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Final Recommendation on the Alignment and Station Option Refinements to the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) to be included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (FEIS/EIR)
Ann Jamison, Deputy Project Manager, reviewed the 15 alignment and station options. She noted that staff is proposing approval of 13 of the 15 alignment and station options to have a well defined LPA in the FEIS/EIR.
Ms. Jamison stated that staff recommends the East of Rail Right-of-Way Option for the South of Warm Springs Alignment because it meets the selected alignment for the BART Warm Springs Extension. Ms. Jamison noted that this option costs an additional $10.8 million.
Ms. Jamison stated that staffs final recommendation for the East Warren Avenue Alignment is the Underpass (BART At-Grade) Option. Although the City of Fremont lost some funding due to the present economic situation, they remain committed to funding this Project. VTA, City of Freemont, and the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) would cooperatively seek additional funding for Underpass Option in preliminary engineering. Ms. Jamison noted that VTA would consider funding the option if the final gap amount is within the cost of the aerial option.
Ms. Jamison explained that recommendation for the Locomotive Wye will be deferred to Fall 2004 as the negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) are still on-going.
On the Dixon Landing Alignment, Ms. Jamison noted that the City of Milpitas prefers a different Underpass Option with 35 miles per hour traffic speed and 16.5 feet vertical clearance. Ms. Jamison noted that Milpitas preference would cost $16 million more excluding the cost of elevating the UPRR and BART tracks. Ms. Jamison explained that based on Milpitas concern on noise, vibration, and aesthetics, staff recommends the BART in Retained Cut Option. This option will address Milpitas concerns with cost increase of about $11.2 million.
Ms. Jamison noted that the South of Calaveras Future Station Options would all be carried forward. Upon query of Member Blalock, Ms. Jamison noted that a supplemental environmental document would be prepared if the future station will be built.
Ms. Jamison reviewed Milpitas comment on the DEIS/EIR regarding the Montague/Capitol Station and stated that Milpitas station alternative station layout does not have the same footprint included in the environmental document. Ms. Jamison stated that staff recommends the South Bus Transit Center with an At-Grade Concourse because it meets bus operational needs, provides safety for passengers and vehicles, and reduces the elevation changes. She stated that staff will work with Milpitas for station design and noted that an additional environmental clearance will be prepared if a different station design is to be constructed.
Ms. Jamison explained that the Berryessa Station recommendation will be deferred to June 2004 due to further discussions with the City of San Jose staff and property owners.
Member Chavez inquired about the possibility of having both parking stations option in the FEIS/EIR.
Ms. Jamison responded that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) prefers projects with very defined alignments. Ms. Jamison stated that this location is undergoing a master planning process with the City of San Jose and noted that a supplemental environmental document will be prepared if the planning process yields to design modifications.
Member Chavez stressed the need to maintain flexibility. She noted the importance of clearing a bigger footprint in the Project, especially for the Berryessa location. Member Dixon added that flexibility is essential because the cities are trying to follow the Transit-Oriented Development plan.
Ms. Jamison noted that there is flexibility in the Project but stated that there are regulations that need to be followed. She stated that supplemental environmental documents could be prepared for anything outside the footprints of the EIS/EIR.
Ms. Jamison noted that although it is a more expensive option, staff recommends the US 101 Diagonal option for the Alum Rock Alignment and Station because it avoids impacts to the residential neighborhood.
Ms. Jamison explained that all the Civic Plaza/San Jose State Station Entrance Locations would be carried forward in the FEIS/EIR because none have significant environmental impacts.
Ms. Jamison noted that staff recommends the West of Civic Plaza/SJSU for the Downtown Crossover Location because it provides the best operational location for single tracking that would allow retention of system-wide operations during emergencies.
For the Market Street Station Entrance Location, Ms. Jamison noted that staff recommends carrying 10 of the 11 station entrance location options through the preliminary engineering. She explained that M1-A Option will be eliminated due to its historical and cultural impacts.
Ms. Jamison noted that staff recommends the South Station Alignment and all the station entrance options for the Diridon/Arena Alignment. She noted that this is the most appropriate location for the station because it meets the Diridon/Arena Strategic Plan and allows better crowd dispersal from HP Pavilion. Ms. Jamison noted that this option will require an additional $22 million.
The Parking Structure North Option is the staff recommendation for the Santa Clara Station. Ms. Jamison explained that it has the least cost and provides the most cohesive station layout. Ms. Jamison noted that VTA would work with FedEx to address their concerns regarding this options impact on their operations.
Ms. Jamison stated that the key issue on the Santa Clara Pedestrian Crossing Location is the visual connectivity between the historic tower and the historic depot. Staff recommends the Aerial South Option because it better serves the needs of transferring passengers. Ms. Jamison noted the possibility of moving the historic tower further south.
Ms. Jamison noted that the recommended option for the Airport Connection is the At-Grade Tail Track Alignment. This option accommodates an Automated People Mover (APM) to the Norman Y. Mineta International Airport.
Ms. Jamison noted that the recommendations discussed would approximately increase the project cost by $76.4 million. Ms. Jamison briefly discussed the environmental schedule and stated that the FEIS/EIR will be released on October 2004. VTA Board is scheduled to certify the FEIS/EIR by November 2004 and subsequent project approval by BART Board in December 2004. Target date for the FTA Record of Decision release is on December 2004.
Member Dixon noted for the record that the City of Milpitas would like to pursue the BART At-Grade Option for the Dixon Landing Alignment. She noted that there should be more option analysis during preliminary engineering phase and further noted that funding could be pursued for the grade separation.
Member Blalock expressed concern on the cross tunnel passages spacing. Ms. Jamison responded that staff will work on the spacing of the crossovers during the preliminary engineering process.
Member Morrison complimented staff for their diligent work and effective presentation.
M/S/C McLemore/Morrison) to approve the Final recommendation on the alignment and station option refinements to the Locally Preferred Alternative to be included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report.
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