California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Planof a 2005-06 $1.2 billion General Fund loan commitment to the TCRF.The remaining $200 million, plus interest, would be repaid from revenuesresulting from future tribal gaming compacts if more compacts were negotiated.If tribal gaming revenues were not sufficient to cover any part of the $1.2 billionowed, the remainder would be repaid from the General Fund by July 1, 2021;however, pending litigation makes the timing of the bond sales and resultingrevenue uncertain.GENERAL FUNDThe General Fund can be used for rail projects if there is a specific appropriationin the budget. Since 1975-76, only the 1999-00 and 2000-01 Budgets providedGeneral Fund money for intercity rail capital projects. The 1999-00 Budgetincluded $17.5 million for new intercity rail rolling stock, and the 2000-01 Budgetalso provided $30 million for this purpose.LOCAL FUNDSAlthough intercity rail passenger services are funded primarily by the state,a substantial amount of local funds have been invested, mainly on thePacific Surfliner Route to fund commuter rail development. These funds serve toenhance commuter rail service, and to improve tracks, signals and stations used byintercity trains. Also, intercity rail stations are often owned by cities and fundedwith local revenue in addition to STIP funding. The Department will continue towork with local and regional entities that may wish to fund higher levels of servicethan state resources are able to provide.FEDERAL FUNDSFederal transportation funds from various programs are used for intercity railprojects. In particular, funding has been provided for station projects from theFederal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 and 5309 capital programs;however, federal flexible transportation funds, such as are provided through theSurface Transportation Program, are generally not available for intercity railprojects.In January 2007, federal legislation was introduced which would affect intercityrail. This was the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007(S294). This is a six year authorization which would fully fund Amtrak byauthorizing $3.2 billion a year for that period. The bill would provide an operatingsubsidy for Amtrak as well as providing funds for capital grants to Amtrak,operating security, state capital grants and repayment of Amtrak debt. Fundingtotals for the six years are $11.3 billion. An additional amendment to the bill,submitted by the authors, would be a bonding amendment for an additional$7.8 billion.198