California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter II – Capital Programevaluate potential rail corridor improvements. The EIR/EIS was completed inSpring 2005. This document will facilitate environmental reviews of specificproject improvements under both the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).In June 2005, the Draft LOSSAN North Corridor Strategic Plan was released;it covers the route from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. The Department,in cooperation with regional planning agencies, Amtrak, Southern CaliforniaRegional Rail Authority (SCRRA), Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and otherstakeholders, completed this Plan. The Plan outlines a list of capital projectsrequired to improve rail service for the immediate period (up to three years),near-term (four to eight year), and vision (nine to 20 years).After a period of review and comment, it was decided that additional work wouldbe undertaken before the Plan was finalized. Detailed rail capacity modeling wasdone and potential alternatives for commuter rail service between Ventura andSanta Barbara counties were studied. This information was included in a revisedfinal draft LOSSAN North Strategic Plan, released in June 2007. In August 2007,a LOSSAN Strategic Business Plan corridor-wide summary document wasreleased that included highlights from both Strategic Plans including a capitalfunding program.Please note that the term LOSSAN now refers to the entire Pacific Surflinercorridor from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, even though the term originallyreferred to only the Los Angeles-San Diego segment. LOSSAN also refers to theLos Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency.SAN JOAQUIN ROUTEIn April 2006, the Department initiated a vision plan for the San Joaquin Route.The Strategic Business Plan is being developed in conjunction with theSan Joaquin Valley Rail Committee, Amtrak, BNSF, UP and the public.The overall goal is to further develop the San Joaquins as an alternativetransportation system that relieves highway and air congestion and supportsefficient, environmentally compatible land use. The Plan will include a long-termcapital program and identify possible Route extensions and their revenue andridership. The Department anticipates the Plan will be completed in early 2008.CAPITOL CORRIDORThe CCJPA has issued a new Vision Plan, updated June 2005. This updates theoriginal Vision Plan, issued in May 2002. The Plan provides objectives,implementing strategies and actions for continued growth and expansion on theCorridor. The Plan, in conjunction with the 2005-06 CCJPA Business Plan,includes Tier I (1-5 year) capital projects and Tier II (6-20 year) capital projects.(The CCJPA identified which Tier II projects are within the ten-year timeframe ofthe State Rail Plan.)25