Meeting'Agenda' ' Friday,'January'25,'2019' Time:'10:00'a.m.!

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1 MeetingAgenda Friday,January25,2019 Time:10:00a.m. MeetingLocation: FresnoCouncilofGovernments 2035TulareStreet,Suite201 Fresno,CA93721 TeleconferenceNumber: ParticipantCode: A. CALLTOORDERANDINTRODUCTIONS B.ELECTIONOFCHAIRANDVICECHAIR Enclosure C.APPROVALOFMINUTES Chair August24,2018RegionalPolicyCouncilMeeting D.DISCUSSION/ACTIONITEMS 1. ExecutiveandWaterCommittees MichaelSigala ReviewandUpdateMembership 2.CategoricalExclusionsforCertainCaltrans Projects AhronHakimi DiscussandApproveLetterofSupport 3.SustainableCommunitiesStrategies RyanNiblock DiscussSB150ReportfromtheCalifornia AirResourcesBoard

2 Enclosure 4.ValleyVoiceSacramento:April3,2019 MichaelSigala a.discussandapprovelegislativepriorities GusKhouri b.reviewitineraryandlogistics 5.FederalTransportationReauthorizationPrinciples StacieDabbs DiscussandApproveFederalLegislativePrioritiesfor2019 E.INFORMATIONALITEMS Thefollowingitemsareforinformationalpurposesandrequirenoactionorvote.Writtensummaries ofinformationalitemsareincludedintheagendapacket. 1.CaltransReport Staff AnnualPolicyConference(May8Q10,2019) TerriKing 3.RuralTransitAlternativesStudy/ARBGrant MichaelSigala 4.CaliforniaPartnershipfortheSanJoaquinValley IsmaelHerrera F.OTHERITEMS 1.ExecutiveDirectors Report RosaPark 2.PolicyCouncilMemberComments G.PUBLICCOMMENT ThisportionofthemeetingisreservedforpersonswishingtoaddresstheCouncilonitemswithinits jurisdictionbutnotonthisagenda.publiccommentwillbeallowedduringthediscussion/actionitemsabove. NextRegularRegionalPolicyCouncilMeeting:Friday,June14,2019,10am AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)Accommodations ThepublicmeetinglocationandrestroomsareADAaccessible.Representativesorindividualswithdisabilities shouldcontactthesjvregionalplanningagenciesat ,atleast3daysinadvance,torequest auxiliaryaidsand/ortranslationservicesnecessarytoparticipateinthepublicmeeting.

3 MeetingMinutes Friday,August24,2018 Time:10:00a.m. THIS%WAS%A%PHONE%CONFERENCE%MEETING% TeleconferenceNumber: ParticipantCode: MeetingAttendees: MEMBER MPO/COG TITLE JURISDICTION AmarpreetDhaliwal FresnoCOG Mayor CityofSanJoaquin CherylWegman KernCOG Councilmember CityofWasco DavidAyers KCAG Mayor CityofHanford DaronMcDaniel MCAG Supervisor MercedCounty AndyMedellin MCTC Mayor CityofMadera ElbertHolman SJCOG Councilmember CityofStockton ChuckWinn SJCOG Supervisor SanJoaquinCounty VitoChiesa StanCOG Supervisor StanislausCounty BillZoslocki StanCOG Councilmember CityofModesto RudyMendoza Chair TCAG Mayor CityofWoodlake LindaLauner TCAG Councilmember CityofDinuba PleaseseeAppendixAforalistofotherattendees

4 A.CALLTOORDERANDINTRODUCTIONS ChairMendoza B.APPROVALOFMINUTES TherewasamotiontoapproveJune22,2018,RegionalPolicyCouncilMeeting FirstMotion:MayorDavidAyers SecondMotion:CouncilmemberElbertHolman NoNays MotionedCarried C.DISCUSSION/ACTIONITEMS 1.ValleyVoiceD.C.2018(Sep1213) MichaelSigala a.reviewregionalprioritiessummary, SpeakerAssignmentsandFactSheets MichaelSigaladiscussedtheregionalprioritysummaryintheagendapacketandgaveabriefoverview ofgoodmovements,transportationpolicy,airqualityfunding,andpassengerrailcategories.michael SigalanotedthatMayorCherylWegmanofWascocannotmakethetripandsuggestedareplacement speakerforregionaltransportationplanpilotprogram.councilmemberbillzoslockivolunteeredto taketheleadandcoverthetopic.chairrudymendozahighlightedtheimportanceofpreparationand clarifyingtheaskbeforethemeetingsind.c. b.discussitineraryandtriplogisticsjencovino JenCovinogaveabriefwalkthoughoftheschedulefortheD.C.trip.ChairRudyMendoza suggestedmarkingconfirmedontheagendalistwithmemberswhohaverepliedand confirmedtheirdiscussiontimes.silvanacalderaconfirmedtheagendaonwaterpolicyon Thursdayandwentoverthescheduledmeetingsandconfirmedmemberdiscussions. SupervisorWinnwasconcernedthatthediscussionaboutwaterpoliciesintheCentralValley wouldbehadwiththeappropriatemembers,furtherdiscussionensued. 2.TransportationFunding ChairMendoza DiscussandConsideradoptingResolution No toopposeProposition6 MichaelSigalaintroducedaresolutiontoopposeProposition6.Alldirectorsoftheboardwereprovided withtheresolution,staffreportandbackgroundinformation.rodatteberry,legalcounsel,wasonthe phonetoansweranyquestionsandprovideadditionalinformation. TherewasamotiontoapproveResolutionNo toopposeProposition6. FirstMotion:SupervisorVitoChiesa SecondMotion:MayorAmarpreetDhaliwal NoNays,OneAbstention MayorDavidAyers MotionedCarried

5 D.PUBLICCOMMENT ThisportionofthemeetingisreservedforpersonswishingtoaddresstheCouncilonitemswithinits jurisdictionbutnotonthisagenda.publiccommentwillbeallowedduringthediscussion/actionitem above Nopubliccomment. Appendix:A OtherIndividualsAttendingthePhoneMeeting Organization MichaelSigala SJVCoordinator TashiaClemons FHWA TonyBoren FresnoCOG AndyCheshely SJCOG StacieDabbs MCAG TedSmalley TCAG MattFell MCAG AnthonyDuhon MaderaCountyBOS SandyEbersole MCTC JenCovino LenSimonCo SilvanaCaldera LenSimonCo BeckyNapier KernCOG TerriKing KCAG RodAtteberry NeumillerAttorneys RosaParks StanCOG DanLeavitt SanJoaquinRailAuthority SinarenPheng CalTransDistrict10

6 ITEM D.1 DATE: January25,2019 TO: SanJoaquinValleyRegionalPlanningAgenciesPolicyCouncil RE: MembershipofExecutiveandWaterPolicyCommittees OnJuly21,2017,thebylawsoftheSanJoaquinValleyRegionalPlanningAgenciesPolicyCouncil were revised to create two standing committees: An Executive Committee and a Water Policy Committee: The$ Executive$ Committee$ of$ the$ Policy$ Council$ is$ created$ to$ take$ legislative$ and$ administrative$ actions$ on$ behalf$ of$ the$ Policy$ Council.$ $ $ The$ Executive$ Committee$ shall$ consist$ of$ five$ (5)$ members$of$the$policy$council$appointed$for$two$years.$$the$chair$of$the$policy$council$shall$serve$ as$ the$ Chairperson$ of$ the$ Executive$ Committee.$ Membership$ of$ the$ Executive$ Committee$ shall$ include$ geographic$ representation$ from$ the$ northern$ San$ Joaquin$ Valley$ counties$ (San$ Joaquin,$ Stanislaus$ and$ Merced),$ the$ central$ San$ Joaquin$ Valley$ counties$ (Fresno$ and$ Madera)$ and$ the$ southern$san$joaquin$valley$counties$(kings,$tulare$and$kern).$$the$executive$committee$shall$be$ operated$in$accordance$with$the$bylaws$of$the$policy$council.$ $ CurrentExecutiveCommitteemembers: RudyMendoza,CityofWoodlake,TulareCounty(chair) ChuckWinn,SanJoaquinCounty BillZoslocki,CityofModesto,StanislausCounty MikeVillalta,CityofLosBanos,MercedCounty AndrewMedellin,CityofMadera,MaderaCounty Daron$McDaniel,$Merced$County$K$$Alternate$ Gary$Yep,$City$of$Kerman,$Fresno$County$ $Alternate$ VACANT$K$Alternate$ $ $ The$Water$Policy$Committee$of$the$Policy$Council$is$created$to$advise$the$Policy$Council$on$local,$ state$and$federal$matters$of$importance$related$to$water$infrastructure$funding$and$policy.$$$the$ Water$Policy$Committee$shall$consist$of$five$(5)$members$of$the$Policy$Council$appointed$for$two$ years.$ $ The$ Chair$ of$ the$ Policy$ Council$ shall$ serve$ as$ the$ Chairperson$ of$ the$ Water$ Policy$ Committee.$Membership$of$the$Water$Policy$Committee$shall$include$geographic$representation$

7 from$the$northern$san$joaquin$valley$counties$(san$joaquin,$stanislaus$and$merced),$the$central$ San$Joaquin$Valley$counties$(Fresno$and$Madera)$and$the$southern$San$Joaquin$Valley$counties$ (Kings,$Tulare$and$Kern).$$The$Water$Policy$Committee$shall$be$operated$in$accordance$with$the$ Bylaws$of$the$Policy$Council.$ CurrentWaterCommitteemembers: RudyMendoza,CityofWoodlake,TulareCounty(chair) ChuckWinn,SanJoaquinCounty DaronMcDaniel,MercedCounty DougVerboon,KingsCounty RobertPoythress,MaderaCounty Gary$Yep,$City$of$Kerman,$Fresno$County$ $Alternate$ Kuyler$Crocker,$Tulare$County$K$Alternate$ RequestedAction.Thisisaninformationalreviewitem.ThenewlyelectedChairandViceChair ofthepolicycouncilmayimpactthecompositionofthesecommittees.thepolicycouncilmay electtotakeactiontofillthealternatevacancyontheexecutivecommittee.

8 ITEM D.2 DATE: January25,2019 TO: SanJoaquinValleyRegionalPlanningAgenciesPolicyCouncil RE: CategoricalExclusionsforCertainCaltrans Projects Categoricalexclusions(CEs)arecategoriesofactionsthathavebeendeterminednottohavea significant effect on the human environment either individually or cumulatively. In its regulations for National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) implementation, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) directed all federal agencies to adopt procedures for identifying actions that are categorically excluded, e.g., that normally do not require either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment. Pursuant to CEQs regulations,thefederalhighwayadministration(fhwa)hasdefinedcategoriesofactionsthat donotinvolvesignificantenvironmentalimpacts.theseactionsaredefinedin23cfr Under 23 CFR , CEs are divided into two groups based on the actions potential for impacts. The first group consists of categories of actions that experience has shown almost never cause significant environmental impacts. These categories involve minor construction activitiesandactivitiesthatdonotleadtoconstruction.theyarelistedinsubsection(c)of23 CFR (Class C ).TheseactionsareautomaticallyclassifiedasCEs,exceptwhereunusual circumstancesoccur.thedeterminationthattheactionisexcludedmustbedocumentedbythe completionofthece/ceform. ThesecondgroupofCEsconsistsofactionsthatnormallydonotinvolvesignificantimpacts,but may, depending upon circumstances, have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts (Class D ). These projects require potentially expensive environmental studies and documentationtoverifyenvironmentalimpacts. TreatingC^typeCEsasthoughtheyrequirethesamedocumentationandstandardsofanalysis asd^typeexemptionsdelayslocalprojectsunnecessarilyandrequiresfederalfundstobeused inappropriately on studies that are not federally required rather than on construction activity forwhichtheywereintended. A May 31, 2016 memorandum of understanding among the Federal Highway Administration, California Divisions and the California Department of Transportation allowed the State to assumeresponsibilityforcategoricalexclusions.thatmouisduetoberenewedinmay2019.

9 DespiteitsauthoritytodosounderapilotprogramdelegatingNEPAcertificationapprovalto certain states, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) typically declines to approve CE forms out of legal liability concerns, despite FHWA rulemaking regarding CE dispositions. TherenewedMOUshouldincludelanguagethatrequiresCaltranstoapproveClass C CEsand thereinreleasingthestatefromlegalliabilityforthoseactions. ProposedMOUwordingmarkup: IV. Stateperformancerequirements B. Processing projects assigned under this MOU State identification, documentation,andreviewofeffects 2.For$CEs$other$than$those$designated$in$23$CFR$77.117(c),carry out a review of CE determination for CEs, including those designatedin23cfr (c),carryout ThischangeisconsistentwiththecitedfederalregulationsasofSeptember26,2018,aswellas wording in the federal MOU template and MOUs from all other states that have assumed responsibilityforcategoricalexemptions. RequestedAction.ApprovealettertoCaltrans(attached)requestingachangeinthelanguage to the MOU between FHWA s California Divisions and Caltrans for its pending May 2019 renewal.

10 January25,2019 LaurieBerman,Director CaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation 1120NStreet MS49 Sacramento,DC95814 ( RE:(FHWA/Caltrans(MOU(on(State(assumption(of(responsibility(for(categorical(exclusions( (Proposed(Edits( ( Ms.Berman: OnbehalfoftheSanJoaquinValleyRegionalPlanningAgenciesPolicyCouncil,wekindlyrequestyoupleaseconsider thefollowingeditstothemay31,2016moubetweenthefederalhighwayadministration/californiadivisionand the California Department of Transportation Memorandum of Understanding on the State assumption of responsibilityforcategoricalexclusions(ces). Proposed(MOU(wording(mark(up:( IV. Stateperformancerequirements B. ProcessingprojectsassignedunderthisMOU Stateidentification,documentation,andreview ofeffects 2. For CEs other than those designated in 23 CFR (c), carry out a review of CE determinationforces,includingthosedesignatedin23ce77.117(c),carryout ThisproposedchangeisconsistentwiththecitedfederalregulationsasofSeptember26,2018,aswellaswordingin thefederalceassignmentmoutemplateandmousfromallotherstatesthathaveassumedresponsibilityforce. TreatingC[typeCEsasthoughtheyrequirethesamestandardsofanalysisasD[typeexclusionsdelayslocalprojects unnecessarily, and requires federal funds to be used inappropriately on studies that are not federally required, ratherthanonconstructionactivityforwhichtheywereintended. Inaddition,werequestthatCaltransupdatethePreliminaryEnvironmentalStudy(PES)formandCEchecklisttobe madeconsistentwiththechange.thankyouinadvanceforconsideringthisrequestandpleaseletmeknowifican answeranyquestionsorconcerns. Sincerely, RudyMendoza ChairoftheSanJoaquinValleyRegionalPlanningAgenciesPolicyCouncil MayoroftheCityofWoodlake,TulareCounty

11 San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies Policy Council January 2019 STAFF REPORT SUBJECT: RECOMMENDED ACTION: Update on SB 150 Report prepared by the California Air Resources Board Discussion SUMMARY: Under SB 150, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is meant to assess progress made by each MPO in meeting regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. In CARB s report, they conclude that the state is not on track to meet its GHG reductions, based on progress made to date. Valley staff, along with other fellow regional planning partners, are critical of CARB staff s conclusions and recommendations. CARB s report can be found at the following link: BACKGROUND: With the passage of SB 375 in 2008, metropolitan planning organizations were required to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). An SCS must demonstrate an ambitious, yet achievable, approach to how land use development and transportation can work together to meet GHG emission reduction targets for cars and light trucks. Under SB 150, CARB is meant to assess progress made by each MPO in meeting regional greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The reporting is to include changes to targets, a discussion of best practices, and the challenges faced by MPOs in meeting the targets, including the effect of state policies and funding. The San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the State, communities that share an air basin challenged by weather and topography that creates an ideal setting for extreme air pollution. Because of this, Valley MPOs are sensitive to the need for air quality improvement and are firmly committed to SB 375. Valley Since the inception of SB 375, the Valley has met and exceeded all its GHG reduction targets. MPOs have been successful in changing the way they do business in their RTPs through better integration of transportation, land use, housing, health indicators, and GHG reductions. As a result, all Valley MPOs have been able to meet and exceed all GHG reduction targets set for each RTP/SCS completed. In CARB s recently released SB 150 report, CARB concludes that the state is not on track to meet its GHG reductions, based on progress made to date. They suggest that MPO strategies have not

12 been as effective as anticipated, and that more needs to be done at regional and local levels. They highlight recent increases in GHG and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and make several topdown recommendations to put the state on track to meet GHG goals. CARB s recommendations look to create greater influence over local decision making, which Valley staff disagrees with. Valley staff, along with its fellow regional planning partners, are critical of CARB staff s analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Metropolitan Planning Organizations Disagree with CARB MPOs throughout the Valley, along with the four largest MPOs in the state, have been united in their criticism of CARB s SB 150 report. Joint technical comment letters have been sent to CARB, joint meetings between the MPOs and CARB have been held, and joint presentations by the MPOs have been delivered to CARB to dispute their conclusions and refocus the discussion. All MPOs are meeting their GHG reduction targets under SB 375. Regions are engaging the public, investing in strategies outlined by CARB, and striving to meet and exceed aggressive targets. Unfortunately, we ve seen smaller returns on these investments than expected. The MPOs are doing all they can the approach to meet the State s goals must expand to include all relevant state agencies, and add more tools to the toolboxes of regional and local governments. CARB Assertion: Existing strategies haven t been as effective at anticipated; agencies should commit more resources to these strategies. MPO Response: The State must focus on new/different strategies that move the needle Existing strategies are not one-size-fits-all, and some of the current best practices are proving to be ineffective in the Valley. As an example, Parking Pricing is a strategy that has been successful in the most densely urban areas of the state. In the San Joaquin Valley, where cities are still trying to revitalize downtowns and stimulate economic growth, the implementation of a Parking Pricing strategy would actually deter much needed economic development. One of the biggest GHG-related challenges the Valley faces (particularly in the northern portion of the Valley) is the super-commuter who spends hours on the road every day. In the Valley, increasing employment Economic development opportunities nearer to home is what would work to reduce in the Valley shortens the number of super-commuters on the road. As such, we commutes, leading to believe placing a greater emphasis on economic development in the Valley would produce better GHG results. reduced GHG. CARB Assertion: Significant shifts in funding must occur into transit and active transportation MPO Response: Fund source limitations and funding priorities must be better understood As many MPOs have pointed out during the 2018 RTP/SCS development process, 90 percent of transportation funds have a designated purpose. For example, funds administered by the Federal Transit Administration must be used for transit projects, and funding through the Highway Bridge Program must be used for bridge improvements. Less than 10 percent of funds outlined in the

13 RTP/SCS have the flexibility to shift from one mode of travel to another. As such, without legislative changes, the kind of funding shift CARB requests is not possible. Furthermore, it should be recognized that an MPO considers multiple priorities when distributing funds. On top of GHG improvement, an MPO Board must also consider safety, mobility, equity, and economic In assigning transportation dollars, elected officials must balance multiple priorities. impact. The SB 150 report fails to consider the value of these factors and fails to recognize the challenge associated with balancing these priorities. For example, because of the more urban nature of cities like Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton, investments into projects that reduce GHG in these cities tend to produce a greater bang for the buck than in more rural communities like Mendota, Arvin, or Escalon. When distributing funds for these types of projects, the MPO Boards must also balance associated equity considerations. CARB Assertion: Housing decisions at the regional and local levels do not align with CARB goals MPO Response: Land use limitations and local priorities must be taken into consideration When considering the 20-year span of a planning document like the 2018 RTP/SCS, it must be understood that approximately 70 percent of land use is already built out (i.e., the existing development we have today). Of the 30 percent anticipated growth over the 20-year planning period, the majority of housing is already entitled, meaning again that MPOs, if they actually have land use authority, have in the range of 10 percent flexibility within which to make decisions. California is in a housing crisis, and the lack of affordable housing near jobs is a major contributor to the commute patterns we see today. Unfortunately, resources around the development of affordable housing have been woefully inadequate. The California Department of Housing and Community Development reports that: Over the last three years, $2.5 billion in requests for funding statewide have been received under the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities program Only $470 million in funding was available for award Roughly four out of every five projects is unable to secure funding This speaks to the demand for affordable housing in California and highlights a $2 billion shortfall for this type of housing. MPOs throughout the state have been unified in noting that the lack of a redevelopment tool creates a major challenge for infill development and affordable housing. We Need to Get Realistic as We Move Forward Over time, some of the metrics and recommend strategies used by CARB are becoming less effective. As mobility evolves, so too must our efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Below are points made by Valley staff to attempt to refocus efforts: For some time, we have used VMT as a reasonable approximate for GHG. However, as new technologies and methods of travel emerge, VMT is less likely to track with GHG reductions. Services like Lyft and Uber actually increase VMT, and the introduction of

14 autonomous vehicles will undoubtedly increase VMT. Further, the mobile fleet has become significantly cleaner, reducing the amount of improvement by lowering VMT. We cannot ignore that vehicle travel (cars, small trucks, and freight) is a critical part of the economic vitality of the Valley. Even under the current batch of technologies available, we are seeing Valley residents associating prosperity with auto ownership. CARB s focus on addressing the impact of VMT should be refocused on efforts to electrify vehicle fleets. The SB 150 report suggests convening a transportation system think tank to evaluate future transportation needs, identify transformative technologies, and assess regulatory approaches to ensure deployment. While Valley MPOs are supportive of this effort and believe that technological advancements are what will have the most impact on GHG improvement, we also believe that a more direct approach is warranted. The Valley has recommended that CARB seek legislative solutions to direct investment by the State into the actual development advancement of these technologies, rather than just monitoring. Closing Thoughts While the MPOs have been successful in meeting and exceeding its GHG reduction targets under SB 375, we have seen little accomplished by the State in regard to its responsibilities in reducing GHG. MPOs are active participants in the development of setting aggressive targets for themselves. However, we have yet to see targets set by the State related to housing or job creation. The lack of state-level scrutiny in this regard is concerning, and improvement in these areas can go a long way to improve GHG statewide. Valley MPOs are proud of their record of meeting and exceeding its GHG reduction targets. Valley MPOs are following through on the implementation of their RTP/SCS s, and will continue to support innovative planning solutions going forward. However, with respect to CARB, Valley staff will work to protect local decision making, emphasizing the necessary balancing of priorities when making funding decisions, and focusing efforts on issues that move the needle. FISCAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION: None, item is for discussion. Prepared By: Ryan Niblock, Senior Regional Planner, San Joaquin Council of Governments

15 SanJoaquinValleyRegionalPrioritiesFDRAFT MAINTAININGDISTRIBUTIONOFTRANSPORTATIONFUNDING Votershaverepeatedlyfavoredtheexistenceandprotectionoffundingdedicatedfromtransportationfunding purposes.thedefeatofproposition6in2018,whichprotectssb1funding,andapprovalofproposition69in2018 andproposition22in2010arerecentexamples.giventhatthevalleyisinanoneattainmentairdistrictanda disproportionateamountofvalleyresidentscommutetojobscentersineitherthebayareaorlosangelesbasin, thelossoftransportationfundingwillonlyexacerbatetheproblemofaddressingcongestionmanagement,goods movement,andprovidingmobilityoptions,suchasinvestmentsinpassengerrail,toreduceghg.totrulyreduce VMT,improveairquality,andqualityoflifeforValleyresidents,acostEeffectivesolutionmaybetoprovidefor incentivestolocateorexpandoperationsinthevalley. REQUEST:FindotheralternativestoGovernorNewsom sfy2019e20statebudgettoconditionthereceiptof transportationfundingbasedonlocaljurisdictionscomplyingwithmeetingaffordablehousinggoalstoaddressthe jobehousingimbalance.weprefertorespectthewillofthevotersandnotdelaythedistributionofcritical transportationfundingandleveragelocallyapprovedsalestaxmeasureswhilecoordinatingwiththelegislature andrelevantstateagenciesonaddressingstatemandatestoreducegreenhousegasemissionsandvehiclemiles traveled(vmt),byprovidingincentivestogeneratejobcentersinthesanjoaquinvalley. ACQUIRINGSB1COMPETITIVEPROGRAMFUNDS In2017,thelegislatureenactedSB1(Beall),Chapter5,statutesof2017,whichprovides$5.2billioninannualrevenues tofundtrafficcongestionrelief,highwayrehabilitationandsafety,localstreetsandroadsrepair,andmultiemodal optionsthroughinvestmentsintopublictransportation,commuterandintercityrail,andbicycleandpedestrian programs. REQUEST:SupportapplicationsubmissionsbytheeightSanJoaquinValleyCountiesthroughthevariouscompetitive programs,suchastheactivetransportationprogram,localpartnershipprogram,solutionsforcongestedcorridors,and TradeCorridorImprovementFund,thatattempttoenhancesafety,reducetrafficcongestionandincreasethroughput forgoodsmovementonhighways,specificallystateroute99andie5,whileprovidingformultiemodaloptionsfor communities.requestthecaliforniatransportationcommission(ctc)considerairqualityandloweincomechallenges toensureafairandequitabledistributionoffunds,specificallywithinthetradecorridorandcongestedcorridor programs.theseconsiderationscanbeincorporatedinfundingdecisionsthroughtheuseofexistingtoolssuchas CalEnviroScreen. MEETINGGREENHOUSEGASEMMISSIONREDUCTIONGOALS PerAB179of2017,theCTCandCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(CARB)arerequiredtoconvenetwiceayearto coordinatetransportationpolicies,withafocusonreducingvehiclemilestraveledandgreenhousegasemissions. Concurrently,thelegislaturecontinuestoworkonprovidingresourcestodevelopadditionalaffordablehousinginthe BayAreaandLosAngeles,whileassessingjobcreationopportunitiestohelpmitigatevehiclemilestraveled.Recently, CARBissuedareportperSB150statingthatwhileCaliforniahasmetits2020greenhousegasemissionreductiontargets aheadofschedule,morewillbeexpectedofmetropolitanplanningorganizations,amongotherstoassumenone traditionalresponsibilitiestoaddressfutureclimatetargets. REQUEST:MonitorSB150conversationsandactivitiesregardingthestate seffortstoenforcegreenhousegas emissionreductiongoalsandprotecttheabilityofregionaltransportationplanningagenciestoimplementvotere approvedexpenditureplans.encouragejobcreationwithinthesanjoaquinvalleytoreducevehiclemilestraveled. SupportchangesinStateschoolsitingprocedurestoallowforschoolstobedevelopedinurban,versusperiphery,areas. TheCapandTradeProgram,oradditionalsourcesoffunding,shouldbeallocatedregionallybypopulation,airquality statusanddisadvantagedcommunitystatus,recognizingdifferentstrategiesarenecessarytoachievegreenhousegas reductionsindifferentareasofthestate.thisapproachrequiresmaintainingcalenviroscreencriteriaasthetoolto determinedisadvantagedcommunitystatus.

16 SOLUTIONSTOIMPROVINGAIRQUALITY Despiteachievingsignificantemissionsreductionsthroughdecadesofimplantingthemoststringentstationaryand mobileregulatorycontrol programinthenation,noxemissionsinthesanjoaquinvalleymustbereducedbyan additional90%inordertoattainthelatestfederalstandards.supportisneededforthesanjoaquinvalleyairpollution ControlDistricttopetitiontheEPAfornewnationalstandardsforonEroad,heavyEdutytrucksandlocomotivesunder federaljurisdictionandtheestablishmentofanationalcleanairinvestmentfundtoacceleratethedeploymentoflowe emissionvehiclesinatimeframethatwillmeetthestandards,protectpublichealthandavoidfederalsanctions. Apopularandeffectivewayofreducinggreenhousegasemissions,increasingmobilityoptions,andreducingvehicle milestraveledistomakeadditionalinvestmentsintopassengerrailservice.withover5.5millionannualpassengersfor fiscalyear2012,californiahasmorethan20percentofallthenation sintercityriders.infy17e18,thesanjoaquins servicecarriedover1.1millionpassengersand1.5millionpassengersboardedthealtamontcorridorexpress.improving California sintercitypassengerrailprogramwillresultinmorejobs,improvedairquality,lessautomobileuse,enhanced publicsafetymoretransportationchoicesandpromotessustainablecommunities. REQUEST:ProvideadditionalfundingforcommuterandintercityrailoperationsandcapitalpurposesthroughtheCap andtradeprogram,statebudgetorbyothermeansforregionalandlocalgovernmentstomeetnewairquality regulations. ThisincludesaugmentingtheStateRailAssistanceProgramandsupportingtheSanJoaquinJointPowersAuthority (SJJPA)andtheSanJoaquinRailCommission(SJRRC)applicationforfundingundertheTransitandIntercityRailCapital Program(TIRCP)for:(1)the StocktonDiamond project,whichconsistsofgradeseparatingthebnsfstockton SubdivisionandUPRRFresnoSubdivision.BothSubdivisionsareveryactiveandmajorconnectorsofbothfreightand passengerservicesbetweenthegreatersanjoaquinvalley,sacramentovalleyandthebayarea.(2)theaustinroad Overcrossingproject,whichwillconstructanewovercrossingatAustinRoadinManteca,nearStateRoute(SR)99, eliminatingtheexistingategraderailroadcrossing.thisprojectispartofthelargersr99/120connectorprojectandwill helptoimprovesafetyformotorists,passengerrail,andfreightrail. OBTAINCATEGORICALEXCLUSIONSFORPROJECTSOFLIMITEDFEDERALASSISTANCE REQUEST:EncourageCaltranstoexercisetheauthorityprovidedtothembyFederalHighwayAdministration(FHWA) andfederaltransitadministration(fta)tomakenepacategoricalexclusion(ce)certificationsordeterminations. FederalHighwayAdministrationandFederalTransitAdministrationamendedtheirjointprocedurestostreamline compliancewiththenationalenvironmentalpolicyact(nepa)bydesignatingtwotypesofactionsascategorical exclusionsfortransportationprojects: Anyproject(asdefinedin23U.S.C101(a))withinanexistingoperationalrightEofEway;and Anyprojectthatreceiveslimitedfederalfunding. SYNCHINGREGIONALTRANSPORTATIONPLANADOPTIONCYCLEFPILOTPROGRAM REQUEST:Encouragestatesupportforafederalpilotprogramtoexplorea10EyearRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP) adoptioncycle. RTPsarefederallyrequiredlongErangetransportationplansthatmetropolitanplanningorganizations(MPOs)are requiredtoupdateeveryfouryears.lookingahead20yearsormore,thesedocumentsserveasamasterplanforthe region stransportationnetworkincludingalistingofallprojectsanticipatedtoreceivefederalfunding.underthecure rentfoureyearcycle,federalplanninggrantsdonotcoverthecostlytransportationandairqualitymodelingexpenses requiredtoproducethedocument.thesanjoaquinvalleymposareinterestedinpursuingapilotprogramtoexplore anoptional10yearrtpadoptioncyclethatwouldallowagenciestoamendadoptedrtpsasneededfromyeartoyear. SanJoaquinValleyRegionalPriorities

17 WATERRELIABILITY,QUALITYANDSUPPLY REQUEST:ToprovidetheagriculturallyrichSanJoaquinValleywithreliablewaterqualityandsupply,theRegional PolicyCouncilrequests: (1)StateLegislatorsworkwiththeirFederalcounterpartstodevelopawaterpolicyfortheregionthatissustainableand equitable,withanemphasisonwaterstorage. (2)SupportTemperanceFlatRM271ReservoirwhichneedsProp1fundingtosecure1.3acrefeetofwaterannuallyfor thevalley. (3)AmendtheGroundwaterSustainabilityActtoallowforgreaterrechargecapacityforbeneficialuse. (4)Provideavailablefundingtomunicipalitiesforthedeliveryofsafeandcleandrinkingwater. TheSanJoaquinValley sdemandforareliablesupplyofcleanwaterisanimperative.thesanjoaquinvalley sgrowth rateisprojectedtobe65%higherthanthestateaveragewithinthenext15years.theeffectsofadiminishedfood supplyduetotheunreliableavailabilityofwaterwillhaveadetrimentaleffectonthestateofcaliforniaandthenation. Ournation sfoodsupplyandsecuritywillbeimpactedsignificantlyasaresultofinaction.itiscriticalthatstateand federalpolicymakersandagenciesworktogethertoensureadequatewatersuppliesfortheregion. SanJoaquinValleyRegionalPrioritiesFDRAFT

18 Agenda Wednesday,April3,2019 StateCapitol,RoomTBD(NorthEntrance)DSacramento,CA 9:15am 10:00amArrival/PreDbriefingDGusKhouri,KhouriConsulting 10:00am 10:45amBrianAnnis,Secretary,CaliforniaStateTransportationAgency Topics: 10:45am 11:30amJimBeall,Chair,SenateTransportationHousingCommittee JimFrazier,Chair,AssemblyTransportationCommittee Topics: 11:30am 12:00pmAnthonyWilliams,LegislativeSecretary,GovernorNewsom Topics: 12:00pm 1:15pmSusanBransen,ExecutiveDirector,CaliforniaTransportationCommission Ella,1131KStreet,Sacramento,CA95814(exitCapitolfromEastEntrance) 1:30pm 2:00pmTBD,CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard Topics: 2:00pm 2:30pmAssemblyMemberVinceFong(Kern) Topics: 2:30pm 3:00pmSenatorCathleenGalgiani(SanJoaquin,Stanislaus) Topics: 3:00pm 3:30pmSenatorAnnaCaballero(Fresno,Madera,Merced,Stanislaus) Topics: 3:30pm 4:00pmAssemblyMemberAdamGray(Merced,Stanislaus) Topics: 4:00pm 4:30pmTBD,LegislativeSecretary,GovernorNewsom CatalinaHayesDBautista,DeputySecretary,CalEPAorCARBrep Topics: 4:30pm 5:00pmSenatorMelissaHurtado(Fresno,Kern,Kings,Tulare) Topics: Draft

19 San$Joaquin$Valley$Regional$Policy$Council$White$Paper$ FAST$Act$Reauthorization$ INTRODUCTION$$ DRAFT:$November$2018$ TheFixingAmerica ssurfacetransportation(fast)actwassignedintolawdecember4,2015asthe firstcomprehensive,longrtermsurfacetransportationlegislationsincesafetearluin2005.thefast ActcontinuestofulfilltheConstitutionaldirectivethatinvestmentintransportationisacorefederal responsibility.itsauthorizationof$300billionforfederalhighway,highwaysafety,transit,and passengerrailprogramsthrough2020alignedinperfecttimetosupportournation seconomicgrowth andmaintainingourmultimodaltransportationinfrastructure. However,theFASTActprovidesonlyaoneRtimeandnearRtermreprievewhenitcomestofederal surfacetransportationfunding.bynotenactingalongrtermfundingsource,thehighwaytrustfund (HTF)continuestoremainatacrossroads.TheHTFprovidedstable,reliable,andsubstantialhighway andtransitfundingfordecadessinceitsinceptionin1956,however,thisisnolongerthecase.forthe last10years,thehtfhasbeensustainedthroughaseriesofgeneralfundtransfersnowamountingto $140billion.Iftransfersstopandnootherfundingsourceisfound,theAmericanAssociationofState HighwayandTransportationOfficials(AASHTO)estimatesthatstateswillseeabouta40%dropin highwayfundingfromfy2020tothefollowingyearr$46.2billionto$27.7billioninfy2021.inthe past,suchsimilarshortfallsituationshaveledtothepossibilityofareductioninfederalreimbursements tostatesonexistingobligations,leadingtoseriouscashflowproblemsforstatesandresultinginproject delays. TheSanJoaquinValleyrecognizesthatweneedtocontinuethemomentumofMAPR21andtheFAST Actbymakingfurtherefficiencygainsontransportationpoliciesandprojectdeliveryandprovide increasedflexibilityforstatesandmetropolitanplanningorganizations(mpos).statedotsandmpos strivetomaintainresponsiblestewardshipoftaxpayerresourcesandbothhumanandnatural environments,allthewhileimprovingmobilityandaccessibilityforallresidentsandbusinesses. $ FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

20 OUTLINE$OF$POLICY$ISSUES$ 1. Funding(Reference(Schuster(Proposal) a. IncreaseFederalFunding b. RestoreHighwayTrustFundSolvency c. EliminateRescissionsofContractAuthority d. ProtectCMAQ e. FundMultimodalMobilitySolutions 2. Programs a. ExpandEligibleActivitiesforNationalHighwayFreightProgram b. CreateaNationalFarm0to0MarketRoutesRehabilitationProgram(AppendixA) 3. Planning a. EnhanceFlexibilityandAvoidNewAdministrativeBurdens b. IncreaseMPOFlexibilityandDecisionMakingAuthority c. CreatetheSMARTTransportationPlanningPilotProgram(AppendixC) 4. ProjectDelivery a. ImprovetheBuyAmericaWaiversprocess b. CategoricalExclusionsforC0ListedProjects(AppendixB) 5. AirQuality a. ReducePlansRequiredforNewAirQualityStandards FUNDING$ Increase$Federal$Funding$$ Issue:Ournationfacesaginginfrastructure,agrowingpopulation,andacriticaltransportationfunding shortfall.theamericansocietyofcivilengineershasidentifieda$1trillionfundinggapforsurface transportationby2025.itisessentialtoincreasefederalfundingtosustainnationalandregional connectivityandmobilityforpeopleandbusiness.statesandlocalgovernmentscannotfundan efficientnationalsystemalone. Solution:Significantlyincreasefederalsurfacetransportationfundingabovecurrentlevels.Several optionsaretechnicallyfeasible,forexample:dedicatedgeneralfundrevenues,increasestofueltaxes, oradditionalfreightcharges. Restore$Highway$Trust$Fund$Solvency$ Issue:FundingfortheHighwayTrustFundwaslastincreased25yearsago.Overthepreviousdecade, over$140billioningeneralfundshavebeenusedtopatchthewideninggapbetweenrevenuesandthe spendingneededtomaintainandimproveournationalsystem.highwaytrustfundrevenues,mainly derivedfromfueltaxes,willcontinuetodeclineduetoincreasedvehiclefuelefficiencyandgrowinguse ofalternativefuelvehicles. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

21 Solution:InJuly2018,formerHouseTransportationInfrastructureCommitteeChairmanBillShuster releasedaninfrastructurediscussiondraftthatprovidesasolidframeworktoaddressthecontinual shortfalloffundinginthehighwaytrustfund.amongthemanyideascontainedinrep.shuster sdraft thatwarrantdiscussionare: Temporarilyincreasegasanddieseltaxedby15and20cents,respectively,overathreeRyear periodandthenindexthemtoinflationsotheywillcontinuetogrow. Createapilotprogramtotestouttransitioningfromataxongasolinetoataxbasedonmiles driven(vehiclemilestraveled). CreateaHighwayTrustFundCommissiontodetermineanewfundingmechanismfor transportationwhichcannotbefueltaxes,thatmustbeinplacebeforethefueltaxesarethen eliminatedin10years. Addnewfundingmechanismsfroma10percenttaxonbiketires(26inchesorlarger)and electricvehiclebatteriesandeliminatethefueltaxsubsidyfortransit. Increasefundingforthenext3yearsforroadsandbridges,whichexcludesincreasesforbiking andwalkingprojects. Eliminate$Rescissions$of$Contract$Authority$ Issue:RescindingpreviouslyRauthorizedhighwaycontractauthoritygreatlyimpedestheflexibilityof statedepartmentsoftransportationtoprogramfederaldollarsandcouldresultinhardcutstohighway funding. Solution:RepealthescheduledFY2020rescissionandavoidusingrescissionsofhighwaycontract authority.however,ifarescissionisimposed,statesshouldhavetheflexibilitytochooseamongallthe fundingcategoriestorescindsotheycanreducethenegativeimpactoftherescissionontransportation serviceandperformance. Protect$CMAQ$and$Restore$Flexibility$ Issue:CMAQfundingiscriticaltoareaswithpoorairqualitytohelpthemachievepublichealth standard.also,thiseffortishinderedbecauseprojectseligibleforcmaqfundingarelimitedbyavariety ofconditions.forexample,3to5yearcapsofoperatingassistance. Solution:ProtectCMAQformulafundingIncreaseflexibilityintheuseofCMAQfundsforprojectsthat candemonstrateairqualitybenefits.forexample:allowtransitoperations,intelligenttransportation systems,technologydeploymentssuchasconnectedandautomatedvehicles. Fund$Multimodal$Mobility$Solutions$ Issue:States,regions,andlocalgovernmentslacktheflexibilitytochoosethebestsetofprojectsand programstomeettheirlongrtermgoals.differentareashavemarkedlydifferentneeds. Solution:Increaseflexibilityforstatesandlocalgovernmentstoimprovetheirsystemswithmultimodal infrastructure,includingpublictransportationandrail,activetransportation,andtechnologyandsystem management. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

22 $ PROGRAMS$ Expand$Eligible$Activities$for$National$Highway$Freight$Program$$ Issue:Theuseofthenation shighwaysystemforfreightisincreasing,andtheneedforintegrated solutionstobettermovefreightthroughoutthecountryisincreasing.integratedfreightmanagement solutionsandfreightsafetyprogramsdonotcurrentlyqualifyaseligibleactivitiesfornhfporinfra funds. Solution:ReformtheNationalHighwayFreightProgram,bothformulaprogramtoStatesandthe discretionaryprogram(infra),tomoreclearlyincludeeligibilityforinvestmentinintegratedfreight managementsolutions(e.g.,intermodalsystems,freightlanesoninterstates,andparkingandstaging areas)andfreightsafetyprograms(platooning,remotesensingtechnology,etc.),includingfor emergencyresponders.eligibilityshouldincludemultirstateproposals,suchasforregionsandcorridors. Create$a$National$FarmUtoUMarket$Routes$Rehabilitation$Program$ Issue:TheUnitedStatesisthethirdleadingagricultureproducerintheworldafterChinaandIndiawith over$374billionworthofcommoditiesproducedin2017.theusisalsotheworld sleadingexporterof agriculturalgoodswithover$144billionworthofcommoditiesexportedaroundtheworldin2017.in thesanjoaquinvalley,thousandsoffarmsshipmillionsofpoundsofcropstomarketeveryweekthat travelonlocal,countyandcityroadstoconnecttothestatehighwaysystem.dairies,forexample,must transporttheirproductsoffsiteeveryday,causingsignificantstrainonfrequentlytraveledroadways andacceleratingpavementdegradation.accordingtocaltrans,afullyloadeddairytruckcanweighup to80,000pounds.aroadwaycarrying500trucksperdayiscomparableto5millionpassengercarstrips perday. Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleytransportationplanningagencieswillworkwiththeCongressional TransportationCommitteeandUSDAtoidentifyandquantifythemostcrucialelementsofapilot programforthenexttransportationbilltoassistwithmaintainingthosefarmrtormarketroutesdeemed crucialforinterstateandinternationalcommerce. Formoredetailedinformationandproposedlanguage,seeAppendixA. PLANNING$ Enhance$Flexibility$and$Avoid$New$Administrative$Burdens$ Issue:TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOsurgefederaldecisionmakerstocontinuetolookforwaystoreduce regulatoryburdensandimproveagencyeffectivenessconsistentwiththenationalgoalof reduced projectdeliverydelays. Inaddition,statesandmetropolitanplanningorganizationsneedflexibilityto accelerateimplementationofprojectstomeetnationalandstategoals. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

23 Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOsopposenewprogrammandatesingeneral,rangingfromnew programprocessrequirements,torequiredinvestmentlevelsincertainactivities.(e.g.suballocationof CMAQfunds),todesignrelatedmandates(i.e.practicaldesign).TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOssupport additionalflexibilityinastate sabilitytoexpeditiouslycompleteplanningandprojectdeliveryprocesses andinastate sabilitytomakethebestinvestmentdecisionsforthestatewithoutsiloedprograms,and thatanyprogramgrowthshouldbeinthemostflexiblecategories. Increase$MPO$Flexibility$and$Decision$Making$Authority$$ Issue:Regionalplanningandprogrammingisthecornerstoneofaninnovativeandsuccessfulnational transportationsystem.thefastactgenerallymaintainedthebalanceofauthoritybetweenstatedots andmpos.historically,attemptshavebeenmadetochangethisbalanceofauthoritythroughnew legislation,rulemakings,orguidance. Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOsurgefederaldecisionmakersto(1)supporttheroleofMPO sin thedecisionrmakingprocess,(2)findwaystoimproveflexibilityinhowtheyconductbusiness,and(3) avoidanylegislationthatwouldtransfermpoauthoritytothestateorfederalgovernment. Create$the$SMART$Transportation$Planning$Pilot$Program$$ Issue:UnderTitle23U.S.C.Section134(i)(1)(B),MPOsarerequiredtoupdateorproduceanew RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)everyfouryears.TheRTPisalongRrangemasterplanforaregion s transportationnetwork.underthecurrent4ryearcycle,federalplanninggrantsdonotcoverthecostly transportationandairqualitymodelingexpensesrequiredtoproducethedocument.legalcostscan alsoinflatethebudgetbyasmuchas50%percycle.additionalstateandlocalfundingmustbeusedto covertheseexpenses,ratherthanberedirectedtoadditionalplanningandprogrammingwork. Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOssupportslegislationauthorizingthecreationofapilotprogram toprovidemposflexibilityinthertpadoptioncyclefromfouryearstouptoeverytenyears.sucha changeallowsmpostomorereasonablyaccommodatethecostsassociatedwithanewrtp.thepilot programwouldideallybesyncedwiththertpadoptioncycleincalifornia. Formoredetailedinformationanddraftbilllanguage,seeAppendixC. PROJECT$DELIVERY$ Improve$the$Buy$America$Waiver$Process$ Issue:TheBuyAmericaprovisionsoftheSurfaceTransportationAssistanceActof1982,23USC313, statethatthesecretaryoftransportation shallnotobligateanyfundsauthorizedtobeappropriatedto carryoutthesurfacetransportationassistanceact unlesssteel,ironandmanufacturedproductsused insuchprojectareproducedintheunitedstates. WhiletheSanJoaquinValleysupportsthetenetsof thebuyamericaact,amorecommonrsenseapplicationoftheprovisionsinlawandregulationis neededtoensureprojectdeliveryisnotdelayed.forexample,necessarycomponentsoffleetvehicles FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

24 orconstructionmaterialssuchasthebristlesonastreetcleaningtruckareoftennotmanufactured domesticallyduetotheproductioncostsorresourceavailability.asaresult,recipientsoffhwaand FTAgrantstopurchasecertainvehiclesormaterialsmustcompleteaBuyAmericawaivertoreceive funds.recently,thereviewandapprovalofbuyamericawaivershavebeensignificantlydelayed,often resultingingrantrecipientsforfeitingtheawardandlosingtheopportunitytoleveragefederalfunding. Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleyrecommendsthe(1)implementationoftheexceptionstoBuyAmerica proposedpreviouslybyfhwainfederalrulemakingandreinstatethewaiverprocesstoensure transportationprojectsareprogressingwithoutsignificantdelays;(2)developmentofclearguidelines onexceptionsatthefederalleveltocreateaconsistentnationwideapplicationofrulesandreducethe burden,delays,andresourcesexpendedoversmallpercentagesofmaterials. Categorical$Exclusions$for$CUListed$Projects$ Issue:Despite its authority to do so under NEPA delegation from the Federal government, Caltrans typicallyrequiresunnecessarydocumentation/studiestoapproveclass C categoricalexclusions(ce)for routine transportation maintenance and operational projects. This issue can be addressed through language revisions to the memorandum of understanding that FHWA and Caltrans jointly approve grantingceauthority. Solution:TheSanJoaquinValleyMPOsrequestthefollowingchangeinlanguagetotheMOUbetween FHWA scaliforniadivisionsandcaltransforitspendingmay2019renewal: ProposedMOUwordingmarkup(IV.B2): IV. Stateperformancerequirements B.ProcessingprojectsassignedunderthisMOU Stateidentification,documentation, andreviewofeffects 2.For(CEs(other(than(those(designated(in(23(CFR(77.117(c),carryoutareviewof CEdeterminationforCEs,includingthosedesignatedin23CFR (c), carryout ThischangeisconsistentwiththecitedfederalregulationsasofSeptember26,2018,aswellaswording inthefederalmoutemplateandmousfromallotherstatesthathaveassumedresponsibilityfor categoricalexemptions. Formoredetailedinformationandproposedlanguage,seeAppendixB. AIR$QUALITY$ Reduce$Plans$Required$for$New$Air$Quality$Standards$ Issue:Everyfiveyears,theCleanAirActrequiresthatEPAreviewandupdateairqualitystandards.The transitionbetweenstandardsischaoticandleadstoanumberofoverlappingplanswithdifferent FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

25 milestonesandattainmentdates.inthevalley,therehasbeenasmanyas6activeplansandasmanyas 4indevelopmentinasfewas2years. Solution:Whenanewstandardispublished,theoldstandardforthatpollutantshouldbesubsumed. Statesshouldbeallowedtodevelopasingleattainmentplanthatharmonizesincrementsofprogress andothermilestoneswithoutallowingforanyrollbackorbacksliding. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

26 APPENDIX A FARMUTOUMARKET$ROUTES$ REQUEST:$ WorkingwithCongressionalTransportationCommitteestaffandtheUSDA,theSJVtransportation planningagencieswilldevelopthenecessarypolicyelementsforapilotfundingprograminthenext transportationbilltomaintaincriticalfarmrtormarketroutesthatenduredisablingtrucktraffic. BACKGROUND:$$ TheUnitedStatesisthethirdleadingagricultureproducerintheworldafterChinaandIndiawithover $374billionworthofcommoditiesproducedin2017.TheUSisalsotheworld sleadingexporterof agriculturalgoodswithover$144billionworthofcommoditiesexportedaroundtheworldin2017. Thereareover2millionfarmsintheUSemploying925thousandpeople.Thetoptenagriculture producingstatesin2017where:california(13.4%),iowa(7.2%),texas(6.1%),nebraska(5.7%), Minnesota(4.6%),Illinois(4.4%),Kansas(4.2%),NorthCarolina(3.1%),Wisconsin(3.0%),andIndiana (2.8%)accordingtotheUSDAEconomicResearchService. TheSanJoaquinValleyisthemostproductiveagriculturalregionintheworld,producingover360ag commodities.itistheheartofcalifornia srobustagriculturaleconomyandisaleadingproducerof almonds,tomatoes,grapes,milkandmanyothers.in2017theeightsanjoaquinvalleycounties produced$32billionworthofagriculturalcommoditiescombined. ThousandsofValleyfarmsshipmillionsofpoundsofcropstomarketeveryweekthattravelonlocal, countyandcityroadstoconnecttothestatehighwaysystem.unlikeotheragriculturalgoodswitha short,definedharvestseason,dairiesmusttransporttheirproductsoffsiteeveryday,causing significantstrainonfrequentlytraveledroadwaysandacceleratingpavementdegradation.accordingto Caltrans,afullyloadeddairytruckcanweighupto80,000pounds.Aroadwaycarrying500trucksper dayiscomparableto5millionpassengercarstripsperday. ManyoftheSanJoaquinValleycountiesareconcernedaboutthelocalizedimpactstoourroadswhile ValleyRproducedcommoditiesaretransportedforglobalconsumption. SOLUTION:$ $ TheSanJoaquinValleytransportationplanningagencieswillworkwiththeCongressional TransportationCommitteeandUSDAtoidentifyandquantifythemostcrucialelementsofapilot programforthenexttransportationbilltoassistwithmaintainingthosefarmrtormarketroutesdeemed crucialforinterstateandinternationalcommerce. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

27 DRAFT$BILL$LANGUAGE:$$ BUILDING$A$21 ST $CENTURY$INFRASTRUCTURE$ NATIONAL$FARMUTOUMARKET$ROUTES$REHABILITATION$PROGRAM$ (a) InGeneral.TheSecretaryshallestablisha$1billionFarmRToRMarketRoutesRehabilitation ProgramoutoftheHighwayTrustFunduponratificationofBUILDINGA21 st CENTURY INFRASTRUCTUREbill. (b) Grants.Tocarryoutthisprogram,theSecretaryshallapportiontothestatesbypercent proportionaltothestate sagricultural/forestry/miningproductionnationally.maximum apportionment$100million. (c) Eligibility.TobeeligibleforprogramfundstheFarmRToRMarketRouteshall (1) belocatedoutsideacensusdesignateduas (2) notbedesignatedasaninterstatenorasastatehighway (3) haveaminimumaveragedailytruckcountof300trucksperday (4) beapavementrehabilitationproject (5) beatleast2centerlinemilesinlength (6) haveaminimum50%localmatch (d) Performance.Fundsmustbeobligatedwithintwoyearsofapportionmentandbeclosed outwithinfiveyearsotherwiseauseitorloseitprovisionistriggeredresultinginarer apportionmentofthebalancetotheotherstates. (e) Report.Notlaterthan90daysafterthecloseofeachFFY,thestatesmustsubmitareport tothesecretarydetailingtheresultsoftheprogramusingataminimumthefollowing metrics: (1) MapindicatingtheFarmRToRMarketRoutesegmentsrehabilitated (2) Totalmilesrehabilitated (3) Costpermilerehabilitated (4) Totalobligatedprogramfunds (5) TotalunRobligatedprogrambalance (f) Constraints.Thecostpermileforthefederalcontributionshallnotexceed: (1) Reconstruction:$1millionperlanemile (2) Resurfacing/Overlay:$500,000perlanemile (3) Chipseal:$50,000perlanemile (g) Definitions.Inthissection: (1) UrbanizedArea(UAs).USCensusBureaudefinitionofurbanizedareawith populationover50,000 (2) TruckClassifiedCounts.USDOTFHWAdefinitionofvehicleclassification.Class5 Class13areeligibleforFarmRToRMarketprogram FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

28 APPENDIX B Categorical$Exclusions$for$CUlisted$Projects$ ISSUE:$ DespiteitsauthoritytodosounderNEPAdelegationfromtheFederalgovernment,Caltranstypically requiresunnecessarydocumentation/studiestoapproveclass C categoricalexclusions(ce)forroutine transportation maintenance and operational projects. This issue can be addressed through language revisions to the memorandum of understanding that FHWA and Caltrans jointly approve granting CE authority. BACKGROUND:$ Categoricalexclusions(CEs)arecategoriesofactionsthathavebeendeterminednottohaveasignificant effect on the human environment either individually or cumulatively. In its regulations for National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) implementation, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) directedallfederalagenciestoadoptproceduresforidentifyingactionsthatarecategoricallyexcluded, e.g., that normally do not require either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment. Pursuant to CEQs regulations, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has defined categoriesofactionsthatdonotinvolvesignificantenvironmentalimpacts.theseactionsaredefinedin 23CFR Under23CFR ,CEsaredividedintotwogroupsbasedontheactionspotentialforimpacts.The firstgroupconsistsofcategoriesofactionsthatexperiencehasshownalmostnevercausesignificant environmentalimpacts.thesecategoriesinvolveminorconstructionactivitiesandactivitiesthatdonot leadtoconstruction.theyarelistedinsubsection(c)of23cfr (class C ).Theseactionsare automaticallyclassifiedasces,exceptwhereunusualcircumstancesoccur.thedeterminationthatthe actionisexcludedmustbedocumentedbythecompletionofthece/ceform. ThesecondgroupofCEsconsistsofactionsthatnormallydonotinvolvesignificantimpacts,butmay, dependinguponcircumstances,havethepotentialtocausesignificantenvironmentalimpacts(class D ). These projects require potentially expensive environmental studies and documentation to verify environmentalimpacts. TreatingCRtypeCEsasthoughtheyrequirethesamedocumentationandstandardsofanalysisasDRtype exemptionsdelayslocalprojectsunnecessarilyandrequiresfederalfundstobeusedinappropriatelyon studiesthatarenotfederallyrequiredratherthanonconstructionactivityforwhichtheywereintended. AMay31,2016memorandumofunderstandingamongtheFederalHighwayAdministration,California DivisionsandtheCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationallowedtheStatetoassumeresponsibilityfor categoricalexclusions.thatmouisduetoberenewedinmay2019. DespiteitsauthoritytodosounderapilotprogramdelegatingNEPAcertificationapprovaltocertain states,thecaliforniadepartmentoftransportation(caltrans)typicallydeclinestoapproveceformsout oflegalliabilityconcerns,despitefhwarulemakingregardingcedispositions. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

29 TherenewedMOUshouldincludelanguagethatrequiresCaltranstoapproveClass C CEsandtherein releasingthestatefromlegalliabilityforthoseactions. ACTION:$ TheSanJoaquinValleyrequeststhefollowingchangeinlanguagetotheMOUbetweenFHWA scalifornia DivisionsandCaltransforitspendingMay2019renewal: ProposedMOUwordingmarkup: IV. Stateperformancerequirements B.ProcessingprojectsassignedunderthisMOU Stateidentification,documentation, andreviewofeffects 2.For(CEs(other(than(those(designated(in(23(CFR(77.117(c),carryoutareviewof CEdeterminationforCEs,includingthosedesignatedin23CFR (c), carryout ThischangeisconsistentwiththecitedfederalregulationsasofSeptember26,2018,aswellaswording in the federal MOU template and MOUs from all other states that have assumed responsibility for categoricalexemptions. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

30 APPENDIX C SMART$Transportation$Planning$Pilot$Program$$ SUMMARY:$ MetropolitanPlanningOrganizations(MPOs)arerequiredtosubmitlongrangeplansforfederal highwayandtransitimprovementspursuantto23u.s.c.134and49u.s.c.5303.theseplansare comprehensive.theyidentifytheupcomingtransitandtransportationprojects,theexistingfacilities withinthempo,pastandfutureenvironmentalmitigationfortransportationprojects,andaddressthe operational,managementandcapitalinvestmentstrategiesoftheorganization. TheselongrangeplansareknownasRegionalTransportationPlans(RTPs)andarerequiredbyfederal codetobeupdatedeveryfouryears.thefederalgovernmentprovidesplanningfundingforthisupdate totakeplace,butgiventhegrowingcomplexitiesrequiredtocompletertps,thisfundingisinadequate topayforthefullupdate.thisrequireslocalfundsbespenttocompletetheplans,andleaves insufficientplanningfundsavailabletodothenumerousothertypesofplanningeffortsneededtohave aneffectivetransportationsystem,suchas:corridorstudies,activetransportationplans,transit DevelopmentPlans,TrafficModelEnhancements,CompleteStreetsPlans,andothers. Asitstands,theproposalistocreateapilotprogramof40MPOsthatwouldbeallowedtheflexibilityto determinethefrequencyofupdatingtheirrtps.thesemposwouldnotbeboundbytherequirement toupdateeveryfouryears,butwouldhaveamaximumperiodoftenyears.theproposalispermissive innature,sothatanyparticipatingmpowouldbeallowedtocontinuetoupdatethertpeveryfour yearsiftheydecidedthatwasthebesttimeframe. TheplanningfundingfortheRTPwouldthenbecomeavailabletopayfortheothertypesofplanning effortsthattheparticipatingmposselect.thisflexibilityisadvantageousformpostofocusonthe planningeffortsthatbestmeettheirneedsandbeabletogetinalltheplanningthattheyneedinorder tobesuccessful.thatiswhyweseegrowingsupportatthefederal,stateandregionallevels,forletting localplannersdeterminethemostappropriatetimeframeforconductingrtpstudies. WealsowanttomakeyouawareoftwoadditionalproposalsthatwouldstrengthentheRTPprocess: ImposeeligibilityrequirementsforparticipationinanyprogramthatextendsthelifeofRTPs. Generally,thismeansaparticipatingMPOmustbeingoodstandingwiththeFederal Government,inordertoreceivealowerplanningburden. ImplementanonRgoingevaluationprocessforanyMPOparticipating. FederalagenciesalreadyconductannualreviewsofMPO sbyfederalagenciesduring budgetpreparationsandaudits,aswellaseverythreeyearsthroughextensive CertificationReviewProcesses.Thiscouldalsobeapositivecomponentifproperly structuredtoavoidduplicatingexistingprocesses. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

31 FREQUENTLY$ASKED$QUESTIONS$(FAQ):$ Q: A: Wouldtheproposalresultinlessplanningfundingfromthefederalgovernment? No.ThereisnoproposaltoloseorgivebackanyplanningmoneyavailabletoMPOs.Underthis proposal,ifanmpodecidedtoextendtheupdateperiod,itcouldthenusetheplanningmoney savedforconductingotherplanningeffortslikecorridorplans,activetransportationplans, transitplans,etc. Q: A: WhatifmyMPOdidn twanttoextendtheirtimeline? NoProblem.Simplychosenotto. Q: A: Wouldanystaterequirementschangetoo? No.Thosewouldhavetobeaddressedseparately. Q: A: HowtoweinsurethatgoodplanningtakeplaceinaregionwithouttheRTPupdatedasoften? EachMPOwouldbeabletodeterminehowbesttousetheirplanningfunds,andwiththenew flexibility,wouldbeempoweredtotailortheirplanningeffortstothesizeandneedsoftheir respectiveregions.thiswouldinevitablyleadtobetterandmoreeffectiveplanning. Q: A: Whattypeofsafeguardswouldbeinplacetoprotectthesystem? AspartofthePilotProgram,regionswouldneedtopreparereportswithanalysisofindicators showinghowwelltheprogramisworking.thistypeoffeedbackwouldhelpthefederal governmentmakeperiodicadjustmentstotheprogramtoaddressunforeseenissuesthatmay comeup. DRAFT$BILL$LANGUAGE:$$ SeeattacheddraftbillfortheSMARTTransportationPlanningPilotProgram. FINALDRAFT SanJoaquinValleyWhitePaper:FASTActReauthorization

32 INFORMATIONAL*ITEMS* *January*25,*2019* E.1.CaltransReport SharriEhlert(District6Director)andDanMcElhinney(District10Director),ortheirrepresentatives,maybe inattendancetoprovideanupdateandansweranyquestions. E AnnualPolicyConference TerriKing,ExecutiveDirectoroftheKingsCountyAssociationofGovernments,willprovideabriefupdateand beavailabletoansweranyquestions.the14 th AnnualPolicyConferenceisscheduledforMay8 10,2019at thetachipalacehotelinlemoore. E.3.RuralTransitAlternativesStudy/ARBGrant TheValleyMPOsincoordinationwithSanJoaquinValleyAirPollutionControlDistrict,UCDavisInstitutefor Transportation Studies, and other valley Partners were awarded $2.2 million in 2017 to implement alternative mobility options identified in a previous Caltrans Planning Grant. The pilot implementation, Valley Go and Valley Flex, includes carsharing and ridesourcing in affordable housing complexes in the Dinuba,Cutler,andOrosicommunitiesofTulareCounty,andtheLamontYArvinandWascocommunitiesof KernCounty(ValleyGo).Atechnologyplatformthatenablesimprovedefficiencyformultipleindependently operated demand responsive transportation services in jurisdictions in northeast Stanislaus and southeast SanJoaquincountiesarealsopartoftheimplementation(ValleyFlex).Todate,thefollowingworkitemsare beingimplemented: EV Connect was selected to install EV Chargers at Self Help Enterprises affordable housing communities in Tulare and Kern Counties. An additional/alternative site in Wasco, under construction by Kern Housing Authority, will also participate in the program (Valley GO, south valley).installationofchargingstationsatsixsitesisoccurringatthistime.threechargersintulare CountyandthreechargersinKernCounty. ARFPforacarsharingcompanywasissuedinSeptember2018.Negotiationsareongoingandnow includecalvansasapotentialpartner. ARFPforatechnologycompanytodevelopthesoftwareforValleyFlex(northvalley)wasissuedin September2018.Negotiationsareongoingwithapotentialvendoratthistime. AllMajorworkeffortsarepostedonthesjvcog swebsite: relatedyprojects/ MichaelSigalawillbeavailabletoansweranyquestions. E.4.CaliforniaPartnershipfortheSanJoaquinValley IsmaelHerrera,LeadExecutive,andorFridaCardoza,maybeinattendancetoprovideanupdateandanswer anyquestions.

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