AgdaPkt 2003-01-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r � Hearings will take place in nine counties prior to the WTA's Board adopting the plan for referral to the California Legislature. The WTA's Plan recommendations are based on the following technical studies: ridership demand, environmental, research of 39 different fuel and propulsion systems to lower air emissions, intermodal connections, terminal design and safety. PROPOSED REDWOOD CITY FERRY SERVICE The WTA's extensive studies of the potential market for ferry service show a demand for commencing ferry service out of Redwood City to San Francisco and the WTA plans to include this new service in the plan it will submit to the California Legislature on December 12. 2002. The proposed ferry service would operate every hour during peak periods and throughout the day. By the year 2015, it is estimated that this service could generate a minimum of 300.000 tri Per year comparable to the current ridership of the Harbor Bay ferry service from Alameda to San Francisco. The WTA will also continue working with the Port and our study in studying market opportunities for ferry service to the East Bay. The WTA is required to seek new transportation sources to fund new routes and services. The primary source identified is the $1.00 increase to the State bridge tolls that generates $125 million. These funds would be used to pay the costs of acquiring two 350 passenger vessels for Redwood City service, planning and construction of terminals, operating costs of vessels and bus /shuttle connections. Federal dollars earmarked for ferries would also be pursued. Specifically, the WTA is seeking regional, Federal to cover the following: • Engineering and Planning Studies: $1 million • Two 350 passenger ferry boats, 35 knots - $22 million • Terminal /Facility - $11 million Net Annual operating costs: $10 million (ferries and bus connections) Revenue from the proposed bridge tolls would not be available until after 2005 (see below). Currently, the WTA is proposing to start planning for the Redwood City service in 2010. This schedule can be accelerated if the City and Port select a site for a ferry terminal that enhances ridership. Also, local funds from the proposed reauthorization of the sales tax or contributions from future development projects will be needed to cover the local match for construction of the terminal facilities. PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE BRIDGE TOLLS The Senate Select Committee on Transportation provided a process for putting together an expenditure plan for funding new transit projects that relieve traffic off State bridges and approaches. An advisory committee led by the Senate Select Committee and MTC has been organized. It is comprised of transit agencies and congestion management agencies that have been appointed to discuss proposed projects and reach consensus. SAMTRANS and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board sit on this committee.