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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - SCV TRANS COALITION (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item: S CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: March 22, 2011 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION COALITION FORMATION Public Works RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council approve the formation of a Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition. BACKGROUND There are a number of factors that are expected to increase the competition for transportation funds in the state, the Southern California region, and North Los Angeles County. These include the current budget uncertainty at the state and federal levels, the recent congressional ban on earmarks, and the lack of interest in raising the current state and federal gas taxes. Additionally, the passage of Proposition 26, which redefined certain fees as taxes, now requires a two-thirds vote by the state legislature in order to increase such fees (taxes). Even with the difficult funding climate for transportation projects, the City of Santa Clarita has been very successful in providing and acquiring funding for significant transportation projects in the Santa Clarita Valley. One high-profile example is the recently completed Cross Valley Connector. This regionally significant arterial roadway is now fully open, providing improved traffic flow throughout the City and greater Santa Clarita Valley. Construction of the Cross Valley Connector was funded through a combination of local, state, and federal transportation dollars. Funding for the Cross Valley Connector was made possible by assistance from our local, state, and federal elected officials, and local transportation activists. It would be beneficial for the City of Santa Clarita to continue its partnership with these individuals concerning transportation -related matters within the Santa Clarita Valley through formation of a Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition. This coalition will meet on an APPROVEt occasional basis, primarily when there is a need to strategize on funding options and resources for transportation needs within the valley. In addition, it is imperative that the City of Santa Clarita work together with the County of Los Angeles, since many of our transportation needs and goals affect both the City and the adjacent unincorporated regions of the County. The Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition will enable the City to do this more effectively. The draft list of potential members of the Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition is attached. Based on direction from the City Council, staff will develop a final list of invitees and send an invitation to each of them to participate in the Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as directed by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact of this item is uncertain, though it may lead to additional transportation funding for the Santa Clarita Valley through the actions of the Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition. ATTACHMENTS Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition Draft List of Potential Members 0 Santa Clarita Valley Transportation Coalition Draft List of Potential Members Molly O'Brien, Field Representative Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein Adolfo Bailon, Senior Field Representative Office of Senator Barbara Boxer Rosalind Wayman, Senior Deputy Office of Supervisor Michael Antonovich Paul Strickland,Field Representative Office of Assemblymember Cameron Smyth Scott Wilk, Jr., Field Representative Office of Senator Tony Strickland Jackie Bick, Field Representative Office of Senator Sharon Runner Bob Haueter, Deputy Chief of Staff Office of Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon Theresa L. Kingery, President/CEO Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Kathy Norris, President/CEO Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita Jonas Peterson, President/CEO Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation Gail Farber, Director of Public Works Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Judy Fish, Superintendent Saugus Union School District Robert Nolet, Superintendent Sulphur Springs School District James Gibson, Superintendent Castaic Union School District Robert Challinor, Superintendent William, S. Hart Union High School District Dianne G. Van Hook, Chancellor Santa Clarita Community College District Michael Miles, District Director Caltrans, District 7 Kirk Cessna, Chief Engineer Caltrans District 7 Office of Local Assistance Victor Lindenheim, Executive Director Golden State Gateway Coalition Marc Winger, Superintendent Newhall School District Renee Berlin, Executive Officer Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority