Overview

• Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 face significant funding and delivery challenges.
• Escalating costs and funding gaps threaten project timelines and scope.
• Multiple phasing and scope reduction options analyzed; none fully close the funding gap.
• $19.5M federal RAISE grant and $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant (pending) are key funding sources.
• Measure D sales tax is critical for leveraging state and federal funds, but is insufficient for full buildout.
• Project delivery is at risk due to strict grant deadlines and limited new funding opportunities.

Project Introduction and Recusal for Conflict of Interest

• Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8-11 project delivery discussed.
• Chair Montecito recused due to conflict of interest.
• Planning grant for Watsonville circulation pursued, supporting previous Reconnecting Communities grant application.
• Focus on future project planning in City of Watsonville.

Project Overview, Funding Success, and Challenges

• Coastal Rail Trail is a 32-mile multi-use path from Davenport to Pajaro.
• Project divided into segments; current focus on segments 8–11 (Santa Cruz to Aptos).
• Project approval and environmental phase began in 2020; construction scheduled for 2027.
• Construction expected to take 2–4 years; significant time spent on environmental review and design.
• Recent efforts focus on cost reduction and project delivery strategies due to funding shortfalls.

Cost Escalation, Funding Gaps, and Phasing Options

• Value engineering analysis and MOU with Roaring Camp completed to reduce track relocation costs.
• Secured $19.5M federal RAISE grant; City of Santa Cruz applied for $20.5M Safe Streets for All grant.
• Coastal Rail Trail segments 8–11 require additional funding for final design and construction by 2027.
• Existing grants do not cover cost increases; new state and federal funding is scarce and competitive.
• Project phasing and scope reduction options analyzed, but even minimal reductions exceed available Measure D revenues.

Financial Scenarios, Grant Assumptions, and Feasibility Analysis

• Future project phases require funding; no identified source yet.
• Assumed minimum local match is 20% of project cost; higher match increases competitiveness.
• Option C funds 1.5 of 6.5 miles with Measure D, leaving ~$20–21M for future phases or matching.
• Financial analysis excludes potential $20M Safe Streets for All grant.
• Ongoing cost tracking; current funding gap addressed via Consolidated Grant Program application, with decisions expected in November.

Distribution of Funds and Project Wrap-Up

• Majority of funds distributed to city and county of Santa Cruz.
• Significant portion allocated to corridor maintenance.
• Some funding dedicated to city of Watsonville.
• Project concept report used for trail alignment development in Watsonville.
• Regional portion of North Coast Trail under development.