In developing transportation related legislative issues and proposals to bring forward for consideration by TWIC, staff receives input from the Board of Supervisors (BOS), references the County's adopted Legislative Platforms, coordinates with our legislative advocates, partner agencies and organizations, and consults with the Committee itself.
Recommendations are summarized in the Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s) section at the end of this report and specific recommendations are underlined in the report below. This report includes three sections, 1) LOCAL, 2) STATE, and 3) FEDERAL.
1) LOCAL
Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP)
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority's (Authority) is in the process of developing both the 2014 Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) and a Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP). A TEP is a statutorily required component of a transportation sales tax. These items are standing item for the foreseeable future. New material below is shown in italics.talics
As the TWIC has discussed at past meetings, the development of the CTP resulted in a dialog regarding the need for additional revenue for transportation improvements. The outcome of those discussions was to initiate the process to go to the ballot in November 2016 with a new transportation sales tax. The Authority Board approved this activity at their March, 2015 meeting.
At previous TWIC and Board of Supervisors (Board) meetings we have discussed the basis on which the Authority is developing the plan, the process, and schedule. The Board has not yet endorsed the proposed transportation sales tax. For background purposes the latest full report to the Board is available at the link below.
September 15, 2015
http://64.166.146.245/docs/2015/BOS/20150915_640/650_09-15-15_826_AGENDApacket.pdf#page=128
TEP Update
The Board approved the recommendations in the 9/15 staff report mentioned above. Below are updates on those actions where available:
Process
Per Board direction, County staff contacted Authority staff and met on October 13 and 27 to discuss process issues in bringing a transportation sales tax measure to the ballot. These issues included schedule, costs of the election, and relevant statutory authority. Outcomes of those meetings:
• As was the case with Measure J (2008), the Authority agreed to reimburse the County for the cost of the election.
• A tentative schedule for the various required approvals and hearings is being developed and will be distributed once it is finished.
Staff from both agencies will continue to meet as necessary during the development of the TEP and ordinance if the effort is sucessful.
Board Priorities
The Board is reviewing a draft letter transmitting comments and priorities on the TEP at their November 3, 2015 meeting. The draft letter is attached to this report (BOStoCCTAreTEP(11-3).pdf). Some of these priorities were discussed during our 10/13, 27 meetings with CCTA:
• Maintenance: In contrast to both the Board's position and that of the Regional Transportation Planning Committees (RTPCs) of a 30% allocation for Local Streets Maintenance, the Authority proposal is likely to be 18% in the upcoming draft TEP. The existing substantial maintenance shortfall was discussed and acknowledged but Authority position was that 30% is not possible.
• Accessible Transit: In concept, CCTA staff does not see any issues with the four recommendations in the draft letter. Regarding the mobility management/brokerage model being proposed, staff would like to examine the system in more detail to be sure it would function in Contra Costa County. The topic of the site visit to the Santa Clara County operation was discussed. At this time Santa Clara County cannot entertain a large group, staff proposed bring a few Board members to visit the site.
• Improved Land Use Coordination: The concept of encouraging the development of employment sites to make use of underutilized transportation infrastructure was discussed and some different options were considered. At this time, the County needs to develop a more specific proposal in order to receive feedback and further the discussion.
• Projects: The modification to the SR 239/TriLink project was discussed. The Authority is supportive of moving the Vasco-Byron Connector ahead as a priority. The concept of enhancing the Iron Horse corridor with improved bicycle facilities was also discussed favorably.
RECOMMENDATION: The Committee should DISCUSS local transportation issues of interest to the County and take ACTION as appropriate.
2) STATE
Legislation
Attached is the latest report from the County's legislative advocate Mark Watts, (State Legislative Update 10_2015.pdf), and a clear, well organized report from the State Legislative Analyst's Office summary of the various transportation funding proposals being discussed (LAO - Transportation-Challenges-101615.pdf). Mr. Watts will be present at the TWIC meeting to discuss these documents and provide an overview of the state legislative situation.
A list of bills tracked by the County is attached (StateLegListing.pdf)
Iron Horse Corridor
On October 19, 2015 a delegation from Contra Costa County went to Sacramento to meet with Caltrans leadership to discuss the status of the Iron Horse corridor relative to requirements placed on the County regarding it's use as a transportation corridor. That meeting is addressed in the attached legislative report from Mark Watts.
RECOMMENDATION: The Committee should DISCUSS state legislative activities of interest to the County and take ACTION as appropriate.
3) FEDERAL
Expiration of Federal Transportation Funding Authorization: On October 27th the House passed a short term measure to extend funding authority until November 20th. The Senate is expected to pass the bill later this week. Congress has not passed a bill longer than two years since 2005.
RECOMMENDATION: DISCUSS that status of federal transportation funding legislation and take ACTION as appropriate.
|