Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: EASTSIDE PHASE 2 UPDATE
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE report in response to the Metro Board July 23, 2015 directive to provide bi-monthly updates on the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Technical Study and Community Outreach.
Issue
ISSUE
In November 2014, the Board received the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) and approved carrying forward two build alternatives, the SR 60 North Side Design Variation (NSDV) and the Washington Boulevard Alternatives into further study. Staff was directed to address comments received from Cooperating and Public Agencies, identify an alternative to Washington Blvd. via Garfield Alternative and analyze the feasibility of operating both alternatives.
At the July 23, 2015 meeting, the Board approved Contract Modification No. 12 for the Metro Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Project, Alternatives Analysis (AA), Environmental Clearance, and Conceptual Engineering Consultant Services to undertake this work effort and Contract Modification No. 11 for community outreach in support of the Technical Study. With the approval of the contract modifications, the Board directed staff to provide bi-monthly updates on: (1) the project’s contractual scope of work and description of the task order for the technical study; (2) the project’s schedule and milestones for both the technical analysis and environmental planning process for all alternatives under consideration and study; and (3) bi-monthly updates on the project’s schedule, progress reports and community outreach schedule and meeting results, including concerns raised by stakeholders (Attachment A). This report provides the requested bi-monthly update in response to the Board’s direction.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Contractual Scope of Work
The technical scope consists of three major work elements: investigations to address comments raised by Cooperating and Participating Agencies on the Draft EIS/EIR, identification of an alternative connection to Washington Blvd, and a feasibility assessment of operating both alternatives. The technical study also includes a cost containment strategy that identifies potential phasing options. The outreach scope consists of regular engagement with project stakeholders, including the SR 60 and Washington Boulevard Coalitions, and providing updates to the communities in the project area.
Project Schedule and Milestones
The major work elements described above will result in several key project milestones summarized below.
|
Key Milestones |
Target Completion |
|
New Alternative Connection to Washington Blvd |
Q2 FY16 |
|
Advanced Conceptual Engineering |
Q4 FY16 |
|
Address Cooperating and Participating Agency Comments |
Q4 FY16 |
|
Updated Cost Estimates |
Q1 FY17 |
|
Completion of Technical Study |
Q2 FY17 |
|
Metro Board Approval of the Technical Study |
Q3 FY17 |
|
Re-initiation of Environmental Clearance |
Q4 FY17 |
|
Community Outreach |
Ongoing |
The Technical Study will respond to comments received from the Cooperating agencies and the November 2014 Board direction. It will also identify any necessary updates to the Draft EIS/EIR. Therefore, environmental clearance can be re-initiated upon Board approval of the Technical Study. Depending upon the results of the Technical Study and the degree of project scope change, the Draft EIS/EIR may require re-circulation. At that time, staff will be able to determine the impact, if any, to the Final EIS/EIR schedule. During the re-initiation, staff will consult with FTA on the environmental path forward.
Progress Report
Since the last Board update, the project team has moved forward with investigations to address comments provided by several Cooperating Agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), Southern California Edison (SCE), and State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Throughout September 2015, staff held consultation kick-off meetings with USACE, USEPA, and Caltrans, and received constructive feedback on the technical approaches proposed. Follow up meetings are currently being scheduled with these agencies.
The Project Team also initiated the identification of potential north-south connections to Washington Blvd. This culminated in a half-day workshop on September 15th with representatives of each member city of the Washington Blvd. Coalition - the Cities of Commerce, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Whittier and Santa Fe Springs. The Workshop provided an opportunity to share information on community plans, better understand community priorities and explore potential connections to Washington Blvd. that best serve community goals. Further technical work is being done on the alternative alignments identified.
Staff continues to meet monthly with both Coalitions to provide updates on the technical work underway, discuss project issues and provide a look-ahead. Both Coalitions met separately with Phil Washington, Metro’s CEO, on September 30th to share their perspectives and discuss the path forward for the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 project. Attachment B summarizes progress completed to date and shows that the project is on schedule.
West Santa Ana Branch (WSAB) - Eastside Phase 2 Connection Study
The November Board motion directed staff to investigate coordination of potential connectivity that does not preclude integration of the Eastside Phase 2 Transit Corridor with the West Santa Ana Branch (Eco Rapid Transit). Staff completed procurement of consultant services through the Planning Bench and a Notice to Proceed was issued in October 2015. Both study efforts will be closely coordinated going forward.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue technical work and outreach on the Technical Study and will return to the Board with regular updates. Staff will also be initiating the WSAB Connection Study.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - July Board Motion
Attachment B - Milestone Schedule
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Eugene Kim, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 922-3080
Laura Cornejo, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 922-2885
David Mieger, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3040
Renee Berlin, Managing Executive Officer, (213) 922-3035
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Martha Welborne, FAIA, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-7267
