for it and 26 voted against.
The committee considered more than 200 amendments – the vast majority offered by Republican Members and rejected virtually all of them – the most notable exception being the Managers’ Amendment that contained the amendments offered by Members that were acceptable to the Chair and the Member Designated Projects (aka “earmarks”). The markup did not materially change the funding levels or policy provisions in the bill that were covered in the Special Updates you received last week.
The list of Member Designated Projects was a long one. A total 1,473 projects were earmarked – 1,067 of them proposed by Democrats, 403 by Republicans and 3 with bipartisan sponsorship. The total contract authority reserved for these projects was $5.7 billion out of the $14.3 billion authorized in that section of the bill. The remaining balance in that section will be either distributed on the normal highway formula to each state or be used by the Senate to fund its earmarks or some combination of the two. The numbers above yield an average earmark of $3.8 million per project. The largest earmark in the bill was $25 million for the Central Mobility Hub in San Diego. A number of projects had $20 million earmarks.
One interesting rhetorical change emerged that may reflect the difficulties in assembling an overall infrastructure package that can clear the Senate. When Chairman DeFazio unveiled his bill last week he said it “puts a core piece of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan into
5
8 legislative text.” However, during markup the Chair said: “I have told my leadership this is a surface reauthorization, this is not the American Jobs Plan,” and called for it to move through the legislative process under “regular order,” which would require 60 votes in the Senate. It is hard to imagine a scenario where a bill with this level of investment and with pay-fors that could pass the House could get 60 votes in the Senate.
In any event, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced yesterday he plans to schedule votes on the INVEST act during the week of June 28 – demonstrating fidelity to the Speaker’s goal of enacting the American Jobs plan by the Fourth of July break. The water infrastructure bill passed by the committee could be part of a package on the floor at that time. A tax title will also be needed to extend the federal gas tax and the Highway Trust Fund and to decide what if any tax increases will be included in the package to “pay for” the legislation.
Talks Continue on an Infrastructure Compromise
A new potential path opened this week in the search for a bipartisan compromise on infrastructure. Just two days after President Biden pulled the plug on his conversations with Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), a bipartisan group of 10 Senators announced they have agreed on an outline for what they referred to as a $1.2 trillion, eight-year infrastructure plan. The group released few details of the plan, but they did say that the bill includes $537 billion of new investment above current levels and a proposal to index the federal gas tax as a major pay-for, and is more focused on “traditional” infrastructure than the Biden plan.
The group of 10 Senators includes Democrats Joe Manchin (WV), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Mark Warner (VA), Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Jon Tester (MT). The Republicans in the group are Susan Collins (ME), Mitt Romney (UT), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rob Portman (OH) and Bill Cassidy (LA). It is unclear how many Senators beyond these 10 will support their proposal. The White House immediately indicated opposition to the gas tax increase – a position they share with many GOP Senators. Progressive Senators indicated the investment is inadequate and needs more focus on climate change. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), not exactly a left-wing rabble-rouser, immediately indicated the plan “shows no sign” of being able to get 60 votes and said it was time to prepare for using the reconciliation process so a better bill can pass with only 50 votes.
The White House indicated it will continue staff-level conversations on the new proposal while the President is overseas in the next week. But it is unlikely there will be major movement in the direction of this new plan.
While the last few weeks, their moving “deadlines” for agreement between the White House and GOP Senators have been a classic example of Joe Biden’s tendency to take his time with major decisions, the congressional calendar for this year demands that upon his return to Washington late next week the decision be made on how to advance his package. Of course, he IS the President – the “demands” of the congressional calendar do not have to govern his actions.
Senate Commerce Committee Releases Bipartisan Rail Reauthorization Proposal
6
9 The bipartisan leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee yesterday released the text of their proposed title to a surface transportation reauthorization bill, the “Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021.” The bill includes funding and policy for both rail and multimodal freight grant programs. Unlike the bill passed in the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee early yesterday, this bill does not attempt to enact funding levels and policy changes included in President Biden’s American Jobs plan. It is clearly a bipartisan effort to reauthorize current surface transportation programs.
The bill represents a greater than 300% increase in current funding levels for rail programs. In any other year, it would be viewed as a groundbreaking investment in Amtrak and intercity passenger rail. But given it totals up to only about 35% of what is in the House bill, it appears comparatively small.
The Commerce Committee draft, unlike the House bill, creates no new rail programs. It does significantly increase funding for existing programs. Here is a chart showing the investment levels proposed in this bill as compared to the fiscal 2021 levels:
CURRENT PROPOSED
TOTAL FY FY FY FY in the FY 2021 2022 FY2023 2024 2025 2026 bill
Amtrak NEC 700 1,570 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400
Amtrak National Network 1,300 2,300 2,200 2,450 2,700 3,000
PRIME
CRISI 100 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
Restoration and Enhancement 50 50 50 50 50
Grade Crossing Separation 500 500 500 500 500
Fed-State Partnership SOGR 200 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
Mag Lev Deployment 2
TOTAL BY YEAR 2,302 6,920 6,350 6,700 7,050 7,450 34,470
In addition to robust funding for grant programs, the bill also makes some important changes to the RRIF loan program. Like the House bill, it contains a provision to make permanent the Transit Oriented Development loan authority in the program. It also contains a provision to
7
10 ensure that Credit Risk Premiums paid by RRIF borrowers will be refunded to them once they satisfy their loans. With regard to federal subsidy of Credit Risk Premiums (CRP), the bill would provide federal funding to subsidize the CRP of any RRIF loan up to a maximum of $20 million per loan. The House bill’s CRP subsidy amount is more generous, but subsidies would not be available for TOD loans at all.
In addition to the rail programs, the bill also contains multimodal freight policy and funding programs. The bill would create an Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy at DOT and an Assistant Secretary of Multimodal Freight to run it. It would also create new grant programs. Those include:
• National Infrastructure Project Assistance -- $10 billion over five years for projects that generate national or regional economic, mobility or safety benefits. Eligibility would include highway or bridge projects, intermodal freight or freight rail projects, grade separation or elimination projects and public transportation projects. • Local and Regional Project Assistance -- $7.5 billion over five years, split equally between rural and urban areas for projects with regional or local benefits. In addition to the eligible activities in the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program above, this program would also include airport projects. • National Culvert Program -- $4 billion over five years for grants to state and local governments to address fish passage by removing, replace or restore culverts. • Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight Projects-- $6 billion over five years through the Highway Trust Fund for the INFRA program. (Presumably in addition to the funding included in the Environment and Public Works Committee highway title.) • Rural and Tribal Infrastructure Advancement -- $10 billion over 5 years to provide financial, technical and legal assistance for rural communities and Tribes to work on development phase activities for potential transportation projects.
With the exception of the culvert program for fish, any of these programs could just as easily be included in the Environment and Public Works Committee’s highway portion of the bill. The fact that the Commerce Committee reached into the Highway Trust Fund for the INFRA program authorization is particularly notable. This is an example of how the Senate’s siloed committee jurisdiction on transportation can create conflicts between committees.
The Commerce Committee is planning to markup this bill next Wednesday, 16. Due to the bipartisan support it enjoys at the leadership level of the committee, the markup should be smooth.
Meanwhile, transit advocates are fixing their gaze on the Senate Banking Committee for signs of activity on the transit portion of the reauthorization package. We know that conversations are going on at the staff level as Senate offices bring their concerns to the committee. At the leadership level, committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said the committee is “trying” to get moving on its portion of the bill. His comment did not instill in advocates confidence that bold action can be expected anytime soon.
Nuria Fernandez Confirmed as Administrator of FTA
8
11
Nuria Fernandez yesterday was confirmed as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration on a voice vote in the Senate. She is the first person confirmed for the job since Peter Rogoff in 2009.
June 18, 2021
More Details on Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Emerge --- Talks Continue
Last week’s report contained an update on the broad outlines of bi-partisan infrastructure plan then under development by a bipartisan group of 10 Senators. On Wednesday of this week, new details of the plan emerged with an announcement that an bipartisan group of 21 Senators support it. The group includes 11 GOP Senators, 9 Democrats and Independent Angus King (ME), who caucuses with the Democrats.
The two-pager released on Wednesday included the following new spending amounts (i.e. above current levels) for transportation over eight years ($ in billions) :
Roads, Bridges, Major Projects $ 110 Passenger and Freight Rail 66 Public Transit 48.5 Airports 25 Infrastructure Financing Authority 20 Ports and Waterways 16.3 Electric Vehicles: Infrastructure and Buses/Transit 15 Safety 11 Reconnecting Communities 1 TOTAL $ 312.8
The plan also includes $ 266.2 billion over eight years for broadband, the power grid, water infrastructure, resiliency and environmental remediation. This makes the new spending total for the plan $579 billion. This compares to President Biden’s original $2.3 trillion proposal and his scaled-back $1.7 trillion plan.
Among the most problematic elements of it for Democrats are the relative lack of climate change-related investments and the reliance on repurposing COVID-19 aid already allocated for unemployment insurance and state and local assistance. The plan also still contains what it calls a “placeholder” for indexing the federal gas tax – an idea the Biden Administration has already rejected. The gas tax increase is also a problem for more than a handful of GOP Senators.
The strongest thing this plan has going for it is the presence of 11 GOP Senators on the list of endorsers. This gives the group the opportunity to say they have rounded up the GOP votes necessary to pass a package in “regular order” (i.e. not using the Budget Reconciliation process) IF all 50 Democrats support. That is a big IF given Democratic concerns outlined above. While the President has been in Europe this week, White House staff have engaged with Senators and Senate staff about this plan and the strategy for moving ahead with infrastructure
9
12 legislation. Whereas in the previous two weeks, Administration spokespeople were saying the end of that week was a “deadline” for talks, that kind of terminology is not being used any longer. The willingness of all sides to continue talking means that nobody thinks they have the votes for a plan.
As Talks Continue, Legislative Gears Continue to Turn
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday he has asked the Senate Budget Committee to get the ball rolling on the reconciliation process. The committee will begin drafting a budget resolution that would contain reconciliation instructions to Senate committees on infrastructure spending under their jurisdiction. Schumer has made it clear that from his point of view the Senate is working on two tracks – reconciliation to pursue a Democrats-only infrastructure plan and also regular order for any bipartisan plan that has 60 votes. How long the Leader can continue the balancing act of keeping both tracks in action is anybody’s guess. But if this plan is to be enacted this year, the time to choose is soon.
Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (D-VT) declared that the draft budget resolution he will put before the committee will include not just the $4 trillion combined spending for the Biden American Jobs Plan and American Family Plan, but an additional $2 trillion on top of that. The additional money would be to address prescription drug prices and lower the eligibility age for Medicare. These are echoes of themes from Sanders’ presidential campaign. Clearly, he wants to use his chairmanship to push his own priorities, not just those of the victor in the campaign. Even a Democratic controlled committee may have a hard time swallowing something that big. Democratic Senators Mark Warner (VA) and Jon Tester (MT) have already expressed misgivings about the Sanders plan.
Meanwhile, the Senate Commerce Committee continued progress on a reauthorization of surface transportation programs by clearing the rail portion of that measure. Last week’s report included information on the measure, which contains significant funding increase for intercity passenger rail and new discretionary grant programs for multi-modal projects. The bill passed through committee with bipartisan support.
On the House side, the House Rules Committee announced it will meet next week to set the rules for floor debate on the INVEST in America Act. The committee set a deadline of Wednesday, June 23 at 10:00 am for Members to propose amendments to the bill. When it meets, the committee will decide which amendments will be in order for consideration on the House floor. The bill is expected to be considered by the full House the week of June 28th, in keeping the Speaker Pelosi’s oft-stated goal to pass a major infrastructure bill through the House before July 4.
June 25, 2021
Biden and Bipartisan Senate Group Agree on Infrastructure . . .
President Biden and a bipartisan group of ten Senators led by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kristen Sinema (D-AZ) yesterday announced they had reached agreement on the bipartisan plan
10
13 the Senators rolled-out last week. The White House agreed to the spending levels proposed last week without significant changes. The topline new spending number in this plan is $579 billion over eight years. That represents about 25% of the amount of new spending President Biden proposed in the American Jobs Plan.
While many Democrats appear disappointed by this agreement, it is important to note that in any other year (i.e. a year when a President had NOT proposed a much larger investment), this increase in funding would be hailed as a major victory.
Last week’s report included the funding breakdown for this plan. Here is how the plan compares to the original Biden plan for transportation funding over an eight-year time horizon: ($ in billions)
Bipartisan Plan American Jobs Plan Roads, Bridges, Major Projects $110 $159 Passenger and Freight Rail 66 80 Public Transit 48.5 85 Airports 25 25 Infrastructure Financing Authority 20 0 Ports and Waterways 16.3 17 EVs 15 160 Safety 11 20 Reconnecting Communities 1 25 TOTAL $ 312.8 $ 571
The other infrastructure investments in the package – including broadband, electricity grid, water infrastructure, environmental remediation, resiliency and others brings the total up to $579 billion in new investment. If baseline spending amounts are included in the package the total comes up to $1.2 trillion.
But Procedural Link to Social Programs and Tax Policy Raises Hurdles
In announcing the infrastructure agreement, President Biden indicated there will be a reconciliation package brought forward in hopes of advancing elements of his American Jobs Plan not included in this package and his American Family Plan. That bill would also contain Biden’s proposals to increase taxes on corporations and high-earners to pay for the programs. Later in the day at a press conference, he made more clear the link between the two legislative packages. He told the media he would not sign either the infrastructure package or the reconciliation package unless they both came to his desk. “If only one comes to me, I'm not - - and if this is the only thing that comes to me -- I'm not signing it. It's in tandem.”
The Biden position on the process tracks the strategy Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) laid out on Wednesday for taking up a bipartisan infrastructure deal. She said the bipartisan package would not come to the House floor until after the Senate had passed both the bipartisan bill and the reconciliation bill. When President Biden was asked yesterday if he supported Pelosi’s strategy he said “Yes.”
11
14
Both the President and the Speaker have taken this “both or nothing” approach to quell the disappointment amongst progressive Democrats with the compromise agreement on infrastructure. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, gave voice to these concerns yesterday. Referring to the bipartisan infrastructure agreement, she said: “None of this matters unless we get the 50 votes we need for our reconciliation bill.”
The spotlight now falls on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the two Democratic Senators who are most resistant to a large, Democrats-only reconciliation package -- Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ). Both of those Senators were part of the group of 10 who negotiated the infrastructure plan with the White House. Both indicated yesterday they were willing to talk about a reconciliation package now that the infrastructure deal was done. It is hard to imagine they will sign-off on a social spending and tax increase bill even close to the size of what Biden proposed, when the best infrastructure package they could support was only about 25% of what Biden proposed.
On the GOP side, the announcement of the Democratic strategy resulted in one immediate defection from the 11 GOP Senators who said they would support the bipartisan infrastructure plan. Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) told reports yesterday the Democrats had made the GOP negotiators look like “f****ing idiots” and that he would no longer support the bipartisan infrastructure plan. Given that the support of 10 GOP Senators is required to pass it, no more defections can happen if the bill is to be passed.
The Democrats have decided on a high-stakes procedural gambit to get the most they can out of this session of Congress. It is likely to be a long and difficult process. In terms of sequencing the steps in the process, Majority Leader Schumer continues to say he wants to advance an infrastructure package in July in the Senate. That seems like a tall order.
The House and Senate Budget Committees will likely work in August to craft their budget resolutions that will give instructions to congressional committees on how to assemble a package for action in September.
Transportation Authorization Package to Hit the House Floor Next Week
So, what does all this activity on the infrastructure package mean for the transportation reauthorization process, which up to this point has been advancing separately? At present, the House is forging ahead with its plan to advance the INVEST in America Act next week. That bill now includes surface transportation, water infrastructure and drinking water infrastructure. The House Rules Committee will meet on Monday and Tuesday of next week to set the rules for debate on that measure and decide what amendments may be offered on the floor of the House. The bill will then move to the House floor for approval before the end of the week.
Once that is done – in fulfillment of the Speaker’s commitment to pass the bill before July 4 -- the process will likely stop while leadership on both sides of the Capitol decides how to mesh the surface transportation process with the infrastructure process. There is still a good chance they will be folded together, but that decision remains to be made.
12
15
Appropriations Process Gearing up in the House
The House Committee on Appropriations this week began holding mark-ups of fiscal year 2022 spending bills. Yesterday, subcommittee mark-ups took place on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill and the Legislation Branch Appropriations bill. Today, subcommittees will move forward on the bills covering Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs; Agriculture; State Department and Foreign Operations; and Interior and Environment. The Transportation-HUD bill will be marked-up in subcommittee next week. Project earmarks may not be added to the bill until it goes to Full Committee.
13
16