California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16

Chapter XII–Intercity Rail Funding
FUNDING SOURCES
Public Transportation Account (PTA). The PTA is the exclusive source of intercity rail
operating funds and a potential source of intercity rail capital funds. The TCRP, enacted
in 2000, and then Proposition 42, passed in March 2002, added additional funds to the
PTA.
State Highway Account (SHA). The bulk of the SHA supports the State’s highway system,
but a portion of the account also supports rail projects in the STIP. In the 1996 STIP
through 2002 STIP biennial cycles, $468.6 million was programmed for intercity rail
projects and $331.3 million has been allocated.
Traffic Congestion Relief Fund (TCRF). The program established in 2000 included
$206.5 million for specific intercity rail capital projects, of which $129.4 million has
been allocated.
Tribal Compact Bonds. In 2004, the issuance of bonds secured by Indian gaming
revenue was authorized. Although the revenue is uncertain, the PTA could receive
additional funds.
State Bond Funds. In 1990 the voters approved the Passenger Rail and Clean Air Bond
Act (Proposition 108), which provided $1 billion in rail bonds, including $225 million
for intercity rail capital projects. The Clean Air and Transportation Improvement Act
of 1990 (Proposition 116) provided a $1.99 billion one-time source of funding for rail
and transit projects, including about $382 million for intercity rail passenger capital
projects. Most of these bond funds have been allocated.
State General Funds. The 1999-00 and 2000-01 State Budgets provided General Fund
money for intercity rail capital projects. The 1999-00 and 2000-01 Budgets included
$17.5 million and $30 million respectively for new intercity rail rolling stock.
Local Funds. Although intercity rail passenger services are funded primarily by the
State, a substantial amount of local funds have also been invested, mainly on the Pacific
Surfliner Route, to fund commuter rail development. Further, intercity rail stations are
often owned by cities and funded with local funds in addition to STIP funding.
Federal Funds. Federal transportation funds from various programs benefit
intercity rail service, particularly through station projects. However, Federal flexible
transportation funds, like those provided through the Surface Transportation Program,
are generally not available for intercity rail projects.
Amtrak Funds. Amtrak develops and funds certain California intercity rail capital
projects. The largest investment has been for maintenance facilities and rolling stock,
including the purchase of 40 new passenger cars and 14 locomotives for the Pacific
Surfliner Corridor at a cost of about $135 million.
Railroad Funds. The State and the railroads owning the right-of-way of intercity rail
passenger routes sometimes share in the cost of track and signal improvement projects.
Executive Summary California State Rail Plan 2005-06 to 2015-16 15