HomeMy Public PortalAbout10 October 7, 2013 Eastern Riverside County Programs and ProjectsRECORDS
RiVERSiDE COUNTY TRANSPORTAT10N COMMiSSiON
EASTERN R:VERSiDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS COMMiTTEE
MEETING AGENDA
T:ME: 10:30a m
DATE: Monday,October 7.2013
LOCAT10N: CVAG Office Video Conference Site B:ythe City Ha∥
73-71 0 Fred Waring Drive,Suite l1 9 235 N.Broadway,Room A
Palm Desert,CA 92260 B:ythe,CA 92225
9 COMMITTEE MEMBERS.q
Terry Henderson, Chair / Don Adolph, City of La Quinta
Scott Matas, Vice Chair / Yvonne Parks, City of Desert Hot Springs
Joseph DeConinck / To Be Appointed, City of Blythe
Greg Pettis / Kathleen DeRosa, City of Cathedral City
Steven Hernandez / Eduardo Garcia, City of Coachella
Douglas Hanson / Ty Peabody, City of lndian Wells
Glenn Miller / Michael Wilson, City of lndio
Jan Harnik / Susan Marie Weber, City of Palm Desert
Ginny Foat / Paul Lewin, City of Palm Springs
Ted Weill / Scott Hines, City of Rancho Mirage
John J. Benoit, County of Riverside, District lV
1} STAFF €
Anne Mayer, Executive Director
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director
9 AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY .(?
Air Ouality, Capital Projects,
Communications and Outreach Programs,
Congestion Management Program (CMP),
lntermodal Programs,
Motorist Services (ie. SAFE),
New Corridors,
Regional Ag en cies/Reg io na I Planning,
Regional Transportation lmprovement Program (RTIP), and
State Transportation lmprovement Program (STIP)
related to the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys,
and other areas as may be prescribed by the Commission.
Comments arc welcomed by the Committee. lf you wish to ptovide comments to the Committee,
please complete and submit a Speaker Card to the Clerk of the Board.
COMM-ERC-00002
Alexandra Rackerby
From: Alexandra RackerbySent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 11:22 AMTo: Alexandra RackerbySubiect: RCTC Eastern Riverside County Programs and Prolects Committee
lmpo,tance: High
6ood morning Commissioners,
The Eastern Riverside County Progroms and Projects Committee ogendo for Mondoy, October 7,2013 is
posted on our website ot http://www.rcfc.orgluploods/medio items/eastern-riverside-county-orogroms-
and-projecf s-committee-october-7-2013.original.pdf
Let me know if you hove ony questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Allie Rockerby
Riverside County Tronsportotion Commission
(951)787-7141
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ln complionce with the Brown Act ond Government Code Section 54957.5, ogendo moteriols distributed
72 hours prior to the meeting, which ore public records reloting to open session dgenda items, will be
ovoiloble for inspection by members of the public prior to the meeting ot the Commission office, 4080
Lemon Street, Third Floor, Riverside, CA, ond on the Commission's website, www.rctc.orq.
ln complionce with the Americons with Disobilities Act ond Government Code Section 54954.2, if you need
speciol ossistdnce to porticipote in o Committee meeting, pleose contoct the Clerk of the Boord ot (951)
787-7141. Notificotion of ot leost 48 hours prior to meeting time will ossist stoff in ossuring thot
reosonable orrongements con be mode to provide occessibility ot the meeting.
CATL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROtt CALL
PUBIIC COMMENTS - Eoch individuol speoker is limited to speok three (j) continuous
minutes or less. The committee may, either ot the direction of the choir or by mojority
vote of the Committee, woive this three (j) minute time limitotion. Depending on the
number of items on the Agendo ond the number of speokers, the Choir moy, ot his/her
discretion, reduce the time of eoch speoker to two (2) continuous minutes. Atso, the
Committee moy terminote public comments if such comments become repetitious.
Speokers moy not yield their time to others without the consent of the Choir. Any written
documents to be distributed or presented to the Committee sholl be submitted to the
Clerk of the Boord. This policy opplies to Public Comments ond comments on Agendo
Items.
Under the Brown Act, the Boord should not toke oction on or discuss motters roised
during public comment portion of the ogendo which ore not listed on the ogendo. Boord
members moy refer such motters to stoff t'or t'octuol int'ormotion or to be ptoced on the
subsequent ogendo Jor considerotion.
56.
Eastern Biverside County Programs and Projects Committee Agenda
October 7, 20 l 3
Page 2
3)
4)
s)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 29, 2011
ADDITIONS/REVISIONS (Ihe Committee moy odd on item to the Agendo ofter moking o
finding thot there is o need to toke immediote oction on the item ond thot the item come
to the ottention of the Committee subsequent to the posting of the ogendo. An oction
odding on item to the ogendo requires 2/3 vote of the Committee. lf there are less thon
2/3 of the Committee members present, odding on item to the ogendo requires o
unonimousvote. Added itemswill be ploced for discussion ot the end of the ogendo.)
RAIL SERVICE THROUGH THE PASS AREA TO THE COACHEttA VALLEY
Overview
This item is for the Committee to:
7.
1)Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 14-25-034-00 between
the Commission and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG)
whereby the Commission shall establish and administer the Coachella Valley Rail
fund;
Authorize the Chair, pursuant to legal counsel review, to execute the agreement
on behalf of the Commission;
Authorize staff to set aside Transportation Development Act (TDA) State Transit
Assistance (STA) funding to be utilized specifically for the Coachella Valley in
support of the rail program at specified multi-year levels;
Approve a bus/railfunding split and the terms and conditions;
Approve an amendment to the Commission's Commuter Rail Short Range Transit
Plan (SRTP) to set aside 54.2 million of Proposition 1B Public Transportation
Modernization, lmprovement, and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA)
funds to initiate Coachella Valley Rail through the Pass Area;
Authorize staff to seek approval to apply for a letter of no prejudice (LONP) for
Proposition 18 funds to allow the Commission to expend local funds prior to the
state bond sale and disbursement;
Authorize staff to establish a Coachella Valley Rail specific SRTP and establish a
separate funding and accounting process at the Commission;
Authorize the Executive Director to execute a letter of understanding with
Caltrans in support of project development;
Adopt Resolution No. 13-042, "Resolution ol Support to Estoblish Doily lntercity
Roil Service from Los Angeles to the Coochello Volley vio the Poss Areo";
Receive an update on next steps for Coachella Valley Rail project development,
including the service development plan, alternatives analysis, and discussion on
potential for future environmental analysis; and
Forward to the Commission for final action.
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee Agenda
October 7, 201 3
Page 3
8. COMMTSS|ONERS / STAFF REPORT
Overview
This item provides the opportunity for the Commissioners and staff to report on
attended and upcoming meetings/conferences and issues related to Commission
activities.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The next Eastern Riverside County Programs and Pro.jects Committee meeting is
scheduled to be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 4,2073, CVAG Office, 73-710
Fred Waring Drive, Suite 119, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
R:VERSiDE COUNTY TRANSPORTAT10N COMM:SS10N
EASTERN RIVERSiDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SiGN‐:N SHEET
October 7′2013
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RiVERSiDE COUNTY TRANSPORTAT10N COMMiSS10N
EASTERN RiVERSiDE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
COMMITTEE
ROLL CALL
October 7′2013
County of Riverside, District lV
City of Blythe
City of Cathedral City
City of Coachella
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of lndian Wells
City of lndio
City of La Ouinta
City of Palm Desert
City of Palm Springs
City of Rancho Mirage
AGENDA IttEM 5
MINUttES
R′yFRS′DE COυ ″Tγ TRAⅣSPORttArrOⅣ cOMハ ィ′sS′OIV
EASTERN R!VERS:DE COUNTY PROGRAMS AND PROJECrS COMM:T rEE
Monday, August 29,2011
MINUTES
l CALLT0 0RDER
The meeting of the Eastem R市 erside County Programs and Projects Commlttee was
ca∥ed to order by Chair Scott Matas at 10:45 a m′ at 73-710 Fred VVaring Drive,
Suite l19, Palrn Desert′ California′ 92260 and video conference at Blythe City Ha∥′
235 N Broadway Street,Room A′B:ythe,CA 92555
2. PL[DGE OF ALLEG:ANCE
At this time,Commissioner Terry Henderson led the Eastern Riverside County Programs
and ProlectS COmmttee in a nag salute
3. ROLL CALL
Members/Alternates Present Members Absent
Ginny Foat
Jan Harnik
Terry Henderson
Steven Hernandez
Scott Hines
Scott Matas
Glenn Miller
Greg Pettis
4. PUBTIC COMMENTS
John J. Benoit
Joseph DeConinck
Douglas Hanson
There were no requeststo speak from the public
5. APPROVAL OF M:NUTES―NOVEMBER l,2010
MISIC (Henderson/Miller) to approve the minutes of
November l,2OlO, as submitted.
Abstain: Foat and Hernandez
RCTC ERC Programs and PrOlects COmmttee Minutes
August 29,2011
Page 2
6. ADD:T:ONS/REVISiONS
There were no additions or revision to the agenda
7 201l COACHELLA VALLEY SPEC:ALlZED TRANS:T CALL FOR PROJECrS
:MPLEMENTAT10N UPDATE
Robert Yates, Multimodal Services Director, presented the 2011 Coachella Valley
specialized transit call for projects implementation update.
Anne Mayer, Executive Director, stated specialized transit programs are important and
provide much needed services, however, they also pose an administrative burden. Staff
will work with SunLine Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency, the Commission's
Citizens Advisory Committee, and Southern California Association of Governments to
discuss find ways to address this issue.
M/S/C ( H en derson/H erna nd ez) to:
U Receive and file a report on the implementation of 2011 Specialized
Transit Call for Projects; and
2l Forward to the Commission for final action.
8. AVENUE 65 GRADE SEPARATION ON THE ALAMEDA CORRIDOR EAST - FISCAT YEAR
2008/09 APPROPRIATTONS
John Standiford, Deputy Executive Director, presented a brief overview of the
Avenue 56 grade separation on the Alameda Corridor East.
M/S/C(Hendersonノ Foat)tO:
1) A∥ocate Sl.3 million to the county of Riverside iCOunty}in support of
the Avenue 66 grade separation proleCt―S950,000 from the Omnibus
Appropriations Act of 2009 and S350,000 in federal Congestion
Mitigation Air Quanty(CMAQ)fundS;and
2) Forward to the Commission for ina:action.
9. [LECT:ON OF OFFICERS
At this time, Chair Matas opened nominations for the slate of officers.
Chair Matas nominated Commissioner Terry Henderson for the Chair position. No other
nominations were received. Chair Matas closed the nominations. Commissioner
Henderson was unanimously elected as the Eastern Riverside County Programs and
Projects Committee's Chair.
RCTC ERC Programs and Projects Committee Minutes
August 29, 2011
Page 3
Chair Henderson nominated Commissioner Matas for the Vice Chair position. No other
nominations were received. Chair Henderson closed the nominations. Commissioner
Matas was unanimously elected as the Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects
Committee's Vice Chair.
1O. coMMrsstoNERs / STAFF REPORT
10A. Commissioner Jan Harnik encouraged the Commissioners to use the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments vanpool to travel to the Commission
meetings.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business for consideration by the Eastern Riverside County
Programs and Projects Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11-:16 a.m. The next
meeting of the Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee is scheduled
for October 3,2Ot1,, at 10:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/ \"," g.,c Ho.x*no"-
\J
Jen n ifer Harmon
Clerk of the Board
AGENDA lttEM 7
R′yFRS′DE COυ rVry TRANSPOR■4 rrOrV cο MMrss′οN
DATE:October 7, 2013
TO:Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee
FROM:Sheldon Peterson, Rail Manager
THROUGH:Robert Yates, Multimodal Services Director
SUBJECT:Rail Service Through the Pass Area to the Coachella Valley
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for the Committee:
1) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 14-25-034-00 between the
Commission and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) whereby the
Commission shall establish and administer the Coachella Valley Rail fund;
2l Authorize the Chair, pursuant to legal counsel review, to execute the agreement on
behalf of the Commission;
3) Authorize staff to set aside Transportation Development Act (TDA) State Transit
Assistance (STA) funding to be utilized specifically for the Coachella Valley in support of
the rail program at specified multi-year levels;
4l Approve a bus/rail funding split and the terms and conditions;
5) Approve an amendment to the Commission's Commuter Rail Short Range Transit Plan
(SRTP) to set aside 54.2 million of Proposition 18 Public Transportation Modernization,
lmprovement, and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) funds to initiate Coachella
Valley Rail through the Pass Area;
6) Authorize staff to seek approval to apply for a letter of no pre.ludice (LONP) for
Proposition 1B funds to allow the Commission to expend local funds prior to the state
bond sa le and disbursement;
7l Authorize staff to establish a Coachella Valley Rail specific SRTP and establish a separate
funding and accounting process at the Commission;
8) Authorize the Executive Director to execute a letter of understanding with Caltrans in
su pport of project developmenq
9) Adopt Resolution No. 13-042, "Resolution of Support to Estoblish Doily lntercity Roil
Service from Los Angeles to the Coochello Volley vio the Poss Areo";
10) Receive an update on next steps for Coachella Valley Rail project development,
including the service development plan, alternatives analysis, and discussion on
potential for future environmental analysis; and
11) Forward to the Commission for final action.
Agenda ltem 7
CVAG MOU and TDA Fundins
At its September 30, 2013 meeting, the CVAG Executive Committee approved a MOU between
the commission and cvAG to establish a funding split of coachella Valley TDA funds. All of
these TDA funds are currently allocated to SunLine Trans;t Agency (Sunline), and the intent is to
allocate 1O percent of the STA discretionary portion of the TDA funds, using a phased-in
approach, in order to support a Coachella Valley Rail program. The intent of the MOU is to
allow the Commission to set aside those TDA funds into a Coachella Valley Rail fund to be used
only for capital costs to improve stations, staff support, as well as funding for technical studies.
This funding split is to be effective beginning in FY 20L4/ls using a proposed phased approach,
as follows:
Fisca I Year
FY 2014/15
FY 2015/16
FY 2016/17 and annua∥y thereafter
Coache∥a Va∥ev Rai:
5 percent of the STA portion of the TDA funds
7 percent of the STA portion of the TDA funds
10 percent of the STA portion of the TDA funds
ln FY 2or3/L4, 10 percent of coachella Valley srA portion of the TDA funds is estimated at
approximately S1.2 million.
TDA funds are utilized on a wide variety of transportation programs throughout the state
including Riverside county. These activities include planning and programming activities,
pedestrian and bicycle facilities, community transit services, public transportation, and bus and
rail proiects. As an example, in Western Riverside County these funds are split, with 78 percent
of the Local Transportation Fund and discretionary STA portions of the TDA funds directed to
bus transit services and the remaining 22 percent to passenger rail transit.
ln the Coachella Valley, no TDA funds are currently set aside for a passenger rail program.
However, an argument can be made that technical work needs to continue on development of
the Los Angeles to Coachella Valley corridor in the state rail plan. This work will demonstrate
the Coachella Valley's commitment toward implementing a robust rail program and thereby
serve as a lever to unlock federal and state sources of funding and other support for necessary
environmental work, as well as future operations funding.
SunLine is the only designated public transit operator in the Coachella Valley currently
authorized by the state to receive these funds. Accordingly, the establishment of the Coachella
Valley bus/rail split will have an impact on bus transit operations. The phased-in approach
recommended by staff is intended to provide SunLine with lead time in order to mitigate any
potential budgetary impacts.
It should be recognized the STA portion of the Coachella Valley funds to be allocated for rail
purposes are now used to fund a wide variety of capital improvement projects at sunline,
including the financing of fleet replacement activities. While not an immediate need, prudent
planning requires fleet replacement be considered years in advance to accumulate cash
Agenda ltem 7
reserves to finance the purchase of heavy duty buses, light duty ADA vehicles, and necessary
support vehicles. SunLine's fleet plan will need 53.5 million per year in order to finance fleet
replacement vehicles and those necessary for service expansion through 2030. SunLine has
been involved in the development of this plan and is working in partnership with the
Commission and CVAG in order to promote close coordination of bus and rail needs so that
both programs operate successfully.
The MOU with CVAG will support a Coachella Valley Rail fund. These funds would be internally
maintained at the Commission in a separate account while expenditures would be authorized
by CVAG's Executive Committee. This would be similar to current arrangements for the
Coachella Valley Highway and Regional Arterial program where the Commission acts as a fiscal
agent pursuant to Measure A, but actual expenditures are authorized by CVAG in accordance
with our Transportation Project Prioritization Study. CVAG Executive Committee decisions
regarding the Coachella Valley Rail fund would only impact passenger rail projects to occur
within the Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley Rail fund would initially be used to improve
stations with projects that have independent utility, provide funding for technical studies, and
limited project management staff support.
Commuter Rail Short Rail Transit Plan Amendments/Prooosition 1B Authoritv
The Commission's SRTP includes goals for the Commission's Regional Commuter Rail program
and provides detailed information about existing services and facilities, financial forecasts and
plans, as well as planned and proposed improvements to be implemented. The Commission
oversees transit service in Riverside County primarily through the approval of SRTPs that detail
the operating and capital costs planned for transit services. Each operator adopts such a plan
and then provides data to the Commission on performance. As SRTPs are based upon
estimates of future projects, it is necessary to subsequently amend these documents upon
completion or changes to specified projects and circumstances. The Commuter Rail program is
thus requesting amendments to its FY 2013/74 Commuter Rail SRTP in order to use state grant
funds to preserve localfunds.
Staff recommends amending the FY 2013/14 SRTP to allocate the total of unobligated
FYs 2010/11 - 2OI2|L3 PTMISEA funds of S4.2 million to the Coachella Valley Passenger Rail
pro.iect.
ln addition, staff seeks commission approval to request a LoNp for the proposition 18 funds
from the state in order to allow the project to move forward using local Commission funds to
initiate work if the state grant funds are delayed. This ensures the Commission will eventually
receive the state funding in the future.
Agenda ltem 7
Funding Year From To Amount
Proposition
lB
PTMiSEA
FY 2010/11-2012/13 Unobligated Coachella Valley Passenger
Rail Project 54,200,000
Transit operators and programs are required to develop SRTPs to identify service plans, capital
and operating expenditures, and funding plans for each year. As the project development
continues for the Coachella valley rail service, it is important to establish the program as a
unique transportation project that will have its own sRTp and funding program. The
Commission's rail staff will develop and update the SRTp annually to bring forward funding and
expenditure plans to the Commission for approval. ln addition, individual project codes will be
established in the commission's financial system for this program to provide ultimate
transparency and clarity in the accumulation and use of Coachella Valley Rail funds. Staff is
requesting commission approval to establish the sRTp and acknowledge the funding program
so that clear project reporting will be made available.
Coachella Vallev Rail Caltrans Letter of Understandinq
As with any major transportation project, there is the need for a strong network of partners.
Commission staff has not only been working closely with CVAG but also with Caltrans and the
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Historically on other corridors, Caltrans has been the
project lead and, for this project, it has already initiated an initial planning study and the
ongoing commitment to keep the project clearly represented in the state rail plan. Through
several planning meetings, it has been determined the best approach going forward would be
for the commission to take a leadership role in the next round of service planning with the
close support of Caltrans and FRA. As part of these discussions, caltrans generously
volunteered to use its own resources and contract authority to implement and complete the
ridership modeling portion of the service development plan. This model is the only caltrans
and Federal Transit Administration approved ridership model and was developed by AECoM
and Amtrak for intercity rail ridership projections using 3o-mile station catchment zones. The
Commission and Caltrans would like to enter into a letter of understanding that clarifies the
respective roles and responsibilities of each agency during the project development phase of
this project. Staff is seeking Commission approval to allow the Executive Director to complete
neSotiations and enter into a letter of understanding with Caltrans.
Coachella Vallev Rail Resolution
As the commission has done for many critical projects in the past, staff is proposing Resolution
No. 13-042, "Resolution of Support to Estoblish Doily tntercity Roil Service from Los Angeles to
the coochello volley via the Poss Areo", be adopted. This effort will formalize the support and
commitment of the commission to continue to pursue the passenger rail program that will
provide service to the Coachella Valley and Pass Area communities.
Proiect Description and How it Builds on Past Efforts
Providing some form of passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley has been a long-standing
priority for the area for more than two decades with the first studies completed in the early
Agenda ltem 7
1990's. Additional studies have been performed over time with one of the more recent efforts
completed in April 2010. This study was completed through coordination by CVAG, the
Commission, and Schiermeyer Consulting Services and adopted by the CVAG Executive
Committee on October 25,7O1O. On November 10, 2010 the Commission reaffirmed its formal
support for implementation and expansion of intercity Amtrak rail service to the Coachella
Valley and directed staff to coordinate with CVAG and local communities to advocate for the
service. To follow up on that effort the Commission adopted a formal Resolution No. 11-001 in
support of Amtrak's plan to run the Sunset Limited daily through the Coachella Valley.
ln May 2013 the state of California Division of Rail (Caltrans) completed the first phase of a
planning study and initial alternatives analysis for the rail corridor. This planning study was very
supportive of the potential for a viable service, and future studies can expand on this by
determining ridership demand and better cost estimates. Caltrans also included an updated
pro.ject description and analysis of the Coachella Valley service in the latest state rail plan,
which was approved on September 5, 2013 by the State Transportation Agency. The next
update willtake place in 2017.
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As the result of past studies from both CVAG and the Commission, it was determined that using
state-supported intercity trains presents the best alternative for developing service along the
corridor. The 14L-mile trip between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley would cross four
counties. Stops and station locations are yet to be determined. Due to the trip length and time
of approximately three hours, Amtrak-style service with larger seats and food service would be
more appealing to the riders. ln addition, the service would operate over Union Pacific and
BNSF tracks and, in general, Amtrak has a greater ability to initiate service over freight railroads
based on a national agreement. The initial service plan would be for two daily round trips along
the corridor. The next round of studies will look at various track alignments, routes, station
alternatives and determine ridership forecasts. The primary effort for this will be the initiation
of a service development plan.
Agenda ltem 7
Next Steps: Service Development Plan
The true success of this effort will be to develop comprehensive and convincing planning
documents that will allow Coachella Valley rail to compete for limited state and federal rail
funds. The project purpose and need will have to be compelling and the ridership potential
thoroughly demonstrated. The FRA staff already made it very clear that several rail alignments
and alternatives must be studied and compared in order for the proiect to be viable. ln the July
1,2010 Federal Register notice on High-Speed lntercity Passenger Rail (HSlpR) program, it
clearly outlines the planning process needed to be eligible to for HSIPR Funds. This process
identifies the need for a service development plan (SDP) with the following requirements:
Clearly demonstrate the purpose and need;
Analyze alternatives for the proposed passenger rail service;
ldentify the alternative that best meets the purpose and need;
ldentify the discrete capital projects required; and
Demonstrate the operational and financial feasibility.
Both Caltrans and FRA have been working to either develop or approve these SDp's for various
corridors across the state and country and offered some very helpful suggestions on how the
Commission can best conduct this planning effort. The following phase that can take place
either after or parallel to the SDP process is the need for National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) documentation with either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact
statement. The intent is for Commission staff to initiate a Request for Proposal to hire a highly
qualified consulting firm capable of conducting both the SDp and potentially the NEpA
documentation in order expedite project development. As with any procurement process the
final selection and approval will be brought back to the Commission in early 2014.
Attach m ents:
CVAG/RCTC MOU
Draft Caltrans Letter of Understanding
Resolution No 13-042
1)
2)
3)
Financial lnformation
ln Fiscal Year Budget:No Yea rs:FY 2013/14 Amount:54,200,000 revenues
S 100,000 expenditures
Source of Funds:Proposition 1B PTMISEA Budget Adjustment:Yes
GLA No:2452541501
2452581501
S 4,2oo,0oo state revenues
5 100,000 Special studies expenditures
Fiscal Procedures Approved: I J"1,.,..- Jr,,rE>Date:10/01/2013
Agenda ltem 7
く
ATTACHMENT l
Memorandum of Understanding
between the
Riverside County Transportation Commission
and the
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), entered into effect on _,2013
between the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments (CVAG) outlines the general responsibilities of each agency and to
establish a relationship between RCTC and CVAG to guide coordination regarding future
passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley. This service is part of a Iarger, corridor-wide
effort to improve rail transportation in the Southern California region and studies may be
required to demonstrate need and viability for service from the Coachella Valley to both Los
Angeles and Phoenix. The MOU will act as a guideline for RCTC and CVAG, and is not
intended to supplant any of the responsibilities of the parties under other agreements between
the parties or applicable state or federal laws. This MOU constitutes a guide to the intentions
and strategies of the parties involved and is not a legally binding contract.
Whereas, RCTC funds and administers, in conjunction with other regional partners, a rail
program in Western Riverside County, and;
Whereas, RCTC employs staff with rail funding and programming expertise, and;
Whereas, RCTC is authorized by State law to receive and distribute Transit
Development Act (TDA) funds for transit and transit related uses in Riverside County, and;
Whereas, RCTC enjoys a long-standing financial partnership with CVAG regarding the
portion of the Measure A one-quarter percent State sales tax funds dedicated to Coachella
Valley State Highways and Major Regional Road Projects administered by CVAG, and;
Whereas, on April 29, 2013, the CVAG Executive Committee established a 90% Bus
Transit/ 10% Passenger Rail Services Split Policy for Coachella Valley TDA funds which would
be progressively phased in over a 3-year term, and;
Whereas, RCTC agrees to distribute and utilize the TDA portion of the Coachella Valley
Passenger Rail Funds consistent with the directions of the CVAG Executive Committee, or its
designee, the CVAG Executive Director, with input from the CVAG Transportation Committee
and in compliance with TDA law specifically for and within the Coachella Valley, and;
Whereas, CVAG wishes to establish a similar relationship through this Memorandum of
Understanding whereby RCTC will receive and maantain a specific percentage of Transit
Development Act funds otherwise authorized to be released for use in the Coachella Valley
along with other potential funding sources, such as Proposition 1B monies, Federal Railroad
Association monies, and other state and federal grant monies that may become available to
RCTC for this purpose, which, jointly together, shall be defined as a distinct Coachella Valley
Passenger Rail Fund, and;
Whereas, RCTC's Coachella Valley passenger rail activities are corridor based and may
include geographic regions outside of the Coachella Valley in order to determine ridership and
revenue feasibility, and;
Whereas, on March 29, 1999, the CVAG Executive Committee authorized formation of
the Coachella Valley lntermodal Transportation Authority and adopted Bylaws under authority of
SB 459,
Now, therefore, it is agreed by this Memorandum of Understanding;
To allow RCTC to establish the Coachella Valley Passenger Rail Fund by making
available and utilizing M.2 million in Rail Proposition 1B Public Transportation Modernization
lmprovement and Service Enhancement Account Program funds, or similar funding sources and
amounts, as initial start up funding, and;
Based on the needs of the project Proposition 1B funds have will be used along with
Coachella Valley TDA funds for further development and operations of the Coachella Valley
Passenger Rail Service. Coachella Valley TDA funds will be made available and used after the
capital, operations and fun reserve needs of sunline Transit Agency are clearly identified, and;
That the 90% bus/ 1oo/o ,all split of TDA funding and timing of available funds may be
periodically modified by the CVAG Executive Committee and associated provisions of the MOU
would be automatically adjusted, and;
To allow RCTC, in consultation with CVAG and Sunline Transit Agency, to direct funds
from either the State Transit Assistance (STA) portion or the Local Transportation Fund (LTF)
portion of the TDA funds into the Coachella Valley Passenger Rail Fund, however, it is assumed
that a majority of such funds will be derived from the STA portion of the TDA funds, and;
To allow RCTC to fund, with the approval and consultation of CVAG's Executive
Committee, or designee, the CVAG Executive Director, Station Development or other studies,
provide capital funding for approved stations, provide funding to support operations and related
services, and;
To allow RCTC to charge the Coachella Valley Passenger Rail Fund for staff time and
overhead in an amount not to exceed lOoh of any individual project costs. Any amount above
10% shall require prior approval by CVAG. Consultants and contractors retained by RCTC
expressly for work on the Coachella Valley Rail Pro.ject shall be billed to the Rail Fund at '100%
of contractual value and/or actual incurred expense, and;
RCTC will regularly track revenues and expenses of the Coachella Valley Passenger
Rail Fund and provide at least annual reports to CVAG on the status of the Fund, and;
lf so determined by the CVAG Executive Committee, CVAG agrees to sponsor
legislation seeking to modify the Coachella Valley lntermodal Transportation Authority Act, as
adopted by CVAG on March 29, 1999, to allow the lntermodal Authority to be recognized under
TDA law to directly receive TDA funding and to clarify, by language satisfactory to Sunline
Transit Agency, that the Authority was not established to operate a bus transit service in the
Coachella Valley. RCTC will act in a support role as necessary. CVAG will propose modifying
language and RCTC staff and/ or lobbyists, on RCTC approval, will attempt the implementation
of those changes.
lN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Memorandum of
Understanding to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the date first written
above:
ATTEST:RIVERS:DE COUNTY
TRANSPORTAT:ON COMMISS:ON
By:By:
ByBy:
Jennifer Harmon
Clerk of the Board
ATTEST:
Karen Spiegel
Chair
CVAG
Tom Kirk
Executive Director
Don Ado ph
Chair
ATTACHMENT 2
September 19. 201 3
Mr. William D [Jronte
Ms. Katie Benouar
Cali fornia Department of Transportation
ll20NStreet
Sacramento. CA 95814
Subject: Mutual support for the development of the Coachella Valley Rail Corridor
Service Development Planning Study.
Dear Mr. Bronte and Ms. Benouar:
This correspondence is intended to set forth the mutual understanding between the RIVERSIDE
COLINTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, a public entity within the State of California
(Commission), and the CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, a public
entity within the State of Califomia (Caltrans) regarding their roles to develop the Coachella
Valley Rail Corridor Service Development Planning Study. The Commission is taking the lead
on the implementation of a Service Development Planning Study (Study) to deliver rail service
in the Coachella Valley Rail Corridor. This Study is intended to be a planning exercise which
shall define and analyze several service options which include analysis of: rail capacity, land-
use, capital improvements and costs, environmental impacts, operations and maintenance
(O&M) costs, and ridership and revenue forecasts. The Commission and Caltrans intend to
collaboratively review the work product resulting from the Study. The Commission will fund
the Study at its own expense. Caltrans will provide the ridership and revenue modeling
component olthe Study using the Caltrans/Amtrak intercity rail model. Neither the Commission
nor Caltrans shall incur any financial obligation to the other as a result of this effort.
Caltrans will:
. provide guidance for the Study. including project scope and document review, so that the
Study is more likely to satisly Caltrans and FRA expectations;
. suppo( the planning effort by providing the ridership and revenue modeling component
of the Study;
o participate in Study related meetings as needed; and
o meet with the Commission to discuss options for future operating and capital state and
federal funding for the Coachella Valley service.
The Commission will:
o conduct the Coachella Valley Rail planning development. including issuing an RFP,
providing project management and funding the Study;
o coordinate the planning effort with Caltrans, FRA, and other state and local partners;
. provide to Caltrans travel demand, population information, stations and service plans, and
any other input needed for ridership and revenue modeling;
o share draft study documents with Caltrans for review and comments prior to documents
being finalized;
ln
. provide final documents to Caltrans; and
. identifu and manage local funding to be used as match for future state and federal
funding.
Your signature below confirms that this letter accurately reflects the roles and responsibilities for
the coachella Valley Rail corridor Service Development planning Study between our
organizations.
Sincerely.
letter accurately reflects the
Service Developnrent
William D Bronte, Chief
Division of Rail
Califomia Department of Transportation
Katie Benouar. Chiel
Division of l'ransportation Planning
Califomia Department of Transportation
Anne Mayer, Executive Director
RIVt]RSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Date
Al¨lA(]IIMENT 3
Resolution No. 13-042
Resolution of Support to Establish Daily lntercity Rail Service
from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley via
the Pass Area.
WHEREAS new regional intercity passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley
will ease congestion on local roads and freeways, providing new economic
opportunity, improving mobility and the quality of life in the lnland Empire; and
WHEREAS Amtrak currently runs the Sunset Limited train three days a week
with service between Los Angeles and Coachella Valley in Riverside County at
inconvenient schedules; and
WHEREAS there are limited public transit options exist between Coachella
Valley and Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS the need for daily convenient intercity passenger rail service is
growing as an environmental friendly alternate to the l-10 freeway; and
WHEREAS the Coachella Valley and the Pass Area are experiencing rapid
population groMh and demand on this route will continue to increase; and
WHEREAS there is strong local support to establish new intercity rail passenger
service in the Coachella Valley and the Pass Area; and
WHEREAS Coachella Valley Association of Governments has approved
establishing a dedicated source of initial funding for the project; and
WHEREAS Caltrans Division of Rail has included the Coachella Rail Service as
a proposed corridor in the latest revision of the State Rail Plan; and
WHEREAS Caltrans Division of Rail completed a Planning Study which serves
as the alternatives analysis which demonstrates significant justification for the
pro.ject including ridership potential and populations served; and
WHEREAS the development of a full Service Development Plan and initial
Environmental Documents in coordination with Caltrans Division of Rail and the
Federal Railroad Administration is the next step in making the project eligible for
federal transpo(ation funds; and
WHEREAS new service to the Coachella Valley could use the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Route between Los Angeles and Colton, the Union
Pacific route from Colton to lndio, and LA Metro owned tracks into LA Union
Station; and
WHEREAS the implementation of this service will require the cooperation of
Union Pacific, BNSF and LA Metro to operate the trains over the host railroads;
and
NOW, THEREFORE BE lT RESOLVED that the Riverside County
Transportation Commission does hereby support the establishment of Daily
lntercity Rail Service from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley via the Pass
Area; and
BE lT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Riverside County Transportation
Commission will actively oversee the completion of the Service Development
Plan to directly facilitate progress towards daily rail service.
r _
N : hV P N O V ��= ��L ~ ~ 0 0 _ &
3
N
C o a c h e l l a V a l l e y R a i l S e r v i c e
N
CVAC―RCrC MOU
. Memorandum of Understanding CVAG. Establishes joint participation in project development
. Set up a 10 percent rail / bus split ofTDA (STA) Funds
. Phased in approach with 5 percent starting in FY
20r4lLs
. The needs of SunLine will still be considered
. lncludes S4.2 million of RCTC Proposition 18 funds as
seed money
. CVAG Executive Committee will authorize expenditures
of local funds. Localfunds shall only be expended in Coachella Valley
RCTC Act:ons
CVAG requests to establish the rail split, staff concurs with
the recommendation
Approve a Short Range Transit Plan Amendment to
allocate S4.2 million of Proposition 1B funds for the CV
Rail project
Request a Letter of No Prejudice in expedite the project
Establish an independent Short Range Transit Plan for
Coachella Valley Rail
Establish unique funding mechanisms to separate
Coachella Valley Rail funding at RCTC2___..-.,-.
RCTC - Caltrans Letter of Understanding
. Formalize a partnership with Caltrans to proceed with
project development
. Caltrans would support the project with intercity rail
ridership modeling and guidance
. RCTC would take the lead in creating the Service
Development Plan and initial Environmental documents
. Both agencies would work closely with FRA and other
stakeholders to have an open and transparent process
鷺
・ 瞼理鼎N
Ridership Model―Catchment Zones
SAN:=持 ι°N°嘉=羅 鋼楓~~ 0●2_3-
PROPOSED3
Resolution of Suppoft for Daily Service
Formalize Commission support with a Resolution
Now, Therefore Be lt Resolved that RCTC does hear-by
support establishment of Daily lntercity Rail Service
From Los Angeles to Coachella Valley via the Pass Area
Also that RCTC will actively oversee the completion of
the Service Development Plan to directly facilitate
progress towards daily rail service
Next Steps
. RFP for Service Development Plan and Environmental
' Clearly demonstrate purpose and need
. More detailed Alternatives Analysis
. Ridership demand and benefits of connections
. ldentify required capital projects
. Demonstrate operational and financial feasibility4-J..-:*
Discussion5