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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17 MEASURE M SUPPORT 06-05-06MEETING DATE: JUNE 5, 2006 TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION SUBJECT: RENEWED MEASURE M TRANSPORTATION PLAN SUMMARY On November 6, 1990, Orange County voters approved Measure M, a half-cent local transportation sales tax to be collected for 20 years. The revenue generated from Measure M has been used to fund critical freeway, road and transit projects in Orange County. However, the sales tax is set to expire in 2011. In order for the renewal of the half-cent sales tax (Measure M) to be placed on the November 2006 ballot, the Measure must obtain support of a majority of Orange County cities representing a majority of the population of Orange County. The Orange County Division, league of California Cities, has recommended the adoption of the attached resolution in support of the Renewal of Measure M. By adopting the resolution, each city is acknowledging the importance of preserving Measure M funding for the next 30 years and approving the Investment Plan for the revenues expected to be derived from the renewal of Measure M. Adoption will allow the new measure to be put before the voters. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 06-69 approving the Measure M Transportation Investment Plan for consideration by the voters of Orange County in November 2006. FISCAL IMPACT In addition to any funds the City may obtain through Measure M competitive programs, the City is projected to receive approximately $54,137,003 over the 30 year renewal period through the local Fair Share Program. BACKGROUND On November 6, 1990, Orange County voters approved Measure M, a half-cent local transportation sales tax to be collected for 20 years. The revenue generated from Measure M has been used to fund critical freeway, road and transit projects in Orange County. Renewed Measure M Transportation Plan June 5, 2006 Page 2 However, the sales tax is set to expire in 2011, and with travel on our roads and highways expected to increase 39 percent by the year 2030, continued investment in Orange County's transportation system is more important than ever. In order to address our current and future transportation needs, renewal of the half-cent sales tax is imperative. There are three reasons why it is important to pursue the renewal of Measure M now. First, most major capital projects in the current Measure M program are completed and there is no secured money for projects. Orange County needs to be preparing now for its transportation future. Secondly, should the renewal of Measure M be successful, projects that are ready could be started as early as 2007 by selling bonds to be paid for by future sales tax revenues. Possible projects for early implementation include the widening of the Riverside (SR-91) and San Diego (1-405) freeways. Third, given the high threshold of a two- thirds voter approval requirement, the proposed Measure M may have to be refined and presented to the voters more than once. If Measure M were not extended Orange County will not have approximately $310 million in transportation funds in the first year (2012) compounded each year after that and cities will not have roughly half of their current funding for local street maintenance and improvements. Without Measure M, we do not have money to fund transportation capacity projects and maintenance projects and we will not have funds to match state and federal funding. Additionally, a renewed Measure M will save commuters travel time by reducing congestion. About 74 million future travel hours a year will be eliminated with a renewed Measure M, equivalent to giving every Orange County resident 20 hours a year of productive time. The dollar value of travel time savings due to congestion relief equals about $20.8 billion (2005 value) with a renewed Measure M. Looking at freeways speeds in the future, with a renewed Measure M, freeways speeds will increase by over 20 percent compared to a future without a renewed Measure M. Lastly, in terms of job creation, freeway construction along will generate more than 100,000 new jobs. That's a six percent increase in jobs compared to a future without a renewed Measure M. The funding allocation, by mode, is the same as the current Measure M program. Of the $11.8 billion, 43 percent ($4.8 billion) is mandated for freeways, 32 percent ($3.6 billion) is mandated for local and regional streets, and 25 percent ($2.8 billion) is mandated for transit. These same percentages by mode exist in the current Measure M program, but the specific projects are very different, a reflection of current and future needs. Renewed Measure M Transportation Plan June 5, 2006 Page 3 In response to our concerns regarding the potential for significant right-of-way takes associated with the future freeway widenings through Tustin, the draft plan was revised to include the following language: The project will generally be constructed within the existing right-of- way. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. I n order to be placed on the November 2006 ballot, the Measure must obtain approval of the County Board of Supervisors and city councils representing both a majority of the cities in the county and a majority of the population residing in the incorporated areas of the County. (Public Utilities Code section 180206(b)). The Orange County Division, League of California Cities, has recommended the adoption of the attached resolution in support of the Renewal of Measure M. By adopting the resolution, each city is acknowledging the importance of preserving Measure M funding for the next 30 years and approving the Investment Plan for the revenues expected to be derived from the renewal of Measure M. Adoption will allow the new measure to be put before the voters. Tim D. Serlet Director of Public Works/City Engineer Attachments: Resolution No. 06-69 Draft Transportation/Investment Plan S:\City Councilltems\2006 Councilltems\Renewed Measure M.doc RESOLUTION NO. 06-69 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE RENEWED MEASURE M TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT PLAN The Tustin City Council finds as follows: WHEREAS, the citizens of Orange County approved passage of Measure M in November 1990 authorizing the Orange County Transportation Authority to administer a one-half of one percent transportation sales tax to support a specific transportation improvement plan, applicable in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of the County of Orange; and WHEREAS, Measure M has provided funding for numerous transportation projects, including freeways, local roads, major streets, interchanges, the Metrolink commuter train system, senior bus fare stabilization, signal synchronization, and more; and WHEREAS, Measure M is set to expire in 2011 unless renewed by a vote of two- thirds of Orange County voters; and WHEREAS, The League of California Cities, Orange County Division created a Super Committee of elected officials and staff representatives from each city that worked to develop a transportation Investment Plan detailing how every dollar of a renewed Measure M plan would be spent and unanimously recommended that the Investment Plan be placed before the voters of Orange County; and WHEREAS, the resulting transportation Investment Plan will relieve traffic congestion, improve safety and the quality of life by improving traffic flow on the Santa Ana (1-5), San Diego (1-405), Garden Grove (SR-22), Costa Mesa (SR-55), Orange (SR-57), and the Riverside (SR-91) freeways; maintaining and improving streets; expanding Metrolink rail with connections to local communities; providing transit for seniors and disabled persons; synchronizing traffic signals countywide; and, cleaning up road runoff to protect beaches; and WHEREAS, the Renewal of Measure M will give the city the flexibility to allocated more than an estimated $54.1 million in ''fair share" funds over thirty years to improve local street and roads; and WHEREAS, if approved by two-thirds of the voters, Measure M would authorize the collection of a one-half of one percent sales tax for a 30-eyear period from 2011 to 2041, generating an anticipated total of $11.8 billion for local transportation projects; and WHERERAS, Measure M revenues raised from the continuation of Measure M would remaining Orange County for countywide transportation improvements and could not be diverted by the state of federal government; and Resolution No. 06-69 June 5, 2006 Page 2 WHEREAS, Measure M would provide a stable, long-term funding source to alleviate traffic congestion; improve travel on local streets, major roads and highways, expand transit services and provide transportation-related water quality improvements; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Investment Plan contains strong taxpayer safeguards such as annual independent audits, public review of Plan every 10 years, annual report to taxpayers and penalties for misspending funds; and WHEREAS, Public Utilities Code section 108206 (b) requires that Measure M Investment Plan be approved by the County Board of Supervisors and by the city councils representing both a majority of the cities in the county and a majority of the population residing in the incorporated areas of the County; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Tustin, State of California, hereby approves the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan for purposes of placing Measure M before the voters of Orange County. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tustin held on the 5th day of June 2006. Doug Davert, Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk RENEWED MEASURE M Transport.tlon Investment PI.n ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 550 South Main Street P.O. Box 14184 Orange, CA 92863-1584 (714) 560-5066 www.octa.net Measure M Promises Fulfilled On November 6, 1990, Orange County voters approved Measure M,' a half-cent local transportation sales tax for twenty years. All of the major projects promised to and approved by the voters are underway or complete. Funds that go to cities and the County of Orange to maintain and improve local street and roads, along with transit fare reductions for seniors and persons with disabilities, will continue until Measure M ends in 2011. The promises made in Measure M have been fulfilled. Continued Investment Needed Orange County continues to grow. By the year 2030, Orange County's population will increase by 24 percent from 2.9 million in 2000 to 3.6 million in 2030; jobs will increase by 27 percent; and travel on our roads and highways by 39 percent, Without continued investment average morning rush hour speeds on Orange County freeways will fall by 31 percent and on major streets by 32 percent. Responding to this continued growth and broad support for investment in Orange County's transportation system, the Orange County Transportation Authority considered the transportation projects and programs that would be possible if Measure M were renewed. The Authority, together with the 34 cities of Orange County, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and thousands of Orange County citizens, participated during the last eighteen months in developing a Transportation Investment Plan for consideration by the voters. A Plan for New Transportation Investments The Plan that follows is a result of those efforts. It reflects the varied interests and priorities inherent in the diverse communities of Orange County. It includes continued investment to expand and . improve Orange County's freeway system; commitment to maintaining and improving the network of streets and roads in every community; an expansion of Metrolink rail service through the core of Orange County with future extensions to connect with nearby communities and regional rail systems; more transit service for seniors and disabled persons; and funds to clean up runoff from roads that leads to beach closures. Strong Safeguards These commitments are underscored by a set of strong taxpayer safeguards to ensure that promises made in the Plan are kept. They include an annual independent audit and report to the taxpayers; ongoing monitoring and review of spending by an independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee; requirement for full public review and update of the Plan every ten years; voter approval for any major changes to the Plan; strong penalties for any misuse of funds and a strict limit of no more than one percent for administrative expenses. No Increase in Taxes The traffic improvements detailed in this plan do not require an increase in taxes. Renewal of the existing Measure M one-half cent transportation sales tax will enable all of the projects and programs to be implemented. And by using good planning and sensible financing, projects that are ready to go could begin as early as 2007, Renewing Measure M The projects and programs that follow constitute the Transportation Investment Plan for the renewal of the Measure M transportation sales tax approved by Orange County voters in November of 1990. These improvements are necessary to address current and future transportation needs in Orange County and reflect the best efforts to achieve consensus among varied interests and communities throughout the County. The Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is a 30-year, $11.8 billion program designed to reduce traffic congestion, strengthen our economy and improve our quality of life by upgrading key freeways, fixing major freeway interchanges, maintaining streets and roads, synchronizing traffic signals countywide, building a visionary rail transit system, and protecting our environment from the oily street runoff that pollutes Orange County beaches. The Transportation Investment Plan is focused solely on improving the transportation system and includes tough taxpayer safeguards, including a Taxpayer Oversight Committee, required annual audits, and regular, public reports on project progress. The Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan must be reviewed annually, in public session, and every ten years a detailed review of the Plan must take place. If changing circumstances require the voter-approved plan to be changed, those changes must be taken to the voters for approval. Freeways Relieving congestion on the Riverside/Artesia Freeway CSR-91) is the centerpiece of the freeway program, and will include new lanes, new interchanges, and new bridges. Other major projects will make substantial improvements on Interstate 5 (1-5) in southern Orange County and the San Diego Freeway (lAOS) in western Orange County. The notorious Orange Crush - the intersection of the 1-5, the Garden Grove Freeway CSR-22) and the Orange Freeway (SR-571 near Angel Stadium-will be improved and upgraded. Under the Plan, major traffic chokepoints on almost every Orange County freeway will be remedied. Improving Orange County freeways will be the greatest investment in the Renewed Measure M program: Forty- three percent of net revenues, or $4.871 billion, will be invested in new freeway construction. Streets and Roads More than 6,500 lane miles of aging streets and roads will need repair, rejuvenation and improvement. City streets and county roads need to be maintained regularly and potholes have to be filled quickly. Thirty-two percent of net revenue from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan, or $3.625 billion, will be devoted to fixing potholes, improving intersections, synchronizing traffic signals countywide, and making the existing countywide network of streets and roads safer and more efficient. . Public Transit As Orange County continues to grow, building a visionary rail transportation system that is safe, clean and convenient, uses and preserves existing rights-of-way, and, over time, provides high-speed connections both inside and outside of Orange County, is a long term goal. Twenty-five percent of the net revenue from Renewed Measure M, or $2.83 billion, will be dedicated to transit programs countywide. About twenty percent, or $2.24 billion, will be dedicated to creating a new countywide high capacity transit system anchored on the existing, successful Metrolink and Amtrak rail line, and about five percent, or $591 million, will be used to enhance senior transportation programs and provide targeted, safe localized bus service. Environmental Cleanup Every day, more than 70 million gallons of oily pollution, litter, and dirty contaminants wash off streets, roads, and freeways and pour onto Orange County waterways and beaches. When it rains, the transportation-generated beach and ocean pollution increases tenfold. Under the plan, two percent of the gross Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan, or $237 million, will be dedicated to protecting Orange County beaches from this transportation-generated pollution (sometimes called "urban runoff') while improving ocean water quality. Taxpayer Safeguards and Audits When new transportation dollars are approved, they should go for transportation and transportation purposes alone. No bait-and-switch. No using transportation dollars for other purposes. The original Measure M went solely for transportation purposes. The Renewed Measure M must be just as airtight. One percent of the gross Measure M . program, or $118.6 million over 30 years, will pay for annual, independent audits, taxpayer safeguards, an independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee assigned to watchdog government spending, and a full, public disclosure of all Renewed Measure M expenditures. A detailed review of the program must be conducted every ten years and, if needed, major changes in the investment plan must be brought before Orange County voters for approval. Taxpayers will receive an annual report detailing the Renewed Measure M expenditures. Additionally, as required by law, an estimated one and a half percent of the sales taxes generated, or $178 million over 30 years, must be paid to the California State Board of Equalization for collecting the one-half cent sales tax that funds the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan. In this pamphlet, every specific project, program, and safeguard included in the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is explained. Similar details will be provided to every Orange County voter if the measure is placed on the ballot. Every day, traffic backs up somewhere on the Orange County freeway system. And, every day, freeway traffic seems to get a little worse. In the past decade, Orange County has made major strides in re-building our aging freeway system. But there is still an enormous amount of work that needs to be done to make the freeway system work well. You see the need for improvement every time you drive on an Orange County freeway Forty-three percent of net revenues from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is dedicated to improving Orange County freeways, the largest portion of the 3D-year transportation plan. SR-91 is the Centerpiece Making the troubled Riverside!Artesia Freeway (SR-91) work again is the centerpiece of the Renewed Measure M Freeway program. The fix on the SR-91 will require new lanes, new bridges, new overpasses, and, in the Santa Ana Canyon portion of the freeway, a diversion of drivers to the Foothill Corridor (SR-241) so the rest of the Orange County freeway system can work more effectively And there's more to the freeway program than the fix of SR-91- much more. More than $1 billion is earmarked for Interstate 5 in South County More than $800 million is slated to upgrade the San Diego Freeway (1-405) between Irvine and the Los Angeles County line. Another significant investment is planned on the congested Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55). And needed projects designed to relieve traffic chokepoints are planned for almost every Orange County freeway To make any freeway system work, bottlenecks at interchanges also have to be fixed. The notorious Orange Crush Interchange-where the Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) meets the Orange Freeway (SR-57) and the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) in a traffic tangle near Angel Stadium - is in need of a major face lift. And the intersection of Interstate 5 and the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) is also slated for major repair. Pays Big Dividends Local investment in freeways also pays big dividends in the search for other needed freeway dollars. Because of state and federal matching rules, Orange County's local investment in freeway projects acts as a magnet for state and federal transportation dollars- pulling more freeway construction dollars into the county and allowing more traffic- reducing freeway projects to be built sooner. Innovative Environmental Mitigation A minimum of $243.5 million will be available, subject to a Master Agreement, to provide for comprehensive, rather than piecemeal, mitigation of the environmental impacts of freeway improvements. Using a proactive, innovative approach, the Master Agreement negotiated between the Orange County Local Transportation Authority and state and federal resource agencies will provide higher-value environmental benefits such as habitat protection, wildlife corridors and resource preservation in exchange for streamlined project approvals for the freeway program as a whole. Freeway projects will also be planned, designed and constructed with consideration for their aesthetic, historic and environmental impacts on nearby properties and communities using such elements as parkway style designs, locally native landscaping, sound reduction and aesthetic treatments that complement the surroundings. . !;l,....,."ct ~~,.".~...." :;..~.-.-,~..'f.. ''/ ~},;~~~~t~~~'0;~~~+t~:~'3~;;1~~" .. "l'I'" , ,,;::;'ifF 'l.~;;f~..i~-i"".....~..y"','J?':>"~"';-l',l""",~. ~,,,.q..h';" .~. ..-, ~',;.>-._ .... .> , : -':i~~~r~: ;i~ " :.; j-~;t;" , ".. .~., -.->'- Project 0 Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) Improvements between Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and "Orange Crush" Area (SR-57) Description: Reduce freeway congestion through improvements at the SR-55/1-5 interchange area between the Fourth Street and Newport Boulevard ramps on 1-5, and between Fourth Street and Edinger Avenue on SR-55 Also, add capacity on 1-5 between SR-55 and SR-57 to relieve congestion at the "Orange Crush". The project will generally be constructed within the existing right-of-way Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected commumties. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. The current daily traffic volume on this segment of the 1-5 between SR-55 and SR-57 is about 389,000. The demand is expected to grow by more than 19 percent by 2030, bringing the daily usage to 464,000 vehicles per day Regional plans also include additional improvements on 1-5 from the "Orange Crush" to SR-9 I using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost to improve this section of the 1-5 is $470.0 million. Project 0 Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) Improvements from the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) to EI Toro "Y" Area Description: Build new lanes and improve the interchanges in the area between SR-55 and the SR-133 (near the EI Toro "Y"). This segment of 1-5 is the major route serving activity areas in the cities of Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana and north Orange County The project will also make improvements at local interchanges, such as Jamboree Road. The project will generally be constructed within the existing right-of-way Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. The current traffic volume on this segment of 1-5 is about 356,000 vehicles per day and is expected to increase by nearly 24 percent, bringing it up to 440,000 vehicles per day In addition to the projects described above, regional plans include additional improvements to this freeway at local interchanges, such as Culver Drive, using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost to improve this section of 1-5 is $300.2 million. . Project G San Diego Freeway (1-5) Improvements South of the EI Toro "Y" Description: Add new lanes to 1-5 from the vicinity of the El Toro Interchange in lake Forest to the vicinity of SR-73 in Mission Viejo Also add new lanes on 1-5 between Coast Highway and Avenida Pico interchanges to reduce freeway congestion in San Clemente. The project will also make major improvements at local interchanges as listed in Project D. The project will generally be constructed within the existing right -of-way. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. Current traffic volume on 1-5 near the El Toro "Y" is about 342,000 vehicles per day. This volume will increase in the future by 35 percent, bringing it up to 460,000 vehicles per day. Regional plans also include construction of a new freeway access point between Crown Valley Parkway and Avery Parkway as well as new off ramps at Stonehill Drive using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost to improve these segments of 1-5 is $627.0 million. . Project G Santa Ana Freeway / San Diego Freeway (1-5) Local Interchange Upgrades Description: Update and improve key 1-5 interchanges such as Avenida Pico, Onega Highway, Avery Parkway, La Paz Road, El Taro Road, and others to relieve street congestion around older interchanges and on ramps. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. In addition to the project described above, regional plans also include improvements to the local interchanges at Camino Capistrano, Oso Parkway, Alicia Parkway and Barranca Parkway using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost for the 1-5 local interchange upgrades is $258.0 million. Project 0 Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) Access Improvements Description: Construct interchange improvements at Euclid Street, Brookhurst Street and Harbor Boulevard to reduce freeway and street congestion near these interchanges. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. Regional plans also include the construction o[ new [reeway-to-[reeway carpool ramps to the SR-22/l-405 interchange, and improvements to the local interchange at Magnolia Avenue using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost to improve the SR-22 interchanges is $120.0 million. Project 0 Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-SS) Improvement. Description: Add new lanes to SR-55 between Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) and the San Diego Freeway (1-405), generally within existing right-or-way, including merging lanes between interchanges to smooth traffic flow. This project also provides [or freeway operational improvements [or the portion o[ SR-55 between SR-91 and SR-22. The project will generally be constructed within the existing right-or-way Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. This freeway carries about 295,000 vehicles on a daily basis. This volume is expected to increase by nearly 13 percent, bringing it up to 332,000 vehicles per day in the future. In addition to the projects described above, regional plans also include a new street overcrossing and carpool ramps at Alton Avenue using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost [or these SR-55 improvements is $366 0 million. Project CD Orange Freeway (SR-57) Improvements Description: Build a new northbound lane between Orangewood Avenue and Lambert Road. Other projects include improvements to the Lambert interchange and the addition of a northbound truck climbing lane between Lambert and Tonner Canyon Road. The improvements will be designed and coordinated 'specifically to reduce congestion at SR-57/SR-91 interchange. These improvements will be made generally within existing right -of- way. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. The daily traffic volume on this freeway is about 315,000 vehicles. By 2030, this volume will increase by 15 percent, bringing it up to 363,000 vehicles per day. In addition to the project described above, regional plans include new carpool ramps at Cerritos Avenue using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost to implement SR-57 improvements is $258.7 million. . Project 0 Riverside Freeway (SR-91) Improvements lrom the Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) to the Orange Freeway (SR-57) Description: Add capacity in the westbound direction and provide operational improvements at on and off ramps to the SR-91 between 1-5 and the Orange Freeway (SR-57), generally within existing right-of-way, to smooth traffic flow and relieve the SR-57/SR-91 interchange. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. The current daily freeway volume along this segment of SR-91 is about 256,000. By 2030, this volume is expected to increase by nearly 13 percent, bringing it up to 289,900 vehicles per day. Cost: The estimated cost for improvements in this segment of SR-91 is $140.0 million. Project . Riverside Freeway (SR-91) Improvements from Orange Freeway (SR-57) to the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) Interchange Area Description: Improve the SR-91/SR-55 to SR-91/SR-57 interchange complex, including nearby local interchanges such as Tustin Avenue and Lakeview, as well as adding freeway capacity between SR-55 and SR-57. The project will generally be constructed within the existing right-of- way. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. Current freeway volume on this segment of the SR-91 is about 245,000 vehicles per day. This vehicular demand is expected to increase by 22 percent, bringing it up to 300,000 vehicles per day in the future. Cost: The estimated cost for these improvements to the SR-91 is $416.5 million. . Project 0 Riverside Freeway (SR-91) Improvements Irom Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) to the Orange/ Riverside County Line Description: This project adds capacity on SR-91 beginning at SR-55 imd extending to 1-15 in Riverside County. The first priority will be to improve the segment of SR-91 east ofSR-241. The goal is to provide up to four new lanes of capacity between SR-241 and Riverside County Line by making best use of available freeway property, adding reversible lanes, building elevated.sections and improving connections to SR-241. These projects would be constructed in conjunction with similar coordinated improvements in Riverside County extending to I-IS and provide a continuous set of improvements between SR-241 and 1-15. The portion of improvements in Riverside County will be paid for from.other sources. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. This project also includes improvements to the segment of SR-91 between SR-241 and SR-55 The concept is to generally add one new lane in each direction and improve the interchanges. Today, this freeway carries aboUl 314,000 vehicles every day. This volume is expected to increase by 36 percent, bringing it up to 426,000 vehicles by 2030. Cost: The estimated cost for these improvements to the SR-91 is $925.0 million. . . Project 0 San Diego Freeway (1-405) Improvements between the 1-605 Freeway in Los Alamitos area and Costa Mesa Freeway (SR.55) Description: Add new lanes to the San Diego Freeway between 1-605 and SR-55, generally within the existing right- of-way. The project will make best use of available freeway property, update interchanges and widen all local overcrossings according to city and regional master plans. The improvements will be coordinated with other planned 1-405 improvements in the 1-405/SR-22/I-605 interchange area to the north and 1-405/SR-73 improvements to the south. The improvements will adhere to recommendations of the Interstate 405 Major Investment Study (as adopted by the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on October 14, 2005) and will be developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. Today, 1-405 carries about 430,000 vehicles daily. The volume is expected to increase by nearly 23 percent, bringing it up to 528,000 vehicles daily by 2030. The project will increase freeway capacity and reduce congestion. Near-term regional plans also include the improvements to the 1-405/SR-73 interchange as well as a new carpool interchange at Bear Street using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost for these improvements to the 1-405 is $500.0 million. . Project . San Diego Freeway (1-405) Improvements between Costa Mesa Freeway (SR.55) and Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) Description: Add new lanes to the freeway from SR-55 to the 1-5. The project will also improve chokepoints at interchanges and add merging lanes near on/off ramps such as Lake Forest Drive, Irvine Center Drive and SR-133 to improve the overall freeway operations in the 1-405/1-5 El Toro "Y" area. The projects will generally be constructed within the existing right-of-way Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. This segment of the freeway carries 354,000 vehicles a day This number will increase by nearly 13 percent, bringing it up to 40 I ,000 vehicles per day by 2030. The project will increase freeway capacity and. reduce congestion. In addition to the projects described above, regional plans include a new carpool interchange at Von Karman Avenue using federal and state funds. Cost: The estimated cost for these improvements to the 1-405 is $319.7 million. . Projed 0 Projed 0 1-605 Freeway Access Improvements Freeway Service Patrol Description: Improve freeway access and arterial connection to 1-605 serving the communities of Los Alamitos and Cypress. The project will be coordinated with other planned improvements along SR-22 and 1-405. Specific improvements will be subject to approved plans developed in cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected communities. Description: The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) provides competitively bid, privately contracted tow truck service for motorists with disabled vehicles on the freeway system. This service helps stranded motorists and quickly clears disabled vehicles out of the freeway lanes to minimize congestion caused by vehicles blocking traffic and passing motorists rubbernecking. Regional plans also include the addition of new freeway-to-freeway carpool ramps to the 1-405/ 1-605 interchange using federal and state funds. This improvement will connect to interchange improvements at 1-405 and SR-22 as well as new freeway lanes between 1-405 and I-60S. Currently Freeway Service Patrol is available on Orange County freeways Monday through Friday during peak commuting hours. This project would assure that this basic level of service could be continued through 2041. As demand and congestion levels increase, this project would also permit service hours to be extended throughout the day and into the weekend. Cost: The estimated cost to make these I-60S interchange improvements is $20 0 million. Cost: The estimated cost to support the Freeway Service Patrol Program for thirty years beyond 2011 is $150.0 million. . Orange County has more than 6,500 lane miles of aging streets and roads, many of which are in need of repair, rejuvenation and improvement. Intersections need to be widened, traffic lights need to be synchronized, and potholes need to be filled. And, in many cases, to make Orange County's transportation system wQrk smoothly, we need to add additional lanes to existing streets. Thirty-two percent of net revenues from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is dedicated to maintaining streets, fixing potholes, improving intersections and widening city streets and county roads. Making the System Work Making the existing system of streets and roads work better- by identifying spot intersection improvements, filling potholes, repaving WOffi- out streets-is the basis of making a countywide transportation system work. That basis has to be the first priority But to operate a successful, countywide system of streets and roads, we need more: street widenings and traffic signals synchronized countywide. And theres more. Pedestrian safety near local schools needs to be improved. Traffic flow must be smoothed. Street repairs must be made sooner. And, perhaps most importantly, cities and the county must work together-collaboratively-to find simple, low-cost traffic solutions. . Renewed Measure M provides financial incentives for traffic improvements that cross city and county lines, providing a seamless, county- wide transportation system thats friendly to regional commuters and fair to local residents. Beller Cooperation To place a higher priority on cooperative, collaborative regional decision-making, Renewed Measure M creates incentives that encourage traffic lights to be coordinated across jurisdictional lines, major street improvements to be better coordinated on a regional basis, and street repair programs to be a high priority countywide. To receive Measure M funding, cities and the county have to cooperate. The Streets and Roads program in Renewed Measure M involves shared responsibilities -local cities and the county set their local priorities within a competitive, regional framework that rewards cooperation, honors best practices, and encourages government agencies to work together. Project CD Regional Capacity Program Description: This program, in combination with local matching funds, provides a funding source to complete the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH). The program also provides for intersection improvements and other projects to help improve street operations and reduce congestion. The program allocates funds through a competitive process and targets projects that help traffic the most by considering factors such as degree of congestion relief, cost effectiveness, project readiness, ete. Local jurisdictions must provide a dollar-far-dollar match to qualify for funding, but can be rewarded with lower match requirements if they give priority to other key objectives, such as better road maintenance and regional signal synchronization. .. Roughly 1,000 miles of new street lanes remain to be completed, mostly in the form of widening existing streets to their ultimate planned width. Completion of the system will result in a more even traffic flow and efficient system. Another element of this program is funding for construction of railroad over or underpass grade separations where high volume streets are impacted by freight trains along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad in northern Orange County. Cost: The estimated cost for these street improvement projects is $1,132.8 million. t Project 0 Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Description: This program targets over 2,000 signalized intersections across the County for coordinated operation. The goal is to improve the flow of traffic by developing and implementing regional signal coordination programs that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Most traffic signal synchronization programs today are limited to segments of roads or individual cities and agencies. For example, signals at intersections of freeways with arterial streets are controlled by Caltrans, while nearby signals at local street intersections are under the control of cities. This results in the street system operating at less than maximum efficiency When completed, this project can increase the capacity of tlie street grid and reduce the delay by over six million hours annually To ensure that this program is successful, cities, the County of Orange and Caltrans will be required to work together and prepare a common traffic signal synchronization plan and the necessary governance and legal arrangements before receiving funds. In addition, cities will be required to provide 20 percent of the costs. Once in place, the program will provide funding for ongoing maintenance and operation of the synchronization plan. Local jurisdictions will be required to publicly report on the performance of their signal synchronization efforts at least every three years. Signal equipment to give emergency vehicles priority at intersections will be an eligible expense for projects implemented as part of this program. Cost: The estimated cost of developing and maintaining a regional traffic signal synchronization program for Orange County is $453.1 million. .. Project . Local Fair Share Program Description: This element of the program will provide flexible funding to help cities and the County of Orange keep up with the rising cost of repairing the aging street system. In addition, cities can use these funds for other local transportation needs such as residential street projects, traffic and pedestrian safety near schools, signal priority for emergency vehicles, ete. This program is intended to augment, rather than replace, existing transportation expenditures and therefore cities must meet the following requirements to receive the funds. 1. Continue to invest General Fund monies (or other local discretionary monies) for transportation and annually increase this commitment to keep pace with inflation. 2. Agree to use Measure M funds for transportation purposes only, subject to full repayment and a loss of funding eligibility for five years for any misuse. 3. Agree to separate accounting for Measure M funds and annual reporting on actual Measure M expenditures. 4 Develop and maintain a Pavement Management Program to ensure timely street maintenance and submit regular public reports on the condition of streets. , . . 5 Annually submit a six-year Capital Improvement Program and commit to spend Measure M funds within three years of receipt. 6. Agree to assess traffic impacts of new development and require that new development pay a fair share of any necessary transportation improvements. 7 Agree to plan, build and operate major streets consistent with the countywide Master Plan of Arterial Highways to ensure efficient traffic flow across city boundaries. 8. Participate in Traffic Forums with neighboring jurisdictions to facilitate the implementation and maintenance of traffic signal synchronization programs and projects. This requires cities to balance local traffic policies with neighboring cities-for selected streets-to promote mOre efficient traffic circulation overall. 9. Agree to consider land use planning strategies that are transit-friendly, support alternative transportation modes including bike and pedestrian access and reduce reliance on the automobile. The funds under this program are distributed to cities and the County of Orange by formula once the cities have fulfilled the above requirements. The formula will account for population, street mileage and amount of sales ta~ collected in each jurisdiction. Cost: The estimated cost for this program for thirty years is $2,039. I million. . Building streets, roads and freeways helps fix todays traffic problems. Building a visionary transit system that is safe, clean and convenient focuses on Orange Countys transportation future. Twenty-five percent of net revenues from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is allocated towards building and improving rail and bus transportation in Orange County. Approximately twenty percent of the Renewed Measure M funds is allocated to developing a creative countywide transit program and five percent of the revenues will be used to enhance programs for senior citizens and for targeted, localized bus service. All transit expenditures must be consistent with the safeguards and audit provisions of the Plan. A New Transit Vision The key element of the Renewed Measure M transit program is improving the lOO-year old Santa Fe rail line, known today as the Los Angeles/San Diego (LOSSAN) rail corridor, through the heart of the county. Then, by using this well-established, operational commuter rail system as a platform for future growth, existing rail stations will be developed into regional transportation hubs that can serve as regional transportation gateways or the centerpiece of local transportation services. A series of new, well- coordinated, flexible transportation systems, each one customized to the unique transportation vision the station serves, will be developed. Creativity and good financial sense will be encouraged. Partnerships will be promoted. Transportation solutions for each transportation hub can range from monorails to local mini-bus systems to new technologies. Fresh thinking will be rewarded. The new, localized transit programs will bring competition to local transportation planning, creating a marketplace of transportation ideas where the best ideas emerge and compete for funding. The plan is to encourage civic entrepreneurship and stimulate private involvement and investment. Transit Investment Criteria The guiding principles for all transit investments are value, safety, convenience and reliability. Each local transit vision will be evaluated against clear criteria, such as congestion relief, cost-effectiveness, readiness, connectivity, and a sound operating plan. In terms of bus services, more specialized transit services, including improved van services and reduced fares for senior citizens and people with disabilities, will be provided. Safety at key bus stops will be improved. And a network of community- based, mini-bus services will be developed in areas outside of the central county rail corridor. . Project 0 High Frequency Metrolink Service Project 0 Transit Extensions to Metrolink Description: This proj ect will increase rail services within the county and provide frequent Metrolink service north of Fullerton to Los Angeles. The project will provide for track improvements, more trains, and other related needs to accommodate the expanded service. Description: Frequent service in the Metrolink corridor provides a high capacity transit system linking communities within the central core of Orange County. This project will establish a competitive program for local jurisdictions to broaden the reach of the rail system to other activity centers and communities. Proposals for extensions must be developed and supported by local jurisdictions and will be evaluated against well-defined and well-known criteria as follows: This project is designed to build on the successes of Metrolink and complement service expansion made possible by the current Measure M. The service will include upgraded stations and added parking capacity; safety improvements and quiet zones along the tracks; and frequent shuttle service and other means, to move arriving passengers to nearby destinations. Traffic congestion relief . Project readiness, with priority given to projects that can be implemented within the first five years of the Plan . Local funding commitments and the availability of right-of-way . Proven ability to attract other financial partners, both public and private . Cost-effec.tiveness . Proximity to jobs and population centers . Regional as well as local benefits . Ease and simplicity of connections . Compatible, approved land uses Safe and modem technology . A sound, long-term operating plan The project also includes funding for improving grade crossings and constructing over or underpasses at high volume arterial streets that cross the Metrolink tracks. Cost: The estimated cost of capital and operations is $1,014 1 million. This project shall not be used to fund transit routes that are not directly connected to or that would be redundant to the core rail service on the Metrolink corridor. The emphasis shall be on expanding access to the core rail system and on establishing connections to communities and major activity centers that are not immediately adjacent to the Metrolink corridor. It is intended that multiple transit projects be funded through .. a competitive process and no single project may be awarded all of the funds under this program. Project C!) These connections may include a variety of transit technologies such as conventional bus, bus rapid transit or high capacity rail transit systems as long as they can be fully integrated and provide seamless transition for the users. Expand Mobility Choices for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Description: This project will provide services and programs to meet the growing transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities as follows: Cost: The estimated cost to implement this program over thirty years is $1,000.0 million. . One percent of net revenues will stabilize fares and provide fare discounts for bus services, specialized ACCESS services and future rail services One percent of net revenues will be available to continue and expand local community van service for seniors through the existing Senior Mobility Program One percent will supplement existing countywide senior non-emergency medical transportation services Project 0 . Convert Metrolink Station(s) to Regional Gateways that Connect Orange County with High-Speed Rail Systems Description: This program will provide the local improvements that are necessary to connect planned future high-speed rail systems to stations on the Orange County Metrolink route. Over the next 30 years, the population age 65 and over is projected to increase by 93 percent. Demand for transit and specialized transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities is expected to increase proportionately. The State of California is currently planning a high-speed rail system linking northern and southern California. One line is planned to terminate in Orange County. In addition, several magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) systems that would connect Orange County to Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, including a link from Anaheim to Ontario airport, are also being planned or proposed by other agencies. Cost: The estimated cost to provide these programs over 30 years is $339.8 million. Cost: The estimated Measure M share of the cost for these regional centers and connections is $226 6 million. . Project 0 Project . Community Based Transil/Circulators Safe Transit Stops Description: This project will establish a competitive program for local jurisdictions to develop local bus transit services such as community based circulators, shunles and bus trolleys that complement regional bus and rail services, and meet needs in areas not adequately served by regional transit. Projects will need to meet performance criteria for ridership, connection to bus and rail services, and financial viability to be considered for funding. All projects must be competitively bid, and they cannot duplicate or compete with existing transit services. Description: This project provides for passenger amenities at 100 busiest transit stops across the County. The stops will be designed to ease transfer between bus lines and provide passenger amenities such as improved shelters, lighting, current information on bus and train timetables and arrival times, and transit ticket vending machines. Cost: The estimated cost of this project is $25.0 million. Cost: The estimated cost of this project is $226.5 million. . Prior to allocation of funds for freeway, street and transit projects, two percent of gross revenues from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is set aside to protect Orange County beaches from transportation-generated pollution (sometimes called "urban runoff') and improving ocean water quality. The environmental cleanup program is designed to supplement, not supplant, existing transportation- related water quality programs. This clean-up program must improve, and not replace, existing pollution reduction efforts by cities, the county, and special districts. Funds will be awarded to the highest priority programs that improve water quality, keep our beaches and streets clean, and reduce transportation-generated pollution along Orange Countys scenic coastline. Every day, more than 70 million gallons of oily pollution, litter, and dirty contamination washes off streets, roads and freeways and pours onto Orange County waterways and beaches. When it rains, the transportation-generated pollution increases tenfold, contributing to the increasing number of beach closures and environmental hazards along the Orange County coast. Countywide Competitive Program Measure M Environmental Cleanup funds will be used on a countywide, competitive basis to meet federal Clean Water Act standards for controlling transportation-generated pollution by funding nationally recognized Best Management Practices, such as catch basins with state-of- the-art biofiltration systems; or special roadside landscaping systems called bioswales that filter oil runoff from streets, roads and freeways. . Project 0 Environmental Cleanup Description: Implement street and highway related water quality improvement programs and projects that will assist Orange County cities, the County of Orange and special districts to meet federal Clean Water Act standards for urban runoff. The Environmental Cleanup monies may be used for water quality improvements related to both existing and new transportation infrastructure, including capital and operations improvements such as: . Catch basin screens, filters and inserts . Roadside bioswales and biofiltration channels . Wetlands protection and restoration . Continuous Deflective Separation (CDS) units . Maintenance of catch basins and bioswales . Other street-related "Best Management Practices" for capturing and treating urban runoff This program is intended to augment, not replace existing transportation related water quality expenditures and to emphasize high-impact capital improvements over local operations and maintenance costs. In addition, all new freeway, street and transit capital projects will include water quality mitigation as part of project scope and cost. The Environmental Cleanup program is subject to the following requirements: . Development of a comprehensive countywide capital improvement program for transportation related water quality improvements . A competitive grant process to award funds to the highest priority, most cost -effective projects . A matching requirement to leverage other federal, state and local funds for water quality improvements . A maintenance of effort requirement to ensure that funds augment, not replace existing water quality programs . Annual reporting on actual expenditures and an assessment of the water quality benefits provided . A strict limit on administrative costs and a requirement to spend funds within three years of receipt . Penalties for misuse of any of the Environmental Cleanup funds Cost: The estimated cost for the Environmental Cleanup program is $237.2 million. In addition it is estimated that new freeway, road and transit projects funded by the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan will include more than $165 million for mitigating water quality impacts. ., When new transportation dollars are approved, they should go for transportation and transportation alone. No bait-and-switch. No using transportation dollars for other purposes. The original Measure M went solely for transportation. The Renewed Measure M will be just as airtight. And there will be no hidden costs in the program. Prior to allocation of funds for freeway, street and transit projects, one percent of gross revenues from the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plans is set aside for audits, safeguards, and taxpayer protection. By state law, one and one half percent of the gross sales taxes generated by Measure M must be paid to the California State Board of Equalization for collecting the countywide one-half percent sales tax that funds the Transportation Investment Program. Special Trust Fund To guarantee transportation dollars are used for transportation purposes, all funds must be kept in a special trust fund. An independent, outside audit of this fund will protect against cheaters who try to use the transportation funds for purposes other than specified transportation uses. A severe punishment will disqualify any agency that cheats from receiving Measure M funds for a five-year period. The annual audits, and annual reports detailing project progress, will be sent to Orange County taxpayers every year and will be reviewed in public session by a special Taxpayers' Oversight Committee that can raise fiscal issues, ask tough questions, and must independently certify, on an annual basis, that transportation dollars have been spent strictly according to the Reriewed Measure M Investment Plan. . Back to the Voters Of course, over the next 30 years, things will change. Minor adjustments can be made by a 2/3 vote of the Taxpayer Oversight Committee and a 2/3 vote of the Orange County Local Transportation Authority Board of Directors. Major changes must be taken back to voters for authorization. And, every ten years, and more frequently if necessary, the Orange County Local Transportation Authority must conduct a thorough examination of the Renewed Measure M Investment Plan and determine if major changes should be submitted to the voters. There are other important taxpayer safeguards, all designed to insure the integrity of the voter- authorized plans. But each is focused on one goal: guaranteeing that new transportation dollars are devoted to solving Orange Countys traffic problems and that no transportation dollars are diverted to anything else. Taxpayer Saleguards and Audils Description: Implement and maintain strict taxpayer safeguards to ensure that the Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan is delivered as promised. Restrict administrative costs to one percent (I %) of total tax revenues and state collection of the tax as prescribed in state law [currently one-and-one-half (I .5%) percent]. Administration of the Transportation Investment Plan and all spending is subject to the following specific safeguards and requirements: Oversight . . All spending is subject to an annual independent audit . Spending decisions must be annually reviewed and certified by an independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee . An annual report on spending and progress in implementing the Plan must be submitted to taxpayers Integrity of the Plan . No changes to the Plan can be made without review and approval by 2/3 vote of the Taxpayer Oversight Committee . Major changes to the Plan such as deleting a project or shifting projects among major spending categories (Freeways, Streets &: Roads, Transit, Environmental Cleanup) must be ratified by a majority of voters . The Plan must be subject at least every ten years to public review and assessment of progress in delivery, public support and changed circumstances. Any significant proposed changes to the Plan must be approved by the Taxpayer Oversight Committee and ratified by a majority of voters. Fund Accounting . All tax revenues and interest earned must be deposited and maintained in a separate trust fund. Local jurisdictions that receive allocations must also maintain them in a separate fund. . All entities receiving tax funds must report annually on expenditures and progress in implementing projects . At any time, at its discretion, the Taxpayer Oversight Committee may conduct independent reviews or audits of the spending of tax funds . The elected Auditor/Controller of Orange County must annually certify that spending is in accordance with the Plan Spending Requirements . Local jurisdictions receiving funds must abide by specific eligibility and spending requirements detailed in the Streets &: Roads and Environmental Cleanup components of the Plan . Funds must be used only for transportation purposes described in the Plan. The penalty for misspending is full repayment and loss of funding eligibility for a period of five years. . No funds may be used to replace private developer funding committed to any project or improvement . Funds shall augment, not replace existing funds . Every effort shall be made to maximize matching state and federal transportation dollars .. Taxpayer Oversight Committee . The committee shall consist of eleven members-two members from each of the five Board of Supervisor's districts, who shall not be elected or appointed officials-along with the elected Auditor/Controller of Orange County . Members shall be recruited and screened for expertise and experience by the Orange County Grand Jurors Association. Members shall be selected from the qualified pool by lottery . The committee shall be provided with sufficient resources to conduct independent reviews and audits of spending and implementation of the Plan Collecting the Tax . The State Board of Equalization shall be paid one-and-one-half 0.5) percent of gross revenues each fiscal year for its services in collecting sales tax revenue as prescribed in Sec~ion 7273 of the State's Revenue and Taxation Code Cost: The estimated cost for Safeguards and Audits over thirty years is $296.6 million. . 1-5 1-5 SR-22 SR-55 SR-57 SR-91 1-405 1-605 All Santa Ana Freeway Interchange Improvements Santa Ana/San Diego Freeway Improvements Garden Grove Freeway Access Improvements Costa Mesa Freeway Improvements Orange Freeway Improvements Riverside Freeway Improvements San Diego Freeway Improvements Freeway Access Improvements Freeway Service Patrol o OGG o o e 000 00 G 43 $470.0 1,185.2 120.0 366.0 258.7 1,481.5 819.7 20.0 150.0 Streets & Roads Projects (on molhons) $3,625.0 Regional Capacity Program e Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program 0 Local Fair Share Program e $1,132.8 453.1 2,039.1 Transit Projects (In mllhons) $2,832.0 High Frequency Metrolink Service 0 Transit Extensions to Metrolink 0 Metrolink Gateways 0 Expand Mobility Choices for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities CD Community Based Transit/Circulators G Safe Transit Stops 0 $1.014.1 1,000 0 226.6 339.8 226.5 25.0 Environmental Cleanup Fn mllhons) $237.2 Clean Up Highway and Street Runoff that Pollutes Beaches 0 $237.2 Taxpayer Safeguards and Audits (In mllHons) $296.6 Collect Sales Taxes (State charges required by law) Oversight and Annual Audits $178.0 118.6 Total (2005 dolla" In mllhans) $11,861.9 aCTA Orange County Transportation Authority Attn: Measure M Investment Plan PO Box 14184 Orange, CA 92863-9831 (714) 560-5066 . www.octa.net