HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - HIGH SPEED TRANS AD HOC CMTE (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT
Agenda Item:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
February 23, 2010
0
Mayor Pro Tem Ma a McLean
HIGH SPEED TRANSPORTATION AD HOC COMMITTEE
City Manager's Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council create an ad hoc committee of the City Council for review, discussion, and
consideration of issues related to the potential development of a high speed transportation
corridor through the Santa Clarita Valley.
BACKGROUND
At the February 9, 2010, City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem McLean suggested the formation
of a High Speed Transportation ad hoc committee of the City Council to discuss issues related to
the potential development of a high speed transportation corridor through the Santa Clarita
Valley.
There are currently two high speed transportation projects (California High Speed Rail Authority
and the Orangeline Development Authority) being considered within the State of California that
could potentially impact the City of Santa Clarita and its residents.
The City Council creates committees for the purpose of reviewing in detail various issues
impacting the City and providing recommendations to the City Council for action. Throughout
the course of these high speed transportation projects, issues will arise which require extensive
background review before being brought forward to the City Council for direction and action.
An ad hoc committee to address the issues presented by the potential development of these high
speed transportation corridors will facilitate a successful partnership among the City Council,
staff, and any third -parties associated with either the California High Speed Rail Authority
(CHSRA) or the Orangeline Development Authority (OLDA).
The City is currently a member of the OLDA Joint Powers Authority. In January 2002 and
March 2004, the City Council also formally expressed support for the CHSRA's proposed rail
alignment through the Antelope Valley and the desire to have the CHSRA consider a station in
Santa Clarita. However, in July 2008, the City informed the CHSRA that it would no longer take
a position of support but rather would take a neutral position as the CHSRA continued to conduct
preliminary engineering and environmental studies along the proposed Los Angeles - Palmdale
rail segment. This communication was sent in response to what appeared to be a concern that a
Santa Clarita station was not receiving adequate consideration. It is currently believed that a
potential Santa Clarita station will be considered as part of the upcoming Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the project segment which includes the
Santa Clarita area. Both systems are currently studying routes originating at Union Station,
traveling north through the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys to a proposed rail stop in the
Antelope Valley.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Not form a High Speed Transportation ad-hoc committee
2. Other action as determined by the City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
Activities associated with the implementation of the recommended action are already provided
for within the adopted FY 2009/2010 annual budget.
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