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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 10232001 - C.23 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: TRANSPORTATION, WATER AND INFRASTRUCTURE Costa COMMITTEE (SUPERVISOR DONNA GERBER, CHAIR) DATE: OCTOBER 8 2001 County ^�3 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF INTERCITY RAIL SERVICE IN TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCIES, AND SUPPORTING INCREASES IN FUNDING AND SERVICE SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S)_& BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPT resolution recognizing the importance of intercity rail service provided by Amtrak and its partner rail agencies during transportation emergencies, and urging support for expansion of these rail services through additional funding at the state and federal levels. AUTHORIZE the Community Development Director to communicate this position to state legislators, congressional representatives, and regional, state and federal transportation officials. FISCAL IMPACT None. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS During the recent aviation shutdown, many travelers turned to the intercity rail services provided by Amtrak and partner rail agencies as an alternative. Amtrak accepted airline tickets from many travelers to help them get to their destinations. In the Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Philadelphia-Washington D.C.), Amtrak stations were so overwhelmed with travelers that they issued a public call for volunteers to help staff their stations. Ridership increases were reported in the Northeast Corridor (the nation's busiest rail corridor) as well as in the Central Valley, along the "San Joaquin" route. Caltrans, which operates the San Joaquin service, said the route experienced approximately 25 percent more riders than for the same week a year earlier. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR X RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): Supervisor Donna Gerber Supervisor John Gioia ACTION OF BOARD ON October 23, 2001 APPROVED AS OMMENDED _ OTHER xx ADOPTED the resolution;and AUTHORIZED the Chair,Board of Supervisors to communicate this position to state legislators,congressional representatives,and regional, state and federal transportation officials. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN xAJNANIMOUS (ABSENT None ) AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE AYES: NOES: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SHOWN. Contact: John Greitzer(925/335-1201) ATTESTED October 23, 2001 cc: Community Development Department (CDD) JOHN SWEETEN, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY DEPUTY SAransportstion\TWI oct 8 item 5.doc s RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ROLE OF INTERCITY RAIL SERVICE IN TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCIES OCTOBER 8,2001 Page 2 BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS (Continued) The San Joaquin service links Contra Costa County with the Central Valley. The other intercity rail service that serves Contra Costa County is the "Capitol Corridor", linking the Bay Area and Sacramento. This service wasn't impacted by the aviation shutdown because most travel between Sacramento and the Bay Area isn't made by commercial airline. The role played by Amtrak during the aviation emergency was discussed by the Contra Costa County Ad Hoc Intercity Rail Advisory Committee (AIRAC) at its September 27 meeting. AIRAC believes the recent emergency demonstrated the critical role that rail service plays in the nation's emergency transportation system. This means intercity rail service also can serve as an important transportation mode in its own right, apart from emergency situations. The Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee recommends the Board of Supervisors take the following actions to express the importance of rail service expansion both in the Bay Area and the nation: 1) adopt a resolution recognizing the importance of rail in transportation emergencies and supporting increases in intercity rail service and funding at the state and federal levels; and 2) authorize the Community Development Director to communicate this position to the County's legislative and congressional delegations, and transportation officials at the regional, state and national levels. One important bill that would enable Amtrak to upgrade its speed and service is House Bill 2329 (Houghton, R-NY), the Amtrak High-Speed Rail Investment Act. The Board of Supervisors previously adopted a position of support for this bill,which would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to the private investment market over a ten-year period to raise revenue for track and equipment upgrades on certain rail corridors. Amtrak's California corridors are among those that would be eligible for the funds. The bill, which doesn't include a list of specific projects, has strong bipartisan support from all regions of the country. However, the bill also has encountered some resistance in Congress. The resistance is partly due to a pending reorganization of Amtrak that may be undertaken by Congress, and partly due to objections from some Congressional representatives to the federal tax credits that the bill would provide to investors. Exhibit A is the resolution proposed for recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. EXHIBIT A THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Resolution on (date), by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Resolution No. 2001/ Subject: Importance of intercity rail service during transportation emergencies WHEREAS, the tragedies of September 11, 2001 in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania led to a temporary shutdown of the nation's aviation system; and WHEREAS, the shutdown of the aviation system not only impacted millions of travelers but also impacted the delivery of needed supplies to the rescue and recovery efforts; and WHEREAS, Amtrak aided in the emergency situation by delivering supplies to the rescue efforts and by honoring airline tickets for many travelers, all of which necessitated additional service along Amtrak lines; and WHEREAS, the "San Joaquin" train route linking Contra Costa County to the Central Valley experienced a 25-percent increase in ridership in the days following the tragedies, due to the aviation shutdown; and WHEREAS, the nation's aviation system is expected to operate at a reduced schedule for the foreseeable future; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the role of intercity rail service during transportation emergencies, as well as the role that intercity rail can play on an ongoing basis as an alternative to flying or driving long distances, and encourages the state and federal governments to work towards increased funding to expand and improve intercity rail services. 1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown: ATTESTED: (date) JOHN SWEETEN, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator By Deputy Contact: John Greitzer, CDD (925) 335-1201 cc: Community Development Department Public Works Department AIRAC members RESOLUTION NO. 2001/ THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Resolution on (date), by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Gioia, Gerber, DeSaulnier, Glover and Uilkema NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Resolution No. 2001/514 Subject: Importance of intercity rail service during transportation emergencies WHEREAS, the tragedies of September 11, 2001 in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania led to a temporary shutdown of the nation's aviation system; and WHEREAS, the shutdown of the aviation system not only impacted millions of travelers but also impacted the delivery of needed supplies to the rescue and recovery efforts; and WHEREAS, Amtrak aided in the emergency situation by delivering supplies to the rescue efforts and by honoring airline tickets for many travelers, all of which necessitated additional service along Amtrak lines; and WHEREAS, the "San Joaquin" train route linking Contra Costa County to the Central Valley experienced a 25-percent increase in ridership in the days following the tragedies, due to the aviation shutdown; and WHEREAS, the nation's aviation system is expected to operate at a reduced schedule for the foreseeable future; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the role of intercity rail service during transportation emergencies, as well as the role that intercity rail can play on an ongoing basis as an alternative to flying or driving long distances, and encourages the state and federal governments to work towards increased funding to expand and improve intercity rail services. I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown: ATTESTED: October 23, 2001 JOHN SWEETEN, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator BYD"2A6&�6e—puty Contact: John Greitzer, CDD (925) 335-1201 cc: Community Development Department Public Works Department AIRAC members RESOLUTION NO. 2001/_a4 The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Building �O�t^ and Y 9 Q County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County O�n{ , John Gioia, 1st District `J/ Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District !- ' . „ ;\•• Mark DeSaulnier,4th District ` Federal D.Glover,5th District :< October 23 2001 Srq"c'oiir;`� The Honorable Dianne Feinstein One Post Street, Suite 2450 San Francisco CA 94104 Dear Senator Feinstein: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin"train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Gayle . Uilkema Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten,County Administrator Clerk of the Board D. Barry,Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Building Costa and Y 9 J C( County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 Count � John Gioia, 1st District JV Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District - _ •; Mark DeSaufnier,4th District � . Federal D.Glover,5th District October 23 2001 The Honorable Ellen Tauscher 10th Congressional District 1801 N. California Blvd., Suite 103 Walnut Creek CA 94596 Dear Representative Tauscher: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin' train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Ga le B. ilkema Y Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry, Community Development Director S. Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery, Amtrak West J.Morales,California.Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Minta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of Supervisors John Sweeten Contra Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 I ' (925)335.1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1st District Gayle B. Uilkema,2nd District ��E.:-•_ .�_.,o, Donna Gerber,3rd District _- Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District October 23, 2001 Sr'9 COUN"r'1 The Honorable Barbara Boxer 1700 Montgomery Street, #240 San Francisco CA 94111 Dear Senator Boxer: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin" train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, • Gayle B. Uilkema Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry, Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky,Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority 1. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Building Costa and Y 9 County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 I I (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1st District Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District • Mark DeSaulnier,4th District = .. Federal D.Glover,5th District ot r October 23, 2001 y °rq c6irir{ The Honorable George Miller 7th Congressional District 1333 Willow Pass Road, Suite 203 Concord CA 94520 Dear Representative Miller: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin" train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Ga lnBUZilema Y Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry,Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky,Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I.Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Building Costa and Y 9 County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County OUnt , John Gioia, 1st District `JV Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District --y •; Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District October 23, 2001 sTq'coiir+N Governor Gray Davis 1st Floor State Capitol Sacramento CA 95814 Dear Governor Davis: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin" train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Gayle Mitema Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten,County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Bang, Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallory,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S. Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of Supervisors Contra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board y g Costa and Count Administration Building Coln Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County'nt , John Gioia, 1st District LJ/ Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District October 23, 2001 'j [OUN't State Senator Tom Torlakson 7th District 1948 Mt. Diablo Boulevard Walnut Creek CA 94596 Dear Senator Torlakson: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin' train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Gayle B. Uil ma Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry,Community Development Director S.Broom,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery, Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky,Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Costa and County Administration Building County and 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County � John Gioia, 1st District JV Gayle B. Uilkema,2nd District �4• `E -�f Donna Gerber,3rd District f' Mark DeSaulnier,4th District ' Federal D.Glover,5th District o! October 23, CO 2001 9 y_3 .Spa-EOiJ:jT� Assembly Member Lynn Leach 15th Assembly District 800 South Broadway#304 Walnut Creek CA 94596 Dear Assemblywoman Leach: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin' train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Gayle B. U�eema Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry,Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten c Clerk of the Board Costa and County Administration Building County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1 st District Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District { ` •. Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District o! October 23, 2001 SQA ME] Assembly Member Joe Canciamilla 11th Assembly District 815 Estudillo Street Martinez CA 94553 Dear Assemblyman Canciamilla: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin"train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, ' Ga le B Y A?tlken�a Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten, County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry,Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission . G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Mineta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Building Costa and County g J C( County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County o u'nt � John Gioia, 1st District \J/ Gayle S.Uilkema,2nd District �e:5 ...17-0 Donna Gerber,3rd District ° '..;.;` ': •; Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District of - .- �. r October 23, 2001 `c rT', COUH'�'r Assembly Member Dion Aroner 14th Assembly District 918 Parker Street, Suite A-13 Berkeley CA 94710 Dear Assemblywoman Aroner: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors today adopted the attached resolution, which recognizes the important role played by intercity rail transportation during the recent aviation shutdown. As you may know, Amtrak and its partner rail services provided invaluable assistance by transporting emergency workers and supplies to New York City, and by accepting airline tickets from many travelers who were stranded by the aviation shutdown. Amtrak did so on extremely short notice, at a time when it is under fire from some in Congress for its continuing federal subsidy. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors believes that intercity rail service is a critical component of our national and regional transportation system. We urge you to work for increasing the funding available for rail services operated by Amtrak and its partner service providers. These partners include the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in the Bay Area and Sacramento, and the State of California, which operates the"San Joaquin" train service linking the Bay Area with the Central Valley. The Board of Supervisors already has expressed its support for the federal High-Speed Rail Investment Act. This bill would grant Amtrak the authority to sell $12 billion in bonds to raise funds for capital improvements and speed increases on selected rail corridors, including the California rail corridors. We urge you to support all legislative efforts to increase funding for intercity rail service in the Bay Area, the State of California and nationwide. Thank you. Sincerely, Gayle B. ilkema Chair, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors cc: J. Sweeten,County Administrator Clerk of the Board D.Barry, Community Development Director S.Brown,Metropolitan Transportation Commission G.Mallery,Amtrak West J.Morales,California Department of Transportation E. Skoropowsky, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority I. Anderson,Contra Costa Transportation Authority M. Shiu,Public Works Director N.Minta,U.S.Department of Transportation S.Zimrick,Caltrans Rail Program