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“State Awards $63 Million for Rail Improvements Between Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties”

 

MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) announced that the California Transportation State Transportation Agency awarded $63 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to provide rail improvements along the Coast Line between Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties.


 


The funding was awarded to the Facilitating and Accelerating Service Transformations on the Central Coast Program (FAST Central Coast Program), a collaborative effort of the Coast Rail Coordinating Council involving the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, and the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Rail Corridor) Agency.


 


The grant award provides funding for several coordinated projects along the coast rail line between Monterey County and Santa Barbara County to increase ridership, reliability, and train frequency. The coordinated projects are:


    The King City Multi Modal Transportation Center will establish a new rail station in downtown King City, including railroad siding upgrades and a staging area for National Guard service members connecting between the rail station and Fort Hunter Liggett.

    Crossover and siding improvements near San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles stations will improve train reliability and operational flexibility for increased train service along the Central Coast.

    The Ortega Siding will be built between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, enabling a seventh Pacific Surfliner roundtrip and improving overall corridor efficiency for both freight and passenger rail.


 


Mike LeBarre, Mayor of King City and TAMC Board Member, stated, “the funding is a transformative opportunity for King City by offering access, economic opportunity, and critical support for our military. We look forward to celebrating this monumental achievement when it’s completed.”


 


All rail improvements are expected to be completed by 2029 and will be advanced in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in a manner consistent with the network vision established in the State Rail Plan and included in ongoing Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program efforts being advanced along the Central Coast.


 


A sizeable portion of the matching funds for this project is provided by Senate Bill (SB) 125 funding, with over $14 million committed to deliver this suite of projects.


 


BACKGROUND INFORMATION


 


Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP)


TIRCP was created by SB 862 and modified by SB 9 to provide grants via the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to fund transformative capital improvements that will modernize California’s intercity, commuter, and urban rail systems, and bus and ferry transit systems, to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, vehicle miles traveled, and congestion.


 


California State Transportation Agency


The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) develops and coordinates California’s transportation policies and programs to achieve the state’s mobility, safety, equity, and environmental sustainability objectives. The agency oversees the policies and activities of California’s eight state organizations that deliver transportation-related programs and services and support the movement of people and goods throughout the state.


 


Coast Rail Coordinating Council


The mission of the Coast Rail Coordination Council is to improve the frequency, speed, reliability, and ease of use of passenger trains on the coastal route between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Its members are the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments with Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC), Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), and Ventura County Transportation Commission (CCTC).


 


LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency


The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers authority composed of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along the LOSSAN rail corridor working to improve passenger rail ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility, and safety for the Pacific Surfliner trains.


 


State Rail Plan


The California State Rail Plan (Rail Plan) affirms the State’s Vision for an integrated rail and transit network that delivers California’s ambitious economic, environmental, and equity goals. An integrated rail network connecting to future high-speed rail corridors supports economic growth, improves environmental outcomes, and increases equity by providing the seamless mobility Californians need and shifts travel demand to zero-emission, high-capacity transport that supports efficient, sustainable land use.


For more information about the TIRCP award, contact Christina Watson, TAMC Director of Planning, at 831 775-4406 or christina@tamcmonterey.org.


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The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is responsible for investing in regional transportation projects for Monterey County residents, businesses and visitors.  The mission of TAMC is to develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, access, environment quality and economic activities in Monterey County. For more information visit www.tamcmonterey.org or call 831.775.0903.

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