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PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 11. Presentation by the Tri-Valley — San Joaquin Regional Rail Authority on the Valley Link project and consider adoption of a resolution supporting a Multiple Unit system. Assistant City Manager Brian Dolan introduced the item and noted it would feature a presentation by the Rail Authority on the Valley Link project. He provided a brief history of the project, inclusive of previous City Council adoption of a resolution approval of a rail connection between BART and ACE. The Regional Rail Authority was subsequently formed and a feasibility study is currently underway for the rail connection. In July, the group voted to pursue a slightly different project. The new concept will feature a multi-unit system rather than a rail extension. Mayor Thorne acknowledged he represents the City on the Rail Authority Board and noting the difference in the project concept, wanted to ensure the community and City Council had an opportunity to review and comment on the subject proposal. Michael Tree, Executive Director of the Rail Authority, thanked the City Council for the opportunity to present the new concept. He provided an overview of the project, including the statistics related to the congestion study, which showed that congestion on the 1-580 rose 27% in a three-year period and projections estimate it will raise to 60%. There are approximately 82,000 vehicles traveling per day over the Altamont. Assembly Bill 758 was tasked to create a rail link from San Joaquin Valley to BART and ACE. A feasibility study is currently underway and preliminary design has commenced. Capacity of the Valley Link was discussed, including the multi-train feature, and that every train would meet every other train in the BART system (every 24 minutes) on the Tri- Valley side. The goal is to make the train competitive with traveling by automobile and minimize right-of-way impacts. Thirty percent of the design work has been authorized and should be completed in fall 2019. A draft Environmental Impact Report and Final Environmental Impact Report should be available in summer 2019. Mayor Thorne inquired regarding the cost of extending BART to Isabel. Mr. Tree confirmed it would be approximately $1.5 to $1.6 billion. Councilmember Brown inquired as to the lack of space on eastbound 1-580 to accommodate BART trains and whether the inner lanes will be removed. She also inquired whether the Valley Link will require shutting down 1-580 lanes. Diane noted all lanes, including HOV lanes, will be preserved and clarified the Valley Link will contemplate double tracking in specific locations to keep good travel time, however, planners will be cognizant of right-of-way "takes." Councilmember Brown inquired as to the parallel nature of the proposed Valley Link tracks and ACE tracks. Mr. Tree responded the two service different markets, respectively (South Bay and San Jose). The Rail Authority does not want to lose capacity for both markets. Councilmember Brown inquired as to utilizing the short distance going from Greenville to Stockton for as there will be large amounts of funding for all the regional transportation projects contemplated. Diane of AECOM noted staff worked with ACE on their expansion; unfortunately, they were contemplating four trains in the peak direction (Central Valley into San Jose) in the morning and evening, with no midday or weekend service. There was a plan to expand from four to six trains, and ultimately ten; unfortunately, that project is not moving forward, although it may be picked up in the future. The goal would be to have a more robust service running in both directions, with all day service in both directions, and service on the weekends. They are setting the footprint for the environmental study and more parking in San Joaquin is required, as people like to drive to the point of alternate transportation. Mayor Thorne noted a parking structure project has commenced on the Dublin side. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 October 16, 2018