3/5/26 SCCRTC P4 - Earmark Request

Request for State and Federal Earmarks to Fund the Environmental Component of the ZeroEmissions Passenger Rail and Trail ProjectThe next phase of the ZEPRT Project is the completion of preliminary engineering and environmental analysis of the Project. Currently, there is a $15 million funding gap for this next phase of work, and the remaining work is on hold until additional funds are secured. To address the funding gap, staff continue to seek full funding to complete this phase of work. However, there are very few available competitive grant programs at the state and federal level for pre-construction components of capital projects. Given this, the Commission authorized staff to pursue federal earmarks, as well as grant funding opportunities, and funds from the state budget, for the purpose of preparing necessary environmental reports for either the ZEPRT project or Coastal Rail Trail projects if the amount needed for the ZEPRT project is not fully funded.The original video is here:https://youtu.be/4XpV9e2QpgY?si=Rqt9SHXAn1oREidHThe agenda and highlights are here:https://www.sccrtc.org/meetings/regional-transportation-commission/agendas/