1CommentsandResponsesADOPTEDAPRIL20122Index(ALPHABETICAL)AffiliationSubmittalIDAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty001,002AmericanLungAssociation003,004AmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers005AmeronInternationalCorporationWaterTransmissionGroup006ArroyoVerdugoSubregion007AssociationofCaliforniaCitiesOrangeCounty008AutomobileClubofSouthernCalifornia009BREATHELA010BrooksStreet011BuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCalifornia012,013Burbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportAuthority014CaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreation015CaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth016CaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation017CaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates018CaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalition019CaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.020CaliforniaTruckingAssociation021CanyonLandConservationFund022CentennialCalifornia023CenterforDemographicResearch024CitizensAllianceforPropertyRights025CitizensAllianceforPropertyRights,VenturaCounty026CityofAlhambra027CityofAnaheim028CityofBrea029CityofBurbank030CityofChino031AffiliationSubmittalIDCityofChinoHills032CityofColton033CityofCypress034CityofDiamondBar035CityofGlendale036CityofHemet037CityofHighland038CityofIrvine039CityofLaCanadaFlintridge040CityofLaHabra041CityofLakeForest042CityofLosAngeles043CityofNewportBeach044CityofOntario045CityofOxnard046CityofPalmdale047CityofPasadena048CityofPicoRivera049CityofRanchoSantaMargarita050CityofRiverside051CityofSanClemente052CityofSanJacinto053CityofSantaAna054CityofSantaClarita055,056CityofSouthPasadena057,058CityofStanton059CityofThousandOaks,PublicWorks/Transit060CityofTustin061CleanAirNow0623AffiliationSubmittalIDCleanEnergy063ClimatePlan064CoachellaValleyAssociationofGovernmentsandWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments065CountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisors066CountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealth067CountyofOrange068DesertXpressEnterprises,LLC069downeygreen070Editor,ElToroInfoSite071EnvironmentalProtectionAgency072FourCornersCoalition073FriendsofCoyoteHills074FriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParks075GatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments076GlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncil077Governor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearch078GRID/ECSTCSystems079HighgroveAreaRedevelopment080,081HillsForEveryone082HumanImpactPartners083ImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict084KohlRanchCompanyLLC085LA32NeighborhoodCouncil086LA32NeighborhoodCouncilandNELACoalition087LatinoHealthAccess088LosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomy089LosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalition090LosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation091LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth092LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanning093LosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority094,095,096AffiliationSubmittalIDLosAngelesWorldAirports097MarchJointPowersAuthority098Mobility21099MoveLA100,101NAIOP102NaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil103,104NO710ActionCommittee105,106OrangeCounty(multipleagencies)107OrangeCountyBusinessCouncil108OrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments109OrangeCountyRenewableEnergySociety110OrangeCountyTransportationAuthority111,112,113OrangelineDevelopmentAuthority114PasadenaChamberofCommerce115PhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)116PortofLongBeach117,118Puente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClub119RealtorsCommitteeonAirQuality120RegentProperties121RegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce122ReservationTransportationAuthority123RiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth124RiversideCountyPlanningDepartment125RiversideCountyTransportationCommission126,127,128RiversideTransitAgency129SafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnership130,131,132SanBernardinoAssociatedGovernments133SanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments134SanFernandoValleyGreenTeam135SanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernments136SanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnership1374AffiliationSubmittalIDSanGorgonioSierraClub138SanManuelBandofMissionIndians139SantaMonicaMountainsConservancy140SiembabCorporation141SierraClub142SouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments143SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict144SouthernCaliforniaAssociationofNon‐ProfitHousing145SouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity146SouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation147SouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation,Inc.148SouthernCaliforniaEdison149SouthernCaliforniaGasCompany150SouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil151,152SouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthority153StephenWRogersP.E.Consulting154,155,156Supervisor,FirstDistrict,CountyofVentura157TheAmericanInstituteofArchitects158,159TheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJustice160TheKennedyCommission161TheTransitCoalition162TransitCoalition163TransportationCorridorAgencies164Trustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrict165,166,167,168UnitarianUniversalistLegislativeMinistry169UrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege170ValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociation171VCCool+VenturaBicycleUnion172VenturaCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict173AffiliationSubmittalIDVenturaCountyClimateCareOptionsOrganizedLocally174WesternStatesPetroleumAssociation175WildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority176WRAC177NoAffiliation/Individuals176through3035Index(BYTYPEOFGROUP)AffiliationSubmittalIDCountyTransportationCommissionsLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority094,095,096OrangeCountyTransportationAuthority111,112,113RiversideCountyTransportationCommission126,127,128SanBernardinoAssociatedGovernments133SubregionsArroyoVerdugoSubregion007CoachellaValleyAssociationofGovernmentsandWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments065GatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments076OrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments109SanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments134SanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernments136SouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments143LocalAgenciesCityofAlhambra027CityofAnaheim028CityofBrea029CityofBurbank030CityofChino031CityofChinoHills032CityofColton033CityofCypress034CityofDiamondBar035CityofGlendale036CityofHemet037CityofHighland038CityofIrvine039CityofLaCanadaFlintridge040AffiliationSubmittalIDCityofLaHabra041CityofLakeForest042CityofLosAngeles043CityofNewportBeach044CityofOntario045CityofOxnard046CityofPalmdale047CityofPasadena048CityofPicoRivera049CityofRanchoSantaMargarita050CityofRiverside051CityofSanClemente052CityofSanJacinto053CityofSantaAna054CityofSantaClarita055,056CityofSouthPasadena057,058CityofStanton059CityofThousandOaks,PublicWorks/Transit060CityofTustin061CountyofOrange068Supervisor,FirstDistrict,CountyofVentura157AssociationofLocalAgenciesAssociationofCaliforniaCitiesOrangeCounty008CenterforDemographicResearch024FourCornersCoalition073OrangeCounty(multipleagencies)1076AffiliationSubmittalIDOtherImplementingAgenciesBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportAuthority014CaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation017DesertXpressEnterprises,LLC069LosAngelesWorldAirports097MarchJointPowersAuthority098OrangelineDevelopmentAuthority114PortofLongBeach117,118RiversideTransitAgency129SouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthority153TransportationCorridorAgencies164OtherGovernmentAgenciesCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreation015CaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth016CountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisors066CountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealth067EnvironmentalProtectionAgency072Governor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearch078LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth092LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanning093PasadenaChamberofCommerce115ReservationTransportationAuthority123RiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth124RiversideCountyPlanningDepartment125SanManuelBandofMissionIndians139SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict144VenturaCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict173Non‐GovernmentalGroupsAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty001,002AmericanLungAssociation003,004AmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers005AffiliationSubmittalIDAmeronInternationalCorporationWaterTransmissionGroup006AutomobileClubofSouthernCalifornia009BREATHELA010BrooksStreet011BuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCalifornia012,013CaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates018CaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalition019CaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.020CaliforniaTruckingAssociation021CanyonLandConservationFund022CentennialCalifornia023CitizensAllianceforPropertyRights025CitizensAllianceforPropertyRights,VenturaCounty026CleanAirNow062CleanEnergy063ClimatePlan064downeygreen070Editor,ElToroInfoSite071FriendsofCoyoteHills074FriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParks075GlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncil077GRID/ECSTCSystems079HighgroveAreaRedevelopment080,081HillsForEveryone082HumanImpactPartners083ImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict084KohlRanchCompanyLLC085LA32NeighborhoodCouncil086LA32NeighborhoodCouncilandNELACoalition087LatinoHealthAccess088LosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomy0897AffiliationSubmittalIDLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalition090LosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation091Mobility21099MoveLA100,101NAIOP102NaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil103,104NO710ActionCommittee105,106OrangeCountyBusinessCouncil108OrangeCountyRenewableEnergySociety110PhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)116Puente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClub119RealtorsCommitteeonAirQuality120RegentProperties121RegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce122SafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnership130,131,132SanFernandoValleyGreenTeam135SanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnership137SanGorgonioSierraClub138SantaMonicaMountainsConservancy140SiembabCorporation141SierraClub142SouthernCaliforniaAssociationofNon‐ProfitHousing145SouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity146SouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation147SouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation,Inc.148SouthernCaliforniaEdison149SouthernCaliforniaGasCompany150SouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil151,152StephenWRogersP.E.Consulting154,155,156TheAmericanInstituteofArchitects158,159AffiliationSubmittalIDTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJustice160TheKennedyCommission161TheTransitCoalition162TransitCoalition163Trustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrict165,166,167,168UnitarianUniversalistLegislativeMinistry169UrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege170ValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociation171VCCool+VenturaBicycleUnion172VenturaCountyClimateCareOptionsOrganizedLocally174WesternStatesPetroleumAssociation175WildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority176WRAC177NoAffiliation/IndividualsNoAffiliation/Individuals176through3038IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse001‐01BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCountyWeareaneworganizationandwearesupportiveofthisPlan,butwewantyoutounderstandtheimportancethatthishasinimpactingthehealthofOrangeCounty,particularlyinreducingtheobesityrate.WehopethatthePlanwillhighlightthehealthimpactthatthiskindofdevelopmentcanhave.Wewanttoworkwiththecitiestohelpthemimplementthestrategies,andhelpthemseehowwecangetcitiestoworktogethertoimplementmorecompletestreets,morewalkablecommunitiesbecausewebelieveitwillimprovethehealthofthecommunity.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsintheirdevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplans;thisincludesencouragingtheadoptionofCompleteStreetspolicies.002‐01BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCountyTheAllianceurgesSCAGtoconsidertheimportanthealthimpactsoftheRTPandplaceincreasedemphasisonprojectsthatwillpromoteactivetransportation.Theregiondoesnotneedaplanthatallocates$22billiononroadwideningandonly$6billiononactivetransportation.Itiscriticaltochangefundingallocationstoimprovesafetyandpublichealththroughoutourregion.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.002‐02BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCountyWerequestthatSCAGamendtheDraftRTP/SCStoincludethefollowing:1.IncreasetheoverallpercentageofRTPfundsdedicatedtoactivetransportationfrom1.3percentofthe2012RTPto5‐8percentofthetotal2012plan.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.002‐03BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty2.Prioritizeactivetransportationfundinganddistributethesefundsevenlyoverthe25yearperiodoftheplansothatthebenefitsofactivetransportationarebroughttoOrangeCountyCommentnoted.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCS9IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesooner.islargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.002‐04BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty3.IncorporatethedevelopmentofanActiveTransportationFinanceStrategicPlanby2014thatidentifieshoweachCTCisspendingfundsandtheopportunitiesavailabletoincreasefundingforactivetransportation.Commentnoted.002‐05BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty4.Allocatefundingforbicycleandpedestrianplanningandusagecounts.Commentnoted.SCAGhasidentifiedthatimproveddatacollectionregardingpedestrianandbicycletripcharacteristics,facilityconditions,andinjuriesandfatalitiesisnecessarytodevelopaclearunderstandingofactivetransportationconditions.SCAGacknowledgesthatthisdatacollectionisnecessarytoimprovedecisionmakers'understandingofthedeficienciesandneedswithintheexistingactivetransportationsystem.002‐06BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty5.SetasidefundingintheRTPtosupportSCAGcitiesindevelopingbicycleandpedestrianmasterplans,saferoutestoschoolplansandADAtransitionplans.Establishagoalthat50%ofSCAGcitiesshalldeveloptheseplansby2016.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplans;thisincludestheincorporationofBicyclePlans,PedestrianSafetyActionPlans,SafeRoutestoSchoolpolicies,andADAcompliance.002‐07BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty6.AdoptaRegionalCompleteStreetsby2014:Thisplanwillincorporateinputfromlocaljurisdictionstoprioritizecompletestreetsprojectsinprogrammingeffortsanddedicateaportionofsystempreservationandmaintenancefundingforimprovingtheroadconditionsofallusers.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsintheirdevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplansandpolicies,includingCompleteStreetspolicies.002‐08BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty7.AdoptSafeRoutestoSchoolregionalStrategicPlanby2014Commentnoted.TheActiveTransportationAppendixincludesGoal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegionbyCommentnoted.AdoptingaSafeRoutestoSchoolPolicy.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsintheirdevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplansandpolicies,SafeRoutestoSchoolpolicies.002‐09BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty8.SchoolSitingandJointUsePoliciesshouldbeincorporatedaslanduseelementsoftheSCS.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.002‐10BarryRossAllianceforaHealthy9.Setmeasurablesafetyandhealthgoalsforallusers:Goalsaresetforthereductionofgreenhousegasesinthedraft2012Commentnoted.SCAG’sTransportationSafetyChaptersetsforthgoalstoreducetransportationrelatedfatalitiesin10IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseOrangeCountyRTP/SCS.Activetransportationplaysapivotalroleinthereductionofthesegreenhousegases.Similarmeasurablegoalsshouldbesetforreducingcrashratesforactivetransportationandforreducingthehealthimpactsofobesity.Thesecouldincludeareportonthenumberofchildrenwalkingandbicyclingtoschoolacrosstheentireregionaswellasareportdetailingaccesstoparks,openspacesandqualityactivetransportationnetworks.absolutenumbers.ForBicycling,reducethenumberofbicycleroadwayfatalitiesby25percentlessfromtheir2000level.Thegoalistoalsoreducepedestrianfatalitiesby25percentlessfromtheir2000number.002‐11BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCounty10.Monitoringdetailedpopulationdataandmetricsinenvironmentaljusticecommunities.Commentnoted.ArobustenvironmentaljusticeanalysishasbeencompletedandisincludedintheRTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitorenvironmentaljusticeimpactsataregionalscale.002‐12BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCountyThelackofactivetransportaitonfundingdisproportionallyaffectsimmigrant,lower‐income,andminoritypopulationsbecausetheseneighborhoodshavegreaterbarrierstophysicalactivityandtransitaccess,highernumbersofbusyregionalarterial,poorpedestrianandbicycleinfrastructure,unsafeneighborhoods,andlackofsafestorageforbicyclesandsafecrossings.thus,theseneighborhoodswouldbenefitfromanincreaseinfundingallocations(inorderforSCAGtomeetitsTitleVIobligations)andfromadetailedstrategicplan.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.002‐13BarryRossAllianceforaHealthyOrangeCountyCompliancewiththeSCSrequirementofSB375andthewell‐being,safety,andhealthofcitizenswithintheSCAGregionwilldependonthefuturedevelopmentofourmulti‐modaltransportationnetwork,jobs,housing,educationandhealthyenvironmentsforfamiliestolivein.Commentnoted.003‐01JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationIncreaseactivetransportationinvestmentstomorethan$12billionayear.WhileweappreciatetheincreaseinactivetransportationfundingincludedinthedraftSCS,webelievemorefundingisneeded.ArecentstudybytheLosAngelesCountyofPublicHealthestimatedthatupto$40billioncouldbeneededtobuildoutallofthecurrentbicycleandpedestrianprojectsinLosAngelesCountyalone.SCAG,incoordinationwithhealthdepartmentsandorganizations,shouldconductacomprehensiveneedsassessmentfortheSouthernCaliforniaCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoes11IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseregiontodeterminetheinfrastructureneedstodevelopanetworkofbicycleandpedestrianpathwaysandtransitconnections.AnalysisisalsoneededofhowSCAG’sbicycleandpedestrianpercapitainvestmentcompareswithotherregions.notaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.003‐02JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationImproveAssessmentofhealthbenefitsthroughnewmodelingapproaches.UtilizethenewCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthI‐THIMscreeningtooltoanalyzethepotentialchronicdiseasereductionsthatcanbeachievedintheSCAGregionbasedonincreasedtransportation‐relatedphysicalactivitysuchaswalkingandbiking.ThismodelwasusedintheSanFranciscoBayArearegiontodeterminereductionsinheartandrespiratorydisease,breastcancerandotherhealtheffectslinkedtoactivetransportationscenarios.WeurgeSCAGtoincorporatethistoolinregionalplanninganddecisionmakingfortransportationinvestments.Commentnoted.AsascenarioplanningtooltheRapidFiremodelwasusedtocalculatethepublichealthimpactsofautomobiletransportation‐relatedairpollutionduringthescenarioplanningprocess.Thenumberofhealthincidences,andtheirrelatedcosts,arecalculatedonthebasisofcriteriaairpollutantemissions(measuredintons).WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeAmericanLungAssociationtounderstandtheI‐THIMscreeningtoolandit’sapplicabilitytofutureSCAGplans.003‐03JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationIncludetheattachedlistof13healthandequitymetricsintheSCSandmonitorovertime,includingexpandedpublichealthtargets.Inadditiontomonitoringprematuremortality,SCAGshouldalsoassessreductionsinasthmaincidenceandexacerbationsduetotrafficrelatedpollution(NOX)andothertargetsthroughcollaborationwithlocalhealthdepartments,theSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,academicresearchersandcommunitybasedorganizations.Improvementstothetargetsshouldbemonitoredandreportedtothepubliceverytwoyears.AdditionalcommentsonthetargetsalreadyincludedbySCAGintheSCSwillbesentinaseparatecommentletter.Commentnoted.TheperformancemetricsweredevelopedwithextensiveinputfromSCAGstakeholdersandleadership.TheDraftPEIRincludesamobilesourcehealthriskassessmentinAppendixF.TheanalysisassessedatleastonefreewaycorridorineachofthesixcountiescontainedintheSCAGplanningarea.WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeAmericanLungAssociationonfutureeffortstomonitorperformance.SCAGisinterestedincontinuingtoassesshealthoutcomesbeyondtheRTP.003‐04JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationFocusinvestmentsoncompletingtransitsystemsandbuildingouttransitinfrastructure,ratherthanhighwayexpansion,includingthefollowing:.oDoublingMetrolinkridershipby2020anddoubleitagainby2035oExpandingBusRapidTransitandregionalbusserviceoEnhancingTODplanningand1st‐mile‐last‐mileinvestmentsnearMetrolinkstationsoDoublingthebicyclenetworkto24,000milesandimprovingpedestrianenvironmentCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCScontainsthreenewcommuterraillines,sixnewrapidbuslines,andanexpansionofpointtopointexpressbusservice.Theplanforecastsa338%riseincommuterrailboardingsbetween2001and2035.Landusepolicyaroundtransitstationsandamenitiesfallundertheauthorityofthelocalgoverningjurisdiction,whichmightbeaCityorCounty,dependingonincorporation.However,SCAGpartnerswithCitiesandotherjurisdictionstodolandusevisionexercisesthroughtheCompassBlueprintDemonstrationProgram.Thisprogramprovidesamixofconsultantservices,SCAGstafftime,financialresources,andtechnicalassistancetolocalcities,counties,SCAGsubregions,andcounty12IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationcommissionstohelplinklanduseandtransportationplanning.003‐05JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationIncreasetransitandtransitorientedplanninginInlandEmpire.BecausesomuchoftheplannedgrowthintheInlandEmpireisrelativelylowdensityandremotefromtransit,SCAGshouldworkcloselywithInlandEmpiregovernmentstoaccelerateexpansionandfrequencyoftransitandrailtotheareaandfocusmoregrowtharoundtransitcorridors.ArecenthealthforumhostedbytheAmericanLungAssociationinCaliforniainRiversidehighlightedthedramaticratesofrespiratoryillness,heartdiseaseandobesityintheregionassociatedwithpoorlanduseandsprawldevelopment.Commentnoted.Commentednoted.The2012RTP/SCScontainsthreenewcommuterraillines,sixnewrapidbuslines,andanexpansionofpointtopointexpressbusservice.Landusepolicyaroundtransitstationsandamenitiesfallundertheauthorityofthelocalgoverningjurisdiction,whichmightbeacityorCounty,dependingonincorporation.However,SCAGpartnerswithcitiestodolandusevisionexercisesthroughtheCompassBlueprintDemonstrationProgram.Thisprogramprovidesamixofconsultantservices,SCAGstafftime,financialresources,andtechnicalassistancetolocalcities,counties,SCAGSubregions,andCountyTransportationCommissionstohelplinklanduseandtransportationplanning.003‐06JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationFrontloadactivetransportationfunding.SCAGshouldcommittoahigheramountoftransportationfundingforbikeandpedestrianinfrastructure,especiallyintheearlyyearsofthe25‐yearRTPprocess.SCAGshouldworkwithlocaltransportationagenciestoprioritizebicycleandpedestrianprojectsandensurethemajorityoffundsarespentpriorto2020.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.003‐07JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationIncreaseinvestmentsinzeroemissionfreighttransportationinordertoreducedieselemissionsandexposuresincommunitiesnearfreightcorridorsandrailyards.Ensurethatfundingmechanismsareinplacetoexpeditetheimplementationofthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightandtruckstrategiesandinfrastructure.Prioritizespendingonprojectsthatdelivermaximumhealthbenefitsforresidentsoftheregion,especiallythoselivingalongfreewaysandfreightcorridors.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemalsoofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunitiessuchastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.SCAGalsosupportstheimplementationofallfreightprojectslistedinthe2012RTPandcontinuestoworkcloselywithregionalimplementationagenciestoadvancetheircompletion.Further,the2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.003‐08JennyBairdAmericanLungAssociationEvaluatethenumberandtypeofnewdevelopmentsthatcouldbelocatedincloseproximitytofreewaysandhightrafficroadwaysintheSCAGregionunderthenewRTPandpotentialpollutionexposures.TheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixtotheCommentnoted.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzero13IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePlanshowsthatapproximately25%‐27%ofhouseholdslivingwithin500feetoffreewayscouldfacegreaterexposurestoCOandPMthanunderthebasecase,withhighconcentrationsofminorityandlowincomeresidentsdisproportionatelyaffected.Workwithairdistrict,healthdepartmentsanduniversitiestodevelopandimplementbestpracticepoliciesfordevelopmentslocatednearheavytrafficareastoreduceexposurestoairpollution.and/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigationmeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshowninthisAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.004‐01TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociationTheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)SustainableCommunitiesStrategyoffersatransformativeopportunitytoreduceunhealthyvehicleemissionswhilepromotinghealthier,moreactiveneighborhoodswithreducedratesofchronicdiseaseandprematuredeath.Commentnoted.004‐02TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociationHealthprofessionalssupportstrengtheningtheSustainableCommunitiesStrategytoimprovehealthoutcomesfromhealthylanduseandtransportationplanningwiththefollowingrecommendations:•Increaseactivetransportationinvestmentstomorethan$10billionayear.ArecentstudybytheLosAngelesCountyofPublicHealthestimatedthat$40billionwouldbeneededtobuildoutallofthecurrentbicycleandpedestrianprojectsinLosAngelesCountyalone.AnalysisneededofhowSCAG’sbicycleandpedestrianpercapitainvestmentcompareswithotherregions.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationoverthe14IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.004‐03TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•Assesshealthbenefitsthroughnewmodelingapproaches:UtilizethenewCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthscreeningtooltoanalyzethepotentialchronicdiseasereductionsintheSCAGregionfromincreasedphysicalactivitysuchaswalkingandbikingandcompletethisinformationassoonaspossible.Commentnoted.Asascenarioplanningtool,theRapidFiremodelwasusedtocalculatethepublichealthimpactsofautomobiletransportation‐relatedairpollutionduringthescenarioplanningprocess.Thenumberofhealthincidences,andtheirrelatedcosts,arecalculatedonthebasisofcriteriaairpollutantemissions(measuredintons).WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeAmericanLungAssociationtounderstandtheI‐THIMscreeningtoolandit’sapplicabilitytofutureSCAGplans.004‐04TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•BroadenthelistofpublichealthtargetsfortheSCStoincludereductionsinairpollutionrelatedhealthimpacts,includingprematuremortalityandasthmaexacerbations.Workwithpublichealthagenciestodevelopotherpublichealthtargets.Commentnoted.TheperformancemetricsweredevelopedwithextensiveinputfromSCAGstakeholdersandleadership.WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeAmericanLungAssociationonfutureeffortstomonitorperformance.004‐05TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•Focusinvestmentsoncompletingtransitsystemsandbuildingouttransitinfrastructure,ratherthanhighwayexpansion.oDoublingMetrolinkridershipby2020anddoubleitagainby2035oExpandingBusRapidTransitandregionalbusserviceoEnhancingTODplanningand1st‐mile‐last‐mileinvestmentsnearMetrolinkstationsoDoublingthebicyclenetworkto24,000milesandimprovingpedestrianenvironmentCommentnoted.TheRTPincludesasignificantexpansionofrailserviceincludingMetrolinkandCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRail.ItalsoincludesanexpansionofBRTandexpressbusservices,increasedfrequenciesoflocalfixed‐routebus,andasignificantincreaseinfundingforbicycleandpedestrianfacilities.004‐06TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•Frontloadactivetransportationfunding,includingtransit,sothatprojectsarecompletedearlyinthe25‐yearRTPprocess.Commentnoted.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.004‐07TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•Increaseinvestmentsinzeroemissionfreighttransportationinordertoreducedieselemissionsandexposuresincommunitiesnearfreightcorridorsandrailyards.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemalsoofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunitiessuchastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.SCAGalsosupportstheimplementationofall15IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefreightprojectslistedinthe2012RTPandcontinuestoworkcloselywithregionalimplementationagenciestoadvancetheircompletion.Further,the2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.004‐08TerryRobertsAmericanLungAssociation•EvaluatethenumberandtypeofnewdevelopmentsthatcouldbelocatedincloseproximitytofreewaysandhightrafficroadwaysintheSCAGregionunderthenewRTP.Workwithairdistrict,healthdepartmentsanduniversitiestodevelopbestpracticepoliciesfordevelopmentslocatednearheavytrafficareastoreduceexposurestoairpollution.Commentnoted.PleaseseeTable43onPage121intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixforhouseholdandjobgrowthintheHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA)thatarealsoincloseproximitytofreewaysandhightrafficroadwaysunderRTP.005‐01MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersTheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments’(SCAG)2012RegionalTransportationPlan(Plan)isanexcellentplanningdocumentbasedon2005technology.Itlacksonlyanupdateforthedigitaltechnologyof2010andaninfusionofhopeamidthemanychallenges.YoucanaccomplishthatupdatebyinsertingtheArialfonttextattheappropriatelocationsinthePlan.AnytextnotinArialfontissupportinglogicanddocumentation.SCAGmaychoosetoinsertthenon‐Arialfontoruseittoprepareanalternaterevenue‐expensemodel.Commentnoted.005‐02MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersSCAGisasufficientlylargeeconomytodrivemoreapplicationsofdigitaltechnologyfortransportationsafetyandconvenience.IfSCAGdoesnotdrivedigitalapplications,thedigitalapplicationswilldriveSCAG.Forexample:‐Inresponsetoyouthsurveys,GeneralMotorsisapplyingdigitaltechnology.Forexample;smallself‐drivingtaxisandcarswhichwillparkthemselvesamileormorefromtheirpassengerdropofforpickuplocations.Today’stech‐savvy0‐15‐yearoldswillbethetransportationconsumersresponding(ornot)toSCAG’sTransportationDemandManagement(TDM)asthe18‐38‐yearoldsof2030.‐Driversareevermoredistractedbytheirdigitaldevices,somuchsotheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationrecommendsbanningalluseofdigitaldevices,evenhandsfreephones.Increasinglydistracteddriversaremorelikelytokillpedestriansandbicyclists,withmoreadverseimpactsonTDMandsafety.‐Pedestriansandbicyclistsaredistractedreadingtheirdigitaldeviceandoblivioustooutsidesoundswearingearphones.‐Asof2009,anyonewithasmartCommentnoted.16IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsephonehadaccesstoreal‐time(andverydistracting)visualindicationsoftrafficconditionsontheiralternateroutes.TheAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers,LosAngelesSection,SustainabilityCommitteeencouragesSCAGtodrivedigitalapplicationsfortransportationbecausedigitalapplicationsallowtremendousimprovementsinmobility,safety,andairqualitywithrelativelylittleuseoftheEarth’snaturalresources.Further,motorvehiclesmanufacturersareimplementingdigitalapplicationsinanuncoordinatedfashionmotivatedtosellmorevehicles:adaptivecruisecontrol,stabilitycontrol,self‐parking,voicerecognition,collisionwarning,GeneralMotors’OnStar,etc.Whilethesesystemshelpprotectthevehicleoccupants,theyarelikelytoincreasetherateofbicyclistandpedestriandeathsabove21%.Ourcommitteeincludesregularbicyclecommuterswhooftengetunsolicitedcommentsaboutthedangersinvolved.Itwouldseemtheperceptionofdangerisdiscouragingbicycleandpedestriantransportation.Itfollowsthatanincreaseinperceivedsafetyisessentialforincreasingactivetransportation.005‐03MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersAftertheMobility,Safety,AirQuality,andFinancialChallengesofExecutiveSummarypages2and3,add:DIGITALOPPORTUNITIESOurelectronicsystemscontinuetoimproveinreliability,performance,andcost.2035isasfarinthefutureas1986isinthepast.In1986,mobilephoneswerethesizeofsmallvacuumcleanersandanti‐lockbrakeswerestandardonafewluxurycars.Personalcomputerswerethesizeofadeskdrawerwiththepowertohandlewordprocessingandsimplespreadsheets.In2010,smartphonesaresmallerthanadeckofcards,areatenththecostofa1986personalcomputer,andpossessthepowerofa1986supercomputer.Fulldrive‐by‐wirestabilitycontrolsystemsarestandardonmostcars.Theglobalpositioningsystem(GPS)wasnotfullyoperationalwithcivilianaccuracyofabout30feetuntil1994.In2010,smartphoneshaveGPSwhichcanbeintegratedwiththesmartphone’saccelerometersforprecisionofafewinchesathighwayspeeds.Ourvisionincludespushingtheconnectivityandcomputingpowerof2010toaddressthetransportationchallengesof2020,2030,andbeyond.Commentnoted.Thedevelopmentofautomatedvehiclesisproceedingrapidly,butisstillinapreliminaryphase,andwillbeexaminedinfutureplans.005‐04MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilAttheendoftheFinancialPlanExecutiveSummarypages7and8,add:REDUCEDINSURANCECOSTSDriversandbusinessesinCommentnoted.17IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEngineerstheSCAGregionpaidabout$25billionin2010forvehicleinsurance.Bypushingdigitalsystemstoaddresstransportationsafetychallenges,SCAGcandecreasecollisionsfromabout83,000peryearin2010tolessthan500peryearin2035.Digitalsystemswouldsavedriversandbusinessesabout$240billiononinsurancepremiumsoverthetwentyyearsbetween2015and2035.Also,bypushingdigitalsystemstoaddresstransportationmobilitychallenges,SCAGcanreducetheregionalperson‐hoursoftrafficdelaybelow1millionhoursperyear.Theinsuranceandtimesavingsmorethanjustifytheincreasedgastaxandmileage‐baseduserfeesuggestedinTable2withdirectlyoffsettingsavingsfordriversandbusiness.005‐05MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersChangethetitleandaddthefollowingtopages27and28:INTEGRATEDLANDUSEANDDIGITALLYENHANCEDTRANSPORTATIONDigitallyenhancedtransportationistheapplicationoftechnologyallowing:‐Transituserstokeepshopping,working,orplayinguntiltheyreceiveanalarmthattheyhavejustenoughtimetogettothebusstop.‐Busdriverstovarytheirroutesandstopsinrealtimetooptimizeservice,revenue,andexpense.‐Citiestoorganizeallthepossibleparkingspots(street,schools,churches,business,andindividualresidences)forpublic‐privatecoordinatedtime‐of‐useandmembership‐basedtollsandspacesharing.‐Privatedriversandpassengerstosharerideson‐the‐flyasadecentralizedneighbor‐helping‐neighborformoftransit.‐Pedestriansandbicycliststobeprotectedfrommotorvehiclesbyavirtualforcefieldusinga$50devicewhichinformsmotorvehiclesoftheirlocation,velocity,andaccelerations.Thesamedevicecanoffertipsonsafebicyclingandsafewalking.‐Motorvehiclestobeprotectedbythesamevirtualforcefield.Thevirtualforcefieldnotonlypreventsaccidents,itnegatestheperceivedsafetyoflargervehicles.‐Moregamificationintrafficmanagement,suchasspeedcameralottery.‐Safelydoublingroadcapacitywhilemaintainingthespeedlimit(nocongestiondelays)byapplyingthesamevirtualforcefieldtomakevehiclessuper‐polite.‐Rentalofbicycles,traditionalcars,orself‐drivingvehiclesbytheminute.‐Cargo‐poolingformail,hardcopymessages,tools,equipment,food,etc.Commentnoted.005‐06MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilMotivationTheauthor’sresearchfortheSantaBarbaraCommunityCommentnoted.18IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEngineersEnvironmentalCouncil’sFossilFreeby2033TransportationPlan(Freeby2033Plan)confirmedastrongpreferenceforconveniencewhenselectingtransportation.TheFreeby2033Plan22concludesincreasedridesharingcanreducevehiclemilesby20%muchquickerandlessexpensivelythancanincreaseduseoftraditionalpublictransit.Convenienceandcostfactorsstronglyfavorridesharing.ThesegeneralfactsfromtheLegislativeAnalyst’sOffice23concerningcarpoollanesconfirmaneedtoincreasetimesavingandconvenienceaspectsofpublictransportation:•HighOccupancyVehicle(HOV)lanesareunderusedintheoff‐peakdirectionorduringoff‐peakhours,becausethereislittletimesavingsincentivetocarpoolwhentrafficisflowing.HOVlanesaremosteffectivewhentheyprovidetimesaving.HOVlanesdonotincreasecarpooling,unlessthereistrafficslowingcongestion.Thesummer2008highfuelcostsfollowedbythefall2008lowfuelcostsprovideaprice‐basedexample.Highfuelcostsincreasedbusandtrainridershipandpromptedcallsformoreconvenientbusesandtrains.AtleastinLosAngeles,newsummer2008ridersgenerallyabandonedbusesandtrainswhenfuelpricesdropped.Further,considerhowrapidlypeopleabandonbicycles,buses,andtrainswhentheycanbarelyaffordaprivatemotorvehicleindevelopingcountries.WitnesstheswitchawayfrombicyclesinChinaandIndia.005‐07MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersAllthisimpliesthattransitridingmustbecomeasconvenientassingleoccupancyvehiclesiftransitridingistoincreasesignificantly.Ratherthanallowingtrafficcongestiontodragontheeconomy,maketransitmoreconvenient.Thebesttransitridingincreasingstrategywillbesuper‐convenient.Theinexpensivesuper‐convenienceofdigitalapplicationsextendstolowincomepeopleunliketraditionalpublictransit(whichisnotconvenient)orsingleoccupancyvehicletolls(whichareexpensive).SCAG’simplementationofsmartphone‐transitwouldmakeSCAG’stransitsystemmoresophisticatedand21stCenturythanNewYork,SanFrancisco,LondonorParis.Commentnoted.005‐08MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilSCAGmightpaythesmartphone‐transitserviceafeetoobtainridershipdataforadjustingroutesandfarestominimizebothCommentnoted.19IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEngineersvehicle‐milesandpassenger‐milesper‐gallon.005‐09MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersSCAGcantriggerthesmartphonemarketsharerace,advertisetheprogram,andcontributetoeconomicopportunitywithcontestsandpromotions.$1millionwouldbuyabout5,000smartphoneswholesale.Thesmartphonescanberewardsforideacontests,studentessaycontests,orarecruitingcontest.Inarecruitingcontest,contestantssignupregularcustomersatregularcustomerrates.Thenewcustomers’transituseissummed(aggregatemannertoavoidprivacyissues)forthecontestperiod.Thecontestantswhosecustomersaccumulatedthemosttransitmileswinthesmartphonesandyearofservice.Thesummedmilescanbedisplayedonawebsitewithhourlyupdatestocreateexcitement.Notethatabusortaxidriverwithasmartphoneandtheservicecreatesaparticipatingbusortaxiwithautomaticpaymentoptionanddatatransfertotheagency.Commentnoted.005‐10MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersConsideraddingtheparkingmetersasasmartphonefeaturegraduallystartingin2013.ThephoneswillneedmoreaccurateGPS,whichcanbeprovidedusinginertialnavigationtoimprovesatellitefixes,orbyprovidingmoreGPSchannelswithinthephone,orbyprovidingmoresatelliterepeaters.Theaccuratewithin‐a‐yardphonewouldlinktothecity’sGIS(geographicinformationsystem)wheneverthecarstopsinanymappedparkingspot.Ergo,thesmartphonebecomestheparkingmeter.Commentnoted.005‐11MarkCapronAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineersBackgroundinformationonzero‐congestion,zero‐collisionvehiclesMotorvehiclescanusedigitaltechnologytoavoidcrashingintoeachother.Commercialaircraftalreadyusethiselectronicstosafelyincreaselandingsandtake‐offsinlesstime.It’scalledtheAutomaticDependentSurveillanceBroadcastSystemandstartedcoordinating9,000helicopterflightsadayovertheGulfofMexicoinJanuary2010.Theelectronicsisrobustandkeepsgettingbetter.Forexample,theU.S.AirForceisdevelopingtinyquantum‐mechanicaldevicesthatimproveyourcarkeepingtrackofitselfevenifitlosesitsGlobalPositioningSystemsignals.Electronicsiswaycheaperthancarinsurance.In2005,GeneralMotorsengineersestimated$200percartoupgradeOnStartozero‐crash,zero‐congestion.Ofcourse,mostothercarswouldhavetobesimilarlyoutfittedforthislow‐costapproach.ExampleactionsAllow,beginningCommentnoted.20IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseJanuary1,2013,singledrivercarswithzero‐crashandzero‐congestiontechnologytousecar‐poollanes.Announcesuchtechnologywillberequiredforthe“fast”laneof3+lanefreewaysstartingJanuary1,2016.AnnouncesuchtechnologywillberequiredforallbuttheslowlaneofeveryfreewayinSCAGmemberjurisdictionsstartingJanuary1,2020.Announcealotterywhichbicyclistsandpedestriansenterbyloggingmileswiththeirzero‐crashtechnologyequippedsmart‐phone,bicyclecomputer,orpedometer.006‐01RichardMuellerAmeronInternationalCorporationWaterTransmissionGroupLadiesandGentlemen:ForthepasttwoyearsIhavebeeninvolvedwiththerefinementandpromotionofafreighttransportationconceptwecall“GreenRailIntelligentDevelopment”,orGRID.GRIDiscomposedofthreemajorcomponents,asfollows.1)A“SuperDock”toprovidehighlyautomatedtransferofcontainerfreightdirectlybetweenshipsandtrains.Twotypesoftrainswouldbeservedbythe“SuperDock”,Class1trainsforBNSFandUnionPacifictotravelthroughtheAlamedaCorridor,anddronecontainertrainstoandfrompointsinsouthernCalifornia.2)Afreightpipeline,essentiallyatunnelforthedronetrainstotravelbetweenwarehousedistrictsintheLosAngelesregionandthePorts.3)Loading/unloadingterminalstofeedandreceivedronetrainsintoandfromthefreightpipeline/tunnel.TheseterminalswouldbestrategicallylocatednearconcentrationsofwarehousesindowntownLosAngeles,theCityofCommerce,RowlandHeights,andFontana.Thefreightpipelinewouldessentiallyprovideanunobtrusive,nearlynoise‐free,electricallypoweredalternativetotheEastWestCorridorproposedintheRTP.Initialindicationsarethattheefficiencyofthe“SuperDock”andfreightpipelinesystemcouldgenerateasufficientcashflowforthesystemtopayforitselfusingcurrentfreightcostsandwithoutanytaxincreases.ThissystemhasreceivedaspecificendorsementfromtheAngelesChapteroftheSierraClub.IrecognizethereisinsufficienttimeforthestudyofGRIDthatwouldberequiredforGRIDtobeincludedasanalternativeinthecurrentRTP.However,assoonasthedraftRTPisfinalized,IencourageSCAGtoparticipateinaninvestigationofGRIDtodetermineitsviability.GRIDprovidesanopportunityforatrueparadigmshiftinfreighttransportationwithinsouthernCaliforniathatcouldsignificantlyreducehighwaycongestionCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingcollaborationwithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.21IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandmakefreighttransportationtoandthroughsouthernCaliforniacompetitivewiththatanywhereintheworld.Sincerely,AmeronInternationalCorporationWaterTransmissionGroup007‐01AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregionPursuanttofederalregulations,projectsshouldnotbeincludedintheRTP/SCSconstrainedplan,whichhaveonlysecuredasmallportionoftherequiredfundingneededtocompletetheproject:TheRTP/SCS,accordingtofederalregulations,in"nonattainmentandmaintenanceareas,"must"addressthespecificfinancialstrategiesrequiredtoensuretheimplementationofprojectsandprogramstoreachairqualitycompliance".Projectswhichonlyhavesecuredasmallportionoftheneededfunding,andwhichrelyonspeculativefunding,suchaspotentialand/orpossibletollingauthority,shouldnotbeincludedintheRTP/SCS,sincethisinclusiondoesnotmeetthefederalrequirementsforafiscallyconstrainedplan.Commentnoted.However,SCAG’sanalysisanddocumentationofreasonablyavailablesourcesdemonstratesconsistencywithfederalrequirements.Thefulltextofthefederalrequirementscanbefoundin23CFR450.322.TheapplicablefederalregulationsclearlyindicateanRTPmeetsthefinancialconstraintrequirementbyincluding“sufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojects”intheplan“canbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources,withreasonableassurancethatthefederallysupportedtransportationsystemisbeingadequatelyoperatedandmaintained.”007‐02AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregionLanguageshouldbeincludedintheRTP/SCSrequiringafullcost/benefitanalysisforallprojectsintheconstrainedplan:LanguageshouldbeincludedintheRTP/SCSthatclearlystatesthatafullcost/benefitanalysisshallbecompletedforeachprojectcontainedintheRTP/SCSconstrainedplan:Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwiththecountytransportationcommissionsandstakeholderstodevelopandrefineperformancemeasuresand,totheextentpracticable,conductproject‐levelperformanceassessmentsasappropriateandnecessary.007‐03AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregionMajorhighwayexpansionprojectsshouldnotbefrontloadedintheRTP/SCS:TheRTP/SCSfrontloadshighwaymodalitiesbydisproportionatelyallocatingfundingandanticipatedcompletiondates.ThisisevidencedbycomparingTable2.2‐MajorHighwayCompletionProjectagainstTable2.5,MajorTransitProjects,inchapter2oftheRTP/SCS.Transitprojectsarebuiltinsegmentswiththefinalprojectnotbeingcompleteduntil2030‐2035.ExpandinghighwaysinducesVMTandthereforefrontloadingmajorhighwaycompletionbeforetransitprojectsdoesnotcomplywiththetenetsofSB375andAB32toreducegreenhousegasemissionsbyreducingVMT.Additionallyitiswelldocumentedthatlandusesadjacenttofreewaysarepronetoincreasedtoxinswhichcausenegativehealthimpacts.AccordingtoSCAGstaff,highwayprojectsmaybemoreeasilyfinancedthantransitprojectsbyborrowingagainstfuturetollrevenues.Theystatethatthisisthereasonthehighwayprojectsarefrontloaded.Thisfinancialreasoningdoesnotjustifysacrificingenvironmentalconcernsbybuildingthehighwayprojectspriortotransitprojects.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPisaresultoflocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.22IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse007‐04AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregionTheterm"SR‐710GapClosure"usedintheplanshouldbesubstitutedwith"710NorthExtension":The"SR‐710GapClosure"language,alreadyusedinthe2008RTP,shouldbemodifiedtoconsistencywithMetro'sstatedintent,whichshouldservetoease,ifnoteliminatethecurrentpolarizinglanguage.Theshiftintitlefrom"710NortExtension"to"710GapClosure"isinvalid,sincethereisnogap.SR‐710terminatesatValleyBoulevard.Thereisnonortherlyextensiontoconnectto,sincetheportionofthe210interchangeincludingDelMarBoulevardwasbuiltconditioneduponthefactthatit"wouldhavenoeffectonthedecisionastotheultimatefreewaylocationandwillnotforeclosealternativestotheproposedultimate...Freeway."Thistitleseemstocreateasenseofinevitabilityorpriorityforthisprojectovercompetingonesandcannotbejustified.Commentnoted.Referencestothe“SR‐710GapClosure”havebeenrevisedto“SR‐710NorthExtension(tunnel)(alignmentTBD)”.007‐05AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregionSCAGassumptionsregardingthe"SR‐710GapClosure"projectproducingcongestionreliefandlowergreenhousegasemissionsareflawed,baseduponempiricalresearchonotherhighwayprojectsthathavebeenbuilt:ThePEIRstatesthat"ThePlanwouldincreaseVMTwhencomparedtoexistingconditions."(SCAGRTP/SCSPEIRp.3.2‐25).Specifically,decreasingVMTisthegoalofSB375andshouldalsobethegoaloftheRTP/SCS.TheincreaseinVMTisthePlan'srelianceonfreewayexpansiontomeettheregion'smobilityneeds.Notably,theRTP/SCSdescribestheSR‐710tunnelasatunnelwith4lanesineachdirection.Thisisamajorhighwayexpansionbeingintroducedintotheregion.Totheextentthatthiscausesthewideningofotherfreeways(suchastheI‐210),itwillfurtherexpandthefreewaysystem.TheregionwouldbebetterservedwithanalternateprojectwhichisnothighwayorientedandwhichwouldpotentiallydecreaseVMT,ratherthanincreasingit.SCAGassumesthattheSR‐710extensionwillproducecongestionreliefandlowergreenhousegasemissions.Theseassumptionsarenotborneoutofrecentresearch,andthereareahostofotherpreviousstudiesshowingthatanincreaseinhighwaycapacityincreasesVMTandthatoncetheprojectisbuilt,congestion,withinafewyears,returns.TheseSCAGassumptionsareflawed.Commentnoted.IncreaseintotalVMTin2035overthecurrentconditionisprimarilyduetoestimatedincreaseof4millionpeopleovertheplanperiod.However,VMTonapercapitabasiswilldecreaseoverthisperiodoncetheplanisfullyimplemented.WhilethePlandoesincludesomeneededhighwayimprovements,includingtheSR‐710NorthExtensionproject,thereisnoevidencethattheseimprovementswouldcontributetothetotalVMTincreaseinanydiscernibleway.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformanceandreductioninGHGtargetsrequiredunderSB375.007‐06AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoThedefinitionoftheSR‐710gapclosureprojectfromoneprecisepointtoanotherthreatensprogram‐levelconformityinCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.Uponthecompletionof23IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSubregiontheplanandprejudicesfutureenvironmentalanalyses:ThePlanhasmodeledtheSR‐710extensionfromoneprecisepointnorthtoanother.Unfortunately,thisassumptionremovesthelow‐buildormulti‐modalsolutiontothecongestionproblem.Underfederalregulations,becauseofthisspecificity,thePlanandthePEIRthreatenprogram‐levelconformityandprejudicefutureproject‐levelenvironmentalanalyses.thateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.007‐07AnnWilsonArroyoVerdugoSubregion[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber1.008‐01LacyKellyAssociationofCaliforniaCitiesOrangeCountyIngeneral,theRTPinfringesuponlocalcontrol.The2012RTPassumesaninabilityoflocalagenciestobalancethesocietalandculturalcostsassociatedwithplanobjectivesandinsteadrequiresthattheyassumetheobjectivesstatedintheplan,whichmayormaynotbesharedlocalobjectives.Matterssuchasreducingvehiclemilestraveled,eliminatingtheconsumptionoffossilfuelsinfavorofzeroornearzeroemissionvehicles,installinginfrastructurenecessarytosupportzeroemissionvehicles(suchaschargingstations),reducingobesity,environmentaljusticeimpacts,anticipatingextremeweatherandrelatedevents,increasingdevelopmentdensities,andthelikelihoodoftheadoptionofactivetransportationmethodsorthepracticalityofnecessaryinfrastructureimprovementsaremattersofintenselocaldebateandarenotappropriatesubjectsforregionaldetermination.TheRTPshouldbebasedlessuponbehaviormanagementofboththepublicandpublicagenciesandmoreuponaccuratepredictionsofpopulationpatternsandfuturetransportationrequirements.Commentnoted.SCAG'sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction'slandusepoliciesandregulationsbeconsistentwiththeSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.008‐02LacyKellyAssociationofCaliforniaCitiesOrangeCountyFundingmechanismsfortheRTPneedmuchmoreeconomicanalysis.Specifically,theidentificationofmorethan$110billionthroughtheimplementationofa"mileage‐based"feeisconceptualatbest;evenan"adjustedgastaxalternative"isnotguaranteed.Developinga$500billiontransportationplanwithapproximately20percentofthebudgetattachedtoaconceptrequiresasignificantlocal,regional,stateandfederalvettingprocess.WeencourageSCAGtoincludealternativemethodsoffundingshouldsuchamileage‐basedfeebedeemedinfeasible.Commentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistent24IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.008‐03LacyKellyAssociationofCaliforniaCitiesOrangeCounty[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber3.009‐01MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaGovernment,business,anduserstakeholdersneedtoworktogethertoimplementrealisticandappropriatenewrevenues.TheRTPassumes$220billioninnewtaxesandfees(mostlyleviedonmotorists)andfinancingoverthenext20+years.Someoftheseassumptionsarenotrealisticandwillnotlikelyhappen.Andotherfundingoptions,notnowintheplan,mightbeimplemented.Theregionneedstoworktogethertoidentifyandadvancethebest,mostappropriatefundingoptionstoprovideneededfinancingforRTPpriorities.Commentnoted.TheRTP’sfinancialplanreflectsreasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommittees,discussedwithstakeholdersanddocumentedintheDraftRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.009‐02MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaTheRTPmustprotectandupholdthetransportationprioritiesapprovedbyvotersthroughvariouslocaltransportationsalestaxmeasures.Votersinfivecountiesapprovedsalestaxmeasurestofundspecifichighwayandtransitprojects.TheRTPmustincludeandsupportalloftheseprioritiesandhelpdeliverwhatvoterswerepromisedandwhatvotersapproved.Failuretodosowillmakeapprovaloffuturefundingmeasuresnearlyimpossible.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludesthelocaloptionsalestaxmeasuresandtheirassociatedprojectsassubmittedbythecountytransportationcommissions.009‐03MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaThe15¢gastaxincreaseassumedthrough2024isreasonableifitispairedwithstateandnationalreformstoensurefundswillbespentefficientlyoneffectiveprojects.Gastaxrateshavenotchangedinalmost20years.Thisusertaxhasbeenthebackboneoftransportationfundingfordecadesanditwillcontinuetobeanimportantresourceforyearstocome.Commentnoted.WeagreebutwouldliketoreferenceaminorclarificationwithrespecttothegastaxratesthatisdetailedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Thestategastaxratesareupdatedannuallyasdescribedinthetext(see“stategastaxswap”)butremainrevenueneutral.009‐04MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaThefinaldraftRTPclearlyrulesoutapreviouslyconsideredregionalgastaxorgas“fee.”Thisisanimportantimprovementthatshouldbemaintainedinthefinalplan.Gastaxeshavebeenimplementedatthestateandnationallevelfordecades.Attemptingtoextendsuchauthoritytolocalorregionalgovernmentisnotrealisticandwillhamperothereffortstofundtransportation.Re‐labelingthegastaxasa“fee”doesnotCommentnoted.AregionalgastaxhasnotbeenconsideredforinclusionintheRTP.25IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsechangethefactthatitisataxprotectedbytheStateConstitutionandnumerousvoter‐approvedmeasures.ForthesereasonstheAutoClubstronglyopposesanyattempttoimposelocalgastaxesoranyformofa“fee”ongasoline.009‐05MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaTheVehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)chargeincludedintheRTPshouldbestudiedfurtherasalong‐termreplacementforthegastax.However,theamountoftheproposedVMTchargeissignificant,itwillnotbeacceptedbymanypeople,anditneedstoincludeassurancesregardinghowthefundswillbespent.TheproposedVMTfeeisprojectedtogenerate$110billion(halfoftheRTP’sfundingshortfall).Togeneratethisamount,theproposedVMTchargeisequivalenttoatriplingofthegastaxinadditiontonewtollsandotheruserfees.Suchalargetaxincreaseplacesasignificantburdenonmotoristswithoutassurancesofanequivalentorproportionatebenefit.Commentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.TheinvestmentsintheRTP,includingallrevenuesources,provideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.009‐06MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaTollscanbeanimportantfinancingtoolfornewgeneralpurposehighwaylanesandforallowingmorevehiclestouseexistingHOVlanesbymakingthemHOTlanes.Tollsshouldnotbeimposedonexistinggeneralpurposelanes.Theuser‐pay,user‐benefitprincipleisanimportantcornerstoneoftransportationfunding.ChargingtollsfornewlanesortoallowmorevehiclestoaccessHOTlanesprovidesbothneededfundingforthenewfacilitiesandinherentvaluetouserspayingthetoll.However,thereisnoassurancethatmotoristswilladequatelybenefitfromtollsorcongestionfeesimposedonexistingfreewaylanesorsurfacestreets.Newtaxesandfeesareonlysuccessfulwhenthepublicunderstandsandseesaclearbenefitforpayingthem.Commentnoted.Notollsareproposedtobeimposedonexistinggeneralpurposelanes.009‐07MarianneKimAutomobileClubofSouthernCaliforniaTheRTPneedstorecognizethatthemostrealisticandeffectivewaytoachievedesiredemissionsreductionshasbeenandwillcontinuetobethroughtechnologyadvancementsandnotthroughsweepingattemptstofundamentallyalterlifestylesandeconomic,geographic,anddemographicpatterns.AlthoughSB375anditsSustainableCommunityStrategyarerequiredelementsoftheRTP,theyarenotlikelytosignificantlyreduceCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSincludesadditionalmeanstoreduceGHGincludingalternativeautomobiletechnologiesandbettersystempreservationandmanagement.TheRTP/SCSalsointendstoofferoptionsandbuildsustainablecommunitiesinourregion,whichisaboveandbeyondachievingtheSB375GHGreductiontargets.26IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseGHGemissions.Improvingandencouragingtransit,bicycling,andwalkingareappropriateandgoodobjectivesfortheRTP.However,emissionsreductionsfromtheseeffortswillbeverysmallcomparedtothosethatcanandwillbeachievedthroughothermeans.Theseothermeansincludeimprovingautomobiletechnologies,alternativefuelandenergysources,andbettersystempreservationandmanagementtoimprovetrafficflowandsafety.010‐01NealRichmanBREATHELABreatheLAsupportsthecommentsintheClimatePlansign‐onletterinresponsetotheSCAGRTP/SCSfor2012.Weseebothstrengthsandshortcomingsinthisplanningdocumentandhopethat,totheextentfeasible,issuesthatareidentifiedbytheClimatePlancoalitionwillberemediedbeforefinaladoption.Inadditiontotheserecommendations,BreatheLAseekstoexpressitsconcernthattheRTP/SCSmayunderestimatetheactualimpactofpollutioninareasadjacenttofreewaysandhighlytraveledcorridorsbecausecurrentplanningmethodsdonotfullyconsiderthehealthconsequencesofultrafinedieselparticulates.TheRTP/SCSfocusesontheimpactofPM10andPM2.5.However,thereisgrowingevidenceoftheadversehealtheffectsofultrafinedieselparticulatematterthatiscomposedofcarbon,organiccompounds,metals,andothertraceelements.Foranumberofreasonsultrafineparticles(lessthan0.1micronsinwidth)arenotyetregulated.Airqualitystandardsarebasedonmassconcentrationforparticulatematter.However,thehealtheffectofultrafineparticles(UFPs)seemstooccurthroughparticlenumberconcentration,notmassconcentration.UFPsareasmallproportionbymass,butalargeproportionbynumber.Becauseoftheirextremelysmallsize,UFPscanpenetratedeepintothelungtissue,circulatethroughoutthebody,andbecomedepositedwithincellularstructures.Themainsourcesofdieselexhaustrangefromtrucksandcarstolocomotives,ships,andindustrialequipment.InLosAngelesCounty,about70%ofairqualityriskisderivedfromdieselparticulateemissions,especiallyfrommobilesources.ConcentrationsofUFPsaregreatestaroundfreewayswithtrucktrafficandbegintodecreaseasthedistanceawayfromfreewaysincreases.TheRTP/SCSdoespointoutthepotentialimpactofroadsidepollutantsbynotingthehighconcentrationofvulnerableresidentswholiveandworkinCommentnoted.SCAGwillprovideinformationthatdetailstheoverallresultsandconclusionsrelatedtoenvironmentaljusticeforthe2012RTP/SCS.Anticipateditemsofnote:1)Region‐wideenvironmentalperformancerelatedtoemissionsismostlyimprovedfromthebaseyear,andalsoshowsimprovementwhencomparingtheplantothebaselinescenario.2)Informationonemissionsimpactsforareaswithin1,000feetofhighwayswillbeincludedasanaddendumtotheEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Appendix.WhiletheEJanalysisintheDraftRTPdidshowsomelocationswithemissionsincreases,thisanalysisdidnotaccountforplanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.Thesecorridorsintheplanareexclusivelyforzeroandnear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Iftheseemissionimprovementshadbeenaccountedforwebelievetheanalysiswouldshownohotspotsassociatedwiththeplan.Assuch,theemissionsandexposureanalysisshownintheDraftEJAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratingworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Evenintheeventthathotspotsremainafteraccountingforvehicletechnologyimprovements,thereisnoreliablewaytoconcludehotspotswouldoverlaywithEJcommunities.Neithertheavailabledataonemissionsnorondistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisatapreciseenoughlevelofgeographytoshowwheretheywouldintersect.SCAGisverymuchawareofthecompetinginterestsbetweennearroadwayexposuresandhealthbenefitsfromTODsasaresultofactivetransportationopportunity.SCAGencouragesresearchandstudiestofurtherexplorefeasiblemitigationmeasures.Pleasenotethatthenearroadwayexposuresaffectnotonlytheresidentsbutalsocommuters,travelers,andnear‐roadwayworkforceincludingoffices,retails,services,andvisitors,etc.27IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseareasthatareadjacenttofreewaysandhighlytraveledcorridors.TheRTP/SCSstates:“...freewayadjacentareasaccountforjust1percentoftheSCAGlandareabutaccommodate5.8percentofregionalhouseholdsandlessthan10percentoftotalSCAGregionjobs.TherearedisproportionatelyhigherconcentrationsofEnvironmentalJusticeCommunitiesinthefreewayadjacentareasbothcurrentlyinour2035projection”Moreover,astheRTP/SCSstates:“The2012RTP/SCSlandusestrategycallsforredirectingfuturegrowthintoHQTA(HighQualityTransitAreas)Asaresult,partofthegrowthwilloccurinareaswhereHQTAisoverlappingwithin500feetfreewaybufferareas.”Thequestionremainshow“highquality”cananHQTAbeifitiswithina500footbufferarea.Ofparticularconcernistherisksposedbyincompatiblelanduse,includingsensitivereceptorssuchashospitals,senior/daycenters,andhousingnearfreewayandbusyroadways.●First,itwouldbehelpfultoidenƟfythoseportionsoftheHQTA’swhicharehealthyfornewresidentialdevelopmentandwhicharenot.Asnoted,thehealthrisksfromfineparticulatematterdecreaserapidlythefurthertheparticlesaremeasuredfromasource.SomeareasoftheHQTA’smightbeveryappropriatefordevelopmentwhileinanotherlocationthiswouldnotbethecase.●PorƟonsofHQTAswherenewresidentialdevelopmentisnotadvisablewillhavehigherhealthriskfromtoxicaircontaminantslikedieselparticulatematter.TheseportionscanbedeterminedbyapplyingguidelinesdevelopedbytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(CARB)thatrecommendthatsensitivelandusesnotbesitedwithin1000feetofrailyards,warehouses,anddistributioncenters.Theguidelinesalsorecommendthatsensitivelandusesnotbesitedwithin500feetoffreeways,withoutappropriatemitigationstominimizethisrisk.●SupportwiseinfilldevelopmentbyincentivizingthedevelopmentofhousingandsensitivelanduseslikeparksandschoolsoutsideportionsofHQTAswithhigherhealthriskfromtoxicaircontaminants.EncouragesitingmoresuitablelandusessuchascommercialandlightindustriallanduseswithinhigherhealthriskportionsofHQTAs.●EncouragelocaljurisdictionstorequiremitigationmeasuresforproposedresidentialdevelopmentswithinportionsofHQTAswiththehighesthealthriskfromtoxicaircontaminants.TheHowever,regionwideairqualityisimprovingwiththeplancomparingtoeithertoday’sconditionorfutureyearwithouttheplan.Moreover,whiletheregionalairqualityisimproving,thefreewayadjacentareas’airqualityisimprovingevenmoresubstantially.Finally,whileSCAGencouragesfuturegrowthintheHQTA,only22%ofthegrowthincrementoccurswithinthe500feetroadwaybufferareas.TheEnvironmentalJusticeappendixalsoincludesamitigationtoolboxtominimizeexposuretoenvironmentalharm,wherefeasibleandappropriate.SCAGwillincludepotentialresourcestoaddressgentrificationintheEJappendix.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithenvironmentaljusticestakeholdersontheseimportantissues.TheRTP/SCSdoesresultinanincreaseinpopulationintheselocations,however,andassuchhealthriskcouldbehigherfortheseindividualsthaniftheywerenotinthebufferarea.28IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseappropriatemitigationmeasuresrequiredtoreducehealthriskposedbytheproposeddevelopmentshouldbeidentifiedbasedondetailedmodelingandassessmentoflocalconditionsatandsurroundingthesite,includingproximitytofreight‐relatedhazardsandempiricallycountedamountsofdieseltruckandtraintrafficmovingthroughthearea.Specifically,mitigationmeasurescanbeputinplacebydeveloperstomeettherequiredconditionsforzoningapproval.Thesemeasuresrangefromindoorairfiltrationandmonitoringtositere‐designthatlocatessensitivereceptorsasfarawayaspossiblefromsourcesofairpollution.Toaddresspotentialadversehealthimpacts,mitigationmeasuresinproposedhousingdevelopmentsareasmightinclude:1)InstallHEPAindoorairfiltrationsystemsdesignedtofilterouttoxicaircontaminantsincludingfineparticulatematter(PM2.5);2)Usetriple‐paned,sealed,andnon‐operationalwindowsthatreducetheimpactofvibrationsfromfreighttrafficandminimizeoutdooraircontaminantflowintoindoorspaces;3)Usegreen,healthybuildingmaterialsthatdonotoff‐gasorreleaseairtoxinsthatcompromiseindoorairquality;4)Includeadequategreenspace,vegetativeplanting,andpermeablesurfaceareathatiswell‐maintainedincorporatedintodevelopmentdesignandmanagementplans;5)Minimizeparkingallocationsinthedevelopmenttoreducecongestionandairpollutionfromadditionalautomobiletrafficandstalledfreighttraffic,andincentivizetheuseoftransit,car‐sharing,andzero‐emissionelectricvehiclesbyintegratingchargersintothedesignofparkinggarageareas;6)Designdevelopmentstocapturepollutedrunofffromthesidesofbuildingsandotheroutdoorsurfacesthathaveaccumulateddieselsootandothercontaminantssothatsuchcontaminantsdonotflowintogreenspacesinthedevelopment;7)Designdevelopmentstoequitablydistributethehealthriskfromtoxicaircontaminantsposedbythedevelopmentacrossallunitsinthedevelopment(egdonotlocateaffordablehousingunitsintheleastdesirableareasofthedevelopmentclosesttofreighttransportfacilitiesandcorridorslikefreeways);8)Notifyprospectiveresidentswithinthedeedorleasedocumentforthepropertyofthehoursofoperationoffreighttransportfacilitiesandtheirrelatednoise,airquality,lightpollution,andhealthimpacts;GrowthinHQTAsisneeded,webelievethatsuch29IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeasuresmightbewaystoencourageadditionaldensityneartransithubswhilesimultaneouslyprotectingpublichealth.Thereneedstobefurtherdiscussionofthesetypesofideastodeterminewhicharemostappropriateandfeasibleineachsetofcircumstances.ManyoftheserecommendationswereputforthbypublichealthandenvironmentalorganizationsinresponsetothepublicationoftheSustainableCommunitiesStrategybytheAssociationofBayAreaGovernments.Tothegreatestextentfeasible,suchairpollutionmitigationstrategiesshouldnotbedevelopedbyeachregionindependently,butrathershouldbereflectedinstatewidepoliciesthatpromotehealthandenvironmentaljusticethroughoutCalifornia.011‐01ScottGoldieBrooksStreet1.TheSCSdoesnotappeartoaccountforprojectsalreadyinprocessBrooksStreetrepresentstheownersofthousandsacresofpropertyinsouthernCalifornia,andhasalonghistoryoftop‐qualitydevelopmentsintheSCAGregion.However,weareconcernedthattheSCSprocesshasnotfullyaccountedforprojectsthatarealreadyinprocess.BrooksStreethasprojectsinsouthernCaliforniathatarefullyentitledandapprovedforbuild‐out,aswellasproposedprojectswithpendingapplicationsthatrepresentasubstantialinvestmentofresourcestodesign,planandcommunicatewiththecommunityandresponsibleagencies.WhiletheSCSitselfstatesthatitwascreatedwithinputfromlocaljurisdictions(see,forexample,DraftRTP/SCSp.111),weareconcernedthatthegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSandLandUsePatternMapsdonotinfactreflectthelandusedecisionsthathavebeenmadebylocaljurisdictions.Morespecifically,whiletheDraftRTP/SCSindicatesthatithasshiftedprojecteddensitiesfromlessdevelopedareastotheurbanizedcore,nowheredoestheSCSclearlystatethatthoseshiftsindensitytakeintoaccountdevelopmentprojectsthatareeitheralreadyapprovedorthatarereasonablyforeseeableprojectswhichlocaljurisdictionshavealreadyspentconsiderableresourcesprocessing.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.011‐02ScottGoldieBrooksStreet2.UnderlyingTAZdatamustbereleasedtoallowmeaningfulpubliccommentMoreover,theSCS'streatmentofapprovedprojectsisimpossibletodeterminefromtheinformationthatSCAGhasmadeavailabletothepublic.The2035LandUsePatternMaps,whichareintendedtodepictprojecteddensityandlanduse,areatsuchalargescale,withsuchslightcolorCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.30IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsegradations,thattheycannotbeinterpretedinanymeaningfulway.TheSCSitselfdoesnotseemtocontemplatethatthesemapswillbeimportanttofuturetransportationandlandusedecisions.Instead,theSCSfocusesontheprojecteddensitycontainedinthedatathatunderliesthemaps‐‐datathatSCAGhasnotreleasedtothepublic.TheSCSstatesthatthelanduseprojectionscontainedintheSCSarebasedonthedistributionofgrowthforecastdatatotransportationanalysiszones.(RTP/SCS,p.122.)AccordingtotheSCS,theTAZdatacontainsforecastedhousing,population,andemploymentdata,whichtheSCSusedtocreate"CommunityTypes"andmorerefined"DevelopmentTypes"thatcontainaverageusedesignations,densities,andbuildingintensities.TheSCSstatesthataDevelopmentType,includinganaverageresidentialdensity,hasbeenassignedtoeachTAZforpurposesofcreatingtheSCS.(DraftRTP/SCS,p.123.)However,itcannotbedeterminedwhetherthisassignmentwasmadeinamannerthattakesexistingconditions(includingapprovedandreasonablyforeseeableprojects)asabaselinefortheseprojections,norcanitbedeterminedhowtheforecastingwasdoneorhowitwasdistributedacrosstheTAZ.DespitethecriticalroleoftheTAZdataindevelopingtheSCS,wearenotawarethatSCAGhasmadethisdataavailableforpublicreviewandcommentinanymeaningfulway.Wewereabletoobtainpartialdata,showinghousingdensitiesonly,fromotheragenciesinvolvedintheSCSprocess.Thesedatadonotcontainemploymentorpopulationforecasts,anddonotcontainanyCommunityTypeorDevelopmentTypedesignationswhich,accordingtotheSCS,havebeenassignedtoeachTAZ.ItisnotpossibleforthepublictoprovidemeaningfulcommentontheSCSwithoutaccesstotheunderlyingdataonwhichdensityandlanduseprojectionsarebased.Intheabsenceoftheunderlyingdataandmodelingsupportingtheproposedplan,wearesubstantiallyimpairedinourabilitytoprovidemeaningfulpubliccommentonthetechnicalandlegaladequacyoftheplan.Inparticular,wecannotassesswhethertheunderlyingdataadequatelyreflectsalldevelopmentsasapproved.Underthefederal(5U.S.C.§500et.seq.)andCaliforniaAdministrativeProceduresActs(Gov.Code§§11340etseq.,including§11346.2(b)(6)),theopportunityforpubliccommentmustincludedisclosureofthedataandtechnical31IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsestudiesintimetoprovidemeaningfulpubliccomment.See,e.g.SoliteCorp.v.EPA,952F.2d473,484(D.C.Cir.1991)(percuriam).Whilewearenotconfidentthatthedataiseitheraccurateorcomplete,wehavereviewedwhatdatawewereabletoobtain.Basedonourreviewweconcludethattheforecastedhousingdensitiesdoneedtobecorrected,asthenumbersclearlydonotreflecteitherexistingentitlementsorpending,reasonablyforeseeableprojects.011‐03ScottGoldieBrooksStreet3.ImplicationsofconsistencywithunderlyingTAZdataTheimportanceoftheTAZdataisnotlimitedtounderstandinghowtheSCSwascreated.InadditiontobeingthebasisforcreationoftheSCSlanduseprojections,accordingtotheSCS,theTAZdataistobereliedoninfuturedeterminationsastowhetheraprojectisconsistentwiththeSCS.TheSCSstates:"SCAGsuggeststhatutilizingcommunitytypesattheTAZlevelofgeography(whichanaveragesizeof160squareacres)offerslocaljurisdictionsadequateinformationandflexibilitytomakeappropriateconsistencyfindingsforprojectstobeeligibletoreceiveCEQAstreamliningbenefits."(DraftRTP/SCSp.122.)"Onewayofdeterminingconsistency[withtheSCS]isifaproposedresidential/mixeduseorTPP[TransitPriorityProject]conformswiththeDevelopmentTypedesignatedforaTAZ."(DraftRTP/SCS,page148.)DespitetheseexplicitstatementsthattheexistingTAZdatawillbecriticallyimportanttofuturedecisionsaffectingprojects,SCAGhasnotprovidedthepublictheopportunitytoreviewandcommentontheTAZdatainanymeaningfulway.Significantly,aproject'sconsistencywiththeSCS‐‐whichistobedeterminedattheTAZlevelaccordingtotheSCS‐‐affectsnotonlytheavailabilityofCEQAstreamliningincentives,butcanhaveadverseconsequencesfortheavailabilityoffederalfundsfortransitimprovementsthatwouldservetheproject.TransitimprovementprojectsrelyingonfederalfundingmustbeconsistentwithanapprovedRTP,andwiththeadoptionofSB375,thatincludesconsistencywiththeSustainableCommunitiesStrategyportionoftheRTPaswell.(40CFR93.102;42U.S.C.7506.)Thus,iftheDraftRTP/SCShasshifteddensityawayfromapprovedorpendingprojects,thoseprojectsstandtolosecriticaltransitimprovements.Thelossoftransitimprovementscouldimpairprojectfeasibility,orcreatenewunmitigatedimpactsiftrafficmitigationsbecomeCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Thereisnointenttoimpactthelocalentitlementprocess.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflecttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsiderandgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.32IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseunfunded,whichcouldresultinanunlawfultakingofprivatevestedpropertyrightsforthoseprojectsthathavealreadybeenapprovedbylocaljurisdictions.Inmanycases,approvedprojectsalsoinvolveexecuteddevelopmentagreements,whichmeansthatviolationofcontractualrightscouldalsoresult,causingdifficultsituationsfordevelopersandlocaljurisdictions.Weareconcernedthataproject'sinconsistencywiththegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSmayhavebroaderimplicationsaswell.Localjurisdictionswillbeunderconsiderablepressuretoconformtheirgeneralplanstothedensity,intensity,andlandusescontainedintheSCS,orrisklosingtransportationfundingthroughouttheirjurisdictions.Whilealltheimplicationsofaproject'sinconsistencywiththeSCShaveyettobedetermined,weareconcernedthatbyshiftingdensityawayfromlocallyapprovedandpendingprojects,theSCSiscreatinglandusepolicyinviolationofSB375'smandatethattheSCSmustnotsupersedethelanduseauthorityofcitiesandcounties.(Gov'tCode65080(b)(2)(J).)011‐04ScottGoldieBrooksStreet4.RTP/SCSconsistencyshouldbedeterminedatthejurisdictionallevelTheTAZmapsareamodelingtoolforengaginginaregionalplanningandevaluationprocess.ThefeasibilityofachievingthepreciseresultsinanyparticularTAZareahasnotbeenevaluatedorconfirmedbyanycitycouncilorboardofsupervisors,andasexplainedaboveitappearsthattheTAZdataandmapsfor2035dodeviatefromgeneralplansandvestedentitlementsthathavebeenapprovedbytheseelectedofficials.Whileweunderstandelectedbodiesorsenioradministrativestaffsoflocaljurisdictionsmayhaveapprovedlocalinputfortheoverallpopulationandhouseholdnumberswithintheirrespectivejurisdictions,webelievetheyhavenotapprovedtheTAZdataormaps.Accordingly,requiringconsistencydeterminationsconcerningusedesignations,density,andbuildingintensityatthesmallscaleofeachTAZwouldbeinappropriateandoverly‐prescriptive.Again,SB375specificallyprecludesSCAGfrominterferingwithlocallandusedecisions.1SB375requiresthatanSCS“identifythegenerallocationofuses,residentialdensities,andbuildingintensitieswithintheregion....”Calif.GovernmentCode§65080(b)(2)(B)(i)(emphasisadded).ThusthereisnolegislativemandatethatSCAGidentifythelocationoflanduses,densitiesandbuildingCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Thereisnointenttoimpactthelocalentitlementprocess.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflecttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsiderandgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.33IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseintensitieswithintheregionmorepreciselydowntoaTAZlevel.Instead,SCAGshouldappropriatelyidentifythesecharacteristicsatalevelconsistentwiththeneedforreasonableflexibilityandlocalcontrol.Atthelowest,thelevelofcomparisonshouldbeatajurisdictionallevel–particularlygiventhattherearenearly200jurisdictionswithintheSCAGregion.Accordingly,weurgeSCAGtoidentifysuchcharacteristicsatnofinerascalethanatthelesserof(i)thejurisdiction,and(ii)thesub‐region(i.e.,whereunincorporatedcountylandisdividedintosub‐regions).DespiteSB375'smandatethattheSCSnotregulatelanduse,thedraftRTP/SCS"shifts"households"fromtheperipheryintotheurbanizedcore"statingthatmuchofthisshift"willoccurnaturallyinthemarketplace,"andthatthis"shift"wasdone"perconsultationwiththelocaljurisdictions."(DraftRTP/SCSp.128.)However,thisshiftdoesnot"occurnaturally,"northrougha"consultation"processbetweenagencystaffthatexcludesthepublic.Instead,suchashiftcanonlyoccur,ifatall,aspartofaseparateandlengthydiscretionarydevelopmentapplicationprocessinvolvingrequeststolocallandusejurisdictionstoamendtheirgeneralplans,specificplans,areasplans,andzoning.Inshort,thereisno"shift"tohigh‐densityhousinginsomelocaljurisdictions,andawayfromhousingdensityalreadyapprovedbyotherjurisdictions,unlessanduntilthelocallandusejurisdictionsadopttherequesteddiscretionaryapprovals.012‐01AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaConcerningtheactualpolicydocumentsatissue(i.e.,theDraftRTPandtheDraftSCSthemselves),BIASChasonefundamentalconcern:Page148oftheDraftSCSsuggeststhatlocalgovernmentsshouldlookto“transportationanalysiszone”(TAZ)mapstodeterminewhetheraparticularprojectisconsistentwiththelandusedesignation,density,andbuildingintensityoftheSCS.BIASCbelievesthatthissectionneedstoberevisedforthreedistinctreasons.First,BIASCisinformedthattheTAZmapsbreaklandmassesupintorelativelysmall‐scaleareasaveragingperhapsonlyabout150acresinsize(andevensmallerinmoredenselypopulatedareas).RequiringdeterminationsabouttheconsistencyoffuturelandusestotheSCS–concerningusedesignations,density,buildingintensityandtheapplicableSCSpolicies–atthatfineascalewouldbeoverly‐prescriptive.SCAGneednotbenearlysoprescriptiveCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.34IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebecauseSB375requiresonlythatanSCS“identifythegenerallocationofuses,residentialdensities,andbuildingintensitieswithintheregion....”Calif.GovernmentCode§65080(b)(2)(B)(i)(emphasisadded).Giventhislegislativemandate,thereisnoreasonforSCAGtomeasureandcompareland‐usecharacteristicswithintheregionattheveryfineTAZlevelvis‐à‐vispolicydeterminations.Instead,thefinalRTP/SCSshouldpermitlocalagenciestomeasureandcomparelandusecharacteristicswiththeregionalstrategyatalevelconsistentwiththeneedforreasonableongoingflexibilityinlocallandusecontrol.Therefore,thelevelofcomparisonshouldbe,atthefinest,atacityjurisdictionallevel(includinganysphereofinfluence)–giventhattherearenearly200separatejurisdictionswithintheSCAGregion.BIASCspecificallyurgesSCAGtoidentifyandcomparesuchlandusecharacteristicsatnofinerascalethan(i)thecities(includingtheirrespectiveadjoiningspheresofinterest),and(ii)concerningtheunincorporatedareasoutsideoflocalspheresofinterest,bycomparisontotherough‐scalemapthatindicatesgenerallythelocationsofbuildingintensificationshownintheSCS.SeeExhibit2totheDraftSCSBackgroundDocumentation,foundathttp://rtpscs.scag.ca.gov/Documents/2012/draft/SR/2012dRTP_SCSBackgroundDocumentation.pdf.012‐02AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaSecond,BIASCisconcernedthatanyprescriptiveuseofTAZmapsforpolicypurposescouldhavenegativeconsequencesvis‐à‐visthependingprocessforarequiredfederalconformitydetermination.Underthefederallawsthatrelatetothefederalfundingofregionaltransportationinfrastructure,anRTPmustbeconstructedusing“thelatestplanningassumptions.”“Usingthe‘latest’planningassumptionsmeansthattheconformitydeterminationisbasedonthemostcurrentinformationthatisavailabletostateandlocalplanners....”U.S.E.P.A.GuidancefortheUseofLatestPlanningAssumptionsinTransportationConformityDeterminations(EPA420‐B‐08‐901,December2008),¶2.2(emphasisintheoriginal),foundat:http://www.epa.gov/otaq/stateresources/transconf/policy/420b08901.pdfandincorporatedhereinbyreference.IfandtotheextentthatSCAG’sTAZ‐levelmapsandthedatareflectedinthemareunacceptabletolocalplannersandwerenotavailabletothemwhentheRTPwasdeveloped,thenfine‐scaledataCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.35IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebasedupontheTAZmapsshouldnotbeincorporatedintotheRTPviatheSCS.TheywouldinsteadneedtobeseparatedoutfromtheRTPand–atmost–madepartofan“alternativeplanningscenario”(APS)underCaliforniaGovernmentCodesection65080(b)(2)(H).Webelievethatanyconflictbetweenthefederally‐mandatedRTPapproachandtheSCSTAZ‐levelmapscanbeavoidedbymakingallrelevantpolicydeterminationsbasedoncomparisonsviewedatthecitylevel(includinganysphereofinfluence)andbyreferencetothegeneralizedlocationsdepictedforintensificationinunincorporatedcountyareas(forexample,inExhibit2totheBackgroundDocumentationasnotedabove).012‐03AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaThird,noTAZ‐levelmapswereprovidedtothepublicaspartofeithertheDraftRTP/SCSortheDraftPEIR,norweretheyincludedinanyoftheappendicesthatSCAGprovidedtothepublic.Hopefully,theomissionreflectsSCAG’spre‐publicationdeterminationtoforgotheuseofanyTAZ‐levelmapsforpolicypurposes.Ifthiswerethecase,thenitappearsthatSCAG’sstaffinadvertentlyfailedtorevisepage148oftheDraftSCSpriortoitspublicationforcomment;andSCAGshouldnowrevisethatpagetoreflectamoreappropriateapproach(thejurisdictionalapproachsuggestedabove).If,however,SCAGactuallyintendedthepolicyprescriptionthatissuggestedonpage148oftheDraftSCS,thenSCAGmustbefaultedforhavingfailedtodiscloseanessentialcomponentoftheRTP/SCS,whichisthenewlevelofpolicyprescriptionthatsuchTAZ‐levelmapswouldimposeorinducethroughtheimplementationofSB375.UnderjudicialprecedentsdecidedpursuanttotheCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA),SCAG’spublicdisclosuresintheDraftRTP/SCSandtheDraftPEIRwouldbeinadequateiftheyfailedtodiscloseTAZ‐levelpolicyprescriptionsaffectingtheregion’spopulationdistributionsandconcentrations:Thedetail[ofdraftdisclosureconcerningchangesinducedinpopulationdistribution,populationconcentration,andthehumanuseoftheland]requiredinanyparticularcasenecessarilydependsonamultitudeoffactors,including,butnotlimitedto,thenatureoftheproject,thedirectnessorindirectnessofthecontemplatedimpactandtheabilitytoforecasttheactualeffectstheprojectwillhaveonthephysicalenvironment.NapaCitizensforHonestGovernmentv.NapaCommentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCSwasrevisedtoaddressthecomment.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.36IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCountyBd.ofSupervisors(2001)91Cal.App.4th342,369(emphasisadded).012‐04AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaInshort,ifSCAGwereplanningtoutilizetheTAZ‐levelmapsasactualpolicydrivers(aspage148oftheDraftSCSmaysuggest),thenSCAGneededtodisclosethedetailsofthoseTAZmaps;andSCAGdidnot.SeeCEQAGuidelines,Tit.14,§15144(“anagencymustuseitsbesteffortstodiscloseallthatitcan”).SCAGwouldalsoneedtohaveanalyzedenvironmentalimpactsinmuchmoredetailthanpresentedintheDraftPEIR,includingthethousandsofdirectconflictsbetweenTAZmapsforestablishedcommunitiesandCEQAthresholdsrelatingtoGeneralPlancompliance,QuimbyActcompliance,impactstoprotectedgreenbeltsandhistoricresources,localcongestionandtrafficsafetyimpacts,impactstoschoolsandotherpublicservices.Therefore,BIASCrespectfullyasksSCAGtorevisepage148oftheSCStoavoidtheinsinuationthatTAZ‐levelmapsshouldbeutilizedforanyfutureregulatoryorpolicypurpose.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.012‐05AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaAsafinaladditionalcommentonthedraftpolicydocuments,wenotethattwoofSCAG’sbrethrenmetropolitanplanningorganizations(oneintheSanDiegoareaanotherintheSacramentoarea)haveeachincludeda2050planningyearhorizonintheirrespectiveRTP/SCSdocumentation.Suchalong‐termperspectiveseemsappropriatetoconsiderbecauselanduseandtransportationpatternsevolverelativelyslowly;andtheyaresubjecttonumerousvariables(e.g.,theeconomy,andtheallocationoffederalfundingforregionaltransportationprojects).Accordingly,SCAG’sambitiousvisionforhigherdensitydevelopmentpatternsalongtransitcorridorsmaynotberealizedformanydecades.Inthenearerterm(2020and2035),thestatewidetargetsforGHGreductionswhichwereestablishedpursuanttoAssemblyBill32(2006)maybemorefeasiblyberealizedthroughothermeasuressuchasrenewableenergy,cleanercarsandcleanerfuels,andstationarysourcecontrols,astheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard’sAB32ScopingPlanexplains.Itispossiblethat,inlightofanalyticalconstraintsprescribedbyCARB,theSCAGregioncannotrealisticallyattainthe2020and2035GHGemissionreductiontargetsestablishedbyCARB,inwhichcaseanAPSmaybeappropriate.Therefore,SCAG’sconsiderationofalonger‐term,2050planninghorizonmaybeausefulframeworkforinforminglocalagenciesandCommentnoted.Wemayconsiderlonger‐termplanninginfutureRTPs.37IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseotherinterestedstakeholdersaboutamorefeasible,longer‐termregionalplanningeffort.012‐06AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaTheDevelopmentTypesareexpressedintermsofusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensities;and,foranygiventype,thereisoneresidentialdensityindicated.Forexample,the"TownCenter"DevelopmentTypereflectsanestimatedaveragedensityof22residentialunitsperacre.However,itisimportanttonotethatthedesignationisapotentialultimateaveragefortheTAZ‐‐andisnotanabsoluteproject‐specificrequirementthatmustbemetinordertodetermineconsistencywiththeSCS.Inotherwords,theSCSwasnotdevelopedwiththeintentthateachprojecttobelocatedwithinanygivenTAZmustexactlyequalthedensityandrelativeusedesignationsthatareindicatedbytheSCSDevelopmentTypeinorderfortheprojecttobefoundconsistentwiththeSCS'susedesignation,density,buildingintensityandapplicablepolicies.Instead,anygivenproject,havingsatisfiedallofthestatutoryrequirementsofeitheraresidential/mixed‐useprojectorTPPasdescribedabove,maybedeemedbytheleadagencytobeconsistentwiththeSCSsolongastheprojectachievesconsistencyatthejurisdictionallevel,consideringthedoesnotpreventachievingtheestimatedaverageusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensitiesindicatedbytheDevelopmentTypewithintheTAZ,assumingthattheTAZwillbebuilt‐outunderreasonablelocalplanningandzoningassumptions.SCAG'sgrowthprojectiondataisavailableonitswebsiteforleadagenciestousetodeterminewhetherprojectsareconsistentwiththeSCS."Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.012‐07AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaExplanation:TheaboveclarificationsarerequiredtoensurethattheSCSconsistencydeterminationismadebythelocallanduseagencies,notSCAG,andthatCARB'sassessmentofthatconsistencywillbeevaluatedatthebroaderjurisdictional/regionallevel,asanticipatedbyCARBinitsJuly2011"DescriptionofMethodologyforARBStaffReviewofGreenhouseGasReductionsfromSustainableCommunitiesStrategies(SCS)PursuanttoSB375,"whichisincorporatedbythisreference.Additionally,thisjurisdictional(i.e.,city/county)levelismoreappropriatewhencomparedtosmallergeographiclevels,suchasTrafficAnalysisZones(TAZs)orparcelassessmentsthatwouldlimitcitiesandcounties'controloverCommentnoted.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.FormoreinformationregardingtherequestedPEIRrevisions,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber4.38IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselanduse.WhiletheSCSsetsforthforecasteddevelopmentpatternsthatmaydifferfromthoseenvisionedinvariousgeneralplans,thosepatterns,nonetheless,stillmustbeconsistentwith"currentplanningassumptions"andthoseassumptionsmustbegroundedinthelocalgeneralplansandsphereofinfluenceboundaries.(SeeGov.Code,§65080(b)(2)(B).)Pleasealsorevise/clarifyallsame/similartextfoundintheDraftPEIR,Section2.0,ProjectDescription(see,forexample,page2‐29).012‐08AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaExplanation:Atleasttworeasonsjustifyrevisionstotheabovequotedtextinordertobeconsistentwithapplicablelaw(i.e.,SB375).(Gov.Code,§65080.)First,accordingtotheDraftPEIR,theforecastedlandusedevelopmentpatternintheSCS,insomecases,assumesthatmorehigh‐densityhousingwillbebuiltthaniscurrentlyanticipatedinthelocalgeneralplansoftheaffectedcountiesandcities.However,SB375requiresthecontemplatedlandusedevelopmentpatternintheSCS‐‐acomponentpartoftheRTP‐‐toutilize"themostrecentplanningassumptionsconsideringlocalgeneralplansandotherfactors."(Gov.Code,§65080(b)(2)(B).)Unfortunately,SCAGhasdeviatedsubstantiallyfromthelocallyadoptedgeneralplans,andhasmadeitsownlanduseassumptionsthatareinconflictwiththelanduseplansofadoptedgeneralplanswithintheregion.Second,thedraftSCSandassociatedDraftPEIRbothblurthelinebetweenregionalplanning(i.e.,preparingtherequiredSCSforecastedlandusedevelopmentpattern)andlocallanduseauthorityandjurisdiction.TheSCSisnottodirectlyregulatetheuseoflandoraffectthelanduseauthorityofcitiesandcountieswithinagivenregion.(Gov.Code,§65080(b)(2)(K).)Additionally,thelaw(i.e.,SB375)doesnotrequirethatalocalgeneralplan,specificplan,orzoningbe"consistent"withtheSCS.(Ibid.)Despitetheselegallimitations,SCAGhasmadea"shift"inhousingtypes‐‐deviatingfromthemostrecentplanningassumptionsinthelocallyadoptedgeneralplans‐‐statingthattheshiftor"switch"will"occurnaturally"inthemarketplaceduetoshiftingdemands.However,thisshiftdoesnot"occurnaturally."Instead,suchashiftcanonlyoccur,ifatall,aspartofaseparateandlengthydiscretionarydevelopmentapplicationprocessinvolvingrequeststolocallandusejurisdictionstoamendtheirgeneralCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsthroughmorethantwoyearsofcollaborationwithlocalgovernments,demographers,economistsandotherstakeholders;andSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.Foradditionalresponse,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber4.39IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseplans,specificplans,areasplans,andzoning.Inshort,thereisno"shift"tohigh‐densityhousing,unlessanduntilthelocallandusejurisdictionsadopttherequesteddiscretionaryapprovals.Pleaserevise/clarifyallsameorsimilartextintheDraftPEIR(see,forexample,page2‐30).012‐09AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCalifornia[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber4.013‐01AndrewHendersonBuildingIndustryAssociationofSouthernCaliforniaTheremaybeaneedtotakeabetterlookatsomeofthespacialdispersionthat’sindicatedbythepolicydocument.Seeifthereisawaytoallowalittlebitofflexibilityoradjustmentwhereitneedstooccur.YoucoulddothatwithoutdoinganyrealinjurytotheoverallbenefitsoftheRTP/SCSinredirectingtheshapeofthecommunityinthefuturemoretowardstransitorientation.TheBIAworriesthattherearesomeunintendedconsequencesthatthemethodologythatleadtothespacialdispersionwasinhindsighttoinsularininteractingbetweenthecitiesandcountiesintheregionwithoutenoughpublicvetting.Andasaconsequenceofthat,thereareperhapssomeareaswherethereisabsoluteforeseeablegrowththatisnotwellreflectedintheSCS.Commentnoted.014‐01DonFegerBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportAuthorityAnimportantconcernwiththe"AviationandGroundAccess"reportistheassumptionthattheprojectedannualpassengerdemandforBURwouldbe9.4MAPbytheyear2035.IntheNovember9,2011responsewrittenbyMikeArmstrongtoourOctober4,2011letter(attached),SCAGtookexceptiontoourbeliefthatthemorerealisticassumptionwouldbepassengerdemandof8MAPorlessforBURin2035.SCAGcitestheassumed"constraint"ofa78.9MAPSettlementAgreementatLAXasthedriverforthisadditionalpassengerdemandatBUR.Wedonotconcurwiththatassumption.Specifically,thepassengercapatLAXisnotalegally‐enforceableaccessrestriction.Instead,itisatriggerforLAWAtoreducethenumberofavailableaircarriergates.Thecarriershaveshownthattheyhavethecapabilitytoincreaseoperationalefficienciesutilizingaircraftfleetmix,scheduling,andavailablegatecapacity.Assuch,ifareductioninthenumberofgatesdidoccur,carrierscouldprocessmorethan78.9MAP.WhiletheCommentnoted.The2035airpassengerforecastsintheFinal2012RTP/SCSwillbecaveatedtoreflectthatthe78.9MAPSettlementAgreementconstraintatLAXexpiresin2020,andthatanynewinformationprovidedtoSCAGbyanindividualairportauthorityonlegally‐allowableordefinedphysicalcapacityconstraintsattheirairportswillbereflectedinfutureaviationdemandforecastsdevelopedbySCAG(suchasforthe2016RTP).Theforecastswillalsobecaveatedtoindicatethatanyrelaxationofthe78.9MAPforecastconstraintatLAXwouldsignificantlyimpactthepassengerdemandforecastatBobHopeAirport(BUR),andthatBobHopeAirportmanagementbelievesthatthe2035passengerdemandforecastforBobHopeAirportshouldbelessthan8MAP.40IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecarriersatBURprimarilyhandledomesticflightsnowandwillcontinuetodosointhefuture,itisreasonabletoexpectthatthecarriersatLAXwillstructuretheiroperationsandalliancesinsuchawayastoaccommodatethetransferofacontinually‐increasingnumberofinternationalpassengers,regardlessofthegateconstraintstheymayface.TheAuthorityiscurrentlyunderwaywithanewPart150Study,inwhichanewforecastofpassengerdemandwillbeprepared.Webelievethatthisstudywillvalidateourearlierassumptionthatpassengerdemandin2035willbelessthan8MAP.Thatforecastwillbebasedontheeconometricsofforecastedpopulationgrowth,businessgrowth,andpercapitaincomewithintheBURcatchmentarea,andwithingthelargerregionasawhole.ThatforecastwillnotbebasedonassumptionsaboutconstraintsatLAX.WeaskthatthischangeinassumptionbealsoreflectedintheRTP.014‐02DonFegerBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportAuthorityDuringthisprocesswealsoworkedcloselywithOLDAinaddressingthedesignationoftheNorthernCorridorasapartofthe"ConstrainedProject"listintheRTP.Recently,OLDAtransmittedalettertoyoudatedFebruary7,2012signedbyMr.FrankJ.Quintero,ChairmanoftheOLDABoardandamemberoftheAirportAuthorityBoardofDirectors.WewouldliketoaffirmoursupportforthecommentscontainedintheFebruary7thcommunication.WestronglyagreethattheadoptionbytheSCAGRegionalCouncilandtheMetroBoardofDirectorsofthehighspeedrailproject‐relatedMOUwiththeCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailAuthorityisasignificantpolicydevelopmentwhichshouldbereflectedintheRTPadoptedbytheRegionalCouncil.WealsosupportMetro'sAntelopeValleyLineInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlanandhopepreliminaryresultsfromthestudycanbeincorportatedintotheRTP.Commentnoted.AsdiscussedwithOLDA,theNorthernCorridormaybeaddedtotheConstrainedPlanthroughafutureRTPamendment.015‐01RonKrueperCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreationWeofferthefollowingsuggestionsregardingtheConservationPolicy:1.EnsuringStateconservanciesandjoinpowersauthoritieswithaconservationfocusareincludedinthemappingandprioritizationofconservationlands.Specifically,werecommendincludingtheWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority,PuenteHillsHabitatPreservationAuthority,SanGabrielandLowerLosAngelesRiversandMountainsConservancy,MountainsRecreationandConservationAuthority,andSantaMonicaMountainConservancyamongtheCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeinputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders,includingthegroupslisted.SCAGalsointendstoincludeallapplicableprotectedareas,notjustNCCP/HCPareas.Languagewillbeclarified.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectson41IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseentitiesuponwhoseexpertisecanbetapped.2.Extendingtheinventoryofprotectedlandstoincludeallprotectedlands‐Federal,State,regionalandlocalnaturallands‐insteadofnarrowlylimitingtheinventorytosimplyNaturalCommunitiesPlanandHabitatConservationPlanAreas.3.Ensuringexistingwildlifecorridorsandhabitatlinkagesandhighway/roadwayunder‐crossingsareprotectedandenhancedduringtheevaluationofhabitatlandsandduringconstructionofroadwayprojects.4.Advocatingthattheadvancedmitigationpolicyresultisanetenvironmentalbenefitforthenaturalresourcelandsafterconstructionactivitiesarecompleted.wildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.015‐02RonKrueperCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreationAlso,large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementoflandsmustnotbelimitedto"criticalhabitat,"(RTP,p76,128)asthiscanbeconfusedwiththelegaltermusedbyU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceforsomefederallyendangeredandthreatenedspecies.Toclarify,thisshouldbereplacedbytextreflectingtheintent,i.e.,thebestavailablenaturallandswithvaluableenvironmentalresourcesdeservingofconservation/preservation.StateParkslooksforwardtoworkingwithSCAGonthedevelopmentoftheNaturalLandsAcquisitionandOpenSpaceConservancyStrategy.Thiswillprotectremainingresourcelandsandmitigateforimpactsfromtransportationinvestments.Inadditiontomitigationbanking,transferofdevelopmentrights,andpaymentin‐lieufees,Stateparksrecognizesconservationeasementsasapowerfulpreservationtoolforhabitatareas.Conservationeasements,andfeetitletransferstoopenspaceparkagencies,shouldbelistedintheplanalongsidetheotherpreservationmechanisms.Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.015‐03RonKrueperCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreationWildlifeCrossingsofTransportationFacilities:StateParksappreciatesSCAG'srecognitionoftheimpactthatlineartransportationfacilitieshaveonnaturalareasandtheneedforwell‐designedwildlifecrossingstopartiallymitigatetheseeffects.Wildlifecrossingsservetwodistinctpurposes:reducingmortalityandpreservinggeneticconnectivity.Roadsaretheleadingdirectsourceofhuman‐causedmortalityformostspeciesinsouthernCaliforniaandtheentirecountry.Theycanbecomeapopulationsinkifasignificantfractionofalocalspeciesiskilled,affectingbroaderpopulationdistributionacrossthelandscape.Additionally,forhighlymobilepredators,individualscrossingroadsarefrequentlydispersingfromtheirCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatadditionalpreservationtoolsexist.WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreationtodiscussconservationstrategieswithourregionalstakeholders.Clarificationlanguagewillbeaddedtodenotethatthesummarylanguageisnotexhaustive.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.42IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehomerangeinsearchofnewterritoryandmates,avitalpopulationdynamicthatisdevastatingifinterrupted.NationalParkServiceresearchhasdocumentedsignificantgeneticdifferencesamongcarnivorepopulationsoneithersideofthe101FreewayintheSantaMonicaMountains.Wildlifecrossingsneedtobediscussedinthecontextofhabitatconnectivity,whichisthebroaderecologicalgoalforconservationareas.Wildlifecrossingsarebutonecriticaltooltoensurethatindicatorspeciesareabletosafelymoveabouttheirenvironment.Whilemuchhasbeenlearnedaboutmovementpatternsandthewayinwhichkeytransportationfacilitiescreategeneticbarrierstoconnectivity,themeasuresthatmightmitigatetheseimpactshavenotbeenthoroughlyresearched.Wildlifecorridordesignisafieldinitsinfancywithfewscientificallyverifiedbestpracticesforcrossingdimensionsandlandscapefeatures.Giventhatthisresearchisneededtoproperlymitigatetransportationimpacts,SCAGshouldinvestinconnectivityintothe2016RTPrevision.Suchaprogramwouldaggregateexistingresearch,proposenewstudyareas,anddevelopdesignbestpracticesspecificallytailoredtotheSouthernCaliforniaeco‐region.015‐04RonKrueperCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecreation[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber86.016‐01LindaRudolphCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthTheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthencouragesregionalplanningorganizationstoembracetheconceptsoutlinedintheHealthyCommunityframeworkdevelopedbytheStrategicGrowthCouncil’sHealthinAllPoliciesTaskForce.Manystrategiesthatincreasecommunitysustainabilitycanalsosupportimprovedhealthoutcomes.Commentnoted.016‐02LindaRudolphCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthActivitytimeinactivetransport(walking,bicycling,etc.)isindispensableasahealth‐relatedtransportationperformancemeasure(e.g.,meandailyminutesperpersonofwalkingandbicycling.)Attemptstomonetizehealthco‐benefitsfromactivetransportsuggestsavingsofbillionsofdollarsinhealthcarecostsandthevalueofstatisticallivessaved.MPOsshouldconsidernewtoolsthathaverecentlybecomeavailabletoquantifythehealthco‐benefitsofactivetransportinSCSscenariosandprojects.ThisfillsagapinprojectperformanceCommentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Forexample,tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationsto43IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseassessmentatmostMPOs.AstoolssuchastheIntegratedTransportandHealthImpactsModelbecomeavailabletoMPOs,healthco‐benefitscanbeusedasacriterionforauniqueprojectcategorythataprioricouldgetahighpriorityscoreintheprojectassessmentmethodologiesusedbyMPOs.Usingthesetools,healthco‐benefitscanbeusedasacriteriontoscreenprojectsforcost‐benefitandotherin‐depthanalysis.thePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewcategoriessuchaslocationefficiency.Staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasuresforfutureplanupdates.Also,SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.Byintegratinghealthimpactsdataintothislanduseandtransportationsimulationtool,userscanassessthehealthrelatedoutcomesassociatedwithchangesinthebuiltenvironment.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.016‐03LindaRudolphCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthEquity/inequityinRTPsiscurrentlyframedusingTitleVIoftheCivilRightsAct,conceptsof“nodisparateimpacts”and“increaseaccess(toaffordablehousing/transit)topoorpeople”,participationofcommunitiesofconcern,environmentaljustice.InthedevelopmentofSCSssomeMPOshavebeenexposedtoahealth‐basedapproachwhichexplicitlycallsforwaystonarrowexistingdifferencesinhealthstatusandofdeterminantsofhealth.TheSustainableTransportationCouncil(LEED‐likeapproachtoratingtransportationsystems)isconsideringagoalareainitstransportationratingsystemthatexplicitlyconsidersreducinghealthdisparities.Thisisapromisingapproachthatdeservesmoreattention.Commentnoted.SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.Byintegratinghealthimpactsdataintothislanduseandtransportationsimulationtool,userscanassessthehealthrelatedoutcomesassociatedwithchangesinthebuiltenvironment.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.SCAGlooksforwardtolearningmoreabouttheSustainableTransportationCouncil'sapproachandhowitmaybeintegratedwithfutureefforts.016‐04LindaRudolphCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthLocalhealthdepartmentsarehighlyinterestedandwouldbenefitfrommechanismsthatenhancetheirparticipationinSCSdevelopmentandfollow‐up.Itisworthexploringwayslocalhealthdepartmentsandothersinterestedinpublichealthandequitycanstayengagedonanon‐goingbasis.Commentnoted.SCAGlooksforwardtoexploringopportunitiestoengagelocalhealthdepartmentsandothersinterestedinpublichealthandequity.017‐01JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage7Table2:NewRevenueSourcesandInnovativeFinancingStrategies–Theregion’sbudgetoverthenext25yearstotalsanestimated$524.7billion.WeencourageSCAGtocontinuecloseCommentnoted.Weagreethatgovernment,business,anduserstakeholdersneedtoworktogethertoidentifyandadvancethebest,mostappropriatefundingoptionstoprovideneeded44IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecollaborationandconsensus‐buildingwithFederal,StateandLocalpartnersasthesestrategiesandfundingsourcesarepursued.fundingforRTPpriorities.017‐02JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage27IntegratingLandUseandTransportation–TheRTP/SCSstatesthatSCAGhasincorporatedthesub‐regionalSCSstrategiesofOCCOGandGCCOGintotheregionalSCS.ItwouldbehelpfuliftheRTPexplainedexactlyhowthosestrategieswereincorporated.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.017‐03JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage30PublicHealth–TheRTP/SCSrecognizestheimpactthattransportationandland‐usedecisionshaveonthehealthoftheregion’sresidents.SCAGshouldbecommendedforincludingstudiesandadiscussiononthistopicintheRTP/SCSwhichidentifiesa200%overallinvestmentincreaseoverthe2008RTP.Commentnoted.017‐04JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPages33‐34AlternativesDevelopmentandEvaluation–ThechosenalternativeshouldbeclearlyidentifiedintheRTP,withsupportinginformationexplainingtherationaleforitsselection.Commentnoted.Asdescribedonpage34,thechosenalternativeistheRTP/SCS(Plan),whichisdescribedindetailinthesucceedingchaptersofthedocument.017‐05JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPages112‐116CreationofLandUseScenarios–Chapter4explainsanddescribesthefourlandusescenariosthatweredevelopedandpresentedattheregionalpublicworkshopsforinclusionintheRTP/SCShoweveritisnotclearhowthepreferredalternativewaschosen.Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixoutlineshowthe2012RTP/SCSpreferredalternativewaschosen.017‐06JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage23‐AviationandGroundAccess‐thesecondparagraphalludestoaircargobystatingthat"SouthernCaliforniaairportsplayacrucialroleininternationaltrade..,"butthetextdoesnotelaborate.Iftheregionalroadwaysystembecomesincreasinglycongestedpleasedescribetheimpactstoaircargogroundaccessorcapacity,beingthatthelastmileistypicallytransportedbytruck.Commentnoted.Thetextofthisparagraphhasbeenrevisedtoreflectthatwithoutimprovingtheregionalgroundaccesssystem,increasinggroundaccesscongestionmayalsohamperaircargotrucksinaccessingairportsandmakingdeliveriesinatimelyfashion.017‐07JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage65‐InternationalTrade‐recommendchangingthesentencetoread,"Inthesameyear,$10.4billionworthoftradepassedthroughtheCalexicoEastInternationalPortofEntry(POE)betweentheU.S.andMexicoinImperialCounty."Note:ofthethreelandPOE'sinthecounty,onlyCalexicoEasthandlescommercialtraffic.Commentnoted.TheCalexico‐EastinternationalbordercrossinghandlesthevastmajorityofcommercialtrafficbetweentheU.S.andMexico.However,theAndrade‐LosAlgadonesbordercrossingalsohandlessomecommercialtraffic.SCAGwillrevisetheinformationappropriately.017‐08JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage65‐LocalGoodsMovement‐DependentIndustrySupport‐recommendaddingagricultureasoneofthesupportedindustrysectors.AgriculturalproductionintheSCAGregionissignificant,amountingtonearly$7billionin2010.Commentnoted.WhileagricultureisamajorindustryinSouthernCalifornia,the2012RTPfocusedonthetopgoodsmovementdependentindustrieswhichincludedmanufacturing,construction,andretailtrade.45IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehttp://www.cfbf.com/counties/index.cfm017‐09JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage66‐LandPorts‐recommendchangingthesentencetoread,"TheCalexicoEastInternationalPOEinImperialCountyisthesixthbusiestcommercialcrossingalongtheU.S./Mexicoborder,withover600,000annualcommercialvehiclecrossingsin2010,andacombinedimport/exportvalueofover$10billion.TheprimaryeconomicdriversofcrossbordertradetoImperialCountyarethemovementofagriculturalproductsandthemaquiladoratradeindustry."Commentnoted.SCAGcurrentlyindicatesintheRTPtheimport/exportvalueofgoodsmovingacrosstheinternationalbordertotalsover$10billion($7billioninimports/$5billioninexports).WhiletheCalexico‐EastinternationalbordercrossinghandlesthevastmajorityofcommercialtrafficbetweentheU.S.andMexico,theAndrade‐LosAlgadonesbordercrossingalsohandlessomecommercialtraffic.SCAGhasrevisedtheinformationregardingthenumberofvehiclecrossingasappropriate.017‐10JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPages71and72.RegionalCleanFreightCorridorSystem.Thediscussionindicatesthatadedicatedtruck‐onlyfreightcorridorcouldserveasa“platformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies;”however,theconnectionsbetweentheEast‐WestFreightCorridorandcleantruckscouldbestronger,andtheintroductionofcleantruckscouldberelatedtothetimeframeinTable2.8(page72).Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.SCAGwillreviewthelanguageandrevisetostrengthentheconnectionasappropriate.017‐11JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationTripPlanners:PleaseconsiderincorporatingfutureupdatesoftransitroutedataintripplanningtoolssuchasGoogleTransitorGo511.com.Commentnoted.017‐12JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage3‐thefollowingsentenceneedstobecorrected:"Currently,SCRRAoperatessevenroutesincludingfivefromdowntownLosAngelestoVentura,Lancaster,SanBernardino,Riverside,OrangeandOceanside,fromSanBernardinotoOceanside,andfromRiversideviaFullertonorCityofIndustrytodowntownLosAngeles."Thewordinthissentence"five"shouldread"six"instead.Onerouteismissinginthelist.Pleaseadd"Orange"afterRiverside.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.017‐13JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage31‐Connectivitymeasuresneedtoincludeahighdegreeofreliability(on‐timeperformancetomeetconnectionswithothermodes).Commentnoted.On‐timeperformanceiscriticalinincreasingtransitconnectivityopportunities.017‐14JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationThetransitsupplementalreportshouldincludehowgaspricesaffectthefaresandridership.Gaspriceisamajoroperatingexpenseinbusoperations.Itshouldalsoincludesuchvariablesasinflationrate,CPI,unemploymentrate,toseehowtheyarerelatedtofaresandridership.Commentnoted.The"StateoftheSystem"reportintheTransitAppendixincludedadetailedanalysisoftheeffectsofhighgaspricesandtherecessionontransitridershipoverthelastthreeyears.The"SystemPerformance:BenchmarkingtoPeerRegions"lookedatvariablessuchastheinflationrateandCPIonoperationsandmaintenancecostsfortransitprovidersinourregion.017‐15JamesCaliforniaItshouldbenotedthatCaltranshasnotdoneananalysisoftheCommentnoted.46IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseMcCarthyDepartmentofTransportationtransportationtravelmodelworkutilizedwiththeSCS.WewouldexpecttheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardtomakeanycommentsonthattopic:http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf017‐16JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationInordertoseetheGreenhouseGas(GHG)emissionreductioncompliancetablefortheSCAGRTP/SCS,thereaderhastofinditonpage3.6‐20ofthePEIR.ThisdatatableshouldbeincludedintheSCSSectionoftheRTPaswellasinthePEIR.Commentnoted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCSaddressesthiscomment.017‐17JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationCaltranssupportsSCAG'sRTP/SCSmitigationmeasuresaimingatreducingVMTandtheassociatedGHGemissions,encouragingsustainablelandusedevelopment,andthedevelopmentandimplementationoftheuseofmulti‐modaltransportationoptions.Commentnoted.017‐18JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationAstheownerandoperatoroftheStateHighwaySystem(SHS)theDepartment'smainobjectiveistoprotectthemobilityandoperationalsafetyoftheSHS.ToensureoperationalsafetyandconsistencywiththeDepartment'spolicies,weencourageearlyconsultationandcoordinationwithlocaljurisdictionsandprojectproponentsonalldevelopmentprojectsthatmayhaveanimpactonstatefacilities.Commentnoted.017‐19JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationOntheProjectListforOrangeCountythereisnomentionofextendingtheplannedHighOccupancyVehicle(HOV)lanefromAvenidaPicototheOrange/SanDiegoCountyLineinbothdirections.Commentnoted.ThisprojectislistedasRTPID#S2120033intheStrategicPlanportionoftheProjectList.017‐20JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationProjectListforLosAngelesCounty‐onpage157theRouteHighOccupancyVehicle(HOV)project,CitrustoRoute57/210,itshouldbenotedthattheportionofRoute210betweenRoute10andRoute210hasbeenre‐namedRoute57.ThiswasdonetoaddressconfusionbetweenInterstate210westofRoute57andStateRoute210eastofRoute57.Newsignagehasbeenrecentlyadded.Commentnoted.SCAGhasaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheProjectListassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.017‐21JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationAlsoontheProjectListforLosAngelesCounty‐pleasedeletethefollowingprojectonpage161:Route405inInglewoodatArborVitaewhichispertainingtoconstructingthesouthhalfoftheinterchange.TheInterstate405ArborVitaeHalfInterchangeProjectinInglewoodhasbeenshelvedperFHWAduetoarequireddesignexceptionissue.Commentnoted.SCAGhasaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheProjectListassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.017‐22JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofPage15‐CaltransencouragesSCAGtocoordinatewithCaltransDistrictsandregionalpartnerstoensureconsistencywithCommentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithCaltransDistrictsandregionalpartnersonthesematters.47IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTransportationinterregionalsystemdevelopmentandoperationalstrategies.Examplescouldincludeprojectphasingandintegration,thedevelopmentofHOV/HOT/ManagedLanepolicies,andthealignmentofon‐systemtransitservicesupportstrategies.017‐23JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationPage3‐underORSR‐71shouldreadSR‐73andwhereitsaysSBSR‐210shouldbeI‐210.Commentnoted.Table2hasbeencorrectedforSR‐73andI‐210.017‐24JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationSB391andtheCaliforniaInterregionalBlueprintshouldbementionedamongrelatedinitiatives.Commentnoted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCSreflectstheinclusionofSB391,implementinglegislationrequiringCaltranstoupdatetheCaliforniaTransportationPlantoshowhowitisimplementingthegoalsandrequirementsofAB32andSB375,andwillmentiontheCaliforniaInterregionalBlueprintamongrelatedinitiatives.017‐25JamesMcCarthyCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber82.018‐01KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociatesAsanoverallcomment,manysectionsofthecurrentdraftRTPidentifypossibleelementsofthestrategywithoutprovidingconsistentinformationabout:(1)whowouldfundeachmeasure,(2)underwhatauthorityeachmeasurewouldbeundertaken,and(3)inwhattimeframeeachmeasurewouldbeimplemented.TheRailroadsbelieveitisimportanttofurnishthatinformationsothatallstakeholdersgetanaccurateperspectiveoftheoverallplan(seeTable1inattachment).Ataminimum,theRTPshouldnotethattheseissuesareunresolved.Commentnoted.018‐02KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociatesTheRTPdoesnotclearlystatetheissuesthatremainunresolvedwiththesetechnologies.Forexample,SCAGneedstoclarifyiffundsforsuchstudiesarealreadyavailable.Ifnot,theRTPshouldmakeclearthatparticipationinfurtherstudyandpossibledemonstrationofthesetechnologieswillonlybeundertakeniffundsbecomeavailableforsuchactivitiesinthefuture.SCAGshouldalsoclarifythattheseactionsmustbevoluntarilyundertakenbyallstakeholders.NeitherSCAG,norotherlocal,regional,andstateagencieshavetheauthoritytorequiretheRailroadstoparticipateinortoprovidefundsforanystudyofelectrificationoranyothertechnology.SCAGshouldalsoclarifythatthe"severaloptionsforazeroemissionrailsystem"arenotcurrentlyavailable,butcouldbepursuedinthefutureifadditionalfunding,research,development,andtestingtoconfirmtheirapplicabilitywerecompleted.SCAGCommentnoted.FurtherclarificationaboutfundingandtechnologyreadinesshasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTPasappropriate.WerecognizethatSCAGdoesnothavetheauthoritytorequiretheRailroadstoparticipateinorprovidefundsforanytechnologyevaluationeffort.TheRTPlanguagewasnotintendedtosuggestanyrequirements.Thelanguagehasbeenclarifiedasappropriate.48IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseneedstoclearlyspecifyatimeframeforthecontinuedstudyofthesetechnologies.Lastly,theRailroadsquestionwhytherecommendationsonfreightrailenvironmentalmitigationarerepeatedinthepassengerrailsectionoftheRTP.018‐03KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[Page74,sentencebeginningwith"Forthenear‐term,theregionalstrategysupportsthedeploymentof..."]AsnotedinTable1,SCAGneedstoclarifywhichstakeholder(s)wouldpursuethisstrategyandwherefundingwouldcomefrom.SCAGneedstobeclearthatupgradingswitcherlocomotiveenginesisnotintheresource‐constrainedplanandwillonlybepursuedifstakeholdersidentifyfunds.AnyparticipationbytheRailroadstoupgradeswitcherengineswouldbevoluntary.TheRailroadsbelievethatneitherSCAG,noranylocalorregionalagencies,havetheauthoritytorequiretheRailroadstodeploynewerswitcherlocomotives.Furthermore,theRailroadshavemadesignificantenvironmentalinvestmentsintheSCAGregionoverthelastdecadeormore.TheprogressmadeovertheyearshasbeendocumentedbytheARBinnumerouspublicmeetings.Forexample,in2005,theRailroadssignedaMOUwithARBthatwasestimatedtoreducePMemissionsby20%by2008atrailyardsstatewide.In2009,ARBdeterminedthattheRailroadshadfullycompliedwithallrequirementsofthe2005MOU.In2010,the1998FleetAverageAgreementwasimplemented.ARBhassaidthatthe1998FleetAverageprovided"locomotivefleetbenefitsinsouthernCalifornia20yearsearlierthantherestofthecountry."Commentnoted.018‐04KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[Page74,sentencebeginningwith"Inthelongerterm,thestrategyfocusesonamorefundamentalshiftintechnology..."]:AstheRailroadsworkwithotherstakeholderstofurtherreducerailemissionsintheSCAGregion,itisimportantthatanytechnologyintroduceddoesnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,orreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.Itwouldbehelpfultopointoutthattodate,stakeholdershavenotreachedconsensusontechnologies,timing,funding,oremissionsimpactsofthevariousoptionsSCAGexaminedintheRTP.Priortoproposingafundamentalshiftinimplementingnewtechnology,SCAGandallgoodsmovementstakeholdersneedtoclearlyestablishifandwherewithintheexistingrailsystem,such"criticalstepstowardgradualimplementationofazero‐Commentnoted.Weagreethatanyregionaldecisionsshouldincludetheinputofallstakeholders.Wehaveclarifiedthetexttostrengthenthispoint.Additionally,Weagreethatnewtechnologiesmustnotcompromisetheoperationsofthegoodsmovementsystem.49IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseemissionornearzero‐emissionfreightsystem"couldbeimplemented.018‐05KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[Page75,Table2.11]:SCAGshouldclarifythemethodologyusedtoestimateemissionsreductionsfromanelectrifiedsystem.SCAGneedstoexplainhowitaccountedfortheadditionalemissionsproducedasaresultoftheelectricityrequiredforsuchasystemandifithasnotaccountedforthem,SCAGshoulddosointhefinalversionoftheRTP.Theseemissionshaverealenvironmentalimpactsandshouldbeaddressedinanyreferencetoelectrificationofafreightrailsystemortheassociatedemissionreductions.Pleaserefertotheattachedissuebriefsformoreinformationonelectrification.Commentnoted.ThemethodologyfortheemissionreductionestimatesthatyourefertoisavailableintheSCAGstudy"AnalysisofFreightRailElectrificationintheSCAGregion."Pleaserefertothisdocumentfordetailsonthesecalculations.018‐06KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[Page70,sentencebeginningwith"InpastRTPs,SCAGhasenvisionedasystemoftruck‐onlylanes..."]:OneofthealternativesoftheEast‐WestFreightcorridorfortrucksisproposedtobedirectlyadjacenttoaUPmainlinetrack.AsUPhasstatedindiscussionswithSCAGstaff,althoughoffofUPprivately‐ownedright‐of‐way,constructionofsuchcorridorcouldlimitfurtheropportunitiesforbusinessestobecomerailserved.Commentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridoralignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTPwouldbefurtheranalyzedinmoredetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)andotheralignmentswouldbeconsideredthroughanalternativesanalysisaspartofthatEIR.SCAGintendstocontinuetoworkcloselywithitspartnersandindustrystakeholders,includingUPRailroad,onnextstepsrelatedtotheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.018‐07KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix,page136]:BothExhibit34andSCAG'sconclusionreferencingitarefundamentallyflawed;theconclusionspresentedareunfoundedandSCAGdoesnotprovidesupportingdata.First,SCAGdoesnotclearlydefinehowthecancerriskshownonthemapwasdetermined,whatemissionsorotherenvironmentalfactorsthemapisintendedtoreflect,orwhatsources(e.g.mobileorstationaryorother)thecancerriskderivesfrom.Additionally,thedatapresentedintheEJsectionisnotconsistentwith,orsupportedby,anydatainthePEIR'sHealthRiskAssessment,whichonlymodeledcertainrepresentativehighwaysegmentsanddidnotmodelrail.Second,SCAGvaguelydescribesthismapasan"overlay."IfthedatareflectingtheareasofhighcancerriskinExhibit34isthesamedatausedtogeneratetheregionalcancerriskmapinExhibit26,thenthecancerriskwasgeneratedattheregionallevel,andisthereforenotdirectlyattributabletorailemissions.SCAGmusteitherremoveExhibit34andmisleadingdiscussionlanguage,orsubstantiallyreviseitandprovidethesourcedata.IfSCAGkeepsExhibit34,itmustpresentidenticalmapsandCommentnoted.Exhibit34andrelateddiscussionwillbedeletedfromtheFinalEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,sincethismapismisleadingascancerrisksidentifiedinthismapareassociatedwithsourcesofpollutionthatincludebutarenotlimitedtorail‐relatedpollutionsources.ItisimportanttonotethatthecancerriskdatashowninExhibit34intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixisthesamedatautilizedforthemapshowninExhibit26,whichdepictscancerrisksrelatedtorailandothermobilepollutionsources.AlsoincludedintheFinalEnvironmentalJusticeAppedixisadetaileddiscussiononthemethodologyusedtodevelopthisdataset.50IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseanalysesforarterials,highways,andothertransportationsourcesdiscussedintheplan,suchasairports.SCAGshouldensurethatmapsforeachsourcearepresentedinthesamemanner:atthesamescale,withthesamecolorscheme,andutilizingthesamebufferdistances.[refertoletterforcommentdetails,pp.10‐13]018‐08KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix]:SCAGrailimpactsandhighwayimpactsarehandleddifferentlybySCAG,bothindiscussiontextandinhowtablesandfiguresareorganizedanddisplayed.Whenanalyzingdataonpotentiallyimpactedareas,SCAGusesshorterdistancestocreatethegeographicbuffersaroundthehighwaysandarterialsthanitdoesaroundtheraillines.Thisarbitraryselectionaffectsnotonlytheevaluationoflocalimpactsfromrail,butalsotheassessmentofwhethertheimpactedcommunitiesareinfactEJcommunities.WewouldliketoseemoreinformationonhowSCAGreacheditsconclusionsthatraildisproportionatelyimpactsEJversusnon‐EJcommunities.SCAGdoesnotshowarationalbasisfortheseconclusions.SCAGdoesnotprovideanyjustificationforthedifferencebetweenbufferdistancesaroundrailversushighwaysandarterialsusedintheanalysis.SCAGshouldeitherjustifythedifferencebetweenthebuffersormakethemthesame.Inthediscussionofhighwayandarterialimpacts,SCAGcomparestheimpactsfromon‐roadsourcesasaresultofimplementingtheRTPtotheimpactsofano‐planscenario.However,thiscomparisonisnotcompletedforrailimpacts.TheapproachSCAGstafftookincharacterizingthe"Rail‐RelatedImpacts"createsthepotentialforaninaccurateinterpretationofrail'scontributiontotheregion'sairquality.Further,althoughSCAGbroadlystatesthatrailremissionsaresignificantonpage131,SCAGdoesnotquantifyactualemissions.Quantificationofrailemissionsandthecomparisonbetweenemissionsfromtrucksonhighwaysandrailintheregioniscriticaltounderstandingfreighttransportationtradeoffs,thecontextunderwhichrailinvestmentsaremade,andthepotentialshiftsbetweentransportationmodes[refertoletterforcommentdetails,pp.13‐14]Commentnoted.IntheFinalEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,thebufferareasofstudysurroundingraillineshasbeenadjustedtoimprovetheirparitywithsimilaranalysisinthereportforhighwaysandarterialsasneeded.Textdescribingrailrelatedemissionshasbeenrevisedasappropriate.018‐09KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix]SCAGneedstoclearlystatewhethertherailmitigationmeasuresintheEJAppendixareapartoftheresource‐constrainedplanorapartofthestrategicplan.SCAGCommentnoted.SCAGexaminedrailimpactsattherequestoftheFederalHighwayAdministration.TheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxintheEJAppendixprovidesalistof51IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseneedstoclarifywhowouldberesponsibleforpursuingthesemitigationmeasures,wherethefundingwouldcomefrom,inwhattimeframethemeasureswouldbeimplemented,andunderwhatauthority.First,SCAGrecommendstheaccelerationofcleanerline‐haullocomotives.Atthistime,thesenewtechnologiesareuntestedandunproveninlinehaullocomotiveapplications.Second,theEJappendixrecommendstheinstallationofsoundbarriersandacousticalinsulation.SCAGneedstobeclearaboutwhethertheRTPrequiresthesemeasurestobeimplemented,oriftheyareonlyrecommendedactionsforfutureconsiderationthatdonotcurrentlyhavefundingidentified.SCAGalsoneedstoclarifywhethertheinstallationofsoundbarrierswouldbeontheRailroad'spropertyandiftherewouldbeanypotentialforinterruptiontorailroadoperations.Finally,inresponsetotherecommendedstrategytoreducespeedorhoursofoperation,SCAGshouldnotethattheRailroadsoperate24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.Limitinghoursofoperationwouldhavenation‐wideeffectsandcouldultimatelyresultinhigheremissionsintheSCAGregionifcontainerswereshiftedtotrucktransport.Additionally,trainspeedsaredictatedbytrackconditionsandregulatedbytheFRAandthereforefalloutsidetheauthorityofSCAG.Accordingly,thisstrategyshouldberemovedfromtheEJappendix.[refertoletterforcommentdetails,pp.15‐16]voluntarymeasuresthatcouldhelpaddressenvironmentaljusticeconcerns,iffeasibleandapplicableinfutureprojects.TheserecommendationsweredevelopedconsistentlywiththeDraftPEIRandhavebeenrevisedconsistentwiththeFinalPEIRtoclarifythattheyarevoluntaryanddonotcreatearequirementonprojectsponsors.SCAGwillremovethereferencetoelectrification,theaccelerationofcleanerline‐haullocomotives,acquiringrights‐of‐way,andacousticalinsulationintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.Themeasurereferencingconstructionofsoundbarriershavebeenrevisedtoemphasizethatthemeasuresarevoluntaryandthemeasurereferencinglimitsonoperationhasbeenremoved.018‐10KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix,page145,sentencebeginningwith"Additionally,the2012RTPproposesrailroadelectrification..."]:AccordingtotheGoodsMovementAppendixandtheRTP,SCAGisnotproposingtoimplementelectrification,butrathertocontinuestudyofelectrificationandotherultra‐lowemissionstrategiesinthefuture,ifadditionalfundsbecomeavailable.Therefore,SCAGshouldremovethesentencethatclaims"the2012RTPproposesrailroadelectrification"andrevisethissectiontobeconsistentwiththeGoodsMovementAppendixandtheRTP.SCAG,andotherlocal,regionalandstateagencies,donothavetheauthoritytorequiretheRailroadstopursueelectrification.Commentnoted.SCAGwillremovethereferencetoelectrificationintheEJAppendix.TheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxprovidesalistofvoluntarymeasuresthatcouldhelpaddressenvironmentaljusticeconcernsforfutureprojects,iffeasibleandapplicable.ClarificationlanguagehasbeenaddedtotheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationtoolbox.018‐11KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix,page131,sentencebeginningwith"Environmentalpollutionfromlocomotives,railyardsandotherrailfacilities..."]:SCAGdoesnotspecifywhattypesofrailitisreferringtointheimpactsassessment.IsSCAGincludingfreightandpassengerrail?Ifpassengerrailisincluded,arecommuterCommentnoted.SCAGconcursthatrailemissionsisproportionallyasmallcontributiontoregionalPMandNOxemissions.Asdescribedinthegoodsmovementtechnicalappendix(p32intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix)railemissionsare5%and4%ofregionalgoodsmovementrelated52IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselinesandurbanlinesaccountedfor?In2010,ARBestimateslocomotivescontributedlessthanonepercentofPM2.5emissionsandlessthanthreepercentofNOxemissionsintheSouthCoastAirBasin.Asapointofcomparison,othermobilesourcessuchaspassengervehicles,off‐roadequipment(e.g.farmandconstruction),anddieseltrucksintheSouthCoastAirBasincontributeroughly20%,24%,and27%ofNOx,and8%,10%,and7%ofPM2.5,respectively.Despitethis,SCAGportraysrailemissionsasregionallysignificantintheEJappendix.Finally,theRailroadsdisagreewithSCAG'sstatementthatlocomotiveemissionsareanational"majorpublichealthconcern."TheairqualityandmixofemissionssourcesintheSCAGregionareunique,andperhapsuniquelychallengingduetothegeographicandmeteorologicalconditions.AsSCAGnotes,33%ofallfreightcontainersintheUSmovethroughtheSouthernCaliforniaports.Manyofthesegoodstravelonrail,andyet,railislessthan3%ofNOxand1%ofPMemissionsintheSouthCoastAirBasin.NOxandPMemissions,respectively.Therevisedlanguageclarifiesthatwhilethisisarelativelylowcontribution,concentrationsofrailactivitiescanresultinlocalizedrailpollutionhotspots.TextintheEJAppendixhasbeenclarifiedandwillspecifythatanalysisincludespassengerandfreightrail.018‐12KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[EJAppendix,page145,sentencebeginningwith"Thetraintrafficindexofeachrailroadsegmentiscalculated..."]:SCAGusestheresultsofthetraintrafficindextosuggesttherelativelevelofimpactondifferentrailsegments.DidSCAGincludepassengertrainsinthisindex?SCAGshouldstatewhetherExhibit36reflectsbothpassengerrailandfreightrailorjustoneortheother.SCAG'sassertionsaboutthecorrelationbetween"accidents"and"trafficdelays"onsuchsegmentsarepurelyspeculativeandshouldbenotedassuch.Also,thereshouldbeadiscussionoftheplannedimprovementsscheduledfortheseareas,throughexistingcommitmentsforgradeseparationsandcapacityimprovements,suchastheColtonCrossing.Inaddition,SCAGfailstoincludeacomparisonoftheimprovementsintraintrafficindexoverthelifespanoftheRTP.SCAGshouldclarifythattheindexprovidedissimplyasnapshotintimefor2010.GiventhatColtonCrossingisacommittedandfundedproject,SCAGshouldshowrelativeimprovementgainedthroughcompletionofColtonCrossingandothernear‐termgradeseparations.Furthermore,SCAGprovidesnoinformationthatthe"totalgatedowntimeoftwogradecrossingslocatedatbothendsofthesegments"hasbeencorrelatedtotrafficcountsonthestreetswiththegatesdown.WithouttrafficCommentnoted.Thetraintrafficindexofeachrailroadsegmentiscalculatedbyusingaveragedailytrainvolume,includingbothpassengerrailandfreightrail,multipliedbydailytotalgatedowntimeoftwogradecrossingslocatedatbothendsofthesegment.Thesectionrelatedtotraintraffichasbeenclarifiedandmodifiedasappropriatetoaccountforyourquestionsandsuggestions.53IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecountsorthetimeofdaydata,SCAGcandrawnoconclusionsaboutthecorrelationbetweengatesbeingdownandtheimpactstohumanpopulations.018‐13KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page34]:SCAGneedstobeclearaboutwhichspecificactivitiesassociatedwiththephasesofdevelopmentlistedinFigure9areintheresource‐constrainedplan,whichhavefundscurrentlyavailable,andwhichactivitiesdonothavefundsavailable.Thiswillhelpclarifywhichactivitieswillonlybeimplementedwhen,andif,additionalfundsbecomeavailable.Ifthereisfundingcurrentlyavailable,SCAGneedstostatethatitplanstocarryoutthetimelinepresentedforthetechnologydemonstrationandpotentialimplementationofnewfreightmovementtechnologies.Ifnot,itshouldpointoutthatsuchaprojectcouldnotbeimplementeduntilorunlessfundingbecomesavailable.Additionally,itisworthnotingthatanyfullscaledemonstrationand/orcommercialdeploymentwouldneedthefullsupportoftheRailroads,andpotentiallyothergovernmentalagencies,tomoveforward.SCAGshouldalsoincludeaprovisionthattheRailroadswillbeinvolvedinthedesignoftheparametersforafull‐scaledemonstration.InFigure9,itappearsthatPhase1isalreadycompleteandconsistedofworkdonetodevelopthedraft2012RTP.Ifthisistrue,SCAGshouldclarifythatpoint.ThetimeframeforPhase2willvarysubstantiallydependingonwhichtechnologyisstudiedfurther.SCAGshouldspecifythetechnologiesthatwouldbeevaluatedinPhase2andprovidespecifictimeframesforeach.Inanyevent,thetimeframeidentifiedbySCAGforPhase2isfartooshortfortheevaluation,development,completionoftheenvironmentalreviewprocessanddemonstrationofanelectrifiedsystem.ThedesiredaccomplishmentsinPhase3areunrealisticfortheshorttimeallocated.Thetimelineshouldberevisedsothatanydeploymentoroperationaldemonstrationwouldcomeaftersufficienttimehasbeenallocatedtoresolvealltechnical,operational,andsafetyissuesidentifiedforthevariouslowemissionsystemoptions.Additionally,thetimelineforPhase4isunrealisticandshouldbelengthenedtogiveadequatetimeforzero‐emissiontechnologiestomatureandundergosufficienttesting.Commentnoted.Fundingforresearch,developmentanddemonstrationhasbeenfurtherclarifiedinthetextoftheRTP.Weagreethatanyregionaldecisionsshouldincludetheinputofallstakeholdersinvolved.Wehaveclarifiedthetexttostrengthenthispointandaddressyourconcerns.Commentsconcerningtimeframesarenoted.018‐14KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmental[GoodsMovementAppendix,page36,sentencebeginningwith"Phase2alsoincludesinitialproofofconcept..."]:SCAGshouldCommentnoted.54IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAssociatesclarifyunderwhatcircumstancethisphasewillbeundertaken.ThedraftRTPimpliesthatitwouldonlytakeplaceiffuturefundsarecollectedfromtheVMTtax,butitisunclear.IfPhase2isundertaken,theRailroadsbelievethatSCAGneedstoexplicitlyoutlineonwhatright‐of‐wayandforwhatpurposessuchasystemcouldbedeployed.Additionally,partofPhase2shouldincludeanevaluationtoestimatethetotalcapitalandoperatingcostsforsuchasystem,howthosecostsmightbepassedthroughtocustomers,andifthemagnitudeofthecostsmightcausecargotoshifteitherbetweenmodesortoadifferentpoint.018‐15KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page39]:ItwouldappearfromthesimplelanguageinTable16thattheactionslistedareincludedintheresourceconstrainedportionoftheRTP.However,SCAGhasyettoidentifywhatfundingsourcewouldbeused,andinwhattimeframethe"agencyaction"wouldoccur.Specifically,SCAGshouldclarifywhetherthereisfundingavailablefortheincorporationofa"footprint"andplanningforwaysidepowerintoraillinesand/orwhetherthereisfundingidentifiedtosupportrailevaluationanddemonstrationefforts.Ifthereisnotmoneyavailableforsuchefforts,theRailroadsbelievethatthesemeasureswouldmoreappropriatelybeplacedinthestrategicplan.Inanycase,thetimeframeforimplementingtheseactions(2012)isunrealisticgiventhelackoffundingidentifiedtodate.ItisnotclearhowSCAG,AQMD,and/orARBwilldetermineifelectrifiedrailtechnologiesarefeasible.TheRailroadsshouldparticipateinthedevelopmentofdesigncriteriatomakethisdetermination.SCAGalsoneedstoclarifywhatismeantby"incorporate"intothe2012AgencyActionsection.Specifically:Whatprocesseswouldoccurshouldanyoftheseelementsbe"incorporated"intotheRTP?Wouldthisincorporationinvolveaformalamendmentprocess?WouldtheRailroadshaveanopportunitytocommentifSCAG,AQMD,and/orARBweretopursueanyoftheseimplementationactions,basedontheRTP?Commentnoted.018‐16KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page42,sentencebeginningwith"Becauseofthecostandpotentialoperationchallenges..."]:SCAGstaffhasexplicitlystatedatvariouspublicmeetingsthatmainlineelectrificationisnotpartoftheresourceconstrainedplanorthestrategicplan.Pleaseconfirmthatthisisthecase.Commentnoted.Mainlineelectrificationisnotpartoftheconstrainedorstrategicplan.AsstatedintheRTP,SCAGwillworkwithregionalstakeholderstofurtherstudyapplicabilityfortheregion.Thetextwasnotintendedtosuggestarequirement;rather,itindicatesthatanyefforttoconstructan55IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAdditionally,SCAGshouldexplainwhatismeantbythestatementthatSCAGwouldrequirethe"cooperationbytheBNSFandUPrailways."electrifiedrailsystemwouldneedtheparticipationofbothrailroads.018‐17KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page42,sentencebeginningwith"Twopromisingtechnologiesthatareunderdevelopment..."]:SCAGshouldexplainthatneitherthehybriddiesel‐electriclocomotivenorthebatteryelectrictendercartechnologiesarecurrentlyavailableandarenotpartoftheresourceconstrainedorstrategicplan.Eachtechnologywouldneedtobedesigned,developed,andtestedpriortoimplementation,whichisaprocessthathistoricallyhastakenbetweenfivetotenyears.Commentnoted.Thetextreflectsthatthesetechnologiesareunderdevelopmentandnotyetcurrentlyavailable.018‐18KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[RTPpage42,sentencebeginningwith"TheRTPgoodsmovementstrategyensures..."]:SCAGneedstoclarifywhatismeantbythe"planningefforts"fora"regionalzeroemissionfreightsystem."Theseplanningeffortswillbe,astheRailroadsunderstand,thecontinuedstudyandevaluationoftechnology,operationalissues,andcostsassociatedwithvariouselectricity‐basedoptions.Whilethesetechnologieswilllikelyoffersomelocalizedemissionsreductions,ascleanerdiesellocomotivesareintroducedintotheregion,includingTier4locomotives,themagnitudeofemissionreductionswillbesignificantlyreduced.SCAGidentifiesasimilartrendinthepotentialforemissionsreductionsfrompassengertransportationstrategiesonpage28oftheRTP.SCAGshouldalsonotethatthemagnitudeofthebenefitsassociatedwithelectrificationactivitywouldbediminishedwiththeintroductionofcleanerlocomotives.Commentnoted.018‐19KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page41,sentencebeginningwith"Switcherlocomotivescontributeonlyasmallshare..."]:TheRTPshouldnotethatSCAG,andallotherlocal,regional,andstateagencies,donothavetheauthoritytorequiretheretrofitorreplacementofTier0orTier0+locomotives.SCAGshouldclarifythatthisstrategycanonlybeimplementedonavoluntarybasis,isnotintheresource‐constrainedportionoftheRTP,andwillonlybeimplementedifstakeholderscanfundthereplacementofolderswitcherlocomotives.Tier4locomotivesarenotinproductionyet,andarenotexpectedtobecomecommerciallyavailableuntil2015.Therefore,itisillogicaltoincludeastrategytorepowerswitcherlocomotiveswithTier4enginesastheydonotcurrentlyexist.Moreover,thisisnotacost‐effectivestrategytoreduceemissionsasswitcherenginesCommentnoted.56IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseburnfarlessfuelthanline‐haulunits.TheRailroadshaveusedpublic/privatepartnershipsinthepasttohelpreduceemissionsfromswitcherlocomotivesasopportunitiesarise,butfutureprojectionsoutto2023regardingtherepowerofswitcherenginestoTier4arenotrealistic.018‐20KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[GoodsMovementAppendix,page35,sentencebeginningwith"Additionally,significantefforthasgoneinto..."]:SCAGshouldnotethatwhenthePortspresentedtheirevaluationof"zeroemission"optionsinmid‐2011,theyconcludedthat,"noneoftheproposalsweresufficientlymaturetocommittoafull‐scaleoperationaldeploymentordemonstratedtheycoulddeliverareliableandfinanciallysustainablesystem..."Commentnoted.018‐21KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[ProjectListAppendix,p.422]:SCAGidentifies$3,771,002,000for‘goodsmovementresearchanddevelopment’aspartoftheresourceconstrainedplaninmeasureRRC0703.Thislanguageisvagueandpotentiallymisleading.Thefundingsourceisunclear,andisnotmentionedintheGoodsMovementappendixorintheRTP.SCAGneedstoclearlyidentifythesourceoffundsandtheirspecificuse.Whattechnologieswould"goodsmovementresearchanddevelopment"cover?WhydoestheRTPIDbeginwithRRC‐isthatindicativeoftheintentiontousethesefundsforrailtechnologydevelopment?Wherecouldareaderfindthewrite‐upofRRC0703?Thisvagueplaceholderforgoodsmovementresearchanddevelopmenthasthepotentialtobeinterpreteddifferentlybyvariousstakeholdersandneedstobeclarifiedtoavoidfutureconflict.Commentnoted.Furtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedinthetextasappropriate.018‐22KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[PassengerRailAppendix,p.16,sentencebeginningwith"IntheSCAGRegion,thisplanwillbecomplicatedbydriveissues."]:Beforemovingforwardwiththispartofthepassengerraildevelopment,SCAGand/ortheHighSpeedRailAuthorityneedtoaddresswhethertheoverheadcatenarylineswillinterferewithfreightrailroadoperations.FailuretoreconcilethisissuecouldresultinmajoroperationalissuesintheSCAGregionandresultineconomicandenvironmentalharm.SCAGshouldidentifyiffundinghasbeenallocatedtostudythepotentialissueswithsharedROWsandwhatagencywoulddecideifandhowfacilitiescanbeshared.TheRailroadsshouldbeincludedinallconversationsandstudiesthataddressusingrailfacilitiesastonotadverselyaffectthegoodsmovementsystem.Commentnoted.018‐23KirkCalifornia[PassengerRailAppendix,p.21,sentencebeginningwithCommentnoted.57IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseMarckwaldEnvironmentalAssociates"Currently,railservicebetweendowntownLAandtheCoachellaValley..."]:UPhasenteredintoanagreementwithSCAGmemberagenciestostudythepossibilityofservicetotheCoachellaValleythatwouldbeservedbywhateverAmtrakserviceiscurrentlyprovidedintheregion.TherewouldbelostfreightcapacitytoUPinprovidingsuchservicethatwouldhavetobemitigatedinsomemanner.018‐24KirkMarckwaldCaliforniaEnvironmentalAssociates[PassengerRailAppendix,p.19,sentencebeginningwith"PhaseIIisfromMaderatoSacramento..."]:AportionofthisanalysisimpactsUPownedROWs.UP'spositiononthissubjectwasbeststatedinitsNovember23,2009lettertotheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthorityprovidingscopingcommentsfortheLosAngelestoSanDiegoviaInlandEmpireEIR/EIS.UPownstheLosAngeles,Alhambra,andYumasubdivisionsROWsinfeesimplebetweencentralLosAngelesandtheColton‐SanBernardinourbancomplex.UPcontrolsandoperationandmaintenanceofthesesubdivisions.NoothercarrierorgovernmentagencyhastherighttopermitotherrailroadsorrailoperatorstouseanypartofthisROW.TheseCTC‐dispatchedmainlines,primarilysingle‐trackbutwithsomesegmentsofdoubletrack,formthewesternendofthevitalSunsetRouteandarethemainconduitsformovementofPacificRimcontainersoutoftheportsofLosAngelesandLongBeach.Theimportanceofthesesubdivisionstotheefficientmovementofcontainersandotherfreighttrafficcannotbeoverstated.Confirmingpriorstatements,bothwrittenandoral,UPwillnotvoluntarilymakeanypartofthesesubdivisionsavailableforthehigh‐speedrailalignment.Commentnoted.019‐01TimCarmichaelCaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalitionIamwritingonbehalfoftheCaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalitiontoprovidecommentsontheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments’(SCAG)2012‐2035DraftRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).TheCaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalition(CNGVC)isanassociationofnaturalgasvehicleandenginemanufacturers,utilities,fuelprovidersandfleetoperatorsservingthestate.Weworkwithlegislatorsandregulatorstodeveloppoliciesthatwillincreasealternativefuelandvehicleuse,supportnewinitiativesandprovideup‐to‐dateinformationonNGVtechnologyandmarketdevelopments.OurprimaryconcernisthatthedraftplanlargelyignoresnaturalgasasatransportationfuelanditspotentialtobeasignificantpartofCommentnoted.WhiletheRTPisrequiredtobebasedonthevehiclefleetassumptionsinARB'sEMFACmodel,SCAGhassoughttofurthertheimplementationofalternativefuelsinanumberofplanningefforts,includingapplyingforandreceivingAB118funding.AsdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazeroemissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.Forexample,theSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedwiththreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,corresponding58IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsethesolutionfortheregion’stransportation,airquality,andsustainabilitygoals.Byfocusingalmostentirelyon“zero‐emission”vehicleswebelieveSCAGismissingtheopportunitytodevelopastrategythatachievesthesamebenefitsinashortertimeframeandforsignificantlylesscost.OverthelasttwodecadeswehaveseeninCaliforniathatitisverydifficulttopredictwhichtechnologywillsucceedandevenmoredifficulttosaywhentheywillachievesignificantmarketpenetration.Thatiswhymoreagenciesandcompaniesaretakingaportfolioapproachtodevelopinganddeployingcleantransportationtechnologies.NaturalgasshouldbeanintegralpartofyourRegionalTransportationPlan.Naturalgasisaverycleanfuel,availabletodayforhalfthepriceofdiesel,anditisabundantinNorthAmerica.Thisiswhythemedium‐andheavy‐dutyvehiclemarketsinparticularareembracingnaturalgaslikeneverbefore.Manypublicandprivatefleetsareinvestinginnaturalgasvehicles.Transitagencies,taxifleetsandprivatecompaniessuchasWasteManagement;UnitedParcelService,AT&T,andVerizonhavepurchasedthousandsofsmall,medium,andlargenaturalgasvehicles.Theheavydutyvehiclesectorseemstoshowthegreatestpromisefornaturalgasbecauseofthefuelcostsavingsoverdieselandthelackofotherviablealternativestodiesel.RecentlySwiftTransportation,oneofthelargesttruckingcompaniesinthecountry,saidtheywouldbeinvestingheavilyinnaturalgastrucksandcouldreach30%‐40%penetrationintheirfleetin3‐4years.withthedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,withfuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhasshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.019‐02TimCarmichaelCaliforniaNaturalGasVehicleCoalitionBecarefulabout“zero‐emission”.Thetermisusedabittoofreelythesedays.UsinglifecycleemissionsanalysisCaliforniahasfoundthatzero‐emissionsatthetailpipeareonlypartofthepicture.Itisimportanttoconsiderthewholepictureincludingupstreamemissionsfromproductionandtransportationoffuels.Somearetryingtodrawabrightlinebetween“ZEVfuelsandtechnologies”and“non‐ZEVfuelsandtechnologies”.Wedonotseeabrightlinenowandtotheextentthatthereisalineweseeitfadingovertime.Naturalgasvehiclesarenear‐zeroemissionstodayandaregettingcleanerwitheachgenerationofengines.Biomethane(akarenewablenaturalgas)hasbeenidentifiedasoneofthecleanesttransportationfuelsbytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard.RenewableNaturalGashas90%lesscarbonemissionsthangasoline.Sourcesincludelandfills,Commentnoted.59IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseagriculturaloperationslikedairies,andwastewatertreatmentplants.Whetheritisusedonitsownorblendedwithconventionallynaturalgasitislikelytobeoneofthecleanestfuelsintransportationoverthenextcoupleofdecades.Forthesereasonsweaskyoutoreviseyourplantoincludenaturalgasasameaningfulpartofthesolution.020‐01LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WecommendSCAGforthedetailedpreparationandanalysisevidentinthedraftRTP/SCSandaccompanyingdocuments.TransportationplanningforaregionofSCAG’ssizeanddiversityisachallengingendeavor.ThedraftRTP/SCSshowsanimpressivecommitmentnotonlytoaddressingtheregion’stransportationneedsbutalsotofulfillingthenewrequirementsofSB375.However,wehavesomeconcernthatthedraftRTP/SCSdoesnotmakeadequateprovisionfortheuniquecircumstancesofruralcommunitiesintheSCAGregion,particularlythelow‐incomeruralcommunitiesthathousetheregion’sagriculturalworkforce.WeofferthefollowingcommentsinanefforttoensurethatSCAGwilladoptafinalRTP/SCSthataddressestheneedsoflow‐incomeruralandfarmworkercommunities.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSisintendedtoaddressallthecommunitiesinanequitablemannerthroughouttheregion.020‐02LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatSCAGaddanRTPgoalfocusedonequitabledistributionofthebenefitsandburdensoftheRTP/SCS.ThedraftRTP/SCSincludesalistofRTPGoals,setforthonp.13andcorrelatedwithperformancemeasuresasdescribedonp.15.TheRTPGoalsaddressanumberofkeyconcernssuchassafety,airquality,goodsmovement,andfacilitationoftransitandactivetransportation.However,theRTPGoalsincludedinthedraftRTP/SCSfailtoaddressissuesofequity,eitheronasocioeconomicaxis(equitabledistributionofburdensandbenefitsacrosssocioeconomiccategories)oronageographicaxis(equitabledistributionofburdensandbenefitsthroughoutthediversecommunitiesoftheSCAGregion).GiventhesizeanddiversityoftheSCAGregion,itisunlikelythatsuchequitywillbeachievableunlessitismadeaprimarygoaloftheRTP/SCSandexplicitlyconsideredateachstepoftheRTP/SCSdevelopmentprocess.WerecommendthatSCAGaddanRTPGoalincorporatingthesetwoaxesofequity.ThemajorityofourremainingrecommendationswouldsupporttheincorporationofsuchagoalintothefabricoftheentireRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.Theintentofthe2012RTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisistoinformtransportationdecisionssothatlow‐incomeandminoritycommunitieshaveampleopportunitytoparticipateinthedecision‐makingprocessandreceiveanequitabledistributionofbenefitsandnotadisproportionateshareofburdens.The2012RTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.TheresultsofthespecificperformancemeasuresdemonstratetheregionalaggregatebenefitsvariousdemographicgroupsareanticipatedtoexperienceasaresultoftheRTP.Foradetaileddescriptionoftheresults,pleaserefertothe2012RTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.Projectimpactsareaddressedindetailduringsubsequentproject‐levelenvironmentalreview,basedonmorepreciseinformationregardingprojectspecifications.RegardingtheadditionofRTPgoals,theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Forexample,tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformance60IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewcategoriessuchlocationefficiency.Inaddition,performancemeasuresarealsodevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingontheprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasuresforfutureplanupdates.020‐03LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatSCAGfurtherthefarmlandpreservationgoalofSB375byactivelyplanningforthetransportationandhousingneedsoftheregion’sagriculturalworkforce.Asacknowledgedonp.128andinExhibit4.8ofthedraftRTP/SCS,SB375requiresSCAGtoincludeintheSCSaconsiderationofresourceareasandfarmland.SeeCal.Gov’tCode§65080(b)(2)(B)(v).Thepreservationofproductivefarmlandwillnecessarilyrequireprovidingfortheneedsoftheregion’sagriculturalworkforce,includingtheneedforthecreationofappropriatelysiteddecentaffordablehousing–generallyatlevelsaffordabletoextremelylow‐income(ELI)households–andtransportationoptions,includingtransit,thatfacilitatefarmworkers’accessnotonlytotheiragriculturalworkplacesbutalsotohumanservices,children’sschools,medicalfacilities,retail(includingfull‐servicegrocerystores),non‐agriculturaljobsforotheradultmembersoffarmworkerhouseholds,andotheramenities.Intheinterestofpreservingtheregion’sfarmlands,werecommendthatSCAGincorporatetheconsiderationoftheseneedsasacomponentoftheconsiderationrequiredbySB375.ThisrecommendationwillalsofurtherSB375’sbroadergoalofgreenhousegasreductionbyincreasingtransitaccessibilitytoruralpopulations,resultinginareductionofvehiclemilestraveled.Commentnoted.Chapter2ofthe2012RTP/SCSdescribesapolicyfortheconsiderationofopenspaceresourcesinfutureplanningefforts.ThispolicyinvolvesastrategicplanningprocessengagingCTCs,localgovernments,resourcesagenciesandothers.Thisprocesswillleadtoidentificationofpriorityopenspaceresourcesandopportunitiesforfarmlandconservationforfutureconsiderationbylocalagencies.Intermsofhousing,considerationofthehousingneedsinruralareas(includingfarmworkerhousing)havebeenaddressedthroughtheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmethodologyprocess,andresultingdraft2014‐2021RHNAplan.Also,pleaseseethejob/housingfitandbalanceanalysisfortheinter‐countycommutersintheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix(pgs.59‐61).SCAGstaffusedthesameLongitudinalEmployer‐HouseholdDynamics(LEHD)dataasSACOG/UCDavistoconductthefollowinganalysis:(1)convertLEHDdatatoSCAGTAZgeographiesandconductacorrelationanalysisbetweenjob/workerratioandcommutingdistance/time;(2)definebothdistanceandtravelbasedbuffersbymodestoinvestigaterelationshipsbetweenjob/workerratio,jobpay/workerearningmatchandcommutingdistance,traveltimeandmodeusage;(3)confirmtheobservationandconclusionforinter‐countycommutersusingtheLEHDdata.Theinitialresultfromtheitem#1inthemethodologydescribedaboveshowedthatthereisnocorrelationbetweenjob/workerratioandcommutingdistance.SCAGanticipatescompletionoftheentireanalysisbysummerandwillsharetheresultsandpolicy61IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimplicationswithacademics,MPOsandallinterestedparties.020‐04LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.LikemanyruralareasintheSCAGregion,theEasternCoachellaValleyisseverelyunderservedbytransit.BusserviceisutterlynonexistentforlargeportionsoftheEasternCoachellaValleypopulation.AfewcommunitiesintheEasternCoachellaValleyreceivebusservice,butitsutilityissignificantlydiminishedbylongheadwaysandinconvenienttransfers.InordertoaccesstheeducationalandworkopportunitiesoftheWesternCoachellaValley–wherehousingcostsareunaffordabletothelow‐incomefarmworkerhouseholdsoftheEasternCoachellaValley–ruralresidentsmustbudgetuptofourhoursperdayforbuscommuting.Thislevelofservicecreatestremendousobstaclestotheuseoftransitbyruralresidents,perpetuatingarelianceonpersonalvehiclesandexcludingresidentswhocannotaffordtousepersonalvehiclesforlengthycommutes.Busservicetosuchunderservedcommunitiesshouldbeexpandedandimprovedintheinterestofequity,environmentaljustice,andgreenhousegasreduction.Commentnoted.Considerationofthehousingneedsinruralareas,includingfarmworkershousing,havebeenaddressedthroughtheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA)methodologyprocess,andresulting2014‐2021RHNAplan.Amajorstrategyofthe2012RTP/SCSisincreasingthefrequencyoftransitserviceandimplementingnewexpressbusserviceinareasunderservedbytransit,orinareaswithlatentdemandfortransit.Thisgoalischallengedhoweverbytransitoperatorsoperatinginarecentenvironmentofreducedfundingfromthestateandlocalsalestaxreceiptsforoperationsfunding.AmajorrecommendationoftheRTP/SCSistoseeknewsourcesoffundingfortransitservices.020‐05LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WespecificallyrecommendthatSCAGconsiderthefollowingstrategies:∙Regularlyconveneplanningstaffandgovernmentaldecision‐makersfromjurisdictionscontainingfarmlandtofocusonmeetingunmethousingandtransportationneedsofagriculturalworkers;ensurethatsuchconveningsareinformedbyinputfromagriculturalworkersand/orfromcommunity‐basedorganizationsfamiliarwiththetransportationandplanningneedsoftheagriculturalworkforceandotherruralresidentsCommentnoted.Considerationofthehousingneedsinruralareas,includingfarmworkershousing,havebeenaddressedthroughtheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA)methodologyprocess,andresulting2014‐2021RHNAplan.Thisprocessinvolvedregularmeetingsandoutreacheffortstolocaljurisdictionsthroughouttheregion,includingthosejurisdictionscontainingfarmland.020‐06LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.∙Providetechnicalassistancetomemberjurisdictionsbyconductingfeasibilityanalysesofcreativetransitstrategies,suchaslocalcirculatorsinruralcommunities,toaddresstheunmettransitneedsoffarmworkerfamiliesandotherruralresidents∙Encouragetheimplementationoffarmworker,student,andcommutervanpoolsinruralareas;providetechnicalassistanceonvanpoolsbymaintainingalibraryofresourcesonsuchtopicsasprojectdevelopment,financing,outreach,andprojectadministration∙Explorethefeasibilityofvanpoolsorsimilarprogramsfornon‐work‐relatedtransportationneedssuchasaccesstomedicalfacilities,retail,andotherservices∙Conductoutreachtogovernmentaldecision‐makersandcommunitygroupsregardingfundingCommentnoted.62IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseopportunitiesforexpansionandimprovementoftransitinruralareas.020‐07LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.Intheinterestofmitigatingtheimpactsofgentrificationandprovidingadequateservicestoagriculturalworkersandotherlow‐incomeruralresidents,werecommendthatcertainofthebenefitsproposedforHQTAsbemademorewidelyavailable.WecommendSCAGforitsinnovativeproposalstoincentivizegrowthinhigh‐qualitytransitareas(HQTAs).However,asisnotedatvariouspointsthroughoutthedraftRTP/SCSandthedraftEnvironmentalJusticeSupplementalReport,thereareas‐of‐yetunansweredconcernsaboutthelikelihoodofgentrificationinHQTAs,aslower‐incomehouseholdsfindthemselvespricedoutofincreasinglydesirablehousingmarkets.Thus,certainHQTA‐relatedincentives,suchastransitfarediscounts,wouldlikelyprovidegreaterbenefitstohigher‐incomehouseholdsthantothelower‐incomehouseholdswhoneedsuchfarerelief.Furthermore,certainsectorsoftheSCAGregion’spopulation–suchasagriculturalworkers–donotrealisticallyhavetheoptionoflivinginanHQTA;HQTAincentivesshouldnotexcludesuchhouseholds,whosecontributiontotheregion’seconomyandcharacterarerecognizedinSB375’sprioritizationoffarmlandresources.InordertoenhancetheequityoftheHQTAincentivesproposedinthedraftRTP/SCS,werecommendthatSCAGconsiderthefollowingaugmentationsofthoseincentives:∙Providelocalcirculatorservicesinnon‐HQTAsthatareunservedbyexistingtransitservices,includingruralagriculturalcommunities∙Considerhouseholdincome,andnotsolelyHQTAresidencestatus,instructuringanytransitfarediscount(s).Commentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.020‐08LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.Inaddition,wenotethatcertainlanduseandtransportationpoliciescouldresultinthedevelopmentofmoreHQTAsthanarecontemplatedinthedraftRTP/SCS.ThisisparticularlytrueintheinlandcountiesofRiverside,SanBernardino,andImperial,whereverylowpercentagesofthepopulationcurrentlyhaveaccesstohigh‐qualitytransitbutwhereslightdecreasesinbusheadwayscouldbringexistingbusrouteswithinthedefinitionofhigh‐qualitytransit.Furthermore,wenotethatsomeoftheHQTAsdesignatedinthedraftRTP/SCSappeartobealongrouteswithextremelylimitedaccessibility,suchasInterstate10servingtheWesternCoachellaValley.Commentnoted.HQTAsaredefinedbystatelaw;however,wehaveconsideredandincorporatedlandusestrategiestobeconsideredbylocaljurisdictionsforareasthatmayeventuallybecomeHQTAs.63IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAlthoughsuchshort‐headwaybusroutesarelikelytoprovidehigh‐qualitytransittopeoplelivingatdesignatedstopsalongtheroute,itseemshighlyunlikelythatallpersonslivingwithintheInterstate10corridorwillrealisticallyenjoysuchaccess.WerecommendthattheutilityandaccessibilityofHQTAsbeextendedviathefollowingmeasures:∙PrioritizationoftheextensionofHQTAstatustomorecommunitiesbydecreasingbusheadways,particularlyintheinlandcountiesofRiverside,SanBernardino,andImperial∙Closecollaborationwithcommunity‐basedgroupsandwithcounty‐levelplanningstaffandgovernmentaldecision‐makerstoincreasethefeasibilityofdevelopingaffordablehousinginruralareasatadensityoftwentydwellingunitsperacre(forexample,throughmodifyinglocalzoningordinancestoallowdensitiesoftwentyunitsperacreinmobilehomeparkslocatedonlandzonedforagriculturaluse),suchthattheseareascouldbeeligibleforHQTAincentives∙AdoptamoreflexibledensitystandardforHQTAsinagriculturalareasinordertomakeitfeasibleformobilehomeparks,whichconstitutethevastmajorityofaffordablehousingintheEasternCoachellaValleyandfrequentlyoccurindenseclustersalongmajorthoroughfares,toqualifyforincentivessuchaslocalcirculatorsandtransitfarediscounts∙EnsuringtheutilityandtransparencyoftheHQTAdesignationbydefiningHQTAsbasedonresidents’accesstotransitstops,ratherthansolelybyproximitytoahigh‐qualitytransitroute.020‐09LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatSCAGtakealeadershiproleindevelopingnon‐regressivefundingmechanismsfortransportationdevelopment.WeapplaudSCAGfortakingonthedifficultquestionoftransportationfundingandtheongoingwisdomofrelyingonexistingfederalandstategastaxstructures,includingexcisetaxes.However,someofthefundingmechanismsonwhichthedraftRTP/SCSreliesarelikelytohaveregressiveand/orinequitableimpacts,causinglow‐incomehouseholdsandcommunitiestobearadisproportionateshareofthecostoftheregion’stransportationsystem.Point‐of‐salerevenuesources–suchassalestaxes,gasolinetaxes,andfareboxrecoveries–indisputablyhavearegressiveimpactonhouseholdsleastabletoaffordthem.TheprojectedVehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)taxseemslikelytofurtherthegoalsofSB375bycreatingincentivesforpeopletoliveintransit‐richareasCommentnoted.OneofthekeyprinciplesweconsideredasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategiesistoestablishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.Werecognizethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective.Thatiswhywedidnotassumeitwouldbeimplementedpriorto2025.Theinclusionofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisbasedonrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LUtoestablishsustainabletransportationrevenuesources.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinance64IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseclosetojobs,services,andretailopportunities.However,giventheveryrealriskofgentrificationinsuchneighborhoods,theVMTislikelytohaveadisproportionateimpactonlower‐incomehouseholdswhocannotaffordthehigherhousingcostsofdesirableurbanneighborhoods.Furthermore,asdiscussedabove,SB375encouragesMPOstoprioritizethepreservationoffarmlandresources.AVMTcouldunderminethisgoalbycreatinganunaffordableburdenonfarmworkerfamilies,whofacelengthycommutesnotonlytothefieldsandpackinghousesinwhichtheyworkbutalsotomedicalcare,groceryandotherretailoutlets,schools,humanservices,andotheramenities.Residentsofagriculturalareashavelittleaccesstoanyformoftransportationotherthanpersonalvehicles,andthedraftRTP/SCSdoesnotproposeexpandingtransittoreducethisburden.Farmworkerhouseholdsshouldnotbepenalizedforfailingtousetransitwhentransithasnotbeenmadeavailabletothem.WerecommendthatSCAGapplyitsconsiderabletechnicalexpertisetodevisingandadvocatingformoreequitablemechanismsoftransportationfundingatthelocal,state,andfederallevels.OnepossibilitymightbeaVMTtaxstructuredtoallowtaxcreditsforlower‐incomehouseholdsand/orforotherhouseholdsthatareunabletoaccesshousingintransit‐richneighborhoods,suchasfarmworkerhouseholds.BecauseaVMTtaxcannotbeassessedatthepointofsale,itislikelytobefarmoreflexiblethanatraditionalgastaxandcanthereforebemademoreresponsivetoequityconcerns.Appendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.020‐10LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatdataontheenvironmentaljusticeimpactsofthedraftRTP/SCSbedisaggregatedinordertofacilitateanalysisoftheimpactsondisadvantagedcommunitieswithintheSCAGregion.SignificantportionsofthedraftRTP/SCS,particularlythedraftEnvironmentalJusticeSupplementalReport(draftEJReport),analyzedataattheregionallevel.Forexample,thedraftEJReportsummarizesthefollowingdatabasedonitsregion‐wideimpactsonspecificincomequintilesandracialorethnicgroups:distributionofsavingsintraveltimeanddistance;accessibilitytoemploymentandservices;accessibilitytoparks;exposuretoemissionsandconsequenthealthrisks;andexposuretonoiseimpacts.However,themapspresentedinExhibits1‐14ofthedraftEJReportdemonstratethatenvironmentaljustice(EJ)populationsarenotdistributedCommentnoted.Asnotedabove,the2012RTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.WelookforwardtoworkingwithCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.toprovidedatathatcaninformlocalanalyses.ItshouldbenotedfromtheEJanalysisresultsbelowthatwhilesomelocationsareidentifiedwithemissionsincreases,thisanalysisdidnotaccountforplanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.Thesecorridorsintheplanareexclusivelyforzeroandnear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Iftheseemissionimprovementshadbeenaccountedforwebelievetheanalysiswouldshownohotspotsassociatedwiththeplan.Assuch,theemissionsandexposureanalysisshownintheEJAppendixisabundantlyconservativeand65IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseevenlythroughouttheregion;rather,therearepocketswherecertainEJvariablesareextremelyconcentrated,withdisproportionatelyhighpercentagesofpoverty,minoritypopulation,foreign‐bornpopulation,non‐English‐speakers,andpopulationswithoutahighschooldiplomaconcentratedincommunitiesofextremedisenfranchisement.SuchcommunitiesincludenotonlyurbanpocketsinandnearLosAngeles,butalsotheagriculturalcommunitiesoftheEasternCoachellaValleyandmuchofImperialCounty.Ananalysisthatexamines,forexample,emissionsexposureencounteredbytheentireLatinopopulationoftheSCAGregionfailstoaddressthewaysinwhichburdensofthedraftRTP/SCSmightormightnotbedisproportionatelyvisitedonlocalitiesthatstruggleundertheweightofmultiplecategoriesofdisadvantage.Inparticular,theEasternCoachellaValley–thepopulationofwhichisover97%Latino–appearstorealizefewbenefitsunderthedraftRTP/SCS,givingrisetoanappearanceofdenialofserviceinthisareaandperpetuationofhistoricexclusion.BasedonthelevelofanalysismadeavailablebySCAGinthedraftEJReport,itisimpossibletodeterminewhethertheEasternCoachellaValleyisexpectedtobearadisproportionateshareoftheburdensofthedraftRTP/SCS,suchasincreasedexposuretoemissionsand/ornoiseimpacts.demonstratingworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Evenintheeventthathotspotsremainafteraccountingforvehicletechnologyimprovements,thereisnoreliablewaytoconcludehotspotswouldoverlaywithEJcommunities.Neithertheavailabledataonemissionsnorondistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisatapreciseenoughlevelofgeographytoshowwheretheywouldintersect.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwithmitigationidentifiedintheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.020‐11LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.Furthermore,wenotethattheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxonpp.147‐48ofthedraftEJReportdoeslittletoaddressthespecificrisksconfrontedbylocalEJcommunities.WhiletheToolboxprovidesanumberofsuggestionstoreduceRTP/SCS‐relatedimpactsthroughouttheSCAGregion,itsrecommendationsdonotacknowledgetheheightenedlevelofexposuretoenvironmentalrisksthatisall‐too‐frequentlyvisiteduponcommunitiesofconcentrateddisadvantage.Inordertominimizethechancesthatlocalitiesofextremedisenfranchisementwilldisproportionatelybeartheburdensof–andbedeprivedofthebenefitsof–thedraftRTP/SCS,werecommendthatSCAGtakethefollowingsteps:∙UsethegeographicdatainExhibits1‐14ofthedraftEJReporttoidentifylocalEJcommunitiesthataresubjecttotwoormoreofthecategoriesofdisadvantagehighlightedintheExhibits∙ConductaPerformanceAreaAnalysis(similartothe11‐factorPerformanceAreaAnalysissetforthinpp.34‐146ofthedraftEJCommentnoted.TheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxprovidesavoluntarysetofmitigationmeasurestobeconsideredbyprojectsponsorsforsubsequentprojects.SCAGwillincludemitigationstrategiesforgentrification.WelookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithEJstakeholders,includingtheCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.Additionalstrategiescanbeincludedandanalyzedforfutureprojectsthroughtheirenvironmentalreviewprocess,asfeasibleandappropriate.66IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseReport)withrespecttoeachofthelocalEJcommunitiesthusidentified∙MonitorimplementationoftheRTP/SCStoquantifyactualimpactsonlocalEJcommunities.020‐12LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatSCAGutilizeamorebroadlyacceptedmeasureofeconomicdisadvantageinconductingitsenvironmentaljusticeanalysis.ThroughoutthePerformanceAreasAnalysisofthedraftEJReport,SCAGreliesonincomequintileasameasureofeconomicdisadvantage.However,asindicatedontheincomequintiletableonp.6ofthedraftEJReport,thismeasurementisnotdefinedinawaythataccountsfordifferencesinhouseholdsize;aone‐personhouseholdwithanincomeof$45,000/yearfallsintothesamequintileasaseven‐personhouseholdwithanincomeof$45,000/year,althoughthesetwohouseholdsfacevastlydifferentfinancialprospects.Ananalysisconductedonthisbasiswillnotyieldanaccuratemeasureofeconomicneed.WerecommendthatSCAGinsteadusethemeasuresofExtremelyLow‐Income,VeryLow‐Income,Low‐Income,ModerateIncome,andAboveModerateIncomeestablishedannuallybytheCaliforniaDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentbasedondataprovidedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment.Thesefiguresareabroadlyacceptedmeasureofahousehold’srelativeeconomicneedandarealreadyeasilyavailabletoSCAGduetoitsobligationsrelatedtothecalculationoftheRegionalHousingNeedAllocation(RHNA).AnEJanalysisbasedonthesefigureswillyieldafarmoreaccurateportraitoftheimpactsofthedraftRTP/SCSonhouseholdsofvariouslevelsofeconomicneedorprivilege.Commentnoted.WeagreewiththecommentandgeneralpracticesbytheUSDepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment(HUD),theCaliforniaDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment(HCD),andotheragenciestodefinepovertyorincomethresholdsbasedonhouseholdsizeforvarioussocial,housing,andwelfareprograms.However,theCensusBureaudoesnotprovideacrosstabulationofhouseholdincomedistributionbyhouseholdsize.WhileSCAGhasdevelopeda"PopulationSynthesizer"thatusesCensusandPUMSdatatogeneratehouseholdincomedistributionbyhouseholdsizeforeachTAZ,thebehaviorchangesareprimarilyonlyavailableatlevelsassociatedwithhouseholdincome,nothouseholdincomedistributionbyhouseholdsize.Finally,householdincomedistributionbyincomequintileiscloselycorrelatedtotheincomecategoriesusedfortheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA),whicharebasedonmedianhouseholdincomewithoutreferencetohouseholdsize.020‐13LauraMassieCaliforniaRuralLegalAssistance,Inc.WerecommendthatSCAGprovidemoredetailedanalysisregardingtheexpecteddistributionofairqualityimpactsofthedraftRTP/SCS.AlthoughwecommendSCAGfordevelopingadraftRTP/SCSthatwillimproveoverallairqualityintheregion,weareveryconcernedtolearnthat23‐29%ofSCAG‐regionresidentsareexpectedtoexperienceworseairquality.ThedraftRTP/SCSandSupplementalReportsdonotclarifywhichportionsoftheregionareexpectedtorealizethegreatestairqualitybenefitsandwhichwillsuffertheexpecteddeclinesinairquality.WerecommendthatSCAGprovideadetailedgeographicanalysisofthedraftRTP/SCS’sprojectedairqualityimpactsandincludethisanalysisintheEJPerformanceAreasCommentnoted.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigationmeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshownin67IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAnalysis,subjecttotherevisionsofthePerformanceAreasAnalysisrecommendedabove.WefurtherwishtocalltoSCAG’sattentionthatruralareasoftheEasternCoachellaValleyarecurrentlynotsubjecttoadequateairqualitymonitoring.TheairqualitymonitorsmaintainedbytheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict(SCAQMD)fortheCoachellaValleyareinurbanizedareasoftheValleyanddonotreflecttheairqualityoftheruralandagriculturalareasoftheEasternCoachellaValley,whichsufferfromhighlevelsofblowingdust(includingfromtrafficoverunpavedroads),pesticidesprays,smokefromagriculturalburning(oftenincloseproximitytoresidentialareas),andparticulatesfromthedryingSaltonSea.WerecommendthatSCAGaggressivelypursuethespiritoftransportationconformitybyadvocatingforexpansionofairqualitymonitoringtotheEasternCoachellaValleyandtootherareasthataresubjecttouniqueairqualitystressorsnotdetectedbySCAQMD’sairqualitymonitorsascurrentlydistributed.thisAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.021‐01RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationTheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationisconcernedaboutsomeoftheassumptionsmadeforthe"ReasonablyAvailableRevenues"projections.SCAGhasidentified$219.5billioninadditionalrevenuesthataccordingtotheRTPare"...likelytomaterializewithintheRTPtimeframe"(SCAG2012RTP,Page7).Asubstantialportionofthe$219.5billionthathasbeenidentifiedinthe$110.3billionthatwouldbegeneratedfroma"Mileage‐BasedUserFee"setat$0.05permileandcommencingin2025(2012SCAGRTPTransportationFinanceAppendix,page15,16).AlthoughSCAGnotesthatthey'veprojectedthefeetocommencein2025,substantialamountofstudyisneededonthefeasibilityofimplementingsuchasystemoncommercialmotorcarriers.Todate,therehasbeenlittletonostudydoneonhowasystemwouldbeadministered,orwhatthefinancialburdenwouldbeforemotorcarriersandultimatelyconsumers.Commentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Numerousstudieshavebeenconductednationallytoevaluatemileage‐baseduserfeeoptions.Nevertheless,SCAGconcursthatfurtherworkwouldbenecessarybeforeimplementation.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.68IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse021‐02RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationAlthoughSCAGhasalsoindicatedthattherevenuesprojectedfromamileagebaseduserfeewillbegeneratedonanationallevel,theCaliforniaTruckingAssociationwillnotethatitstronglyopposestheimplementationofamileagebaseduserfeeonlocalorregionallevels(2012CTAFederalTransportationPolicyGuideline).Commentnoted.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationofamileage‐baseduserfeeonalocalorregionallevel.021‐03RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGhasalso$4.2billioninprojectedrevenuegenerationfroma"FreeFee/NationalFreightProgram"(2012SCAGRTPTransportationFinanceAppendix,Page7).TheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationhassupportedtheinclusionoftheNationalFreightProgramintheSenateEnvironment&PublicWorksCommitteeMap‐21legislation.However,wehavenotendorsedspecificstrategiestofundanyexpendituresmadethroughtheprogramotherthantheexistingHighwayTrustFundsources(2012CTAFederalTransportationPolicyGuideline).Commentnoted.ThestrategyemployedtofundexpendituresunderanationalfreightprogramwillbedeterminedbyCongress.021‐04RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationTheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationalsostronglyopposeslocal,regionalorstatewidefreightfeeproposalsthatwouldcompromisethecompetitivenessofCalifornia'sshipping,warehousingandcommercialtruckingindustry.Suchasystemmustbeexplored,developed,andimplementedonanationallevelonly.Commentnoted.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EconomicimpactsupontheSCAGregionwerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.021‐05RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGhasalsoprojected$22.3billioninrevenuegenerationfortheregionthroughthetollingfacilitiesassociatedwiththeI‐710FreightCorridor,theEast/WestFreightCorridor,theHighDesertCorridor,andtheSR‐710tunnel(2012SCAGRTPTransportationFinanceAppendix,Page34,35).Ingeneral,theCaliforniaTruckingAssociationopposestollingasameansforrevenuegenerationduetothehighoverheadcostassociatedwithrunningtollingfacilitiesandprograms,thepotentialforincreasedcongestionaroundtollingfacilities,andthedisproportionatefinancialburdenthatisplacedonthetruckingindustry.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizestheCaliforniaTruckingAssociation’sconcernsabouttolling.However,theRTPassumesrevenuesgeneratedfromtollfacilitiesarerestrictedtotheconstruction(includingpayingdebtserviceassociatedwithconstruction),aswellasoperationandmaintenanceofthosesamefacilitiesandarenoteligibleforanyotherfacility,projectorprogram.021‐06RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationInaddition,theCaliforniaTruckingAssociationisveryconcernedaboutthetollrevenueestimatesthathavebeenassociatedwiththeEast‐WestFreightCorridorandtheI‐710FreightCorridor.Iftheseproejctsareplannedaszero‐emissioncorridorsasapartoftheGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategyandActionPlanasoutlinedbytheRTP,theneartermrevenuesgeneratedfromthesetollingfacilitieswillnotmeettheestimatedprojectionsthathavebeenprovidedduetoanCommentnoted.Thetollrevenueestimatesreferencedalsoincludestollrevenuebondproceeds.SCAGrecognizestheimportanceofappropriatelystructuringtollratestoaccommodatephasedpenetrationofadvancedtechnologiesasavailable.Assuch,SCAGanticipatescontinuedcoordinationwithstakeholders,includingtheCTA,inrealizingtheregion’sgoodsmovementinitiatives.69IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseoverestimateofzeroemissiontechnologypenetrationrates.021‐07RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationIngeneral,theCaliforniaTruckingAssociation'sanalysisoftheProjectListAppendixhasbeenpositive.WeareencouragedthatSCAGcontinuestobeconcernedaboutthedegradationofourroadwaysystem,andisplanningtoinvestsignificantamountsofcapitalinmaintainingourcurrentroadwayinfrastructure.Wefirmlybelievethatsucheffortswillimprovegoodsmovementefficiency,reducecongestion,improveregionaleconomicproductivity,andreducepollution.Commentnoted.021‐08RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGincludes$3,771,002,000for'goodsmovementresearchanddevelopment'asapartoftheresourceconstrainedplaninmeasureRRC0703(2012RTPProjectListAppendix,Page422).WebelievethatthisallocationisnotmentionedintheGoodsMovementappendixorintheRTP.Toavoidconfusionorconflict,SCAGneedstoclearlyidentifywherethesefundswouldcomefrom,andspecifically,whattheywouldbeusedfor.Whattechnologiesandsectorswould'goodsmovementresearchanddevelopment'cover?WherecouldwefindthedescriptionofRRC0703?Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedfurtherclarificationintheGoodsMovementAppendixassuggested.021‐09RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationAlso,identifiedinthelistisa$5billionallocationfora"GoodsMovementBottleneckReliefStrategy"(2012SCAGRTPProjectListAppendix,Page422).TheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationissupportiveofidentifyingandimprovingbottleneckchokepointsthatrestricttheabilitytomovegoodsefficientlybytrucks.Movingforward,weurgeSCAGtoincludeindustrystakeholdersinanydiscussionssothatinputcanbegivenonthelocationswhicharerestrictivetomotorcarriers.Commentnoted.AspartofitsComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategy,SCAGhasworkedwithregionalpartnersandperformedsignificantanalysisaimedatidentifyingmajorregionaltruckbottlenecksandpotentialsolutions/projectstoaddressthem.Followingthereleaseofthe2012RTPandtheComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategy,SCAGwillcontinuetoengageappropriatestakeholdersinaddressingregionaltruckbottlenecks,includingindustryrepresentativessuchastheCaliforniaTruckingAssociation.021‐10RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationTheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationhasnottakenapositiononwhetherornottoendorsetheEast‐WestCorridor.WehopetocontinuehavingdiscussionswithSCAGinregardstotheproject'scosts,accessabilities,anddesignconcepts.However,weurgeSCAGtoimmediatelyinformanyandallpropertyownersalongtheprojectalternativealignmentsaboutthepotentialforfutureeminentdomainissues.SCAGshouldaccountforfundsthatwillbeneededtofairlycompensatepropertyownersthatcouldpotentiallybeaffected.Commentnoted.InclusionoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridorinthe2012RTPallowsforfurtherworktobeconductedontheprojectthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).Specificcosts,accessibilityconcerns,designs,andalternativealignmentswouldbeidentifiedthroughthisprocess.Additionally,furtherdiscussionofprojectmitigationconcernswouldbeaddressedthroughupcomingprocesses.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatpreliminaryanalysisdidconsideradjacentlandusesandpotentialright‐of‐wayimpacts.SCAGcontinuestoworkwithaffectedcommunities.021‐11RJCervantesCaliforniaThemembersoftheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationareCommentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithprivate70IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTruckingAssociationdedicatedtoworkingwithpolicymakersinordertoenhancethequalityoflifeofallCaliforniansthroughenvironmentalprotectionmeasuresthatarebasedonsoundscienceandthatarebalancedwiththerealitiesoftheeconomicmarketplace.Inthepastdecade,thetruckingindustryhasgonethroughtransformativechangesduetoregulatorymandatesandvoluntarycompetitivemeasuresinordertogetcleanertrucksontheroad.SCAG'sGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategyandActionPlanareofgreatinterestandconcerntoourmembersthathavemadesubstantialinvestmentsinnewtechnologiesatdramaticcoststotheircompanies.industry,includingtheCaliforniaTruckingAssociation,toidentifyappropriateandpragmaticsolutionstoregionalemissionsconcerns.021‐12RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGshouldacknowledgethatparticipationofgoodsmovementstakeholdersinanyofthestrategiesidentifiedbySCAGintheGoodsMovementappendixwouldbeavoluntaryprocessandnotmandatory.MandatingspecifictechnologiesunderminestheinvestmentsourmembershavemadeinresponsetotheARBTruck&BusRule.TheCaliforniaTruckingAssociationwouldstronglyopposeanyandalleffortstoimposeanewtimelinefortruckturnoverthatwoulddifferentiatefromtheARBregulations.Commentnoted.StrategiesidentifiedintheGoodsMovementAppendixarenotintendedtoserveasmandates.SCAGrecognizesandacknowledgestherolethattheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(CARB)servesasarule‐makingbody.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithCARBandprivateindustryinterests,includingtheCaliforniaTruckingAssociation,toidentifyappropriateandpragmaticsolutionstoregionalemissionsconcerns.021‐13RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGprovidesaspecifictimeframeforthestudyanddemonstrationofvariouszeroornear‐zeroemissiontechnologies(2012SCAGRTPGoodsMovementAppendix,Page34).Theinformationispresentedinawaythatmightbeapplicableforallofthetechnologyoptionsandallflets.Infact,thereisnosignificantvariationinthedifferenttechnologies'stagesofdevelopment.Notalltechnologieshavebeencreatedequalduetoimplementationconcernsandmarketreadiness.SCAGshouldaccountforthisreality.Commentnoted.SCAGacknowledgesthatvarioustechnologiesareindifferingstagesofdevelopment.Theactionplaniswrittentoaccommodatedifferencesamongtechnologies.Forinstance,duringthe20yearperiodofphase4,technologieswillbedeployedastheymeetthecriteriafordeploymentestablishedbyregionalstakeholders.ThiswasclarifiedintheGoodsMovementAppendix.021‐14RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationInordertointroducezeroornear‐zeroemissiontechnologiesinprivatefleets,SCAGwouldneedtoworkwithregionalcompanyownersbyprovidingsignificantamountsofcapitaltomeetthegoalslaidoutintheplan.Theupfrontincrementalcostsforthesevehiclesvaryfrom$20,000‐$100,000+overcomparabledieselpowertrains.Thesefiguresdonotencompassthesignificantinfrastructureinvestmentsandlossofoperationalflexibilityassociatedwithzeroandnear‐zeroemissiontechnologies.WhichactivitieshavefundscurrentlyavailableandhavebeenaccountedforintheRTP'sfiscallyconstrainedplan?SCAGneedstohelpidentifywherethefundingwillcomeCommentnoted.The2012RTPGMenvironmentalstrategyincludeseffortstogainabetterunderstandingofpotentialcostdifferentialsforcommercialdeployment.FurtherclarificationwillbemadeintheRTPconcerningfundingforresearch,developmentanddemonstrationinitiatives.71IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefrominordertomeetthesenewgoals.021‐15RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationIfthereisfundingcurrentlyavailable,SCAGneedstostatethattheyplantocarryoutthetimelinepresentedfortheimplementationofazeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightsystem.Ifnot,itshouldbepointedoutthatsuchaprojectcouldnotbeimplementeduntilorunlessfundingbecomesavailable.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationwillbemadeintheRTPconcerningfundingforresearch,developmentanddemonstrationinitiatives.021‐16RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationAdditionally,SCAGshouldnotethatanyfullscaledemonstrationand/orcommercialdeploymentwouldneedthefullsupportoftheinvolvedstakeholderstomoveforward.SCAGshouldalsoincludeaprovisionthatthebusinessstakeholderswillbeinvolvedinthedesignoftheparametersforafull‐scaledemonstration.Commentnoted.SCAGconcursthatanyregionaldecisionsshouldincludetheinputofallstakeholders.Wehaveclarifiedthetexttostrengthenthispoint.021‐17RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationFurthermore,thefinalstagesinthetimelineareunrealisticandshouldbelengthenedtogiveadequatetimeforzero‐emissiontechnologiestomatureandundergosufficienttesting.Aninadequateorinsufficientdemonstrationprogramcouldresultinprematureadoptionandcouldleadtoseriousdisruptionstothegoodsmovementsystemandthusunintendedconsequencesfromsignificantjoblossandeconomicimpactstotheregion.Commentnoted.Givendiscussionwithourstakeholdersandcurrentunderstandingoftechnologyreadinesslevels,thetimeframesarereasonable.Iffurtherstudyindicatesotherwise,SCAGwilladjustthetimeframeaccordingly.021‐18RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationAstruckingcompaniesworktogetherwithregulatoryagenciestofurtherreduceemissionsintheSCAGregion,anytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,orreliabilityofthevehicle.Commentnoted.SCAGconcursthatanytechnologyselectedmustmeettheseobjectives.LogisticsworkinggroupstobeestablishedinPhase2oftheActionPlanmayprovidefurtherguidance.021‐19RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGshouldclearlystateintheRTPthattodate,stakeholdershavenotreachedconsensusontechnologies,timing,oremissionsimpactsofpossiblethevariousoptionsSCAGexaminedintheGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategyandActionPlan.Commentnoted.TheRTPoutlinesanactionplantoevaluateandbetterunderstandthesetechnologies.021‐20RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationItwouldbeunwisetocommitfundingtolargescaleinfrastructureprojectstosupportzeroemissiontransportationtechnologiesuntilthesetechnologiesmature.Certainearlyapproachesmayquicklybecomeobsoleteasheavydutypartialhybridelectricandbatteryelectricvehiclesreachcommercialization.Commentnoted.Theactionplanallowsforallavailabletechnologiestobeexploredandthemostappropriateonestobeselected.021‐21RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationSCAGshouldnotoversellitstimelineforzeroemissiontechnologypenetrationratesnorcanitpredicthowthismarket,justbarelyinitsinfancy,willperforminthecomingyears.Commentnoted.Givendiscussionwithourstakeholdersandcurrentunderstandingoftechnologyreadinesslevels,thetimeframesarereasonable.Iffurtherstudyindicatesotherwise,72IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseArbitrarytimelinesarenotasubstituteforthekindofanalysisthatproducesgoodpublicpolicyandefficientgovernmentexpenditure.SCAGwilladjustthetimeframeaccordingly.021‐22RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationI‐710/East‐WestFreightCorridors:WeagreewithSCAG'sobservationthatthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionheavydutyvehiclemarkethasyettodevelopafullymarketreadytechnologyasoftheauthroingofthe2012RTP.Commentnoted.021‐23RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationI‐710/East‐WestFreightCorridors:SCAGshouldapproachtheroleoftheFreightCorridorsinnurturingthisemergingmarketrealistically.Whileexemptionfromtollsorotherprivilegesgrantedzeroandnear‐zeroemissionheavydutyvehicleswillplayaroleinincentivizingacceleratedadoption,thesetechnologieswillfacesignificantimplementationchallengesoutofSCAG'scontrol.Commentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridoroffersthepotentialtoincentivizetheadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.Continuingresearchandcollaborationwithstakeholdersisnecessarybeforedevelopmentofanyfullscaleimplementationpolicies.021‐24RJCervantesCaliforniaTruckingAssociationI‐710/East‐WestFreightCorridors:FacilityrestrictionsthatpreventNationalNetworkterminalaccessforreasonsotherthansafetyarecurrentlyprohibitedbyfederallaw.Commentnoted.SpecificdesignconsiderationswouldbedeterminedaspartofanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).022‐01EdAmadorCanyonLandConservationFundUndertheEndangeredSpeciesAct,theUnitedStatesFishandWildlifeServicehavedefinedcriticalhabitatasareasthatsupportendangeredorthreatenedspeciesthatareessentialtothespecies'conservation.ThedescriptionintheConservationPlanningPolicysection(page76oftheDraftRTP/SCS)states"large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitattomitigateimpactsrelatedtofuturetransportationprojects".WebelievethereareotherhabitatareasintheSCAGregionworthconsideringforacquisitionandmanagementandthereforeSCAGshouldnotlimitthemitigationopportunitiestoonlycriticalhabitat.Wesuggestexpandingthelanguagetoincorporateall"importanthabitatlands."ThankyouforreviewingourcommentsandwelookforwardtoworkingwithSCAGontheimplementationofthispolicy.Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.023‐01CarleneMatchniffCentennialCaliforniaTheapplicationfortheproposedsustainablenewtownofCentennial,locatedattheintersectionofI‐5andSR‐138inNorthLosAngelesConty,wasdeemedcompletebytheCountyofLosAngelesin2008.Theproposed$9.5Billiondirectinvestmentinthisregionover20yearswillprovide23,000homes,approximately27,500constructionjobsandover30,000permanentjobsforLosAngelesCounty.Byprovidingapedestrianoriented,sustainablecommunitydesignwithabalanceofjobsandhousingandthenecessarydensitytoCommentnoted.73IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesupportpublicandcommunityservicesfortheentireregion,Centennialwillcomplementtheinfill,TODdevelopmentsbeingproposedintheurbancores,achievinglong‐termemissionsreductionsasmandatedbySB375.023‐02CarleneMatchniffCentennialCaliforniaSCAGRTP/SCSandPEIRcorrections–TAZs20280.100and20281.100,CountyofLosAngeles:RTP/SCSexhibit4.13,LandUsePatternMapSCAGRegion2035,correctgrowthpatternshadingtoreflectCentennial.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.023‐03CarleneMatchniffCentennialCaliforniaSCAGRTP/SCSandPEIRcorrections–TAZs20280.100and20281.100,CountyofLosAngeles:RTP/SCSExhibit4.15LandUsePatternMapSCAGRegion2035,correctgrowthpatternshadingtoreflectCentennial.Commentnoted.SCAGwilluseupdatedmapstoreflectthecommentinthefinalRTP/SCS.023‐04CarleneMatchniffCentennialCaliforniaSCAGRTP/SCSandPEIRcorrections–TAZs20280.100and20281.100,CountyofLosAngeles:PEIRExhibit3.8‐1,RegionalDistributionofImportantFarmlandsandGrazingLands;needtoclarifythedifferenceinsimilarcolorsonthelegend.CentennialisGrazingLandandshouldbereflectedassuch.Recommendthemapdistinguishthecolorsonthelegendforgrazinglandsandnon‐irrigatedfarmlandsastheyaredifficulttodistinguishascurrentlypresented.Commentnoted.Exhibit4.17hasbeentoaddresscomment.023‐05CarleneMatchniffCentennialCaliforniaSCAGRTP/SCSandPEIRcorrections–TAZs20280.100and20281.100,CountyofLosAngeles:PEIRexhibit3.8‐9,HouseholdDensitybyCensusTract,correcttocorrespondtothehouseholdTAZsfortheareaandchangeexhibittothe901‐1,500category.Commentnoted.Thetitlewasincorrectlylabeledas"censustract"insteadofTAZ.Wehavereviewedthedatawhichindicatesitwascategorizedcorrectlyandnotinthe901‐1,500categoryassuggested.023‐06CarleneMatchniffCentennialCalifornia[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber6.024‐01DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearch1.IncorporatetheOrangeCountyProjections‐2010ModifiedGrowthProjections,asadoptedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectors,intoalldocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andPEIRAlternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2)referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecastsconsistentwiththesubregionaldelegationMOUbetweenOCCOG,OCTAandSCAG.OnJanuary26,2012,theupdatetotheOCP‐2010dataset,knownasOCP‐2010Modified,wasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandisadataamendmenttotheOrangeCountySustainableCommunitiesStrategy.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG’supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasCommentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).74IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011andthisistheformalnoticeoftheupdatewhichshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andrelateddocuments.024‐02DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearch2.SCAG'sadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersshouldbeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs,andnotatasmallerlevelofgeographysuchascity,censustract,ortrafficanalysislevel.The2012growthprojectionsidentifypopulation,housingandemploymentdataforthesix‐countySCAGregion,from2008(Existing)to2020and2035.Thesegrowthprojectionsrepresentthebestavailableinformationfromlocaljurisdictions,thebusinesscommunityandlandowners.However,astimepasses,whatisfeasibleforanygivenprojectcanchange.Thetriggersforchangetoadoptedgrowthprojectionscanrangefromfactorssuchasmarketconditions,newinformationordata,infrastructureavailability,changesinfundingavailability(suchasthedissolutionofredevelopmentagenciesstatewide),andchangestojurisdictionalboundariesresultingfromfutureannexationsandincorporationsofpreviously‐designatedunincorporatedterritory.SCAGshouldcontinuetoadoptthe2012growthprojectionsatacountywidelevel,consistentwithpastapprovalsofRegionalTransportationplangrowthforecasts.Acountylevelofgeographyaccommodatesinternaladjustmentstochangingconditionsasdescribedabove,withoutcompromisingtheintegrityoftheoverallgrowthprojections.However,approvingthegrowthprojectionsatanylowerlevelofgeography,suchasatthecitylevel,wouldbechallengedwithcontinualrevisionsandshiftstothetotalnumberofhousing,populationandemploymentwithinacity,amongcities,andbetweencitiesandcountiesasaresultofthefactorsdescribedabove.Adoptionofthedataatalevellowerthanthecountywouldlimitjurisdictionalcontrolandcreateinflexibilityinaregionalplanningdocument.Inaddition,thelevelofgeographyinwhichRTP/SCSgrowthforecastisadoptedshouldnotbedeterminedbyotherprocesses.Forexample,theRHNAallocationsmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS;statelawdoesnotrequirethattheybeidentical.TheRTP/SCScanbeadoptedatthecountylevelandtheRHNAprocessmayproceedindependentlyuntilitiscompletedaftertheappeals,trades,andtransfersarecompleted.TheRHNAallocationsthatwerederivedfromthegrowthforecastcanstillbedeterminedtobeCommentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.75IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS,evenifchangesaremadetothecitytotalsduringtheappeals,trades,andtransfersprocess.024‐03DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchAllchapterheadingsshouldincludetheChapternumberoneachpageforeaseofreference.Commentnoted.Chapternumbershavebeenadded.024‐04DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage1,leftcolumn:“The2012RTP/SCSincludesastrongcommitmenttoreduceemissionsfromtransportationsourcestocomplywithSB375,bothimprovepublichealth,andmeettheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsassetforthbythefederalCleanAirAct.AsCommentnoted.024‐05DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage4,rightcolumn‐“Thisregionneedsalong‐term,sustainablefundingplanthatensurestheregionreceivesitsfairshareoffunding,supportsanefficientandeffectivetransportationsystemthatgrowstheeconomy,providesmobilitychoices,andimprovesourqualityoflife.”Commentnoted.Weagreethattheregionneedstoensureitreceivesitsfairshareoftransportationfunding.024‐06DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchpage7,table2andpage95,table3.3‐Isadditional$0.15gastaxthesumtotalofbothstateandfederaltaxesor$0.15each?Commentnoted.Theadditional$0.15iseachstateandfederalexcisegastaxes.024‐07DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage12,rightcolumn‐“ItalsodemonstrateshowwecantransitionfromthingsweknowtobeunsustainableoverthelongtermandbeyondthetermofthisRTP—suchasrelianceonfossilfuels—tonewtechnologiesforthefuture.”Commentnoted.024‐08DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage30,rightcolumn;page31,rightcolumn;page73,rightcolumn‐AB32isglobalwarmingsolutionsact.SB375wasdeterminedtobestand‐alonelegislation.RTPdocumentisnotforumtoaddressglobalclimatechangeandreferencesareunnecessary,offtopic,anddistractfromRTPgoalandpurpose.“Globalwarming”and“globalclimatechange”/“climatechange”arenotinterchangeablephrases.Referencesshouldberemovedor,whereappropriate,languageshouldbechangedto“globalwarming”.“TheRTP/SCSincludesthefollowingactionstoaddressenergyuncertaintyandreducetheregion’scontributiontoglobalclimatechange:”“AdaptationClimatechangeglobalwarmingmitigationmeansreducingorsequesteringgreenhousegases,whereasadaptationispreparingforknownimpactsofclimatechangeglobalwarming.Overthecomingcentury,someclimatechangestudiesprojectthatSouthernCaliforniawillbeexpectedtomanageextremesofprecipitationandtemperature,increasedstormfrequencyCommentnoted.The2010CaliforniaRegionalTransportationPlanGuidelinesincludearecommendationtoaddressadaptationtoclimatechange,CaliforniaRegionalTransportationPlanGuidelines–6.30,AdaptationoftheRegionalTransportationSystemtoClimateChange.76IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandintensity,andsea‐levelrise.Theseclimatechangeswill/wouldimpactstreamflow,flooding,watersupply,sealevel,andsoilwatercontent.Theseimpactswill/wouldaffectagriculture,stormwater,wastewatertreatment,wildfirerisk,roads,foresthealth,andbiodiversity.Theseimpactswill/wouldalsohaveconsequencesforpublichealth,economiclivelihoods,thefinancialsector,theinsuranceindustry,individualcomfort,andrecreation.Inpractice,theseimpactswill/wouldmeancopingwith...”“Goodsmovementisalsoamajorsourceofgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsthatcontributetoglobalclimatechangewarming.”024‐09DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage40,leftcolumn‐“Strategicinvestments,putforthbytheprivatesector,thatwouldremovebarriersassociatedwithtelecommutingareexpected...”Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.024‐10DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage42,table2.2‐241tollroadcompletionyearis2030Commentnoted.Table2.2hasbeenrevisedwiththecorrectcompletionyearof2030.024‐11DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage50,leftcolumn‐“scrip”Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.024‐12DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage54,rightcolumn‐“Express/HOTLaneNetworkDespiteourconcertedefforttoreducetrafficcongestionthroughyearsofinfrastructureinvestment,theregion’ssystemdemandscontinuetoexceedavailablecapacityduringpeakperiods.”Commentnoted.Thereferencedstatementonpage54hasbeenrevisedtoclarifythatcapacityisexceededduringpeakperiods.024‐13DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage78,rightcolumn‐“GreenhouseGasesOnroademissions(frompassengervehiclesandheavydutytrucks)constitute93percentofthetransportationsectortotal.Emissionsfrompassengervehicles,whicharethesubjectofSB375andthisRTP/SCS,constitute___%ofthetransportationsector’sgreenhousegasemissionstotal.”Commentnoted.Emissionsfrompassengervehicles,whicharethesubjectofSB375andthisRTP/SCS,constitute79%ofthetransportationsector’sgreenhousegasemissionstotal.(Datasource:CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard,CaliforniaGreenhouseGasInventoryfor2000‐2008.)024‐14DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage80,leftcolumn;page82,rightcolumn‐Statementsaremade,suchasthefollowing,"theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth"(inpopulationintheregion).ThesestatementscouldbeinterpretedtobecontrarytoSCAG'sobligationundertheMemorandumofUnderstandingwithOCCOGtorespectthestrategiesandlocallandusepoliciesintheOCSCS.PleaseclarifyhowitisinSCAG'sabilitytoaffectlocalchangewhentheOCSCSisconsistentwithacceptanceoflocallanduseplansandplannedpopulationandemploymentCommentnoted.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.77IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedistribution?Recommendedtextchange:“Transportationprojectsincludingnewandexpandedinfrastructurearenecessarytoimprovetraveltimeandcanenhancequalityoflifeforthosetravelingthroughouttheregion.However,theseprojectsalsohavethepotentialtoinduceattractmoreoftheregionalpopulationgrowthincertainareasoftheregion.ThismeansthatalthoughSCAGdoesnotanticipatethattheRTPwouldaffectthetotalgrowthinpopulationintheregion,theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth.”“Inadditiontoinducedpopulationgrowth,transportationprojectsintheRTPalsohavethepotentialtodivideestablishedcommunities,primarilythroughacquisitionofrights‐of‐way.”TextindicatesthattheRTPandprojectsintheRTP/SCSas“inducing”growth.Itisnotedthatuseoftheterm“inducedgrowth”hasanegativeconnotationandimpliesgrowthaboveandbeyondwhatwouldoccurnaturally.However,itisstatedintheRTPthatthepopulation,housing,andemploymentgrowthtotalsarefixedandonlythedistributionsmaychangebasedontheplan.Thismeanstherewillnotbe“new”growthandthattheRTPandSCSmaysimplyinfluenceandshiftthegrowthanticipatedfortheregion.Thismovingofgrowthistheresultofchangesindistributionthatareduetochangesinlanduseordensities.Becauseofthis,itisrequestedthatreferencesto“inducedgrowth”berewordedtoreflecttheshiftingofgrowthintheregion.Recommendedtextchange:“CumulativeimpactsfromtheprojectedgrowthinducedbytheRTPincludeincreasedimpervioussurfaces;...”024‐15DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage95,Table3.3‐“Mileage‐baseduserfeeswouldbeimplementedtoreplacegastaxandaugment—estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permileandindexedtomaintainpurchasingpowerstarting2025.”Suggestedlanguageisfrompage31ofGrowthForecastAppendix:Currentgasolinetax,estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permilewillincreasethrough2025,thenin2026itwouldbereplacedwithamileage‐baseduserfeeindexedtomaintainpurchasingpowerCommentnoted.TheGrowthForecastAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoaccuratelyreflectthemileage‐baseduserfeeproposal.024‐16DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage105,rightcolumn‐“Whiletheregionwasonceknownworldwideasthe“capitalofsprawl,”theregiontodayisprojectinggrowthononlyasmallfractionofthelittlerawlandavailableintheregionlefttoaccommodateadditionalgrowth.”Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.024‐17DeborahDiepCenterforPage106,lastparagraph‐PleaserevisethetextinthelastCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedto78IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseDemographicResearchparagraphonpage106tostate:“ThesesubregionalSCSdocumentsareincorporatedintotheregionalSCSandrepresenttheSCSforeachofthesesubregions.”addresscomment,asappropriate.024‐18DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage110,rightcolumn‐“Municipalwaterandsewersystems,forexample,ensurecleanwater.Atthesametime,concretestormwaterrunoffchannelsharmwaterqualityandsprawleatsintoopenspaceasareasbecomemoreurbanizedandthepercentageofimpervioussurfaceisincreased,thehydrologicregimeisdramaticallyaltered.Drainageconveyancesthatoncewerenaturalandriparianarerequiredtobeengineeredashardenedfloodcontrolchannelstoprovideadequateprotectionofprivatepropertyandpublicinfrastructurefromtheincreasedfrequency,duration,peakflow,andoverallvolumeofstormwaterrunoff.Withthisarmoringofoncenaturalchannels,waterqualitybenefitsfrombiofiltrationarelostalongwithopportunitiesforinfiltrationandevapotranspiration,whichcanleadtohydromodifcationdownstreaminsectionswhicharenotyetengineeredandhardened.Manystrategies...”Commentnoted.TheFinalProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasurestoreduceimpactsfromstormwaterrunoffandimprovewaterquality.024‐19DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage127,rightcolumn‐“Gentrification”Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.024‐20DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage128,leftcolumn‐“Thus,thisadjustmentallowedthelandusepatterntoconformmorecloselytolocalexpectationsgeneralplans,whilereducingtheamountofvehiclemilestraveled.”Whose/Whatare“localexpectations?”Commentnoted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtochange"localexpectations"to"generalplans."024‐21DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage149,rightcol‐ReviselanguagetoclarifythatSCAGintendspolicies,strategies,andmeasuresareamenuofoptions.“Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernments,SCAG,andotherstakeholdersmayuseorconsiderwhilepreparingspecificprojectswhichwouldhelptosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS.”Commentnoted.Clarifyinglanguagewillbeaddedtothe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,asappropriate.024‐22DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage153,rightcolumn‐“EvaluationandRevisionSCAGwillalsotrackitsownprogressinimplementingitsRTP/SCSstrategiesinconjunctionwiththepreparationandadoptionofitsOverallWorkProgramandAnnualBudget.”Clarifyif“itsprogress”isSCAG’sprogressortheregion’sprogress.Commentnoted.ThisstatementreferstoSCAG'sprogressinimplementingtheRTP/SCS.024‐23DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicPage166,rightcolumn‐“Greenfield”Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.79IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseResearch024‐24DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage193,rightcolumn‐RCadoptedrevisedPPPinJanuary2012Commentnoted.ThetexthasbeenupdatedtoreflectthattheRegionalCounciladoptedPublicParticipationPlanAmendmentNo.3inJanuary2012.024‐25DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchpage194,rightcolumn‐“Inadditiontothesetargetedoutreachefforts,allregularandspecialmeetingsoftheRTPtaskforces,theTransportationCommittee(TC),theCEHD,theEEC,andtheSCAGRegionalCouncilarepubliclynoticedand...”Commentnoted.TextamendedtoreflectadditionalSCAGcommitteesthatarepubliclynoticedonPage194.024‐26DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage203,rightcolumn‐"...includingLosAngelesOntarioAirport,theMarchInlandPort..."ShouldLAXandOntarioairportsbenamedseparately?Commentnoted.LosAngelesOntarioAirportrefersonlytoOntarioAirport.024‐27DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage205,Add"Activetransportation"toglossary.Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.024‐28DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchInDecember2011,OrangeCountyprovidedSCAGwiththerevisedgrowthforecastdataset,OCP‐2010Modified,pertheOCSCSMOU(officialOCCOGBoardaction1/26/2012).PleaseincorporateOCP‐2010Modifiedintoallreports,tables,exhibits,alternatives,maps,andmodelingrunsforfinalRTP.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintoSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternativeCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).024‐29DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchHousingOptionsandMix:DefineLarger‐lotsinglefamilyintextCommentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐30DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage53,rightcolumn‐AlternativesA,B,CNamesofAlternativesdifferthanthoselistedinthePEIRonpagesES‐3and1‐4.Pleasebeconsistentwithnamingprotocolforalternativesbetweentwo/alldocuments.Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐31DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPage71,rightcolumn‐“PlanAlternative(B)...Thealternativemaintainscity‐levelforecastcontroltotalsforbothhouseholdsandjobs,however,withincityboundariesshiftsaremadetofocusamuchlargershareoffuturegrowthinamorecompactwayaroundHQTAs,[add]exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements[/add].Futurehousingmarketdemandisexpectedtoshiftsignificantlytosmalllotsingle‐family,townhomesandmultifamily[delete]hosuing[/delete]housing.”Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐32DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicPlanAlternative(B)DefinesmalllotsinglefamilyintextCommentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendices80IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseResearchhavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐33DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchPlanAlternative(C)“Asaresultverysuburbancommunitiesmayexperiencenonewhousingoremploymentgrowth,whilesomeurbanareaswithverygoodaccesstoregionaltransitmayexperiencesignificantincreasesinhousingoremploymentgrowth.”Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐34DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearch“Whileeachalternativeisdistinctive,anumberofparametersremainedconstantacrosseachalternative:theregionalRTP/SCSforecasttotalforpopulation,householdsandjobs;...”“Detailedforecast:thedetaileddistributionofpopulation,households,andjobsacrosstheregion...”Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐35DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchWhatdoesitmeanthatTAZboundariesincludecityboundaries?Commentnoted.TheTier2TAZsreferencedonpage72oftheTechnicalAppendix:SCSDocumentationareasetofTAZswithboundariesalignedtocityboundariestoensurethatnoTAZsaresplitbetweenmultiplecities.024‐36DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchAlternativesA&B:“ControlledtoTAZ‐basedRTP/SCSForecastfor2020;Controlledtocity‐levelRTP/SCSForecastfor2020‐2035,exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”Addstatementtotablenotes:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐37DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchAlternativesA&B:Addstatement:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixwasupdatedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCStoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddresscomment.024‐38DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearch“DevelopmentTypesThealternativesarebuilton,andprovidesdataat,theleveloftheTAZ,whichincludeshousingunitsandemployment.”PleaseclarifyifTAZisTier1,Tier2,orboth.Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐39DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearch“SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)willberespectedunchangedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly).”Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixwasupdatedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCStoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddresscomment.024‐40DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicAlternativeAAddstatement:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendices81IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseResearchlocalinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.havebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐41DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchAlternativeBAddstatement:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.024‐42DeborahDiepCenterforDemographicResearchTransitZoningCodeSantaAna2011Isthisaduplicateofthe2010SantaAnaproject?Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixwasupdatedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCStoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddresscomment.025‐01SusanKlineCitizensAllianceforPropertyRightsPleasenotethatmanyofourmembersrecentlyattendedwhatwasoneofmanysocalled,"Visioning"sessions.ThisonewasgearedtoourlocalelectedofficialsandheldattheCamarilloPublicLibraryonJanuary19,2012.Pleasenotethatverylittlepublicnoticewasgivenforthesession.Wewereonlymadeawareofitthroughathirdparty.Atthebeginningofthissessionweweresubjectedtoafilmclipthatwaslittlemorethan"touchyfeelypropaganda.Adorableyoungtykesextolledthevirtuesof"walkable"communitiesandpublictransportation.Thepresentationwashaltedhalfwaythroughduetoquestionsfromcitizenswhotookumbragetotheplanthatis,intruth,aonesizefitsallblueprint.Thesecitizensarewellawarethat,"sustainablecommunitystrategies"isamarketingtermcraftedtopulltheproverbialwooloverthepublic'seyes.Thatitis,infact,amovetowardregionalgovernancewhichwillfurtherdistancevotersfromthosewhotheyhaveentrustedtosafeguardtheirinterests.Furtherwedobelieve84electedofficials,fromvariouscitiesandcounties,anddowhatisinthebestinterestoftheircitizenswhencraftingpoliciesfortheover18,000,000residentsresidingwithinSCAG'sboundaries.Commentnoted.Asrequiredbylaw,SCAGprovidedadvancenoticeofpublicworkshopsand/orhearingsontheDraft2012‐2035RTP/SCSincludingpublicationinnewspapersthroughouttheregionsuchastheVenturaCountyStartogiveasmanyinterestedpartiesaspossibletheopportunitytoattendandprovideinput.AsSCAG’smaingoverningbodyistheRegionalCouncil,comprisedof84electedofficialsfromSCAGmembercities,countiesandcountytransportationcommissionswhorepresenttheinterestswithinthesix‐countySCAGregion.TheRegionalCouncilmeetmonthlyinpubliclynoticedmeetingstodiscussandprovideinputonavarietyofmatterstoaddresslanduse,transportationandotherlongrangeplanningissues.025‐02SusanKlineCitizensAllianceforPropertyRightsWeunderstandthatmoreofthesesessionsareplannedbutthatVenturaCountyhasalreadyhaditsallotedtwoinJanuary.Yet,really,howmuchofthepublicweremadeawareofwhatyouareplanning?HowmanyknowthatSCAG,oncetaskedtoplanforfuturegrowth,hasnowmorphedintoaregionalgovernmentthatwillalterourlifestylesanderodeourfreedom.Howmanyofthetaxpayingcitizensofourcountrywouldagreetohavingsomuchoftheirtransportationdollarsfunneledintotransitandawayfromroadexpansion?Howmanywouldagreetoplansfordenser,expandandstack,developmentinwhatareCommentnoted.82IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesuburbancommunities?025‐03SusanKlineCitizensAllianceforPropertyRightsCitizensAllianceforPropertyRights(CAPR),VenturaCounty,wishestogoonrecordopposingtheimplementationofyourproposedsustainablestrategies.Yourplanshavealreadydamagedourcommunities,hamperedourvaluableagriculturalindustry,andcausedfurtherwasteofprecioustaxpayerfunds.DenserdevelopmentmakessenseforSantaMonica,theareayourepresent,Ms.O'Connor.However,itmakesnosensewhatsoeverincommunitieslikeThousandOaksandSimiValley.Inclosing,beawarewearewatchingyou,knowwhatashamtheCompassBlueprintisandhowyoureffortsareshacklingtheverypeopleyouhave,aselectedofficials,beensworntoserve.Commentnoted.026‐01DebraTashCitizensAllianceforPropertyRights,VenturaCountyWeknowthereisNOglobalwarming.ThatSB375isafarce,alongwithcapandtradeandwedonotwantourtaxdollarsusedanylongerforvisioningsessionsdesignedtoleadustopredeterminedoutcomes.Nordowewantourfueltaxesdivertedtotransitprojectsthatarelittlemorethansubsidizedridershipprojects,subsidizedwithourmoney.NordoIwanttobepackedandstackedintoanurbanjungle.Iworkedhardandlongtomovetoaruralenvironment.Weknowwhatyou'redoingtous.Youareadvisedthatthereareagrowingnumberofuswhowillfightyouonimplementingthiseverystepofthewaynow.Commentnoted.027‐01LelandDolleyCityofAlhambraAllofusaregratefulfortheLosAngelesCountyvotermandateknownasMeasure"R",nowpassedintolawandbeingactivelyimplemented.Itissafetosaythatwithout"MeasureR"mostallofoursorelyneededtransportationprojectsmaynohaveseenashovelraisedtomovethefirstpieceofdirt."MeasureR"providedcertainamountsofmoneyforspecificprojects.The710NGapClosureProjectwasnamedinthelawandwasallocatedover700milliondollars.WeconcurwithSCAGandourotherregionalandcitypartnersthatthe710NGapClosureProjectisappropriatelydesignateda"constrainedproject"inthe2012RTPConstrainedPlanand,further,thatthe710NGapClosureProjecthasmetallthefederalrequirementsforinclusioninsaidPlan.Attemptstosayotherwisewillbevigorouslyrefutedbyallparties.Commentnoted.028‐01SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheimExpandedHighOccupancyToll(HOT)LanesSystem–StaffconcurswiththeOCTAcommentsidentifyinganeedforadditionalinformationontheHOTLanenetworkincludedintheCommentnoted.AllRTPprojectsmustundergofurtherproject‐levelevaluation,includingengineeringandenvironmentalstudies,beforeimplementationbytheleadagency.Changesto83IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseRTP.AnexpansionoftollfacilitiesintheregionthatisnotconsistentwiththeLongRangeTransportationPlan(LRTP)preparedbytheOCTAhasbeenincludedintheRTP.Specifically,theRTP/SCSidentifiesaprogramtoallowextracapacityinHighOccupancyVehiclelanes(HOVlanesorcarpoollanes)tobesoldtosingle‐occupantdrivers,thusconvertingthesefacilitiesintoHighOccupancyToll(HOT)lanes.ThischangeisshownalongtheSR‐91fromtheOrange/LosAngelesCountyborderandconnectingwiththeexistingSR‐91tollfacilities.SeveralmilesofthisfacilityarewithinorarepartiallywithintheCityofAnaheimandareboundedbyresidentialneighborhoods.BecausethefacilityisnotcurrentlyfundedthroughtheOCTALRTPanddoesnothavethecapacitytosupportatollsystem,moreinformationisnecessarytoevaluatetheproject’sfeasibility.Request:PleaseincludetextintheRTPstatingthatanyexpansionoftheHOTlanesistentativeandwouldrequireadditionalstudytodetermineright‐of‐wayimpacts,communityissues,andoverallfeasibility.projectdescriptionsresultingfromtheseproject‐levelstudiesmaybeincorporatedintofutureRTPupdatesoramendments.028‐02SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheimCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailAuthority(CHSRA)Project–StaffconcurswiththeOCTAcommentssupportingaphaseddeliveryapproach,whichincludesearlyinvestmentintheexistingLOSSANandMetrolinkinfrastructure,andindicatingitismoreprudenttobeginimplementationatthe“bookends”ofthesystem.CitystaffalsosubmittedalettertotheCHSRAregardingtheDraft2012BusinessPlan(seeAttachment1),indicatingthatimplementingthis“bookend”approachinthemosturbanizedregionsoftheStateattheonsetoftheprojectisneededtoenhancethepassengerexperience,reducetraveltimes,improvesafetyandprovidecriticalconnectionstotheexistingpassengerrailsystemsintheseregions.ItwouldalsomaximizetheinvestmentofStateandFederalfundssothatthesecriticalimprovementswillbeimplemented.Commentnoted.TheRTPsupportsearlyinvestmentstotheLOSSANandMetrolinknetworks.028‐03SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheimSustainableCommunitiesStrategy–UnderSB375andonlywithintheSCAGregion,subregionalcouncilsofgovernmentwereallowedtopreparesubregionalSCSsthatSCAGisthenrequiredtoincorporateintotheregionalSCS.InOrangeCounty,OCCOGandOCTAdevelopedacountywideSCS(OCSCS)tobeincludedastheCounty’scontributiontotheSCAGregionalSCS.SCAGnotesintheRTP/SCSthatithasincorporatedtheOCSCSinitsentiretyintotheregionalSCSasanappendixtotheCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregional2012RTP/SCSintheirentirety,andarerecommendedforadoptionbytheSCAGRegionalCouncilaspartoftheFinal2012RTP/SCS.Assuch,SCAGanticipatesthatthesubregionalSCSpoliciesincludedintheregionalplanwouldbeimplementedintherespectivesub‐regionaftertheplanisadopted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCSaddressestherequestedlanguagechange.84IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedocument,butitisunclearwhatthestandingoftheOCSCSis.TheOCSCScontainsasetofstrategiesagreeduponbylocalgovernments,agenciesandotherstakeholderswithinOrangeCountyandshouldrepresenttheSCSthatisapplicabletotheOrangeCountyregion.Request:Pleaserevisethetextinthelastparagraphonpage106tostate:“ThesesubregionalSCSdocumentsareincorporatedintotheregionalSCSandrepresenttheSCSforeachofthesesubregions.”028‐04SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheimReferencestotheRTPinducinggrowth–SeveralsectionsoftheRTP/SCSstatethatithastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofgrowthaswellasinducegrowth(seepage80underPopulationandHousingasanexample).Thisisinconsistentwiththe“bottoms‐up”approachSCAGundertookinthedevelopmentofthedocumentswhereinSCAGstaffstatedthattheywouldacceptandusegrowthforecastdataprovidedbylocaljurisdictions.TheRTP/SCSisintendedtoincorporatetheplannedlandusepatternthatisexpectedtoaccommodatetheprojectedfuturegrowthofthisregionaswellastheplannedtransportationsystemthatsupportsthatgrowth.Therefore,growthisnotinduced,itisplannedfor.Thedocumentinaccuratelyimpliesalackofcoordinationbetweenlanduseandtransportationentities.Request:PleaseamendtextwithintheRTP/SCS,includingthelanguageonpage80,toremovethereferencetotheRTPandSCSinducinggrowthandreplaceitwithlanguagethatacknowledgesthatthedocumentreflectsalandusepatternthataccommodatestheforecastgrowthfortheregion.Commentnoted.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.028‐05SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheimGrowthForecastandMappingRequests:22.Pleaseupdatealldocuments,tables,maps,narratives,modelingruns,andPEIRAlternatives(includingthealternatereferencedinthedocuments,includingthePEIR,asC,3,andEnvision2)thatreferencetheOrangeCountygrowthforecastswiththeOrangeCountyProjections‐2010ModifiedGrowthProjections,asadoptedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandconsistentwiththesubregionaldelegationMemorandumofUnderstandingbetweenOCCOG,OCTAandSCAG.23.PleaseensurethatallmapsincludedintheadoptedRTP/SCSandPEIRaccuratelyreflecttheCityofAnaheim’sdata,assubmittedtoSCAGbetween2008and2011,for2008existinglanduse,zoning,generalplanlanduses,andthegrowthforecast.24.ToensureCommentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintoSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS,andupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternativeCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.85IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseflexibilityandreducepotentialconflictswithlocalcontrolinlandusematters,itisrequestedthatSCAGadoptthegrowthforecastdatasetatthecountylevelandnotatasmallergeographysuchasasubregion,city,censustract,trafficanalysiszoneorothersmallergeography.028‐06SheriVanderDussenCityofAnaheim[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber8.029‐01LauraPierceCityofBreaBreavaluesthedialogwehavehistoricallyenjoyedwithSCAGonregionalissues.Wehaveasolidtrackrecordandcommitmenttoprovidinglanduseandtransportationpolicieswhichareconsistentwiththeexistingandplannedregionaltransportationsystem.WeappreciatethatthedraftRTP/SCSencompassesthreeprincipals:Mobility,Economy,andSustainability,thatcollectivelyworktosignificantlyimproveexistingtransportationandairqualitychallengesfortheregion.TheinclusionofactivetransportationgoalsandfundingattheregionallevelisonewhichBreaisextremelyinterestedinforour"TracksatBrea"trailprogramtoincreasenon‐motorizedtransportationinourcommunity.TheplanalsoidentifiesthefuturebusrapidtransitconnectionplannedneartheBreaMallthatwillconnectBreanstoadditionalalternativetransportationmodes.WefurthernotethatourGeneralPlanhasnumerouslanduseandtransportationgoalsandpoliciesalreadyinplacethatalignuswellwiththeproposed2012RTP/SCSCommentnoted.029‐02LauraPierceCityofBreaAtwhatprojectthresholdandhowwillSCAGreviewtheperformanceofBreaandotherlocaljurisdictionsforconsistencywiththe2012RTP/SCSthroughthelifeoftheplan?Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.029‐03LauraPierceCityofBreaCanyouexplainfurtherhowSCAGenvisionsdirectingnewhousingandemploymentgrowthtoHighQualityTransitAreasinBreaandOrangeCounty?Arethereanyconsequencesifagenciesfinditinappropriatetoputgrowthintheseareas,butareachievingthePlan'sgoalsinotherareasofourCity?Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGare86IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.029‐04LauraPierceCityofBreaPublichealthisaconcernforourresidents.DoesSCAGseeaconflictinplacingamajorityofourfuturehousinggrowthforBreaadjacenttohightrafficroadways(57Freeway)andthepotentialforpublichealthimpacts(e.g.airquality)associatedwithsuchareas?Commentnoted.SCAGpreparedadditionalanalysistohighlighttheemissionsexposureinareaswithin500feetoffreewaysandhighvolumeroads.Itshouldbenotedthatthelevelofemissionsnearthesefacilitiesishigherthanintheregionasawhole.In2035theseareasstillwillhavehigheremissionsthantheregionasawhole.However,whileregionalemissionsoveralldecrease,therateofdecreasebetweennowand2035nearfreewaysandhighvolumeroadsisevengreater.TheRTP/SCSdoesresultinanincreaseinpopulationintheselocations,andassuchhealthriskishigherfortheseindividualsthaniftheywerenotinthebufferarea.Assuch,subsequentprojectlevelanalysisandmitigationshouldbecognizantofon‐goinghealthconcerns.However,theplanasawholeshowsbenefitsforemissionsexposureanddecreasedlevelsofriskinareasnearfreeways.029‐05LauraPierceCityofBreaTheCitysupportstheRTP/SCSgoalsforincludingvaluableopenspacelandpreservationwithinitsmitigationstrategiesasdiscussedintheTransportationInvestmentschapter(page78)oftheplan.ThisapproachisconsistentwiththevalueplacedonopenspacewithintheCity'sGeneralPlanandisakeycomponentofabalancedlanduseapproachfortheregion.LandswithinandsurroundingBreahavethepotentialtoprovideforsuchmitigationapproachesthusassistingwithGHGreductionsfortheregion.WewelcomediscussionswithSCAGonthisimplementationasspecificprojectsaresubmittedinthefuture.Commentnoted.SCAGisworkingtosecureincentivesforlocalgovernmentsforSCSimplementationincludingadditionalfundingforSCAG’sLocalSustainabilityPlanningAssistanceProgram(e.g.,CompassBlueprint,GreenRegion)andStrategicGrowthCouncilgrants.029‐06LauraPierceCityofBreaThePlanincludesasignificantportionof"NewRevenueSourcesandInnovativeFinancingStrategies"thatarenotcurrentlyinplaceoravailable.WhilesomeoftheproposedrevenuesarewithinthecontrolofSCAGorMPOsandCountyTransportationCommissions,themajorityoftherevenues(intermsofdollars)requireeitherstateorfederalactiontoimplement.Whatmighttheimplicationsbeifthesenewrevenuesourcesandinnovativefinancingstrategiesdonotbecomeavailable,forbothSB375/SCScomplianceand/orairqualityconformity?Commentnoted.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraint,aspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirementsaremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfour87IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseyears.029‐07LauraPierceCityofBreaOnpage149,itisstatedthat"Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernment,SCAGandotherstakeholderscanandshouldundertakeinordertosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS."PleaseindicatewhetherSCAGhasconductedanyfeasibilityanalysestodetermineifallofthesestrategiesarefeasibleandwhattheimplicationsareifnotallareimplemented.Also,pleasedescribewhatBrea'sobligationsareanticipatedtobeasaresultofadoptingthesestrategiesasalisttobeaccomplishedratherthanamenuofoptions.Itisrequestedthatthelanguageinthesentencebeclearthatitispermissiveandataminimum,changethetext"canandshould"to"may".Commentnoted.Clarifyinglanguagewillbeaddedtothe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,asappropriate.029‐08LauraPierceCityofBreaWerequestthatinternalconsistencyoftheLandUsePatternmapforOrangeCountybeconfirmedbetweentheplandocument(page145)andthetechnicalreportsorappendices.Specifically,theLandUsePatternMapforOrangeCounty(Exhibit4.17enclosed)showsasignificanturbanvillagedesignatedfornortheasternBrea.ThisareaappearstobethelocationoftheOlindaLandfill.Futureresidentialdevelopmentinthisareacannotoccurduetoitscurrentuse.WebelievethisissimplyanoversightaswehaveprovidedthisinputtoSCAGin2009fortheCLUSproject.WenotethattheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixdoesnotincludeanaccuratemap(enclosed)forOrangeCountywhichshouldberevisedinthefinaldocumentforRegionalCouncilreviewandapproval.Commentnoted.SCAGhascorrectedanyinconsistenciesthatwerefoundintheLandUsePatternMapsforOrangeCountybetweentheplandocumentandthetechnicalreports,resultinginthere‐designationoftheurbanvillageinNortheasternBrea(seetheupdatedExhibit4.17onpage145).RegardingyourconcernabouttheOlindaLandfillsite,SCAGwouldliketoassureyouthattheadoptedgrowthprojectionforOrangeCountyisconsistentwiththeOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)subregionalSCS.OurunderlyingdataprovidedbyOrangeCountyindicatenohousinggrowthintheOlindaLandfillareaduringthe2012RTP/SCSplanningyears.029‐09LauraPierceCityofBreaWerequestthattheadoptionofthefinalgrowthforecastnumbersbytheRegionalCounciland/orJointPolicyCommitteebeatthecountylevelconsistentwithpastRTPsandthatthesenumbersbereflectedinthe2012RTP/SCS.Theuseofsmallergeographiclevels,suchasthesubregional,city,censustract,TAZ,parcelorgridcellcouldlimitflexibilityandajurisdiction'slocalcontroloverlandusedecisions.Thefinalgrowthforecastnumbersareadatasetwhichincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011byCDRanditsusewouldprovideconsistencywiththeMOUonsubregionaldelegationsbetweenOCTA,OCCOG,andSCAG.Alldocuments,tables,maps,narratives,Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).88IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemodelingruns,PEIRalternatives(includingAlternativeC/3/Envision2),anddatasetsshouldbeupdatedwiththeOCP‐2010Modifiednumbers.029‐10LauraPierceCityofBreaWesuggestthatthefinaldocumentshouldreferencethechapternumbersofeachsectionoftheplanintheheadertoassistthereaderincross‐referencingthedocument.Commentnoted.Chapternumbershavebeenadded.029‐11LauraPierceCityofBreaWesuggestaddingtotheglossaryadefinitionforActiveTransportation.Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.029‐12LauraPierceCityofBrea[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber9.030‐01MichaelForbesCityofBurbankTheCityofBurbankhassubmittedcommentsonpriorRTPsregardingtheaviationforecast.Aswehaveassertedinprioryears,theCityofBurbankcontinuestobelievethattheforecastof9.4millionannualpassengers(MAP)fortheBobHopeAirportisunreasonablyhigh.TwooftheprimaryconstrainstopassengervolumeattheAirportarethenumberofpassengergatesandthecapacityofstreetsservingtheAirport.TheCitybelievesthatneithertheexistingstreetsnortheexisting14gateterminalbuildingcouldaccommodate9.4MAP.TheCityandAirportAuthorityareengaginginajointpublicoutreachprocesstodiscussthefutureoftheairport,whichmayincludeanewterminalbuilding.However,itisunlikelythatanythingotherthanareplacementterminalwiththesamenumberofpassengergatesasthecurrentterminalwouldbeacceptabletoresidentsofBurbankwhomustultimatelyvoteonwhethertoapproveanynewterminalfacility.Basedonthepassengervolumetrendsincetheairportopenedin1930,theCityCouncilandCitystaffbelievedthat8.0MAPisamorereasonablenumberfor2035.TheCityisusingthisnumberinourownforecasts,includingour2035GeneralPlanupdateandrelatedEIR.ThisnumberisalsoconsistentwiththeAirportAuthority'sownpassengerforecast.Commentnoted.ForpastRTPs,SCAGconductedphysicalcapacityanalysesforBobHopeandOntarioairports,whicharecapacity‐constrainedairportsthatdonothavelegally‐enforceableconstraints.Thisprocessfirstidentifiedthecapacityfactorateachairportthatistheoverridingfactorinultimatelylimitingdemand‐servingcapacity.ForOntarioitisthetwo‐runwaycomplex,andforBobHope(BUR)itisthe14terminalgates/aircraftparkingpositions.ForBUR,theanalysisthenestimatedthefuturepassengerthroughputofthe14gatesconsideringavarietyoffactorsincludingfuturefleetmix,aircraftloadfactors,airporthoursofoperation,andgateturnovertimeforcarriersservingtheairport(thediscountcarriersservingBURhavesignificantlyhighergateturnovertimesthantheaverage).The9.4MAPcapacityfigureestimatedbythisanalysiswascomparedtoanunconstrainedforecastforBURtoconfirmthattheunconstrainedforecastwashigher.DocumentationofthiscapacityanalysisforBURwasprovidedtoBobHopeairportstaffandtoBurbankelectedofficialsforboththe2001and2004RTPs.The2035airpassengerforecastsintheFinal2012RTP/SCSwillbecaveatedtoreflectthatthe78.9MAPSettlementAgreementconstraintatLAXexpiresin2020,andthatanynewinformationprovidedtoSCAGbyanindividualairportauthorityonallowablelegalorcapacityconstraintsattheirairportswillbereflectedinfutureaviationdemandforecastdevelopedbySCAG(suchasforthe2016RTP).Theforecastswillalsobecaveatedtoindicatethatanyrelaxationofthe78.9MAPforecastconstraintatLAXcouldsignificantlyimpactthepassengerdemandforecastatBUR,andthatBobHopeAirportmanagementbelievesthatthe2035forecastforBURshouldbelessthan8MAP.89IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse030‐02MichaelForbesCityofBurbankThe2012RTPFinancialPlanidentifiestwobroadcategoriesofrevenuesourcestofundprojectsidentifiedintheplan.Corerevenues,intheamountof$305billion,areidentifiedascommittedorhistorically‐availablefundingacrossthesix‐countyregion.Reasonably‐availablerevenues,intheamountofanadditional$226billion,areidentifiedasnewtransportationfundinglikelytomaterializeduringtheplanperiod.Theseadditionalfundsincluderevenuesfromadjusmentstostateandfederalgastaxes,vehicle‐miles‐traveleduserfees,tolling,privatefunding,andfreightfees.Theplanassumesthatthesereasonably‐availablerevenueswillmaterializetofundprojectsintheRTPFinancially‐ConstrainedPlanandarenecessarytomeettheregion'sgreenhousegasandairqualityreductionmandates.However,manyofthesereasonably‐availablefundingsourcesmayinfactnotmaterialize,especiallygiventhecontroversialnatureofsomeoftheproposals.Inparticular,itmaynotbeprudenttoexpectthatVMTormileage‐basedfeesarepoliticallyfeasibletoimplement,especiallyifthesetypesoffundingsourcesarereliedupontoimplementnecessaryprojectsintheFinanciallyConstrainedPlan.Further,theCityisunawareofanyVMTfeeproposalbeingcurrentlydiscussedattheregionalorstatelevel.TheCitybelievesthatSCAGshouldconsideranalternativeinthePEIRthatdoesnotassumethereasonably‐availablerevenuesidentifiedthecurrentdraftbecomeavailableduringtheplanperiod.Thisalternativewouldthenmodifythelistofprojectstoincludeonlythosethatarefundedunderthecorerevenuesandassesstheairqualityandgreenhousegasimpactsfromthisreducedplan.TheCityespeciallynotesthesignificantuncertaintyrelatedtofundingoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRialsystem.Commentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisthebasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Wealsorecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintothefutureandthereasonablenessofourassumptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orPlansubsequentupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.030‐03MichaelForbesCityofBurbankLocalTransitService:TheTransitandRailpoliciesinSection2‐TransportationInvestments,includeemphasisonencouraginglocaltransitoperatorstoexpandlocaltransitservicestoserveasneighborhoodcirculatorsand"last‐mile"transitconnectionsbetweenregionaltransitsystemsandmajorresidentialandemploymentcenters.TheCitysupportspoliciestoencourageexpansionoflocaltransitservice;however,theplandoesnotaddressthesignificantdifficultylocalagenciescurrentlyhaveinfundingthesetypesofserviceswiththeoperatingfundscurrentlyavailabletolocaljurisdictionswithintheregion.TheCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSadvocatesseekingnewfundingsourcestoincreasetransitservices.90IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePlanshouldmorespecificallyidentifytheadditionalfundingnecessarytoimplementexpandedlocaltransit,andshouldbolsterpoliciesandobjectivesthatexpandtheavailabilityofoperationsfundingtolocaltransitagencies.030‐04MichaelForbesCityofBurbankRegionalTransitProjects:TheCitybelievesthatthereareanumberofregionaltransitprojectsintheArroyoVerdugoCitiessubregionofLosAngelesCountythatshouldbeincludedinthe2012RTP,especiallyifadditionalfundingsourcesareidentifiedoverthenext25years.Theseprojectsareidentifiedinotherlong‐rangeplanningdocumentsand,specifically,arecalledoutinMetro'sLongRangeTransportationPlanadoptedin2009as"StrategicUnfundedProjects".TheseimportantprojectswouldimprovetransitmobilityinandaroundtheArroyoVerdugoCitiesregion,andwouldespeciallyimproveeast‐westtravelbetweentheSanFernandoandSanGabrielValleys.TheCitybelievesthatthefollowingprojectsshouldbeconsideredforimplementationusingadditionalreasonably‐availablefundingsourcesasdescribedintheFinancialPlan:a.RegionaltransitconnectionbetweentheNorthHollywoodRedLine/OrangeLineStationandtheGoldLineinPasadenaviaBurbankandGlendaleb.ExtensionoftheOrangeLineand/orRedLinetoBobHopeAirportc.BusRapidTransit(BRT)orotherregionaltransitconnectionbetweenDowntownBurbankandHollywoodviaUniversalCityd.Burbank‐GlendaleLightRail(implementedaslightrail,BRT,heavy‐railDMU,orothertechnology)Commentnoted.TheregionaltransitconnectionbetweentheRedLineandtheGoldLineinPasadenaisintheStrategicPlan,andtheextensionoftheRedLinetoBurbankairportisintheConstrainedPlan.The2012RTP/SCSadvocatesfornewrevenuesourcestofundadditionaltransitservicesshouldfundingbecomeavailable.030‐05MichaelForbesCityofBurbankHighSpeedRail:TheplanidentifiestheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailsystemasinfluencingregionalandintercitytravelintheSCAGregion,butdoesnotspecificallyidentifyhowthisplannedtransportationimprovementwillintegratewithregionalandlocalsystems.Integrationofanyintercitytransitsystemwithexistingandplannedtransitservicesiscriticaltoensuringtheeffectivenessofthismajortransportationinvestment.The2012RTPshouldincludestrongerpoliciesthatsupportdevelopmentofregionalandlocalconnectionstoHighSpeedRail,includingidentificationoffutureregionalprojectsandfundingneedsthatsupportHighSpeedRailconnectionsofthelocalnetwork.Commentnoted.AsdiscussedintheRTP,theSouthernCaliforniaMOUindevelopmentbetweentheCHSRA,MPOsandcountytransportationcommissionsaimstoimproveinterconnectivityaswellasspeedandservicebetweentherailsystemsinourregion.ImprovingconnectivitybetweenrailandlocaltransitsystemsisalsoamajorRTPtransitgoal.030‐06MichaelForbesCityofBurbankRegardingthevarietyoflandusepoliciesdiscussedintheRTP/SCS,theCityprovidesageneralcommentthatforthesepoliciestobeeffective,landusecontrolmostremainatthelocallevel.TheRTP/SCSprovidesblanketpoliciesthatapplyCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAG91IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsegenerallytotheentireSCAGregionandmaynotbeappropriateineverysituation.Forexample,theRTP/SCSassociatesTransitOrientedDevelopmentwithhigherresidentialdensitiesandmultifamilyormixed‐usehousingproducts.However,theCityofBurbankcontainsmanysinglefamilyresidentialneighborhoodsthatarelocatedwithinwalkingdistanceoftransitcentersandcorridors,andwithinwalkingdistanceofcommercialdistricts.TheCityispleasedthattheRTP/SCSwasdevelopedbasedonexistinglocalGeneralPlansandlocalinput,andthatcitieswillcontinuetohavesoleauthorityoverlocallandusedecisions.alteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.031‐01MikeKellisonCityofChinoTransportation,Traffic&Security:TheCityofChinoisinsupportoftheGoodsMovementTruckRouteproposal.However,theCityhasconcernswiththefreeway'sproposedcrosssectionanditsaffectoncurrentandfutureprojects.ThefollowingisalistoffiveaffectedprojectswithintheCityofChinocontainedinthe"ProjectList"SupplementalReport:1.RTPIDNo.4M07017‐201133SR60atEuclidAvenue‐WidenW/Bexitrampfrom2‐3lanes.2.RTPIDNo.4M07008SR‐60RamonaAvenueICtoSBI‐15Connector‐Widenauxiliarylanesineachdirection,widenconnectorfromSB‐15toWB‐60andEB‐60toNB/SB‐15,widenrampsfromonelanetotwolanes.3.RTPIDNo.4M04050SR60atCentralAvenue‐Addauxiliarylanesandwidenramps,constructentranceloopramp.4.RTPIDNo.4PL07019SR60atMountainAvenue‐ReconstructinterchangeSR‐60atMountainAvenue.5.RTPIDNo.4120202SR‐60atRamonaAvenue‐ReconstructInterchangeSR‐60atRamonaAvenue.ClosecoordinationbetweentheState,County,City,andotheraffectedjurisdictionsshouldberequiredforanyprojectproposaltoensurecompatibilityofdesign,includinganyinterchangeorregionalarterialhighwayprojectalongaproposedfreewayroutethatisincludedintheSANBAGDevelopmentMitigationNexusStudy.TheDevelopmentMitigationNexusStudyidentifiesfair‐sharecontributionsfromnewdevelopmentsforregionaltransportationimprovementsintheSanBernardinoValleyandVictorValley.Commentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridoralignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTPwouldbefurtheranalyzedinmoredetailthroughaproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)andassociatedalternativesanalysisaspartofthatEIR.TheEIRwouldaddresstheconcernspresentedbytheCityofChinoregardingpotentialimpactsonidentifiedcurrentandfutureprojects.SCAGintendstocontinuetoworkcloselywithitspartnersandindustrystakeholders,includingtheCityofChino,onnextstepsrelatedtotheEast‐WestFreightCorridortoensurethattheproposedprojectisacollaborativeeffortthatfullyconsidersstakeholderinputandconcerns.031‐02MikeKellisonCityofChino[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber10.032‐01MichaelFleagerCityofChinoHillsWehavereviewedthedraftRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)forthe2012‐2035planningperiod.TheCityofChinoHillsCommentnoted.92IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesupportsSCAG'seffortstowardincreasingmobility,sustainabilityandqualityoflifeforallcitieswithintheregion.Specifically,ChinoHillssupportsinclusionofthefollowingimprovementsthatareincludedintheRTPProjectList:ImprovementofEucalyptusDrivefromPeytonDrivetotheChinoHillsCommunityParkentrance;ImprovementofPeytonDrivefromEnglishRoadtoEucalyptusDrive,consistingofthewideningofPeytonfrom4‐6laneswithmarkedbikelanesineachdirection;and,ImprovementofPeytonDrivefromEucalyptusDrivetoSR142,consistingofthewideningofPeytonto2‐4laneswithmarkedbikelanesineachdirection.AspreviouslyindicatedinourOctober11,2011,resolutiontoSCAG,theCityofChinoHillsisreservingitssupportoftheproposeddedicatedtrucklanealongtheSR‐60freewaycorridoruntilsuchtimeassubstantialstudyhasbeencompletedandprovidedtopotentiallyeffectedcities,includingChinoHills.033‐01MarkTomichCityofColtonMs.MargaretLin:PleaseseeattachedcommentsfromtheCityofColtonregardinglocalarterialimprovementstrategiesandcommuterrailstationfeasibilitystudy.MarkTomichDevelopmentServicesDirectorCityofColtonCommentnoted.RegardingthefeasibilityofacommuterrailstationinColton,decisionsregardingstationlocationsaregenerallyunderthepurviewofthecountytransportationcommission,andSCAGwouldworkwithSANBAGifappropriateandnecessary,shouldafeasibilitystudybeundertaken.Regardingthearterialimprovementstrategies,wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.034‐01DougBaileyCityofCypressOnbehalfoftheCypressCityCouncil,IamcontactingyoutourgeadoptionofthecommentsmadebyOCCOGintheirFebruary14,2012letter(attached)regardingthecurrentRTP/SCSprocessanditscorresponding/associatedPEIR.TheworkdonebyOCCOGwasexhaustive,wellconsideredandclearlydemonstratesthecommitmentmadebythememberagenciestomeaningfullyparticipateinthepreparationandreviewofasupportableandbalancedRTP/SCS.Weareallawareofthescopeandlongtermimportanceofthesedocuments.TheincorporationoftheattachedcommentswillcontributegreatlytotheviabilityofSCAG'seffortsinthisareaandwillresultinanenhancedfinalproduct.Commentnoted.PleaseseespecificresponsestotheOCCOGcomments.035‐01JamesDeStefanoCityofDiamondBarWhiletheoverallgoaltoreduceboththecongestionimpactsandenvironmentalimpactsisadmirable,wecontinuetohaveCommentnoted.InclusionoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridorinthe2012RTP/SCSallowsforfurtherworktobeconducted93IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesignificantconcernsregardingthecomponentofthe2012RTPtodesignateonlythePomona(SR60)FreewayasandEast‐WestFreightCorridor("Corridor")andthecontinuedfocusontheplacementof4lanesoftrucktrafficwithintheSanJoseCreekWash("SJC")whichislocatedimmediatelyadjacenttohomesandbusinessesofmanycities,includingDiamondBar.throughaproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).Specificcosts,accessibilityconcerns,designs,andalternativealignmentswouldbeidentifiedthroughthisprocess.Additionally,furtherdiscussionofprojectmitigationconcernswouldbeaddressedthroughupcomingprocesses.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatpreliminaryanalysisdidconsideradjacentlandusesandpotentialright‐of‐wayimpacts.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithaffectedcommunities,includingDiamondBar,onthisproject.035‐02JamesDeStefanoCityofDiamondBarWebelieveitispre‐maturetoidentifytheSR60andtheSJCWashalignmentsasaviableCorridorprojectinthe2012RTP.Wehavethefollowingspecificconcerns:1.Nostudieshavebeenconductedregardingthelocalizedair,noise,vibration,orvisualimpactsalongtheCorridor.Suchstudiesmayconcludethattheimpactsaresignificant,resultinginobjectionsfromsurroundingcommunitiesandtheneedforcostlymitigation(includingROWacquistion).2.WhiletheSR60andtheSJCareidentifiedas"preferred"alignments,furtherstudiesmayfinditmorepractical/beneficialtoselectanotheralignment.Therearepros/constoeachalignment,butselectingafinalalignmentwillneedtoconsidertheresultsofthedetailedstudiesforSR60andSJC,whichhavenotyetbeenperformed.ManyofthepossiblerouteswererejectedintheplanningprocessduetoexcessiveROWimpacts.FurtherstudiesmayfindthattheROWimpactsalongSR60andtheSJC(duetoair,noise,vibrationand/orvisual)areasgreatorgreaterthanothercorridors.3.Thedesiredelectrictechnologydoesnothaveanylarge‐scaleapplicationtoverifythatitisfeasibleforthisvision.Evenifitdidexist,itisnotclearwhatwouldmotivatetruckowners/operatorstoconvert?SCAG'sCorridorplanningdocumentsacknowledgethatmostofthetrucktrafficinthiscorridorisnotgoingto/fromtheports,soitishardtobelievethatalloftheindependenttruckownerswouldelecttoconvert.Furthermore,doestheRTPspecificallyallowuseofthetruck‐onlyfreightcorridor,fromdayoneandthereafter,byonlynewtechnology,zeroemission,"clean"trucks?Commentnoted.ThespecificimpactsoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridorproject,includinglocalizedair,noise,vibration,orvisualimpacts,wouldbedeterminedthroughthecompletionofaproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).NumerouspotentialalignmentsalongalternativefreewaycorridorswereconsideredandanalyzedincludingtheI‐210,SR‐60,I‐10,andSR‐91.Thiswasinadditiontootheralignments(e.g.,theUPRRcorridorasnotedabove,hybridalignments).Right‐of‐wayacquisitionwasonlyonecriteriaconsideredinidentificationoftheproposedalignmentoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.Amongothercriteriaconsideredwereproximitytomanufacturingfacilities,warehousing,andothergoodsmovementdependentindustries,potentialimpactstolocalresidentsandbusinesses,andgeographiclimitations.Zero‐emissionstechnologiescurrentlyexist(e.g.,catenarysystemsforpassengerrail)anditisareasonableassumptionthatsuchtechnologieswouldbeadoptedforfacilitiessuchastheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.SCAGacknowledgestheneedforcontinuinganalysesanddialoguewithstakeholders.035‐03JamesDeStefanoCityofDiamondBarGiventheabovefactsregardingthesignificantunknownsandthatfurtherstudiesareneeded,itisourassertionthatSCAGhasunder‐statedtheenvironmentalimpactsoftheRTPby:1.InappropriatelyincludingtheCorridorinthefinancially‐Commentnoted.SCAGmaintainsthatsufficientlevelofanalyseshavebeenundertakentodatetowarrantinclusionoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridorintheRTP.Analysisofthefreightcorridorconceptisexpectedtocontinuethroughthe94IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconstrainedplan.Giventhehugeuncertaintiesinitsactualcost,itisnotreasonabletoassumetheCorridorcanbeaffordedwithintheconstrainedmonies.TheRTPguidelineswerechangedseveralyearstopreventagenciesfromincludingprojectsthatcouldnotreasonablybeaffordedintheplanninghorizon.The"constrained"planshouldonlyincludeprojectsthat,inaggregate,canbedemonstratedasaffordablewithintheavailablerevenues.ThecostsoftheCorridorcannotbeestimatedwithanycredibility,giventhelackoftechnicalstudiesandcorrespondinglackofknowledgeregardingright‐of‐wayormitigationcosts.HowtheproposedCorridorconnectstotheSR57/60interchangeisalsoundefined,whichhaspotentiallyenormouscost.MuchofthesegmenteastofSR‐57,withintheSR‐60corridor,isseverelyconstrained.Itisnotclearhowthetrucklanewouldbeaccommodatedinthisstretch;therefore,noreasonableestimateofcostcanbederived.Thefollowingcitationssupporttheaboveclaimandarefromthe2010RTPGuidelines,CTC:1.Page98‐"Fiscalconstraintisthedemonstrationofsufficientfunding(Federal,State,localandprivate)tooperateandmaintaintransportationfacilitiesandservicesandtoimplementplannedandprogrammedtransportationsystemimprovements."2.Page100‐"IfFHWAandFTAfindandRTPorFTIPtobefiscallyconstrainedandtheplanned/programmedprojectsareincludedbasedonoutdatedorinvalidecostestimates,thenFHWA/FTAwillnotmakefundingorenvironmentalapprovalactionsforthelistedproject(s)......."3.Page101‐".....costsoffuturetransportationprojectsmustuse"yearofexpendituredollars"ratherthan"constantdollars"incostandrevenueestimatestobetterreflectthetime‐basedvalueofmoney."completionofaproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).Todate,costanalysishasbeenundertakenevaluatingright‐of‐wayconstraints/impactsandothermitigationneeds.Inaccordancewithfederalrequirements,allcostsidentifiedinthe2012RTP(includingcostsforthefreightcorridor)isreflectedinYearofExpenditure(YOEornominaldollars),usingand3.2percentannualinflationfactor.035‐04JamesDeStefanoCityofDiamondBarAttemptstofocustrucklanesontheSR‐60andtheSJCarenotnew.Thistypeofproposalhasbeenpreviouslypursued.TheCityofDiamondBarandothercitiesandcommunitiesalongtheproposedCorridorareconcernedaboutbeingputinanotheradversarialposition.BasedonpastactionsourconstituentshavebeenstronglyopposedtoproposalsthatrequiretheSR‐60andtheSJC"shouldertheburden"ofeast‐westtruckmovementsandhavebeenwillingto"gothedistance"inoureffortsagainstsuchaproposal.Werespectfullyrequestthe2012RTPandPEIRtoconsiderallpossibleroutestoservetheCommentnoted.AnalysiscompletedfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorindicatethatareasalongtheproposedcorridorwouldbenefitfromreducedcongestion,reducedemissionsasaresultoftheuseofzero‐emissionvehicles,andthepreservationofjobsinadjacentareaswheresignificantnumbersoffreightindustriesandemployersarelocated.PotentialalternativealignmentsoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridorwouldbedeterminedthroughanalternativesanalysiscompletedaspartofaproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR),includingscopingworkshopswithaffectedcommunities,including95IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseever‐increasingdemandsoftheest‐westgoodsmovementbetweenI‐710andI‐15.ItisunreasonabletodesignatetheSR‐60andSJCasthesingulareast‐westroute.DiamondBar.035‐05JamesDeStefanoCityofDiamondBar[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber11.036‐01ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleUndertheTransitandRailpoliciestheRTPencourageslocaltransitoperatorstoexpandandprovideconnectionstoplannedrailandregionaltransitservicesaswellasthemajoremploymentcenters.WhiletheCityofGlendalesupportssuchapolicy,theplanfailstorecognizetheadditionalfundingthatwillbenecessarytofundsuchservicesbylocalagencies.Localtransitoperatorscurrentlyprovidekeyconnectiontotheexistingcommuterrail,lightrail,andBRTservicesusinglocaltransitfunds.Anyfurtherexpansionoftheseservicesalthoughimportantinimprovingmobility,willcreateahardshiponlocalagencies.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSadvocatesseekingnewfundinginordertoincreasetransitservices.036‐02ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleUnderLosAngelesMetro's2009LongRangePlan,thefollowingprojectswereincludedas"StrategicUnfundedProjects":a.ExtensionoftheOrangelineandRedLinetoBobHopeAirport.b.East‐WestConnectorbetweenNorthHollywoodRedLine/OrangeLineandthePasadenaGoldLineviaBurbankandGlendaletoprovidea"missinglink"betweenSanFernandoValleyandSanGabrielValley.c.Burbank‐GlendaleLightrailtoUnionStationorexpansion/enhancementoftheMetrolinkservice.Theabovekeytransitprojectsshouldalsobeconsideredforimplementationbyusingthe"reasonablyavailable"revenuessimilartoRTPFinanciallyConstrainedPlan.Commentnoted.TheextensionoftheRedLinetoBobHopeairportisintheConstrainedPlan,andtheEast‐WestconnectorbetweenNorthHollywoodandPasadenaisintheStrategicPlan.036‐03ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleTheCaliforniaHighSpeedRail(CHSR)intheRTPisincludedascurrentlybeingplanned.However,theRTPfailstoagainaddresstheimpactofsuchasystemonthelocaltransitsystemsuchastheBeelineServiceandthelackoffundingforserviceconnectionstotheHighSpeedRailstations.ConsideringthetremendouscapitalandoperatingcostoftheCHSR,werecommendimplementationofalternativessuchasincreasinginterregionalconnectivityoftheexistingsystems(commuterrail,lightrailandbusrapidtransit)toimprovemobilityinthesub‐regionsatalowercostandmoreimmediatebeforetheCHSRisconstructed.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSsupportsearlyinvestmentstoourregion'sexistingrailservicesinadvanceoftheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedTrainbecomingoperational;andsuchinvestmentsareincludedintheConstrainedandStrategicPlans.036‐04ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleTheRTPonlyallocatesalittlemorethan1%ofthefundingtoActiveTransportation.WebelievethatSCAGshouldconsiderCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportation96IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincreasingthefundingforActiveTransportationtobetween5%‐8%ofthetotalfundingintheRTP.investments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.036‐05ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleThe2012RTPFinancialPlanassumesthatthe"corerevenues"andthe"reasonably‐availablerevenues"willfundtheRTP'sFinanciallyConstrainedPlan.ThefollowingarekeyissuesthatneedtobeaddressedintheFinancialPlan:a.Asstatedabove,therearenoprovisionsforfundinglocaltransitservicesasaresultofplannedexpansionofrailandcommuterservices.b.The"reasonably‐availablerevenues"categoryintheamountof226billiondollarsisinouropinionoptimisticastothepossibleadjustmenttostateandfederalgastaxes,revenuesfromTOLLroads,andfreightfees.Therearenodetailsaboutthecontroversial"vehiclemileuserfees"thatregionalandlocalagencieshavetoenacttoraisefunding.c.Highwayprojectsarefrontloadedastheyareeasiesttofinanceincomparisontotransitprojectsbyborrowingagainstfuturetollrevenues.HighwayprojectincreaseinVehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)consequentlyraisescomplianceissueswithSB375toreducegreenhousegasemissions.Itisourrecommendationthattransit(busandrail),bicycleandpedestrianprojectstakepriorityoverhighwayprojectsastheycanimprovemobilityandreduceemissionsaswell.d.ItisrecommendedthattheRTP/SCSFinancialPlanincludeafullbenefit/costratioanalysisandaPerformanceCriteriaformajorhighwayandrailprojectscontainedinthe"ConstrainedFinancial"Plan.Overall,weareconcernedthattheRTP'sassumptionregardingthe"reasonably‐availablerevenues"isoptimisticandthePEIRshouldconsideralternativesinthedraftplanthatidentifiesonlyprojectsthatcanbefundedaspartofthe"corerevenues"tomaketheplanmorerealisticwithprioritygiventotransitCommentnoted.a.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Asisindicatedintheplan,regionalandlocalagenciesarenotassumedtoenactthemileage‐baseduserfee.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.c.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.PleasenotethattheRTP/SCSmeetsthegreenhousegasemissionreductiontargetsestablishedpursuanttoSB375.d.The97IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseprojects.investmentsintheRTP,includingallrevenuesources,provideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintothefutureandthereasonablenessofourassumptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.036‐06ScottOchoaCityofGlendaleLastly,ascitedonp.3.12‐25oftheDEIR,"Locally‐developedcountytransportationplanshaveidentifiedprojectstoclosethese(highwaynetwork)gapsandcompletethesystem,andtheyareincludedinthePlan.Theseprojectsinclude...theSR710GapClosureinLosAngelesCounty...".ThepositionoftheCityofGlendaleremainsconsistentwithResolutionNo.09‐111approvedbytheGlendaleCityCouncilonJuly28,2009,whichaddressesboththetunnel"gapclosure"alternativeaswellasthegeneralsubjectof"gapclosure"alternativesfortheSR‐710freewaybetweentheI‐10andSR‐134/I‐210freeways.OnbehalfoftheCityCouncilandthecitizensofGlendale,Iwishtoreiterateouroppositiontoany"gapclosure"alternativethathasorcouldbedeveloped.Inaddition,Iwishtoexpressouroppositiontothecontinueeffortandexpenditureoftax‐payeroniesinexploring,studying,anddevelopinganymeanstofacilitatethis"gapclosure".ItisGlendale'sbeliefanddesirethateffortsinsteadbedirectedtothedevelopmentofalternativesthatmoreeffectivelyandmorethoroughlyaddresstheconcernsofmobility,congestion,andthemovementofgoodsintheSR‐710corridor,particularlyfromourports.Suchalternativesshouldexpandmasstransitsystems,improveexistinginfrastructure,andlimitthelong‐distancemovementofcargo/freightfromtheportstorail.TheCityofGlendalehasopposedthisprojectandrecommendsthedevelopmentofamulti‐modalsolutioninlieuoffurtherconsiderationofthisproject.Commentnoted.The710projectisincludedinthevoter‐approvedMeasureRsalestaxmeasureandinMetro'sLongRangeTransportationPlan,aswellasinpreviousSCAGRTPs.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.036‐07ScottOchoaCityofGlendale[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber12.037‐01DeannaEllianoCityofHemetTwoMajorHighwayprojectsofmajorinteresttotheCityofCommentnoted.ThereferencedExhibit2.1hasbeenrevisedto98IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseHemetaretherealignmentandwideningofSR79fromDomenigoniPkwytoGilmanSpringsRoad(FTIPIDRIV62024)andthecompletionoftheMid‐CountyParkway(FTIPIDRIV031218).TheCity'slongtermgrowthprojections,employmentbase,housingconditions,andoveralleconomichealthdependinlargepartuponthecompletionofthesetwothoroughfares.Specifically:Exhibit2.1MajorHighwayImprovementsdoesnotshowtherealignedSR79throughtheHemetareaandconnectingtomajoreastwestcorridorstothenorth,ortheMid‐CountyPkwy.TheCityrequeststhatthesecriticalroadwayimprovementsbeincludedonExhibit2.1.Table2.2showsalistofMajorHighwayProjectsintheregion.ForRiversideCounty,theCETAPIntercountyCorridorAisnoted,howeverourunderstandingistheplanningforthatcorridorisdelayed.WesuggestthatTable2.2beupdatedtoreflectmoreessentialprojectsthatareahigherpriorityforRiversideCounty,suchastheMid‐CountyPkwyandtheSR‐79Realignment.includetheMidCountyParkwayandSR‐79Realignment,whileTable2.2hasbeenrevisedtoreplaceCETAPIntercountyCorridorAwiththeSR‐79realignmentandI‐215wideningfromScotttoNuevo.037‐02DeannaEllianoCityofHemetIntheHighwaysandArterialsreport,Exhibit4andExhibit9shouldbecorrectedtoincludetheSR79andMid‐CountyPkwyroadprojects,asnotedabove.InAddition,Exhibits11andA16alsodonotappeartoincludethesecriticalroadways,althoughthescaleofthemapmakesitdifficulttodetermineiftheseroadwaysareincluded,orifthemapreflectsimprovementstoexistinglocalarterialsinthearea.Pleaseverifythehighwayimprovementsincludedontheseexhibitsandupdatetheexhibitsasneededtoaddresstheseroadways.Commentnoted.Exhibits4and6oftheHighwaysandArterialsAppendixhasbeenrevisedtoincludeSR‐79RealignmentandtheMidCountyParkway.037‐03DeannaEllianoCityofHemetIntheFinanciallyconstrainedRTPlistofprojects,WarrenRoadfromDomenigoniPkwytoEsplanadeAve(IDRIV3A01WT041)shouldbeshownaswideningfrom2lanesto6lanes,consistentwiththeCityofHemet'supdatedGeneralPlanCirculationElement.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheProjectListassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.037‐04DeannaEllianoCityofHemetTheCitystronglysupportstheextensionofacommuterraillinetoHemet.Itwillreducevehiclemilestraveledconsiderablyandhelpspurresidentialandeconomicgrowthinthevalley.However,theproposedPerrisValleyLine(RTPID3CR0702)doesnotindicateastationinDowntownHemet.OurrecentlyadoptedGeneralPlan2030includesahigh‐densitytransitorienteddevelopmentstrategybaseduponthesitingofaMetrolinkstationinthedowntownarea.Inaddition,SCAGpreviouslypreparedaCompassBlueprintprojectforatransitCommentnoted.ThelocationsitingsofcommuterrailstationsfortheextensionofthePerrisValleyLinearedeterminedbytheRiversideCountyTransportationCommission.99IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsevillagesurroundingafuturestationinDowntownHemet.WerequestconsiderationofaddingastationtothisprojectinDowntownHemet.Inaddition,asnotedintheRTP(ID3CR0702)astationisproposedattheHemetRyanAirport.Theselocationsimmediatelyaroundtheairportareconstrainedbytheexistingdevelopmentandenvironmentalfactors.Thecityrequeststhatthe"HemetAirport;SandersonAve@StetsonRd"locationbereplacedwith"westHemet@StetsonRd."ThislocationisconsistentwiththerecentlyadoptedupdateupdatetotheCityofHemet'sGeneralPlanthatanticipatestransitorienteddevelopmentandmixeduseresidential,commercial,andbusinessparkusesintheWestHemetarea,adjacenttothePerrisValleyLine.Thecitywouldliketoco‐locateabustransitcenterwiththeHemetDowntownMetrolinkstation.FTIPIDRIV041030onpage75oftheFTIPProjectListindicatesthelocationofthetransitcenteratthe700ScaramellaCircle.ThisisthesiteoftheRTAbusyard,andnotappropriateforpassengeruse.Pleasereference"inthevicinityofSateStreetandDevonshireAve"asthelocationforthenewHemetTransitCenterintheFTIP.TheCityiscurrentlyworkingwithRTAonlocatingatransitcenteratthislocationinHemet'sDowntownareawhichwouldbeadjacenttoaFutureMetrolinkstation,aswellasaproposedCourthousefacilityandmixeduseTransitVillage.037‐05DeannaEllianoCityofHemetTheCityiscommittedtotheSCStenetsandconcepts.Werecentlyupdatedourgeneralplanandincorporatedmanysustainabilityandmixedusedevelopmentmeasuresinaccordancewiththeseprinciples.However,itappearsthattheonlywaytodetermineon‐goingconsistencywiththeSCSistousetheLocalSustainabilityPlanningtool(LSPT),whichisnotpracticalforus.Ourjurisdictiondoesnothavetheresourcestoaccessorusethetool,althoughwedidsubmitourcommentsandrevisionstothemapduringthelocalinputprocess.WearenotabletocompletelyascertainwhetherourcommentshavebeenintegratedintotheSCSlandusemodelandmapping,basedupontheregionalscaleofthemapsprovidedtodateintheSCS.WEarealsounclearastowhetherconsistencywiththeSCSisdeterminedonthebasisoftherevisedcity‐wideGrowthForecastnumberssubmittedandapprovedbyHemetandtheWRCOG'smemberjurisdictions,oralandusedistributionpatternthathasbeenaggregatedandshownintheSCSmapsinCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.100IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseverybroadterms?WehaveonlyrecentlybecomeawareofgrowthmapsbasedonTAZdatathathasnotbeenconfirmedbytheCityofHemetorotherWRCOGjurisdictions,andhaveconcernsregardingthelanduseaccuracyandfutureapplicationofthesemapsindeterminingconsistencywiththeSCSorouradoptedGeneralPlan.theCityofHemetconcurswithandsupportsthecommentssubmittedbyWRCOGintheircommentletterdatedFebruary13,2012regardingtheuseofTAZdataandmappingforanythingotherthanscenariomodelingpurposes.PleaseprovideaclarificationastotheuseofTAZdataandadditionalreviewtimetoanalyzetherecentlyreleasedmapsatascalethatwecandetermineconsistencywithourexistingandfuturelandusepatterns.037‐06DeannaEllianoCityofHemetThankyouforrecognizingthatHemetandothercitiesontheregion'speripheryhavelesshousingcapacitythantheoriginalforecastassumptions.WesincerelyappreciateSCAG'sefforttorevisetheGrowthForecastnumbersandcontinuetosupporttheRevisedGrowthForecastfortheCityofHemet,asadoptedbyWRCOG,andthe2035buildoutprojections.Commentnoted.037‐07DeannaEllianoCityofHemetPerthecommentsnotedaboveforthelocationsofMetrolinkandTransitStationintheCitypfHemet,exhibit4.9oftheSCSneedstobeupdatedtoreflecttheappropriatetransitlocations.Inaddition,itappearsthattheHQTAnodesshowndonotalignwiththeactualraillinelocations.Again,itisdifficulttodetermineatthescaleofthemapprovideintheSCS.Commentnoted.038‐01JohnJaquessCityofHighlandThisletteristoofficiallyinformyouthattheCityofHighlandisinsupportofSANBAG'scommentsconcerningthesubjectDraftRTP/SCSandDEIRasoutlinedintheirFebruary14,2012letter(seeattached).Inaddition,theCityrespectfullyrequestSCAGmakeadditionaladjustmentstotheCity'sGrowthDistributionaspresentedbySANBAGandillustratedontheattachedTable.Adjustmentsarehighlightedin"Bold".NoadjustmentstotheCity'sGrowthForecastisrequested,onlythe"distribution"ofGrowth.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtherevisedSANBAGdatasetintothefinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives.039‐01SeanJoyceCityofIrvineTheCityofIrvineconcurswiththeOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)andOrangeCountyTransportationAuthoirtycomments.TheCityofIrvineconcurswiththecommentsSCAGwillreceivefromtheOCCOGandtheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA).TheCityrequeststhatSCAGrespondtoallofthecommentsdetailedintheOCCOGCommentnoted.101IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandOCTAlettersandtoactuponanychangesadvocatedbyOCCOG,ofwhichtheCityisamemberagency.039‐02SeanJoyceCityofIrvineSCAG'sadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersshouldbeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs,notatasmallerlevelofgeographysuchascity,censustract,ortrafficanalysiszonelevel.ThegrowthprojectionsprovidedtoSCAGrepresentthebestavailableinformationfromlocaljurisdictions,thebusinesscommunity,andlandowners.However,astimepasses,whatisfeasibleforanygivenprojectcanchange.Acountylevelofgeographyaccommodatesinternaladjustmentstochangingconditions,withoutcompromisingtheintegrityoftheoverallgrowthprojections.Approvingthegrowthprojectionsatanylowerlevelofgeography,suchasthecitylevel,wouldbechallengedwithcontinualrevisionsandshiftstothetotalnumberofhousing,population,andemploymentwithinacity,amongcities,andcountywouldalsolimitlocaljurisdictionalcontrolandcreateinflexibilityinaregionalplanningdocument.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.039‐03SeanJoyceCityofIrvineTheOrangeCountySustainableCommunitiesStrategy(OCSCS)shouldbefullyintegratedintotheregionalRTP/SCS.LanguageshouldbeincorporatedintothedocumentthatindicatestheOCSCSrepresentstheSCSfortheOrangeCountySubregion.TheRTPandappendicesincludenumerousreferencestotheOCSCSandSCAG'stotaluseofthedocumentintheregionalRTP/SCS.yetnumerousotherreferencessuggestSCAGmayhavemodifiedelementsoftheOCSCSdata.SCAGshallincludeastatementandshoulddocumentallmaps,tables,charts,andotherinformationthatisnecessarytoconfirmalloftheOCSCSlanduse,socioeconomic,andtransportationdatawasincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSwithoutchanges.ThiswouldbeconsistentwithstatementsmadebySCAGstafftotheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandatthe2012RTPWorkshopsthattheOCSCSdatahasnotbeenandwillnotbealtered.Furthermore,thereshouldbeastatementindicatingthattheOCSCSrepresentstheSCSfortheOrangeCountysubregionintotalandthatanythingtothecontraryintheregional2012RTP/SCSshallhavenostandingforOrangeCounty.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshasbeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguage.039‐04SeanJoyceCityofIrvineOneCityofIrvineproject,whichhasbothlocalandregionalsignificance,doesnotappeartobeincludedintheRTP/SCS.ThisprojectisidentifiedintheLongRangeTransportationPlan(LRTP)forOrangeCountywiththeOrangeCountyCommentnoted.ThisprojectisincludedintheProjectListunderFTIP#ORA000118.102IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTransportationAuthority(OCTA)asleadagency.Itis,therefore,requestedthatthefollowingprojectbeaddedtotheRTP/SCS:SandCanyonGradeSeparationProject.039‐05SeanJoyceCityofIrvineAlldocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andPEIRAlternatives(includingAlternativeC/3/Envision2referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts)shouldbeupdatedwithOrangeCountygrowthforecasts)shouldbeupdatedwithOrangeCountyProjections2010ModifiedGrowthProjections(OP‐2010Modified),asadoptedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandconsistentwiththesubregionaldelegationMOUbetweenOCCOG,OCTA,andSCAG.OrangeCountyProjections2010Modified(OCP‐2010Modified)wasapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsonJanuary26,2012andisdataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2012EmploymentDevelopmentDepartmentBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternativeCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).039‐06SeanJoyceCityofIrvine[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber14.040‐01AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgePursuanttoFederalRegulations,projectsshouldnotbeincludedintheRTP/SCSconstrainedplanwhichhaveonlysecuredasmallportionoftherequiredfundingneededtocompletetheproject:TheRTP/SCSaccordingtofederalregulations,in"nonattainmentandmaintenanceareas,"must"addressthespecificfinancialstrategiesrequiredtoensuretheimplementationofprojectsandprogramstoreachairqualitycompliance".Projectswhichonlyhavesecuredasmallportionoftheneededfunding,andwhichrelyonspeculativefunding,suchaspotentialand/orpossibletollingauthority,shouldnotbeincludedintheRTP/SCS,sincethisinclusiondoesnotmeetthefederalrequirementsforafiscallyconstrainedplan.Commentnoted.However,SCAG’sanalysisanddocumentationofreasonablyavailablesourcesdemonstratesconsistencywithfederalrequirements.Under23CFR450.322,anRTPmeetsthefinancialconstraintrequirementbyincluding“sufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojects”intheplan“canbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources,withreasonableassurancethatthefederallysupportedtransportationsystemisbeingadequatelyoperatedandmaintained.”040‐02AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeLanguageshouldbeincludedintheRTP/SCSrequiringafullcost/benefitanalysisforallprojectsintheconstrainedplan:LanguageshouldbeincludedintheRTP/SCSthatclearlystatesthatafullcost/benefitanalysisshallbecompletedforeachprojectcontainedintheRTP/SCSconstrainedplan.Thesecostbenefitanalysesshouldthenbeused,inaneraoflimitedfinancialresources,toprioritizeprojects.Amodelforthecost/benefitanalysisofeveryprojectintheRTP/SCSshouldbebuiltandputintothePlan.TheRTP/SCSshouldreflectthisCommentnoted.Abenefit‐costanalysiswaspreparedfortheRTP.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisalsoprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisofthe2012RTP/SCSAppendix.ThemajorityoftransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,and103IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseprocessandmodelinitslanguage.otherpreviouscommitments.040‐03AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeMajorhighwayexpansionprojectsshouldnotbefrontloadedintheRTP/SCS:TheRTP/SCSfrontloadshighwaymodalitiesbydisproportionatelyallocatingfundingandanticipatedcompletiondates.ThisisevidencedbycomparingTable2.2‐MajorHighwayCompletionProjectagainstTable2.5,MajorTransitProjects,inchapter2oftheRTP/SCS.Transitprojectsarebuiltinsegmentwiththefinalprojectnotbeingcompleteduntil2030‐2035,ExpandinghighwaysinducesVMTandthereforefrontloadingmajorhighwaycompletionbeforetransitprojectsdoesnotcomplywiththetenetsofSB375andAB32toreducegreenhousegasemissionsbyreducingVMT.Additionally,itiswelldocumentedthatlandusesadjacenttofreewaysarepronetoincreasedtoxinswhichcausenegativehealthimpacts.AccordingtoSCAGstaff,highwayprojectsmaybemoreeasilyfinancedthantransitprojectsbyborrowingagainstfuturetollrevenues.Theystatethatthisisthereasonthehighwayprojectsarefrontloaded.Thisfinancialreasoningdoesnotjustifysacrificingenvironmentalconcernsbybuildingthehighwayprojectspriortotransitprojects.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPisaresultoflocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.040‐04AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeTheterm"SR‐710GapClosure"usedintheplanshouldbesubstitutedwith"710NorthExtension":The"SR710GapClosure"language,alreadyinthe2008RTP,shouldbemodifiedtoconsistencywithMetro'sstatedintent,whichwouldservetoease,ifnoteliminate,thecurrentpolarizinglanguage.Theshiftintitlefrom"710NorthExtension"to"710GapClosure"isinvalid,sincethereisnogap.SR‐710terminatesatValleyBoulevard.Thereisnonortherlyextensiontoconnectto,sincetheportionofthe210interchangeincludingDelMarBoulevardwasbuiltconditioneduponthefactthatit"wouldhavenoeffectonthedecisionsastotheultimatefreewaylocationandwillnotforeclosealternativestotheproposedultimate...Freeway."Thistitleseemstocreateasenseofinevitabilityorpriorityforthisprojectovercompetingonesandcannotbejustified.Commentnoted.Referencestothe“SR‐710GapClosure”havebeenrevisedto“SR‐710NorthExtension(tunnel)(alignmentTBD)”.040‐05AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeSCAGassumptionsregardingthe"SR‐710GapClosure"projectproducingcongestionreliefandlowergreenhousegasemissionsareflawedbaseduponempiricalresearchonotherhighwayprojectsthathavebeenbuilt:ThePEIRstatesthat"ThePlanwouldincreaseVMTwhencomparedtoexistingCommentnoted.IncreaseintotalVMTin2035overthecurrentconditionisprimarilyduetoestimatedincreaseof4millionpeopleovertheplanperiod.However,VMTonapercapitabasiswilldecreaseoverthisperiodoncetheplanisfullyimplemented.WhilethePlandoesincludesomeneeded104IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconditions."(SCAGRTP/SCSPEIRp.3.2‐25).Specifically,decreasingVMTisthegoalofSB375andshouldalsobethegoaloftheRTP/SCS.ThisincreaseinVMTisthePlan'srelianceonfreewayexpansiontomeettheregion'smobilityneeds.Notably,theRTP/SCSdescribestheSR‐710tunnelasatunnelwith4lanesineachdirection.Thisisamajorhighwayexpansionintroducedintotheregion.Totheextentthatthiscausesthewideningofotherfreeways(suchastheI‐210),itwillfurtherexpandthefreewaysystem.TheregionwouldbebetterservedwithanalternativeprojectwhichisnothighwayorientedandwhichwouldpotentiallydecreaseVMT,ratherthanincreasingit.SCAGassumesthattheSR‐710extensionwillproducecongestionreliefandlowergreenhousegasemissions.Theseassumptionsarenotborneoutbyrecentresearch,andthereareahostofotherpreviousstudiesshowingthatanincreaseinhighwaycapacityincreasesVMTandthatoncetheprojectisbuilt,congestion,withinafewyearsreturns.TheseSCAGassumptionsareflawed.highwayimprovements,includingtheSR‐710NorthExtensionproject,thereisnoevidencethattheseimprovementswouldcontributetothetotalVMTincreaseinanydiscernibleway.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformanceandreductioninGHGtargetsrequiredunderSB375.040‐06AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeThedefinitionoftheSR‐710GapClosureprojectfromoneprecisepointtoanotherthreatensprogram‐levelconformityintheplanandprejudicesfutureenvironmentalanalyses:ThePlanhasmodeledtheSR‐710extensionfromoneprecisepointnorthtoanother.Unfortunately,thisassumptionremovesthelow‐buildormulti‐modalsolutiontothecongestionproblem.Underfederalregulations,becauseofthisspecificity,thePlanandthePEIRthreatenprogram‐levelconformityandprejudicefutureproject‐levelenvironmentalanalyses.Inaddition,thisdefinitiondifferssignificantlyfromthatusedbytheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority,whichiscurrentconductingtheEIRfortheprojectandistheleadagency.Metrosays,"WearebeginningwithafreshperspectivetoinitiateanenvironmentalreviewprocessthatwillfocusonarangeofsolutionstospecificallyevaluatetheeffectsoftheSR710gap.Thisprocessinvolvesaneducationandpublicinvolvementprogramtoseekbothregionalandcommunity‐basedsolutionsthataresuggestedbyyou,yourfriendsandfamily,yourneighbors,andeveryoneelseinyourcommunity.Asourpublicinvolvementprogramname(SR‐710Conversations)suggests,theprocessforidentifyingthesesolutionswillbethroughdialogueandconversation.ThesesolutionsfromyoucancomeCommentnoted.Aprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderwaybytheleadagency,whichwillconsiderprojectimpactsincludingenvironmentalandtrafficandmobilityimpacts,andidentifymitigationmeasuresasrequired.UponthecompletionofthiseffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.105IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseinanypossibleform‐frommaintainingthestatusquotoconsideringnewinfrastructure,fromsingle‐modaltomulti‐modalapproaches."Thisprojectshouldnotbecharacterizedasasinglesolution.Thesolutiontothecongestionproblemintheareaoftheproposedprojectshouldbemulti‐fold.ItcouldincludetheGreenRailIntelligentDevelopment(GRID)project,forexample,alongwithbetterbusservice,amultimodalapproach,alow‐buildoption,bettertrafficlightsynchronization,abetterintersectionoftheSR‐710andtheI‐10,orotherprojects.TheSCAG"project"shouldreflectthesameprocessbeingcurrentlyusedbyMetro.040‐07AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeTheSR‐710"GapClosureProject"shouldbetakenoutoftheRTP/SCSaltogetherduetoempiricalevidenceofhealthimpactsonchildrenandadultsoncetheprojectisconstructed:Dr.RobMcConnell,representingtheUSCKreckSchoolofMedicinestated,"TheincreaseintruckandautomobiletrafficontheI‐210freewayresultingfromtheproposedSR‐710extensionwouldincreasetheexposureofsurroundingcommunitiestovehicularpollutantsthatmaycauseasthmaandotherrespiratorydiseases."Supportedbyempiricalresearch,USChasalsostatedthatthereisan"emergingscientificconsensusthatresidentialorschoolproximitytomajortrafficcorridorsisassociatedwithrespiratorimpairmentinchildrenandinadults."Further,ithasbeenshown,ina12‐communitySouthernCaliforniastudythatagroupofpollutantsassociatedwithresidentialproximityinastrongpredictorof"debilitatinglungdiseaseandmortalityinlaterlife."TheCityofLaCanadaFlintridgehastwelveschoolsincloseproximitytotheI‐210,whichwouldlikelybeimpactedbythe"SR‐710GapClosure"project.Theseschoolsexistedpriortothefreewaybeingconstructedandwouldbeadverselyimpactedintheworstpossiblewaybyincreasedvehicularpollutants.ThePreliminaryFinalDraftofaSCAGstudy,donefortheArroyoVerdugoRegion,calledthe"SR‐710MissingLinkTruckStudy,"conductedbyIteris,Inc.TrafficEngineers,showedthattherewouldbea25%increaseindailytrafficvolumesontheI‐210,that30,000incrementalvehicleswouldgothroughthecommunitiesofLaCanadaFlintridge,Pasadena,LaCrescentaandGlendale,andthat2,500ofthesewouldbeheavydutytrucksinpeakhours.Itcanalsobeconcludedfromthatstudythat75%oflocalstreetsCommentnoted.Aprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderwaybytheleadagency,whichwillconsiderprojectimpactsincludingenvironmentalandtrafficandmobilityimpacts,andidentifymitigationmeasuresasrequired.UponthecompletionofthiseffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.106IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseintheregion,suchasFairOaksAvenue,FremontAvenue,LosRoblesAvenueandAtlanticBoulevardwouldstillbeovercapacity,aswellastwelvearterialstreetswhichwouldactuallyexperiencehighertrafficvolumesregionalasaresultoftheproject.Additionally,thestudyshowedthattherewouldbemoredelay,gasconsumptionandairpollutionasaresultofthestudy.Itcanalsobeconcludedasaresultofthestudythatthesystem‐wide,regionalbenefitwouldonlybeanincreaseof.6milesperhour.Importantly,thestudyshowedthatmotoristswouldstillbedrivingfartherandspendingmoretimeontheroadifthetunnelisbuilt.040‐08AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeRegionally,aMetrostudyconcludedthat"inthepeak(northbound)direction,thegapclosureisprojectedtooperateatLOSF..."Thismeansgridlockintheproposedtunnelandidlingattheportalswherecongestionandairpollutionalreadyexistandshoudlbealleviatedratherthanexacerbated.ThepreviouslydiscussedSCAGconclusionsthattherewouldbelowergreenhousegasemissionsandthatcongestionreliefwouldbeproducedappeartolackfoundation,inthefaceofoneofitsownstudies,alongwiththeothercitied.Commentnoted.040‐09AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridgeTheCityofLaCanadaFlintridgewantstoseetheregionalcongestionproblemresolvedinawaythatisthebestsolutionforallstakeholders.Webelievethatthisall‐stakeholdercongestionreliefispossible,ifyouimplementourcomments,andparticularlyifyoueliminatethe"SR‐710GapClosure"astheprimary(ifnottheonly)alternativeinthisparticularregionforcongestionrelief.CongressmanAdamSchiffsaid,"IbelievethenextlogicalstepshouldbetoconsiderabroadrangeoftransportationoptionsthatmightprovidethesamecongestionreliefandimprovementinthequalityoflifeforresidentsoftheregionatacostequaltoorlowerthantheamountMetroestimatesitwouldtaketobuildoneofthefivetunnelalternatives."Weconcurwiththisstatement.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.040‐10AnnWilsonCityofLaCanadaFlintridge[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber15.041‐01CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraIssue:GrowthProjections:The2012growthprojectionsidentifypopulation,housingandemploymentdataforthesix‐countySCAGregion,from2008(existing)to2020and2035.ThesegrowthprojectionsrepresentthebestavailableinformationCommentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNA107IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefromlocaljurisdictions,thebusinesscommunityandlandowners.However,astimepasses,whatisfeasibleforanygivenprojectcanchange.Thetriggersforchangetoadoptedgrowthprojectionscanrangefromfactorssuchasmarketconditions,newinformationordata,infrastructureavailability,changesinfundingavailability(suchasthedissolutionofredevelopmentagenciesstatewide),andchangestojurisdictionalboundariesresultingfromfutureannexationsandincorporationsofpreviously‐designatedunincorporatedterritory.SCAGshouldcontinuetoadoptthe2012growthprojectionsatacountywidelevel,consistentwithpastapprovalsofRegionalTransportationplangrowthforecasts.Acountylevelofgeographyaccommodatesinternaladjustmentstochangingconditionsasdescribedabove,withoutcompromisingtheintegrityoftheoverallgrowthprojections.However,approvingthegrowthprojectionsatanylowerlevelofgeography,suchasatthecitylevel,wouldbechallengedwithcontinualrevisionsandshiftstothetotalnumberofhousing,populationandemploymentwithinacity,amongcities,andbetweencitiesandcountiesasaresultofthefactorsdescribedabove.Adoptionofthedataatalevellowerthanthecountywouldlimitjurisdictionalcontrolandcreateinflexibilityinaregionalplanningdocument.Inaddition,thelevelofgeographyinwhichRTP/SCSgrowthforecastisadoptedshouldnotbedeterminedbyotherprocesses.Forexample,theRHNAallocationsmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS;statelawdoesnotrequirethattheybeidentical.TheRTP/SCScanbeadoptedatthecountylevelandtheRHNAprocessmayproceedindependentlyuntilitiscompletedaftertheappeals,trades,andtransfersarecompleted.TheRHNAallocationsthatwerederivedfromthegrowthforecastcanstillbedeterminedtobeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS,evenifchangesaremadetothecitytotalsduringtheappeals,trades,andtransfersprocess.GrowthProjectionsRecommendation:SCAG'sadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersshouldbeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs,andnotatasmallerlevelofgeographysuchascity,censustract,ortrafficanalysislevel.allocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.041‐02CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraIssue:OCP‐2010Modified:OnJanuary26,2012,theupdatetotheOCP‐2010datasetknownas“OCP‐2010Modified”wasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandisaCommentnoted.SCAGwillincorporate"OCP‐2010Modified"datasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS.108IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG’supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011andthisletteralsoservesastheformalnoticeoftheupdatethatshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andrelateddocuments.OCP‐2010ModifiedRecommendation:Alldocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,PEIRAlternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts)shouldbeupdatedwiththeOrangeCountyProjections‐2010ModifiedGrowthProjections,asadoptedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandconsistentwiththesubregionaldelegationMOUbetweenOCCOG,OCTAandSCAG.041‐03CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraIssue:2012DraftRTP/SCS:TheRTP/SCSidentifiesstrategiestoreducegreenhousegasemissionsfromcarsandlightdutytrucks.Becausecounties,jurisdictionsandagencieshavedifferentneedsandfeasibilityofimplementation,webelievethesestrategiesshouldbeclearlyidentifiedasamenuofoptionsthatcanbeusedtoachievethegoalofreducedGHGemissions.However,thedocumentcanbeconstruedtosuggestthateachofthestrategieslistedinthetableonpages150‐153arenecessarytosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS,manyofwhicharebeyondSCAG’spurvieworcontrol.Itisrequestedthatthelanguagebeclearthatitispermissive.Commentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguage.041‐04CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra2012DraftRTP/SCSRequests:1.Reviselanguageonpage149:“Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernments,SCAG,andotherstakeholdersmayuseorconsiderwhilepreparingspecificprojectswhichthathelp[delete]canandshouldundertakeinorder[/delete]tosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS.”Commentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoclarifythatactionsandstrategiesproposedinChapter4representamenuofoptionsthatlocaljurisdictionsmaychoosetoimplementattheirdiscretion.041‐05CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraPleaseprovideSCAGanalysissupportingthestrategiesintheDraftRTP/SCSChapter4.Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixcontainsanalysisthatsupportsthestrategiesintheRTP/SCSChapter4.041‐06CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraPleasedescribewhatmunicipalobligationsareanticipatedasaresultofadoptingthesestrategiesasalisttobeaccomplishedratherthanamenuofoptions.Commentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoclarifythatactionsandstrategiesproposedinChapter4representamenuofoptionsthatlocaljurisdictionsmaymaychoosetoimplementattheirdiscretion.041‐07CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraIssue:OCSCSStrategies:TherearestrategiesintheOrangeCountySCSthatarenotincludedintheregionalSCS.Similarly,Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCS109IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetherearesomestrategiesintheregionalSCSthatarenotconsistentwiththestrategiesintheOCSCS.Thiscreatesconfusionandclarificationisneeded.intheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.041‐08CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraUnderSB375andonlywithintheSCAGregion,subregionalcouncilsofgovernmentwereallowedtopreparesubregionalSCS’sthatSCAGisthenrequiredtoincorporateintotheregionalSCS.InOrangeCounty,theOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA)developedacountywideorsubregionalSCS(OCSCS)thatwastobeincorporatedinwholeintotheSCAGSCS.LocalagenciesinOrangeCountydevelopedtheOCSCSandapproveditinJune2011.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCSCSinitsentiretyintotheregionalSCSasanappendixtotheregionalSCS,butitisunclearwhatthestandingisoftheOCSCS.TheOCSCScontainsasetofstrategiesthatwereagreeduponbylocalgovernments,agenciesandotherstakeholderswithinOrangeCountyandwasacceptedbySCAGandshouldrepresenttheSCSthatisapplicabletotheOrangeCountyregion.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.041‐09CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraOnPage8discussionisprovidedregardingtheSustainablecommunitiesstrategy2012‐2035planstoSB375integratethetransportationnetworkwithnewdevelopmentbutminimaldiscussionisprovidedastohowthatwillbeachievedandhowitwillbefunded.Commentnoted.Chapter3providesthefinancialplanofthe2012RTP/SCS.041‐10CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraDiscussionoftheneedforcitiestodramaticallyincreasethereachoftransitinourcommunitiesisprovidedonPage13butnodefinitionofwhat“dramatically”meansisprovided.LaHabrahasnotransitcenters.Commentnoted.TheRTPsupportsincreasedinvestmentintransitserviceintomarketswheretransitservicewillbewellutilizedandcosteffective.041‐11CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraHighspeedrailisdiscussedonPage21butnoapprovedalignmenthasbeenreached.ItisverylikelytheBNSFright‐of‐waywillbeutilized.Thisbeingthecase,verylittlebenefitwillbeforthcomingtotheCityofLaHabraduetothedistancetotherailline.Commentnoted.TheCAHigh‐SpeedTrainalternativealignmentsareintheenvironmentalplanningphaseandthelocallypreferredalternativehasnotyetbeenselected.041‐12CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraTheRTPsuggestsplanningforelectrificationofthevehiclefleetandsupportingnewautomobiletechnologyonPage30butnodiscussionisprovidedastohowtheimprovementswillbefunded.Commentnoted.SCAGiscurrentlyengagedinacollaborativeprocesstoprepareSouthernCaliforniafortheforecastedinfluxofPlug‐InElectricVehicles(PEV),whichwillreduceairpollution,addressAB32andSB375,andattractgreenbusinessestoSouthernCalifornia.SCAGrecognizesthataregionalplanningperspectiveisnecessarytoadequatelyaddressPEVReadiness.Inordertobetterunderstandtheon‐goingandplannedefforts110IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseintheregion,SCAGhascoordinatedstakeholdermeetingswithutilities,subregionalcouncilsofgovernment,academia,jurisdictionsandotherkeyregionalpartners.SCAGhasalsoincludedPEVrelatedactionsandstrategiesintheDraftRTP/SCSthatwouldsupportandexpandthiseffort.InJune2011,SCAG,inconjunctionwithourregionalpartnersappliedfortwoPEVplanninggrantsandwassuccessfulinbothapplications.Thefirstgrant,awardedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy(DOE)hasasitsprimarypurposethedevelopmentofaRegionalPEVReadinessPlanforSouthernCalifornia.TheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict(SCAQMD)submittedthestatewideapplicationinpartnershipwithSCAG,theBayAreaAirQualityManagementDistrict,thePlug‐InElectricVehicleCollaborative,andCleanCitiesCoalitionsinCalifornia.Thisgrantawarded$1milliontoPEVReadinesseffortsstatewide,with$300,000goingtoSCAG.ThesecondsuccessfulgrantapplicationwasawardedbytheCaliforniaEnergyCommission(CEC)andwastheresultofacollaborativeeffortbetweenSCAGandSCAQMDinpartnershipwithSCE,theWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments(WRCOG),andSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(SBCCOG).Thisgranthasbeenfundedfor$200,000.ThepurposeoftheprojectistodeveloptwocomplementarysubregionalplansincollaborationwithWRCOGandSBCCOG.ThesesubregionalplanswillserveasmodelsforothersubregionsastheybegintodeveloptheirownPEVReadinessPlans.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithourregionalpartnersonthisnewplanningeffortandwillpursueoutreacheffortstoadditionalstakeholdersastheprocessevolves.041‐13CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraOnpage53thereisdiscussionofmakingdeficientsidewalksaccessibletoall.TheCitysupportssuchactionbutminimalfundsaremadeavailabletoaccomplishthetask.Commentnoted.041‐14CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraTheRTPnotesonpage80thatthetransportationandsafetymitigationprogramincludes:increasingrideshareandworkathomeopportunities,investinlandusetransportationconnectionprojects,investmentstoreduceheavingdutytruckdelays,enhancetransportationinfrastructurepracticestoenhancesecurityandworkingtoenhanceemergencypreparedness.ThereisnodiscussionastohowtheCommentnoted.AdetaileddiscussionoffundingsourcescanbefoundinChapter3oftheRTP,FinancialPlan.Specifically,pleaseseeTable3.4.1CoreandReasonablyAvailableRevenueProjections—LocalRevenueSources(inNominalDollars,Billions).111IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimprovementswillbefunded.041‐15CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraTheCityofLaHabraislimitedtobusserviceasameansofregionaltransportation.Alternativemodesoftransportation,asperpage81,tocommunitieslikeLaHabraneedtobediscussedfurtherandhowthoseimprovementswillbefunded.Commentnoted.TheRTPsupportsincreasedtransitserviceinareascurrentlyunderservedbytransitinordertoprovideanincentivetosingle‐occupantvehicletravelandtoreducevehiclemilestravelled.TheRTPalsorecommendsfindingnewrevenuestofundtransit.041‐16CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraStateorCountyagenciesshouldbemandatedtopublishlistsofcontaminatedpropertieswherenewdevelopmentwoulddisturbcontaminantsandprovidethemonayearlybasistocitiesassuggestedonPage83.Commentnoted.041‐17CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraAdiscussionofMeasureMinOrangeCountyshouldbeincludedonpage133.Commentnoted.Chapter3:FinancialPlanandTransportationFinanceAppendixehaveamoredetaileddescriptionofallrevenuesourcesincludingMeasureM.041‐18CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraPage139discussesbringingthemajorityofsidewalksandintersectionsintocompliancewithADA.TheCityofLaHabracontinuestomakeimprovementstointersectionswhenstreetimprovementsareproposed.WhatpresentsachallengetotheCityarecontinuedchangestotheaccessibilityrequirementswhichmakerecentlycompletedimprovementsobsolete.Commentnoted.041‐19CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraPage139...Theplanalsosuggestsimprovedtrafficsignalsynchronizationprojectsbuthowthoseimprovementswillbefundedarenotdiscussed.Commentnoted.Chapter3providesthefinancialplanofthe2012RTP/SCS,inwhichfundingforallmodesoftransportationarediscussed,includingfundingforITSstrategiessuchastrafficsignalsynchronization.041‐20CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraTheCityislimitedtoregionalbustransportation.Thelandusegrowthstrategiesdiscussedonpage149revolvearoundtransportationcenterstypicallyassociatedwithraillines.ShouldthegoldlinebeextendedtoWhittier,theproposedlinecouldbeextendedintoLaHabraandontoFullertonwhereitcouldconnecttotheFullertontransitcenterthenmakingitpossibleforatransitcenterinLaHabra.Commentnoted.041‐21CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraTheconversionoftheCity’sfleettoelectricorotherzero‐emissiontransportationtechnologiesasnotedonpage153couldbepossibleiffundsweremadeavailablefortheconstructionoftheinfrastructureandvehiclesthemselves.Commentnoted.FundshavebeenmadeavailablethroughtheCaliforniaEnergyCommissionandtheU.S.DepartmentofEnergytoassisttheregioninitsconversiontoelectricorotherzeroandnearzerotransportationtechnologies.SCAG’sCleanCitiesCoalitionwillbeinvolvedinoutreachasthesefundsareexpendedandwillcontactlocalgovernmentsforinput.WeencourageyoutosignupasaCleanCitiesstakeholderandfollowSCAG'selectricvehicleinfrastructureplanningprocesstolearnaboutfuturefundingopportunities.112IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse041‐22CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraOCSCSStrategiesRecommendation:Pleaserevisethetextinthelastparagraphonpage106tostate:“ThesesubregionalSCSdocumentsareincorporatedintotheregionalSCSandrepresenttheSCSforeachofthesesubregions.”Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐23CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra7.RTP/SCSPoliciesPleaseensurethatthediscussionofthepoliciesrepresentedbytheRTP/SCSinthedraftPEIRisconsistentwiththepoliciesactuallyintheRTP/SCS.Inparticular,thebulletlistonthepage2‐3isstatedtorepresentthelandusestrategiesoftheplan;however,thestrategieslistedarenotspecificallyidentifiedintheregionalSCS.IncludingdifferentlanguageinthePEIRimpliesadditionalpolicy.RTP/SCSPoliciesRecommendation:Amendthelandusestrategiesidentifiedonpage2‐3oftheProjectDescription,underthesectionPurposeandNeedforActiontoreflectthestrategiesincludedintheSCSchapteroftheRTP.Commentnoted.Inregardtothemitigationmeasures,SCAGdoesnotintendtodictatemitigationtojurisdictions.Assuch,SCAGaddressedtheseconcernswithinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSPEIRrevisionapproach,aspresentedattheJointRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteesWorkshoponthePEIRonFebruary21,2012.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.041‐24CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraInadditiontotheabovecomments,detailedtechnicalcomments,languagechanges,andquestionsontheRTP/SCS,Appendices,andPEIRdocumentsareincludedinAttachment2.Commentnoted.041‐25CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraConclusionWerecognizetheimmenseeffortsittooktopreparethesedocuments.Theyareincrediblycomplexdocumentsestablishingimportantandfar‐reachingpolicyfortheregion.However,becauseofthisimportanceandcomplexity,wewouldliketoexpressconcernaboutthetimingofthereleaseofthedocumentsandhopethatpreparationoffutureRTP/SCSdocumentswilltakeintoaccounttheneedtoaccommodateadequatereview,discussionandrevisiontimeforallofthedocuments.Thetimelineofdocumentreleases,publiccommentperiod,andtimeallowedfortheresponsetocommentsresultsinaninabilitytohavecrediblediscussionregardingpossiblechangesbecausethetimelinedoesnotallowforrecirculationorfulldiscussionofrequestedchanges.ThedocumentswerereleasedovertheholidayseasonandincludedthereleaseofdraftPEIRdocumentonDecember30,2011.Theminimum45‐daypubliccommentperiodclosesonFebruary14,2012.OnlyafewweeksareprovidedtoprepareresponsestocommentsandamendthedocumentstoensurethattheRegionalCouncilmayconsiderthecertificationofthePEIRandtheapprovalofthedraftRTP/SCSonApril4,2012.Commentnoted.The55‐dayformalpublicreviewandcommentperiodfortheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanandSustainableCommunitiesStrategyconcludedonFebruary14,2012,andcomplieswithfederalandstaterequirementsforgatheringpubliccommentsforsuchdocuments.Duringthelasttwoyears,SCAGstaffengagedinextensiveconsultationwiththeregionalstakeholders,includingcities,counties,transportationcommissions,airdistricts,andotherrepresentativesfromtheprivateandpublicsectors,inthedevelopmentofthedraftRTP/SCSdocuments.041‐26CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra1)RTPGeneral.AllchapterheadingsshouldincludetheChapternumberoneachpageforeaseofreference.Commentnoted.ChapternumbershavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCS.113IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse041‐27CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra2)RTPp.1,leftcol–“The2012RTP/SCSincludesastrongcommitmenttoreduceemissionsfromtransportationsourcestocomplywithSB375,improvepublichealth,andmeettheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsassetforthbythefederalCleanAirAct.”3)RTPp.4,rightcol‐“Thisregionneedsalong‐term,sustainablefundingplanthatensurestheregionreceivesitsfairshareoffunding,supportsanefficientandeffectivetransportationsystemthatgrowstheeconomy,providesmobilitychoices,andimprovesourqualityoflife.”Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐28CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra2)RTPp.1,leftcol–“The2012RTP/SCSincludesastrongcommitmenttoreduceemissionsfromtransportationsourcestocomplywithSB375,improvepublichealth,andmeettheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsassetforthbythefederalCleanAirAct.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐29CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra3)RTPp.4,rightcol‐“Thisregionneedsalong‐term,sustainablefundingplanthatensurestheregionreceivesitsfairshareoffunding,supportsanefficientandeffectivetransportationsystemthatgrowstheeconomy,providesmobilitychoices,andimprovesourqualityoflife.”Commentnoted.Theadditional$0.15iseachstateandfederalexcisegastaxes.041‐30CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra5)RTPp.40,leftcol‐“Strategicinvestments,putforthbytheprivatesector,thatwouldremovebarriersassociatedwithtelecommutingareexpected...”Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐31CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra6)RTPp.42,Table2.2‐241tollroadcompletionyearis2030Commentnoted.Table2.2hasbeenrevisedwiththecorrectcompletionyearof2030.041‐32CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra7)RTPp.50,leftcol–“scrip”,Pleasedefineintextandaddtoglossary.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐33CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra8)RTPp.54,rightcol‐“Despiteourconcertedefforttoreducetrafficcongestionthroughyearsofinfrastructureinvestment,theregion’ssystemdemandscontinuetoexceedavailablecapacityduringpeakperiods.”Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.041‐34CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra9)RTPp.70,78‐SCAGseemstorelyonCEQAtoachievethe"maximumfeasible"reductionsinemissionsfromtransportation.However,thisisnotconsistentwiththeintentofSB375’sgoalofachievingspecificthresholdsof8%by2020and13%by2035throughasustainablecommunitiesstrategyplan.PleaseprovideclarificationtothissectionindicatingiftheairqualityandgreenhousegasCEQAmitigationmeasuresobligateregionalagenciesandprojectdeveloperstoundertakemorestrategies,programsandmandatesbeyondthoseCommentnoted.DemonstratingitsproactivecompliancewiththeSB375requirements,the2012RTP/SCSachievesthe20208%reductiontargetandexceedsthe203513%GHGreductiontarget.ItisnotSCAG'sintenttoobligatelocalgovernmentstoundertakemorestrategies,programsandmandatesbeyondthoseincludedintheOCSCS.EditsregardingthepercentageofGHGemissionsfromthetransportationsectorwillbemadeinthefinalRTP/SCS.Inregardtothemitigationmeasures,SCAGdoesnotintendtodictatemitigationtojurisdictions.Clarifying114IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincludedintheOCSCS.10)RTPp.78,rightcol‐Onroademissions(frompassengervehiclesandheavydutytrucks)constitute93percentofthetransportationsectortotal.Emissionsfrompassengervehicles,whicharethesubjectofSB375andthisRTP/SCS,constitute___%ofthetransportationsector’sgreenhousegasemissionstotal.”11)RTPp.80,leftcol‐Statementsaremade,suchas,"theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth"(inpopulationintheregion).ThesestatementscouldbeinterpretedtobecontrarytoSCAG'sobligationundertheMemorandumofUnderstandingwithOCCOGtorespectthestrategiesandlocallandusepoliciesintheOCSCS.PleaseclarifyhowitisinSCAG'sabilitytoaffectlocalchangewhentheOCSCSisconsistentwithacceptanceoflocallanduseplansandplannedpopulationandemploymentdistribution?Recommendedtextchange:“Transportationprojectsincludingnewandexpandedinfrastructurearenecessarytoimprovetraveltimeandcanenhancequalityoflifeforthosetravelingthroughouttheregion.However,theseprojectsalsohavethepotentialtoattractmoreoftheregionalpopulationgrowthincertainareasoftheregion.ThismeansthatalthoughSCAGdoesnotanticipatethattheRTPwouldaffectthetotalgrowthinpopulationintheregion,theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth.TransportationprojectsintheRTPalsohavethepotentialtodivideestablishedcommunities,primarilythroughacquisitionofrights‐of‐way.”languagehasbeenaddedtothefinalRTP/SCS,includingtheremovalofspecificreferencestoinducedgrowth.041‐35CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraRTPp.82,rightcol‐TextindicatesthattheRTPandprojectsintheRTP/SCSas“inducing”growth.Itisnotedthatuseoftheterm“inducedgrowth”hasanegativeconnotationandimpliesgrowthaboveandbeyondwhatwouldoccurnaturally.However,itisstatedintheRTPthatthepopulation,housing,andemploymentgrowthtotalsarefixedandonlythedistributionsmaychangebasedontheplan.Thismeanstherewillnotbe“new”growthandthattheRTPandSCSmaysimplyinfluenceandshiftthegrowthanticipatedfortheregion.Thismovingofgrowthistheresultofchangesindistributionthatareduetochangesinlanduseordensities.Becauseofthis,itisrequestedthatreferencesto“inducedgrowth”berewordedtoreflecttheshiftingofgrowthintheregion.Recommendedtextchange:“CumulativeimpactsfromtheprojectedgrowthincludeCommentnoted.ClarifyinglanguagehasbeenaddedtothefinalRTP/SCS,includingtheremovalofspecificreferencestoinducedgrowth.115IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincreasedimpervioussurfaces;...”041‐36CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra12)RTPCh.3‐SCAG’sFinancialPlanincludesasignificantportionof“NewRevenueSourcesandInnovativeFinancingStrategies”thatarenotcurrentlyinplaceoravailable.WhilesomeoftheproposedrevenuesarewithinthecontrolofSCAGorMPOsandCountyTransportationCommissions,themajorityoftherevenues(intermsofdollars)requireeitherstateorfederalactiontoimplement.Pleaseexplainwhattheimplicationsareifthesenewrevenuesourcesandinnovativefinancingstrategiesdonotbecomeavailable?13)RTPp.95,Table3.3–Delete“Mileage‐baseduserfeeswouldbeimplementedtoreplacegastaxandaugment—estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permileandindexedtomaintainpurchasingpowerstarting2025.”Suggestedlanguageisfrompage31ofGrowthForecastAppendix:“Currentgasolinetax,estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permilewillincreasethrough2025,thenin2026itwouldbereplacedwithamileage‐baseduserfeeindexedtomaintainpurchasingpower.”Commentnoted.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraintaspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirements,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP/SCS.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.TheGrowthForecastAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoaccuratelyreflectthemileage‐baseduserfeeproposal.041‐37CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra14)RTPp.105,rightcol‐“Whiletheregionwasonceknownworldwideasthe“capitalofsprawl,”theregiontodayisprojectinggrowthononlyasmallfractionoftherawlandavailableintheregion.”16)p.106‐SCAGindicatesthattheOCSCShasbeenincorporatedintotheregionalSCS.OCCOGwasoneoftwosubregionsthatundertookthearduoustaskandobligationofpreparinganSCS.PleaseaddclarifyingtextthatthesesubregionalSCSs,includingtheOCSCS,representtheSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesapplicabletothosesubregions.17)p.110,rightcol‐“Municipalwaterandsewersystems,forexample,ensurecleanwater.Atthesametime,asareasbecomemoreurbanizedandthepercentageofimpervioussurfaceisincreased,thehydrologicregimeisdramaticallyaltered.Drainageconveyancesthatoncewerenaturalandriparianarerequiredtobeengineeredashardenedfloodcontrolchannelstoprovideadequateprotectionofprivatepropertyandpublicinfrastructurefromtheincreasedfrequency,duration,peakflow,andoverallvolumeofstormwaterrunoff.Withthisarmoringofoncenaturalchannels,waterqualitybenefitsfrombiofiltrationarelostalongwithopportunitiesforinfiltrationandevapotranspiration,whichcanleadtohydromodifcationdownstreaminsectionswhicharenotCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.UnderlyingsocioeconomicdatacanbefoundinthefinalGrowthForecastAppendix.116IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseyetengineeredandhardened.Manystrategies...”18)p.112,117‐TheSCSdocumentsthedevelopmentoffourscenariostoexplorebasicaspectsoffuturegrowth.ThesescenarioswereusedinpublicoutreachandtheSCSandtheassociatedAppendixstatesthat“UsingthepublicdialogueandfeedbackfromtheanalysisoftheSCSScenarios,SCAGdevelopedthe2012RTP/SCSPlanalternatives.”(SimilarreferencesarealsoincludeatRTP/SCSp.117,andSCSBackgroundDocumentationp.71).TheRTP/SCSandAppendixthendescribesaprocessthatledtothePlanalternatives.NeithertheRTP/SCS,AppendixorPEIRexpresslystateorillustratethefundamentallanduseandsocioeconomicfoundationfortheSCS.InordertoconfirmconsistencywiththeOCSCS,itisrequestedthatSCAGincludeappropriatetables,graphicsandmapsthatprovidethedetailthatconfirmthisconsistency.041‐38CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra19)p.113,122‐TheregionalSCSstatesthatthescenarios/alternativesweredevelopedusingtheLocalSustainabilityPlanningTool(LSPT).TheLSPTisasketchplanningtoolthatflattensgeographicalareastoa5‐acregridcell.TheOCSCSlandusedatawasprovidedatmuchgreaterlevelofdetailinthatspecificparceldataanddetailwereprovidedbyeachjurisdiction.AcursoryreviewofsomeLSPTdatarevealsinconsistenciesregardinginterpretationofOrangeCountylanduses.ItisacknowledgedthattheregionalSCSstates,"LanduseinputsforOCCOGSCSwereunchanged".YetuseoftheLSPTandSCAGDevelopmentandCommunityTypespresentedintheSCSleaveopenthequestionastowhethertheOCSCSwasaltered,asnotedabove.PleaseprovideconfirmationthattheunderlyingOCSCSlandusedatawasusedwithoutsignificantalterationandLSPTflatteningandinterpretationinthedevelopmentoftheregionalSCSPlanandalternatives.20)p.127,rightcol–“Gentrification”,addtoglossary21)p.128,leftcol‐“Thus,thisadjustmentallowedthelandusepatterntoconformmorecloselytolocalgeneralplans,whilereducingtheamountofvehiclemilestraveled.”Whose/Whatare“localexpectations?”22)p.149,rightcol‐ReviselanguagetoclarifythatSCAGintendspolicies,strategies,andmeasuresareamenuofoptions.“Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernments,SCAG,andotherstakeholdersmayuseorconsiderwhilepreparingspecificprojectswhichCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.LanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedpertheirsubregionalSCSagreements.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.117IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewouldhelptosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS.”23)p.150‐152‐TheOCSCSwasacceptedbySCAGandrepresentsthesetofstrategiesandthegrowthdistributionthatoutlinesthebestapproachforhowtherequirementsofSB375wouldbemetwithinthesubregion.Specifically,theOCSCSincluded15specificSustainabilityStrategies,reflectingamenuof222practicesandactionsthatOCagencieshaveagreedtopursue(orcontinuetopursue)toachieveGHGreductionsthatsupportSB375.Whydoesn’ttheregionalSCSspecificallyacknowledgethese15strategiesyetincludeotherstrategiesandperformancemeasuresnotincludedintheOCSCS(e.g.,LocationalEfficiency)?24)p.166,rightcol–“Greenfield”,addtoglossary041‐39CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra25)p.194,rightcol‐“Inadditiontothesetargetedoutreachefforts,allregularandspecialmeetingsoftheRTPtaskforces,theTransportationCommittee(TC),theCEHD,theEEC,andtheSCAGRegionalCouncilarepubliclynoticedand...”Commentnoted.TextwasamendedtoreflectadditionalSCAGcommitteesthatarepubliclynoticedonPage194.041‐40CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra26)p.201‐Pleaseclarifywhetherthetextstating“Long‐termemissionreductionforrail,withagoalofzero‐emissionsrailsystem”isintendedtoreflectazero‐emissionsfreightrailsystem,orwhetherthisgoalalsoappliestopassengerrail.Commentnoted.Thistextrefersspecificallytogoodsmovement.However,anyplansforazero‐emissionfreightrailsystemcouldapplytotheregion’spassengerrailsysteminthecaseofsharedtracks.Further,electrifiedhighspeedrailisdiscussedelsewhereintheRTP.041‐41CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra27)p.202‐203,Table7.1‐Unfundedoperationalimprovements,ofwhichseveralarelistedonpage203,Table7.1,includetransitstationimprovementsinIrvine,Fullerton,andSantaAna,busrapidtransit(BRT)inOrangeCounty,andhighspeedrail(HSR)PhaseII.PleaseconfirmthattheseareconsistentwiththeOCSCS.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentsubmittedbyOCCOGisincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSinitsentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesandprojectsincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.041‐42CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra28)p.207‐StrategicFinance.Pleaseexplainwhatwillhappenifreasonablyforeseeablerevenuesourcesofapproximately$200milliondonotbecomeavailable?Commentnoted.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraintaspartofairqualityconformityrequirementsaremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP/SCS.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,aneworupdatedRTPisadoptedeveryfouryears.041‐43CarlosCityofLa29)p.205–“Activetransportation”,addtoglossaryCommentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.118IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseJaramilloHabra041‐44CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraGrowthForecastAppendix,p.23,Table13‐InDecember2011,OrangeCountyprovidedSCAGwiththerevisedgrowthforecastdataset,OCP‐2010Modified,pertheOCSCSMOU(officialOCCOGBoardaction1/26/2012).PleaseincorporaterevisedOrangeCountynumbers(i.e.OCP‐2010Modified)intoallreports,tables,exhibits,alternatives,maps,andmodelingrunsforfinalRTP.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintoSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternativeCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).041‐45CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraPMAppendixp.1‐Thedocumentstates,“TheperformancemeasuresareusedtoevaluatehowwelltheRTP/SCSaddressestheadoptedgoalsandperformanceoutcomes.”Isthereanyformalrolefortheperformancemeasures?ARBwillevaluateforSB375compliancenotbasedonthesemeasuresbutbasedonARBprocess.PleaseincludelanguageclarifyingthatthisisarequirementtodemonstratecompliancewithfederalrequirementsandnotfortheobligationsunderSB375.PMAppendixp.1,endoffirstparagraph‐Addstatement:“PerformancemeasuresandexpectedoutcomeswillbeusedtomonitortheRTP/SCSattheregionallevel;thesemeasuresandoutcomesarenotproposedforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.”PMAppendixp.1,col2‐Thedocumentstates,“TheRegionalCouncilwillformallyadoptthegoalsandoutcomesaspartofthefinal2012RTP/SCS.”Doesthisbringanyformalobligationtomeetgoals?Goalsaregeneral,flexible,andaspirationalratherthanspecific,asonp.1.Commentnoted.ThePerformanceMeasuresaremeanttodescribeanddemonstratequantitativelythepotentialbenefitsandimpactsoftheactionsproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSataregionalscale,includingmeetingthespecificperformancerequirementunderSB375toreducetheGHGemissionsonapercapitabasisby8%in2020and13%in2035overthe2005condition.Theproposedperformancemeasuresareconsistentwiththebestpracticesandcomplywithbothstateandfederalrequirements.ThePerformanceMeasuresAppendixhasbeenrevisedtostatethattheRTP/SCSperformancemeasuresarenotrequiredforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.041‐46CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra[PMAppendix]p.13,Table8‐TheRTP/SCSclaimsanextra2%CO2eemissionsreductionin2035fromtheNHTSpost‐processinganalysis.WhiletheRTP/SCSmeetstheARBSB375goalwithouttheextra2%,wewouldliketonotethattheextra2%couldbeimportantiftheattorneygeneralraisesconcernsaboutbacksliding.Consequently,thereliabilityoftheextra2%reductionshouldbechecked.QuestionsontheNHTSmodelarebelow.Itwouldbeusefultoknowtheanswerstobetterjudgethequality,althoughwedonotethatthereportdoeslooklikeitmeetsthestandardsorbestpractice.p.9‐NHTSModelDocumentationReport.Aretheautoandbusaccessibilityvariablesincludedintheregressionmodelsfor30‐milerings?In“Numberoftrips”model–isnumberofcars,includedasanindependentvariable,theactualorpredictedvalue?Thesamequestionappliestoothermodels.p.23,Table10‐NHTSModelCommentnoted.1)Thetwogravity‐modeltypeofaccessibilityindicators,withtraveltimeasanimpedancevalue,arecalculated:autoaccessibilityisusedasanindependentvariableintheVMTmodel,andlocalbusaccessibilityisusedinthemodechoicemodel.Zone‐to‐zonetraveltimeusedintheaccessibilitycalculationreflectsthetrafficconditionofthetransportationnetwork,whichisveryusefultothisproduction‐basedmodelinganalysis.2)Toestimatemodelcoefficients,thenumberofhouseholdvehicleisfromNHTSdata(actual).WhenusingthemodeltoestimatethenumberoftripsorVMT,thenumberofvehiclesisestimatedfromthe“AutoOwnershipModel”(predicted).3)Itiscalculatedforeachobservationandaveragedtheresult.4)The2035PlanScenariowastestedforthe2012RTP.119IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseDocumentationReport.WeretheelastictiesfortheSCAGNHTSstudycalculatedatsamplemeans,orforeachobservationandthenaveragedforthesample?p.24,Test3‐NHTSModelDocumentationReport.(CompareTrip‐BasedandNHTSModel):ThefinaltestwastocomparetheresultsoftheTrip‐BasedModelandtheNHTSModelforthesamescenarios.Pleasedescribethescenariostested.041‐47CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabraFinanceAppendix–Whataretheimplicationsifrevenuesotherthancorerevenuesdonotbecomeavailable?PleasedescribeanyimplicationstotheabilityoftheregiontomeetSB375GHGemissionreductiontargetsorthefederallyrequiredairqualityconformity?Commentnoted.Themajorityoffundsidentifiedasreasonableavailablerevenues(excludingcorerevenues),arenotassumedtobeavailableuntilthelatteryearsoftheRTP.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraintaspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirements,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.041‐48CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra[SCSBackgroundAppendix]p.53,rightcol‐HousingOptionsandMix:DefineLarger‐lotsinglefamilyintext.p.71‐74,80‐83‐Alternativesnaming:A,B,C.NamesofAlternativesdifferthanthoselistedinthePEIRonpagesES‐3and1‐4.Pleasebeconsistentwithnamingprotocolforalternativesbetweentwo/alldocuments.p.71,rightcol‐“PlanAlternative(B)...Thealternativemaintainscity‐levelforecastcontroltotalsforbothhouseholdsandjobs,however,withincityboundariesshiftsaremadetofocusamuchlargershareoffuturegrowthinamorecompactwayaroundHQTAs,exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements.Futurehousingmarketdemandisexpectedtoshiftsignificantlytosmalllotsingle‐family,townhomesandmulti‐familyhousing.”[“housing”misspelled]p.71,rightcol‐PlanAlternative(B).Definesmalllotsinglefamilyintext.p.71,rightcol‐PlanAlternative(C).“Asaresultverysuburbancommunitiesmayexperiencenonewhousingoremploymentgrowth,whilesomeurbanareaswithverygoodaccesstoregionaltransitmayexperiencesignificantincreasesinhousingCommentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.120IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseoremploymentgrowth.”p.72,leftcol‐“Whileeachalternativeisdistinctive,anumberofparametersremainedconstantacrosseachalternative:theregionalRTP/SCSforecasttotalforpopulation,householdsandjobs;...”“Detailedforecast:thedetaileddistributionofpopulation,households,andjobsacrosstheregion...”p.72,TableD1‐AlternativesA&B:“ControlledtoTAZ‐basedRTP/SCSForecastfor2020;Controlledtocity‐levelRTP/SCSForecastfor2020‐2035,exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”Addstatementtotablenotes:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.p.74,TableD2–AlternativesA&B:Addstatement:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.p.75,rightcol‐“DevelopmentTypes.Thealternativesarebuilton,andprovidesdataat,theleveloftheTAZ,whichincludeshousingunitsandemployment.”PleaseclarifyifTAZisTier1,Tier2,orboth.041‐49CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra[SCSBackgroundAppendix]p.79,rightcol‐“SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)willbeunchangedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly).”p.79‐Thesectionincludesthefollowinglanguage:“SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)willberespectedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly).”Pleaseclearlyindicatewhatthe“possiblerevisions”areandwhatprocesswouldbeusedtocoordinatewithOrangeCountyshouldchangestothesocioeconomicdatacontainedintheOCSCSbeproposed?p.80‐AlternativeA.Addstatement:“GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”p.81‐AlternativeB.ItisnotclearwhetherAlternativeBistheSCSlanduseplan.Ifitis,statementsintheappendixleadonetobelievetheOCSCSfoundationhasbeenaltered.Forexample,adjustmentsmadetolandusestolocateproximatetoHighQualityTransportationAreas(HQTA)andintensificationofresidentialandemploymentdevelopmentinHQTAthatdivergeCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.LanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedpertheirsubregionalSCSagreements.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendixwereupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguage.121IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefromlocalGeneralPlansaswellasimplementationofavehicleuserfeearenotpartoftheOCSCS.IsAlternativeBtheSCSlanduseplan?Addstatement:“GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”p.115,leftcol‐TransitZoningCodeSantaAna2011.Isthisaduplicateofthe2010SantaAnaproject?041‐50CarlosJaramilloCityofLaHabra[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber16.042‐01GayleAckermanCityofLakeForestConcernwiththetimeline.Werecognizetheimmenseeffortsittooktopreparethesedocuments.Theyareincrediblycomplexdocumentsestablishingimportantandfar‐reachingpolicyfortheregion.However,becauseofthisimportanceandcomplexity,wewouldliketoexpressconcernaboutthetimingofthereleaseofthedocuments.Thetimelineofdocumentrelease,publiccommentperiod,andtimeallowedfortheresponsetocommentsresultsinaninabilitytohavecrediblediscussionregardingpossiblechangesbecausethetimelinedoesnotallowforrecirculationorfulldiscussionofrequestedchanges.ThedocumentswerereleasedovertheholidayseasonandincludedthereleaseofdraftPEIRdocumentonDecember30,2011.Theminimum45‐daypubliccommentperiodclosesonFebruary14,2012.OnlyafewweeksareprovidedtoprepareresponsestocommentsandamendthedocumentstoensurethattheRegionalCouncilmayconsiderthecertificationofthePEIRandtheapprovalofthedraftRTP/SCSonApril4,2012.Commentnoted.The55‐dayformalreviewandcommentperiodfortheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanandSustainableCommunitiesStrategyconcludedonFebruary14,2012,andthisprocesscompliedwithapplicablefederalandstaterequirements.Duringthelasttwoyears,SCAGstaffengagedinextensiveoutreachactivitiesandconsultationwiththeregionalstakeholders,includingcities,counties,transportationcommissions,airdistricts,andotherrepresentativesfromtheprivateandpublicsectors,inthedevelopmentofthedraftRTP/SCSdocuments.SCAGapologizesthatthecommentperiodcouldnotbeextendedprimarilyduetoscheduleconstraintsdictatedbydeadlinesforSCAGtomeetfederaltransportationconformityrequirements.042‐02GayleAckermanCityofLakeForestGrowthForecasts:ItisrequestedthattheadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersbytheRegionalCounciland/orJointPolicyCommitteebeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs.Planningdocumentsneedtobeflexible.Smallergeographiclevels,suchasatthesubregional,city,censustract,TAZ,parcel,orgridcellwouldlimitjurisdictionalcontroloverlanduse.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.042‐03GayleAckermanCityofLakeForestTheOCCOGBoardapprovedtheupdatetotheOCP‐2010datasetusedintheOCSCS.OCP‐2010ModifiedwasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardonJanuary26,2012andisadataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinCommentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedthe"OCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS,andupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternativeC,referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).122IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseDecember2011andthisistheformalnoticeoftheupdatewhichshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andrelateddocuments.TobeconsistentwiththeMOUonsubregionaldelegationbetweenOCTA,OCCOG,andSCAG,alldocuments,tables,maps,narratives,modelingruns,PEIRalternatives(includingAlternativeC/3/Envision2),anddatasetsshouldbeupdatedwiththeOCP‐2010Modifiednumbers.042‐04GayleAckermanCityofLakeForest[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber17.043‐01MilesMitchellCityofLosAngelesLADOThaspreparedtheattachedlistofapproximately90projectsthattheCityisrequestingtobeaddedtotheStrategicPlan.Commentnoted.ProjectsprovidedbyLADOTtoSCAGfortheStrategicPlanhavebeenaddedtotheStrategicPlan.043‐02MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[LADOT]TheCitywishestoemphasizethat,forfutureRTP/SCSprojectlists,theCity,MetroandSCAGneedtocontinuetheefforttoimproveconnectivitybetweenvarioustransitsystems.Forexample,inSouthLosAngelesCounty,thereneedstobegreateremphasisplacedonthedevelopmentoffeedersystemstoconnectandsupporttheBlue,Green,ExpoandCrenshawlines.Thesesystemswouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto,expandedBusRapidTransitandimprovedbicycleandpedestrianlinkages.Commentnoted.TheRTPrecommendsimprovedconnectivitybetweendifferenttransitmodes,aswellasexpandedBRTserviceandActiveTransportationinvestments,inordertoreducevehiclemilestravelled.043‐03MilesMitchellCityofLosAngelesLADOTwishestodrawattentiontoboththeLosAngelesBicyclePlanandMobilityHubsinitiatives(aFirstMile/LastMilestrategy).TheseeffortssupportboththeActiveTransportationandTransportationDemandManagementstrategiesoftheRTP.TheRTPincludesnumerousreferencestoexpandedbicyclefacilitiesandotherFirstMile/LastMilestrategies,andthereforethesestrategiesarepresumablyincludedwithlikelyfundingintheFinanciallyConstrainedPlan.However,totheextenttheseinitiativesarenotincludedintheConstrainedPlantheyshouldbeaddedtotheStrategicPlan.Commentnoted.043‐04MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[Dept.ofCityPlanning](RE:Exhibits2.5and4.11,RegionalBicycleNetwork)ItappearsthattheCity'srecentlyadopted2010BicyclePlanfor1,684milesofbikefacilitiesacrossLosAngelesisnotincludedinthisExhibit.Somesegmentsofthisbicyclenetworkareindevelopmentandhavebeenidentifiedforfunding,andarethereforeincludedinthe2012RTPlistoftransportationinvestments.Includingthefullproposedbicyclenetworkwillsupportthelong‐termcommitmenttopursueresourcesfordevelopmentofthenetwork.TheCityCommentnoted.TheProposedRegionalBikewayNetworkmaphasbeenrevisedtoincludethebikewaysidentifiedintheCityofLosAngeles'2010BicyclePlan.123IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserecommendsthattheSCSincludethebicyclefacilitiesidentifiedintheCity's2010BicyclePlan.043‐05MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[LADOT]BecausetheSCSwillemphasizeincreaseddevelopmentwithin1⁄2mileofeithera“majortransitstoporhigh‐qualitytransitcorridor”theremaybeanincreasedneedfortransportationinfrastructureintheseareas.LADOTisconcernedthatCEQAstreamliningcouldallowdevelopmenttooccurwithimpactsontransportationinfrastructure.LADOTstaffhasconsultedwithstaffofDCPandtheCityAttorneyregardingtheimpactofCEQAstreamliningontheCity’sdevelopmentreviewprocess.InputreceivedfromthesesourcesindicatesthatalthoughCEQAstreamliningofvarioustypeswilloccurfollowingadoptionoftheRTP/SCS,theCitymayretainsomedegreeof“discretionaryapproval”authorityoverdevelopmentprojectsthataresubjecttoCEQAstreamlining.LADOTbelievesthatthisareadeservesfurtherstudy.Thisisacomplexandimportantsubject,andtheCityshouldcarefullyevaluateandpreparefortheimpactofCEQAstreamliningfollowingadoptionoftheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.043‐06MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[Dept.ofCityPlanning]UnderSB375,therequirementtoprepareaSCSwascoupledwithincentivestoencouragesustainabledevelopmentandimplementationofanSCS.Asanyproposeddevelopmentisconsideredbylocaljurisdictions,thisCEQAreliefisatthediscretionoflocaljurisdictions.However,aswritten,theRTP/SCScanbeconstruedtoindicatethatCEQAreliefispartofthelanduseplanandisavailablebyrighttoalldevelopmentthatmeetsthequalifications.TheCityrecommendsthattheSCSbetterreflecttheopportunityforCEQAstreamliningincentivesthroughthefollowingchanges:1)InthediscussionofthemandatetoprepareanSCS(p.106),amendlastsentenceofthesecondtolastparagraphtoread:"Inaddition,someprojectsconsistentwiththeSCSmaybeeligibleforstreamlinedenvironmentalreview."2)InExhibits4.1,4.2,and4.3,removethedepictionofTransitPriorityProject(TPP)areas.DepictingthisintheseexhibitsisconfusingbecauseaTPPisnotdefined.DepictionofTPPboundariesdetractsfromthepurposeoftheexhibits,whichistoshowwheregrowthisdirectedovertheplanningperiodoftheRTP/SCS.3)IndiscussionofTAZsanddevelopmenttypes(p.122)removediscussionregardingCEQAstreamliningandadequacyofTAZ‐Commentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddressthecomment,asappropriate.124IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselevellanduseinformation.Thispointisdifficulttounderstandaspresentedandrequiresfurtherexplanation.Itpertainstoincentivesavailabletojurisdictions/developers,nottothemodelinganalysis.Itdetractsfromthepurposeofthesection.Deletethesentencebeginningwith,"Additionally,SB375offerslocalgovernmentspotential..."anddeletethefollowingsentence,"SCAGsuggeststhatutilizingcommunitytypes..."4)AreferencetothesummaryoftheCEQAincentive(p.148)shouldbeincludedunderthesection"RTP/SCSNextSteps"andthesummaryshouldbemovedtofollowthisbecausetheincentivecanbeusedtoencourage/facilitateimplementationoftheSCSandisthereforebetterunderstoodasanextstep.Thesummaryshouldincludeadiscussionregardingajurisdiction'sdiscretionincertifyingtheenvironmentalreviewforaproject,regardlessofeligibilityforstreamlining.5)IntheSCSBackgroundDocumentation,asummaryoftheCEQAexemption(p.84)shouldincludedescriptionofajurisdiction'sdiscretionincertifyingtheenvironmentalreviewforaproject,regardlessofeligibilityforstreamlining.043‐07MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[Dept.ofCityPlanning]TheHQTAboundariesencompassallneighborhoodswithina1/2mileradiusandappeartheindicatethatgrowthwilltakeplacethroughoutthearea,includinglowdensitysingle‐familyneighborhoodsandindustrialdistrict.Infact,theCityisfarmorediscriminating,andadoptedlanduseplansreflectcarefullystudiesareaswheregrowthcanbeabsorbed.Generally,landusechangestoaccommodategrowtharetypicallyattransitstopsandonparcelsfrontingtransitcorridors.Single‐familyneighborhoodsaregenerallypreserved.TheCityrecommendsthatadditionalexplanationbeincludedonpages112‐113tobetterdescribewheregrowthisaccommodated.[AppendtothediscussionofHQTAsunderthefirstbullet"DevelopmentLocation(DispersedGrowthvs.FocusedDevelopment)"thefollowingtext]:"Withintheseboundaries,growthwithinagivenjurisdictionisconsistentwiththeintegratedgrowthforecastforthatjurisdictionandisdistributedaccordingtothejurisdiction'slanduseplans.Thus,whileareaswithin1/2mileofatransitstoporcorridorarewalkableinrelationtotransit,notallsuchareasaretargetedforgrowthand/orlandusechanges."Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.043‐08MilesMitchellCityofLos[Dept.ofCityPlanning]Exhibit4.5,UrbanCentersSCAGRegion,Commentnoted.Exhibit4.5showsthegenerallocationsof125IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAngelesdepictsthelocationsofurbanizedcoreareas,orcorecenters.However,theseurbancentersdonotappeartoalignwiththeurbancentersidentifiedinExhibit4.15forareaswithintheCityofLosAngeles.TheCityrecommendsthattherelationshipbetweenExhibit4.5andExhibit4.15beclearlydescribed.Ifthetwoexhibitsareintendedtoillustratethesameurbanizedareas,staffrecommendsthatthecolorschemeusedinExhibit4.15alsobeusedinExhibit4.5.urbancenterswithintheSCAGregion.Theseareareaswherestrategiessuchascompactcommunitydesign,mixed‐usedevelopment,redevelopmentofagingretailareas,greaterhousingvariety,andadditionaltransitserviceareconsideredasmorelikelytosucceed.Exhibit4.15usesCommunityTypesidentifiestheRTP/SCSoverallforecastedlandusepatternforLosAngelesCounty.UrbancentersmayincludearangeoftheseCommunityTypes.043‐09MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[Dept.ofCityPlanning]TheSCSprojectshigherdensityinurbancenters,andanticipatesgrowthintransitrichareasthroughouttheCityofLosAngelesinordertodemonstrateadecreaseinGHGemissionsby2035.Staffcomparedthecity'sGeneralPlanLandUsetotheSCSLandUsePatternMapsandhasfoundthatingeneraltheSCSisconsistentwiththeCity'slandusedensityandlandusedesignations.However,incloselyexamining76railandbustransitstationareas,staffhasfoundinstancesofinflateddensity,whichinnaccuratelyreflectstheGeneralPlandistributionofgrowth.Exhibit21LandUsePatternMap2035identifiesurbancenterswithdensitiesthatarenotconsistentwithcommunityplansfortheseareas.Suchcenterswouldhaveresidentialdensitiesrangingfrom82to120housingunitsormoreperacre.ThisdensityistypicalintheCentralCityandsomeadjacentneighborhoods,andisproposedforWarnerCenter,butisgenerallynotappropriatethroughouttherestofthecity.Inaddition,thefollowingissueswerefoundinmultiplestationareas.Multi‐Familyneighborhoods‐densitiesupto178,145,or61units/acrethataretoohighformaysites;densitiestoohighinareasadjacenttosingle‐familyneighborhoods.Single‐Familyneighborhoods‐increaseindensityinstrictlysingle‐familyareasthatarestableandwherenogrowthisanticipated;parcelsandcorridorsinHPOZreflectdensitydesignationsthataretoohigh,theseareasarestablewithnoprojectedchange;residentialusesreflectedascommercial.Commercialcorridors‐densityprojectionsaretoohigh.Industriallanduse‐industrialareasthataretobepreservedasindustrialareinaccuratelyrepresentedascommercialorretail;industrialareasthatshowresidentialdesignationsareaninaccuratereflectionasthesesitesarepreserved.Publicfacilities‐landusechangesatschoolsitesthatarenotprojectedtochange;highresidentialdensitiesorcommercialCommentnoted.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.126IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseusesprojectedonpublicfacilitiessuchasalongfreeways,countyjail,openspace.TheCityrecommendsthatmoreappropriaterepresentationsoflandusearoundstationareasbemade,whichcanbeidentifiedondetailedannotationmapsofthestationareasandprovidedunderseparatecover.043‐10MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[LAWA]UseofAirportFunds‐LAWA'sfirstpriorityistomaintainsafeandefficientairports.Allairportshaveatremendousdemandforcapitalimprovements.Assuch,mostairportsdependonfinancialsupportfromtheFAAviagrantfundsforeligibleconstructionandnoisemitigationprojects.Inreturnforfederalgrantmonies,theFAAincludesgrantassurancesthatlimituseofairportrevenuesolelyforaviation‐relatedusesonairportproperty.Usingairportfundsfornon‐airportfunctionsviolatesfederallawandjeopardizestheairport'sabilitytoreceivefederalgrants.Nevertheless,LAWAseekstopartnerwithSCAGtofindsolutionstosupportgroundaccessimprovementstoairports,otherprimarytransportationfacilities,and"secondary"airportsintheregion.UseofAirportExpressBuses‐theRTPincludesan"actionstep"whichwouldplanandpromotearegionalsystemofairportexpressbuses,modeledinpartontheFlyAwayservicecurrentlyoperatingatLAX.LAWAagreesthatexpressbusesareapromisingsolutiontocertaingroundaccessproblems.However,ithasbeenLAWA'sexperiencethatexpressbusesaremosteffectiveatairportswithhighpassengerdemandandincitieswithconcentratedpopulationsofpassengersandemployees.Eventhen,highfaresorsignificantsubsidieshavebeenrequiredtomaintainaneffectivelevelofservice.LAWAinvitesSCAGtocontinueexaminingwaystobringsimilarprojectstootherairports,butcautionsthattheseservices,bythemselves,maynotbeeffectiveinincreasingpassengerdemandat"secondary"airports.Aviationactivityconstraints‐LAWAagreesthattheaviationactivityconstraintsintheregion,andpotentialdispersionofthatactivityatotherairports,shouldbere‐examinedinsubsequentregionalplans.2011AirPassengerSurvey‐the2006LAXAirPassengerSurveywasusedtocreateseveraldatapointswithinthissectionoftheRTP.LAWAishopingtounveiltheresultsofits2011AirPassengerSurveyinFebruaryofthisyear.SCAGshouldconsiderupdatingitsAppendixwiththisnewdataasitfinalizestheRTP.LAWAwillCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatthefederalgovernmentcurrentlyplacesstrictlimitationsontheuseofairportrevenuesforoff‐airportpurposes.Toaddressthisissue,SCAGhasadoptedregionalaviationpoliciesinsupportofnewlegislationthatallowsformoreflexibleuseofairportrevenuesforoff‐airportgroundaccessprojectswhenrequestedbyairportoperators,andthispolicycontinuestobeadvancedinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwelcomescontinuedpartnershipandcoordinationwithLAWAindevelopingandimplementingregionalairportgroundaccessstrategies.Weagreethatexpressbusesaremosteffectiveatairportswithhighpassengerdemand,asdiscussedintheAirportGroundAccessReportinthe2012RTP/SCSAviationTechnicalAppendices,andthatnew“FlyAways”servingairportsotherthanLAXarenotlikelytohaveasignificantimpactonfutureregionalairpassengerdistributions.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwithLAWAinidentifyingsitesforviablenew“FlyAways,”andre‐examiningaviationactivityconstraintsatLAWA‐operatedairportsforSCAG’snext(2016)RegionalTransportationPlan.DuetotimeandresourcesconstraintsSCAGisunabletoincorporatedatafromLAWA’srecentlyreleased2011LAXAirPassengerSurveyintothe2012RTP/SCSAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationAppendix.However,thisnewdatawillbeusedinanyfutureupdatestothisreport.127IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseposttheresultsofthissurveyonourwebsite(www.lawa.org)oncethereportiscompleted.043‐11MilesMitchellCityofLosAngeles[LAWA]SCAGhasreportedanumberofvehicletripstoLAXunderexistingconditionsandfuture2035forecast,citingtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EIS.However,thenumbersreporteddonotcorrespondtodatathatLAWAhaspreviouslyreportedorusedinanyenvironmentalanalysis.LAWArequestsclarificationonthesedatapoints.LAWArecommendsthefollowingchangestoTables4‐6and4‐7.InTable4‐6,thefollowingprojectsshouldbeincludedinthelistofprojectscompletedsincetheprojectnoticeofpreparationin2008(footnote1):DouglasSt,LaCienegaBlvd,LincolnBlvd(all),NashSt,SepulvedaBlvd(both),theI‐105westboundoff‐rampatSepulvedaBlvd,andtheI‐405atSR‐90.TwootherprojectsonTable4‐6,ArborVitaeSt,andtheI‐405fromI‐10toSR‐101,areunderconstructionasofJanuary2012.InTable4‐7,ProjectLAX‐19,whichincludesLincolnBlvdimprovements,hasalreadybeencompleted.LAWArecommendsthatSCAGincludeintheRTPaportionoftheprojectreferredtoasLAX‐10,wideningAviationBlvdfromCenturyBlvdtoManhattanBeachBlvdto3lanesineachdirection.Commentnoted.ThevehicletripestimatesfromtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EISwerenotuseddirectlyintheDraft2012RTP/SCSAirportGroundAccessReportsincetheywerepreparedfordifferentyears(2005and2015)thanthoseusedinthereport,andweregenerallyexpressedintermsofpeakhourtrafficvolumesratherthandailytrafficvolumes.ThevehicletripsshownintheAirportGroundAccessReportwereestimatedusingdataandfactorsthatwerederivedfromavarietyofsources,includingtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EIS,the2006LAXairpassengersurvey,andreportsissuesbytheAviationCooperativeResearchProgramandTransitCooperativeResearchProgram.Ingeneral,trafficdatafromtheLAXmasterplanwasusedtoapproximateatripgenerationratefortheairportthatwasappliedtotheforecastpassengerincreasetoprojectfuturetrafficvolumes.Table3‐3intheAirportGroundAccessReporthasbeenclarifiedtoreflectthesedistinctions.TheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendixofthe2012RTP/SCShasbeenrevisedtoincorporatetherecommendedchangestoLAXgroundaccessprojectslistedinTable4‐6andTable4‐7.044‐01BrendaWisneskiCityofNewportBeachItisrequestedthattheadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersbytheRegionalCouncilandlorJointPolicyCommitteebeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs.Planningdocumentsneedtobeflexible.Astimepasses,whatispossibleandfeasibleforanygivenprojectchanges.Thesechangescanbeduetomarketconditions,newinformationordata,orinfrastructureavailablethatmayshiftwhenandwheredevelopmentispossible.Smallergeographiclevels,suchasatthesubregional,city,censustract,TAZ,parcel,orgridcellwouldlimitjurisdictionalcontroloverlanduse.TheOCCOGBoardapprovedtheupdatetotheOCP‐2010datasetusedintheOCSCS.OCP‐2010ModifiedwasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardonJanuary26,2012,andisadataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdatasetThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011,whichshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andCommentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.SCAGwillincorporateOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS/PEIR.TheincorporationoftheOCP‐2010Modifiedmightneedtoupdateallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,PEIRAlternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).128IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserelateddocuments.TobeconsistentwiththeMOUonsubregionaldelegationbetweenOCTA,OCCOG,andSCAG,alldocuments,tables,maps,narratives,modelingruns,PEIRalternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2),anddatasetsshouldbeupdatedwiththeOCP‐2010Modifiednumbers.044‐02BrendaWisneskiCityofNewportBeach[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber20.045‐01ChrisHughesCityofOntarioWeunderstandandhavesupportedSCAG'seffortstoincorporatecitygrowthplansintotheregionalplanningprocess.However,asinthepast,webelievethattheRTP/SCSgrowthforecastsshouldbeadoptedatthecountylevel,notthecityorsub‐city(TAZ)level.Thiswouldallowmoreflexibilityindealingwithinevitablechangesinsocio/economictrendswithintheregionandsubregion.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.045‐02ChrisHughesCityofOntarioWehavequestionsregardingtheuseofTAZleveldataintheCEQAIncentiveprogramdiscussedonpage148.WearenotconvincedthatthelandusescenariosanddevelopmenttypescreatedbySCAGforeachTAZareaccurate.WewouldalsoliketoclarifythattheonlyuseofTAZleveldatatobeusedbySCAGinthefuturewouldbefortheCEQAIncentiveprogramandnotforgrowthprojections.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.045‐03ChrisHughesCityofOntarioInaseparateletter(datedFebruary13,2012,fromJerryBlum,PlanningDirector)werequestedthattwoimportantprojectsforOntariobeincludedinthe2012RTP.TheseprojectswererequestedviaSANBAGandSCAG'sconsultantpreviously.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.045‐04ChrisHughesCityofOntario[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber21.046‐01JasonSamonteCityofOxnardThankyoufortheopportunitytoreviewthe2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP).ThedocumentpresentsacomprehensiveplantoaccommodatefuturetransportationneedsfortheSouthernCaliforniaRegionutilizinglimitedresources.FortheVenturaCountyRegiontheprojectionsindicateincreasingcongestionalongthe101FreewayCorridorbetweenLosAngelesandVenturaCounties.ThesurveysalsoindicatethatamajorityofcommuterintheVenturaCountyRegioncommutealone.Ifthistrendcontinues,itstandstoreasonthatanincreaseinpopulationwillbeaccompaniedbyanincreaseofdrivealonecommuters.IsupporttheinvestmentinCommentnoted.129IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransitandcommuterrailservicestoencourageanalternateformoftransportationbetweenLosAngelesandVenturaCounties.046‐02JasonSamonteCityofOxnardAstheeconomyexpandsintheregion,therewillbeaddeddemandtotransportgoodsbyrail.Thisaddeddemandwillresultinlengthenedcargotrainsthatwillincreasedelaywherestreetsintersectrailroadtracksat‐grade.Additionalmoneyshouldbeallocatedforgradeseparationsalongprimaryarterialroads.Gradeseparatingwillimprovesafetyforvehicles,bicyclesandpedestriansaswellaseliminatetheneedforthetraintoblowtheirhorn.ItisdoubtfulthatwecaneverexpandthefreewayssufficientlytofullyaccommodatetheRegionsvehicledemands.Commentnoted.TheamountofgoodsmovedbytrainovertheRTPhorizonareexpectedtoincrease.Thiscouldresultinincreaseddelays,emissions,andsafetyconcernsatroad/railwaycrossings.SCAGsupportseffortbylocalCountyTransportationCommissions,andagenciessuchastheAlamedaCorridorEast(ACE)ConstructionAuthority,tocompleteregionalgradeseparations.RegionalgradeseparationsidentifiedbythesepartnersareincludedintheSCAG2012RTPprojectlist.047‐01MichaelBehenCityofPalmdaleTheCityworkeddiligentlywithSCAGtodevelopthegrowthprojectionsforpopulation,housingandemploymentdataforthe2008(existing),2020,and2035years.ThesegrowthprojectionsrepresentwhatwefeelisarealisticgrowthrateprojectionbasedupontheinformationavailabletousaswellasourunderstandingofCityandAntelopeValleygrowthrelatedissues.Further,thesenumbersalsoreflectourdraftRHNAallocations.Therefore,itisourpositionthattheadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumberscontinuetobedoneatthelocallevelandnotatalargersubregionalorcountylevel.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.047‐02MichaelBehenCityofPalmdaleTheRTPdoesnotmentionthePalmdaleEnergyActionPlan(PEAP)andwefeelthatthereshouldbesometypeofreferenceand/oracknowledgementoftheCity'seffortstoaddressGHGreduction.Thisissuewasmentionedatseveralsub‐regionalcoordinatormeetingsinwhichSCAGindicatedthattheywouldincludethisinthedocumentbutdidnot.Commentnoted.SCAGcommendstheCityofPalmdalefortheirforward‐thinkingEnergyActionPlanandhasreferenceditinChapter2oftheFinalRTP/SCS.047‐03MichaelBehenCityofPalmdaleTheRTP/SCSidentifiesstrategiestoreducegreenhousegasemissionsfromcarsandlightdutytrucks.TheCityhasconcernsrelatedtotheimplementationoftheseproposedstrategies.ThesestrategiesshouldnotberequiredindividuallybutwithseveraldiscretionaryoptionsmadeavailabletotheCitytosatisfyGHGemissionreductiongoals.Commentnoted.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.047‐04MichaelBehenCityofPalmdaleTheSEDdisaggregationattheTIERIITAZleveldoesnotcorrelatewiththeCity'slanduseplan.Provideclarificationonmethodologyused.HowwillourcitybeabletomakethenecessaryconsistencyfindingsforprojectsthatareeligibleforCEQAstreamliningbenefitsifthemodelingresultsdonotmatchCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.130IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseourlocallyadoptedGeneralplan?thisshallbeclarified.047‐05MichaelBehenCityofPalmdalePage156ofAviationandAirportGroupAccesssupplementaldocumentshouldbeupdatedtoreflectthereflecttheCaliforniaHighSpeedRialAuthority'sJanuary12,2012,decisiontodiscontinuethestudyoftheGrapeviealignmentandtocontinuethefinalstudyofanAntelopeValleyAlignmentandstationintheCityofPalmdale.Commentnoted.TheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendicesoftheDraft2012RTP/SCShasbeenrevisedtoincorporatethisnewinformationontheproposedalignmentsfortheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailProject.047‐06MichaelBehenCityofPalmdale[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber95.048‐01BillBogaardCityofPasadenaTheCityofPasadenasupportsthepoliciesincludedintheRTPtoencouragethetheexpansionoflocaltransitservicetoserveasfeedersystemstotheregionaltransittoserveasfeedersystemstotheregionaltransitnetwork.However,theRTPdoesnotaddressthelimitedfundingresourcesthatlocalagencieshaveinprovidingtheseimportantservices.WewouldliketheRTPtoidentifyadditionalfundingresourcestoexpandlocaltransitservicesandincludepoliciesthatexpandtheavailabilityoffundingforlocaltransitproviders.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.048‐02BillBogaardCityofPasadenaIbelieveyouareawareoftheactiverolePasadenahasplayedoveralongperiodregardinganyfreewayconnectionthattraversesourcommunity.Theissueofthe710Northextension,albeitbeingatunnelalternativeasopposedtoasurfacefreeway,continuestobeasensitvetopicamoungourelectedofficials,neighborhoodgroups,andcityresidents.WerequestthattheRTPrecognizetheon‐goingenvironmentalstudyforthisfacilityandnotpresupposetheongoingstudiesbydefiningtherouteforthe710northextensionproject.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.048‐03BillBogaardCityofPasadenaTheCityofPasadenawouldliketheregionaltransitconnectionbetweentheNorthHollywoodRedLine/OrangeLineStationandtheGoldLineinPasadenaviaBurbankandGlendaleincludedintheRTP.Thisisanimportanttransitprojectforoursub‐region,andshouldbeincludedintheRTPandshouldbeconsideredforimplementationusingreasonablyavailablefundingsourcesdescribedintheRTPFinancialPlan.Commentnoted.ThistransitprojectisincludedintheRTP'sStrategicPlanasprojectID#S1120099.049‐01ArturoCervantesCityofPicoRiveraEast‐WestFreightCorridorProgram:TheCitysupportstheproposalfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorProgram.TheCityagreestheSouthernCaliforniaregionalfreewaysystemrepresentsoneofthehighestvolumegoodsmovementcorridorsintheUnitedStatesandisofmajorimportancetotheCommentnoted.SCAG’sanalysistodatesuggeststhattheidentifiedalignmentwouldprovideanopportunitytomovethefacilityawayfromneighborhoodsandclosertoindustrialusesversusotherroutesthatwereconsidered.Itisimportanttonotethatthealignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTP131IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedistributionofconsumergoods.WeunderstandmajorfreewayssuchasInterstate605andStateRoute60,areimpactedbyhighvolumesoftrucktrafficandtruckvolumesthatwillincreasethrough2035by260%ormore.Forthisreason,theCitysupportstheEast‐WestFreightCorridorProgramasthesolutionaddressthegoodsmovementintheregion.WerecognizethattheRTP/SCSidentifiesandrecommendsacorridorconceptthatwouldconnecttothenorthendoftheI‐710freightcorridor,roughlyparalleltheUnionPacificRailroad(LosAngelesSubdivision)beforefinallyfollowingarouteadjacenttoSR‐60eastofSR‐57.Thisgrade‐separatedconceptconsiderstheuseoftheUnionPacificRailroadCorridor(UPRRCorridor),betweenI‐710andI‐605,throughtheCityofPicoRivera.TheRTP/SCSfurtherstatesthatthepotentialuseoftwonon‐roadwayroutesprovidesanopportunitytomovethefacilityawayfromneighborhoodsandclosertotheindustrialactivitiesthatitwouldserve.Thiscouldnotbefurtherfromthetruth,especiallywhenconsideringtheexistinglandusealongsaidCorridorisresidential.ThestatementthatthisalignmentprovidesanopportunitytomovethefacilityawayfromneighborhoodsiserroneousasitrelatestotheCityofPicoRivera.Theproposeddedicatedtrucklanes,forecastedtocarryfrom58,000to70,000trucksperday,willresultinthereroutingoftrucktrafficfrommajorfreewaysthroughtheCityofPicoRivera.Ineffect,theprogramwouldbuildanewfreewaythroughPicoRiveradedicatedtotrucktraffic(truckdedicatedfreeway).TheCityofPicoRiveraopposesanycorridoralignmentthatincludesthesegmentoftheUPRRCorridorbetweenthe710Freewayandthe605Freeway.ThisproposalsplitstheCityinhalf,requiressignificantresidential,industrial,andcommercialpropertyacquisition,andhasaestheticimpactsunacceptabletotheCity.Thisproposalisunacceptabletothecityandweopposeit.TheCityrespectfullyrequeststhatpotentialroutesfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorbelimitedtofreewayroutesonly,andthenonfreewayroutesnotbefurtherconsidered.ThesubjectUPRRCorridorsegmentcanbesupplantedwiththesegmentoftheStateRoute60,betweentheInterstate710andtheInterstate605.SCAGshouldeffectivelyevaluatetheconnectionbetweenthetwofreewaystomakethisoptionfeasible.AsstatedintheenclosedCityCouncilResolutionapprovedonwouldbeanalyzedingreaterdetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).AppropriatedetailedanalysisthatwouldbecompletedthroughtheEIRwouldidentifypotentialimpactsoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridoroncirculationpatternsonadjacentlocalfacilities.PlacingtheEast‐WestFreightCorridorconceptinthe2012RTPallowsforfurtherstudy.SCAGintendstocontinuetoworkcloselywithitspartners,especiallycitiessuchasPicoRivera.132IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseOctober25,2011,theCityofPicoRiverasupportstheEast‐WestFreightCorridorProgramandsupportsalternativeregionalgoodsmovementplansthatequitablydistributetrucktrafficbetweentheInterstate710andInterstate15throughtheexpansionsoftheexistingfreewaysystem.However,forthereasonsstatedabove,theCityofPicoRiveraopposesanySCAGproposalfordedicatedtrucklanesalongtheUnionPacificRailroadCorridor,intheCityofPicoRivera.049‐02ArturoCervantesCityofPicoRiveraCaliforniaHighSpeedRail:TheRTP/SCSincludesoptionsforhighspeedrail.TheCityisconcernedaboutthefeasibilityofsuchaprojectinCalifornia.WeunderstandthatdiscussionsareongoingamongSCAG,theCountyTransportationCommissions,andtheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthorityregardinglevelsofavailablefundingforrailinfrastructureimprovementswithintheSCAGregion.WelookforwardtofurtherdetailsaboutthespecificinvestmentsthatwillbemadeinSouthernCalifornia'srailinfrastructureundertheRTP/SCS,particularlythosethataffecttheCityofPicoRivera.Atthistime,theRTP/SCSproposesthreePassengerRailstrategiesthatwillprovideadditionaltraveloptionsforlong‐distancetravelwithintheregionandtoneighboringregions.TheCityunderstandstheseimprovementstobetotheLosAngeles‐SanDiego(LOSSAN)Corridor,improvementstotheexistingMetrolinksystem,andtheimplementationofPhaseIoftheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedTrainproject.TheCitywouldsupportsuchimprovementsonlyiftoenhancetheexistingrailsystemthroughPicoRivera,andnotaddsupplementaryraillineswithinnewcorridorsthatwouldrequiresignificantresidential/industrial/commercialpropertyacquisition.Commentnoted.049‐03ArturoCervantesCityofPicoRiveraGoldlineEastsideTransitCorridorPhaseII:TheRTP/SCSestimatesthattheGoldlineEastsideTransitCorridorwillbecompletedby2035.However,theneedformasstransitintheeastsideareaisgreatlyunderestimatedandshouldbeincludedasahighpriorityproject.TheGoldlineEastsideTransitCorridorwasalsoincludedasaprojectintheregionalSCSasitwillgreatlyhelptoreducetheeffectsofgreenhousegases.Assuch,theCityofPicoRiverarequeststhattheGoldlineEastsideTransitCorridorbeahighpriorityprojectbothintheRTP/SCSandinthebienniel2011FederalTransportationImprovement(FTIP)update.Commentnoted.Projectcompletiondatesaresuppliedforthe2012RTP/SCSbyprojectsponsorsortherelevantcountytransportationcommission.Inthiscase,thecompletionoftheEastsideTransitCorridorPhase2(1TR0704–LA0G626)wassuppliedbytheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority(Metro).SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithMetrotoamendanyfinalalignmentdecision,aspertheyettobeselectedLocallyPreferredAlternative,andanyfindingsfromtheyetforthcomingfinalenvironmentaldocumentsintotheRTP.133IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse049‐04ArturoCervantesCityofPicoRiveraFinancialPlan:Table3.3,NewRevenueSourcesandInnovativeFinancingStrategiesoftheRTP/SCSFinancialPlanlistsMileage‐BasedUserFeeasareplacementtothegasolinetax.Thisisanewfeethatmayaffectlower‐incomeresidentswithintheGatewayCouncilofGovernmentsregion.Pleaseadvisehowthefeeswouldbeimplementedandhowtheymayaffectlowerincomeresidents.Commentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.050‐01NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargaritaConcernwiththetimeline.Werecognizetheimmenseeffortsittooktopreparethesedocuments.Theyareincrediblycomplexdocumentsestablishingimportantandfar‐reachingpolicyfortheregion.However,becauseofthisimportanceandcomplexity,wewouldliketoexpressconcernaboutthetimingofthereleaseofthedocuments.Thetimelineofdocumentrelease,publiccommentperiod,andtimeallowedfortheresponsetocommentsresultsinaninabilitytohavecrediblediscussionregardingpossiblechangesbecausethetimelinedoesnotallowforrecirculationorfulldiscussionofrequestedchanges.ThedocumentswerereleasedovertheholidayseasonandincludedthereleaseofdraftPEIRdocumentonDecember30,2011.Theminimum45‐daypubliccommentperiodclosesonFebruary14,2012.OnlyafewweeksareprovidedtoprepareresponsestocommentsandamendthedocumentstoensurethattheRegionalCouncilmayconsiderthecertificationofthePEIRandtheapprovalofthedraftRTP/SCSonApril4,2012.Commentnoted.The55‐dayformalreviewandcommentperiodfortheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanandSustainableCommunitiesStrategyconcludedonFebruary14,2012,andthisprocesscompliedwithapplicablefederalandstaterequirements.Duringthelasttwoyears,SCAGstaffengagedinextensiveoutreachactivitiesandconsultationwiththeregionalstakeholders,includingcities,counties,transportationcommissions,airdistricts,andotherrepresentativesfromtheprivateandpublicsectors,inthedevelopmentofthedraftRTP/SCSdocuments.SCAGapologizesthatthecommentperiodcouldnotbeextendedprimarilyduetoscheduleconstraintsdictatedbydeadlinesforSCAGtomeetfederaltransportationconformityrequirements.050‐02NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargaritaItisrequestedthattheadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersbytheRegionalCounciland/orJointPolicyCommitteebeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs.Planningdocumentsneedtobeflexible.Astimepasses,whatispossibleandfeasibleforanygivenprojectchanges.Thesechangescanbeduetomarketconditions,newinformationordata,orinfrastructureavailablethatmayshiftwhenandwhereCommentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.134IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedevelopmentinspossible.Smallergeographiclevels,suchasatthesubregional,city,censustract,TAZ,parcel,orgridcellwouldlimitjurisdictionalcontroloverlanduse.050‐03NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargaritaPleasedefinewhatismeantbyvarioustermsintheRTP/SCSanddraftPEIR.Becausemitigationmeasuresareintendedtobeimplementableandmeasurableinordertoevaluatetheeffectivenessofthemeasures,itisimportantforthemeasurestoclearlyindicatewhatactionsareexpectedtobeundertaken.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto:oUrbanGrowthBoundaryoParkingCashOutoReferencestobenchmarksoSmartgrowthprinciplesoSCRIPoActiveTransportationoGentrificationoGreenfieldoOpenspaceCommentnoted.Severalofthesetermshavebeenaddedtotheglossary.050‐04NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargaritaTheOCCOGBoardapprovedtheupdatetotheOCP‐2010datasetusedintheOCSCS.OCP‐2010ModifiedwasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardonJanuary26,2012andisadataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011andthisistheformalnoticeoftheupdatewhichshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andrelateddocuments.TobeconsistentwiththeMOUonsubregionaldelegationsbetweenOCTA,OCCOG,andSCAG,alldocuments,tables,maps,narratives,modelingruns,PEIRalternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2),anddatasetsshouldbeupdatedwiththeOCP‐2010Modifiednumbers.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).050‐05NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargaritaFinally,theCityhasparticipatedinprovidingcommentsthroughtheOCCOGTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee(TAC).Ratherthanincorporatingthosecommentsintothiscommentletterverbatim,theCityrequeststhatthecommentsprovidedbytheOCCOGTACbeincorporatedintotheCity'scommentsbyreference.Commentnoted.050‐06NateFarnsworthCityofRanchoSantaMargarita[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber23.051‐01SteveHayesCityofRiverside1.TheSCSincludesprojectedlandusepatternsfor2035usingHighQualityTransportationCorridors.IntheCityofRiverside,thisincludesBusRapidTransit(BRT)andMetrolinkLinessimilartotheCity’sGeneralPlan2025.However,thelandusepatternsintheSCSwereappliedattheTransportationAnalysisZonesCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.135IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(TAZ),whichincorporatelargeareasoflandthatmaycontaindrasticallyvaryinglandusesordevelopableland.UsingthismapforconsistencywiththeCity’sGeneralPlan2025wouldbeveryproblematic.Forinstance,maintaininglanduseconsistencybetweentheGeneralPlanandtheprescribedTAZmapalongtheAlessandroBoulevardBRTcorridorwouldforcetheCitytodirectgrowthtoareassuchastheSycamoreCanyonWildernessPark(anaturalopenspaceconservedbytheCountyMultipleSpeciesHabitatConservationPlan)andalonghillsidesandarroyos,whichhavealreadybeendevelopedtotheirmaximumdensitybasedupontheirnaturalcharacteristics.TheareaneartheLaSierraMetrolinkStationisanotherpartoftheCitywhereincreasingdensityusingtheprescribedTAZmapwouldresultindirectingdensityintoaprotectedarea.TheCity’sGreenbelt,aprotectedagriculturalareawhichlackstheinfrastructuretosupporttheproposeddensity,encompassesalargesectionoftheCityinthisareaandwouldbeimpactedbytheproposedgrowth.051‐02SteveHayesCityofRiversideGenerally,theSCSmapisinconformancewiththeCity’sGeneralPlan2025anditsintent.However,usingTAZ’sratherthanparcelsandfollowingthelogisticsoftheCity’snaturalcharacteristicscausessomeproblemsincreatingGeneralPlanconsistency.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.051‐03SteveHayesCityofRiversidePage148oftheRTP/SCSdescribeshowconsistencywithinaTAZcanbeaveraged.However,theprojectedgrowthinsomeoftheTAZ’slocatedwithintheCityofRiversideisnotfeasibleduetovariousconstraints,includingalackofinfrastructure,habitatconservationefforts,andtopography.TheCity’sGeneralPlanaccountsfortheseconstraintsandisconsistentwiththeoverallintentoftheSCS,howeveritdirectsdensitytowhereitisappropriatealongthesesamecorridors.ThisisconsistentwithSmartGrowthprinciples,whichadvocateforprotectingsensitiveopenspaceareasandplacingdensityinurbanareaswhereinfrastructurealreadyexists.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.051‐04SteveHayesCityofRiversideTheCityaimstobeconsistentwiththeSCSbutcannotachievethisattheTAZlevel.Isthereanotheroption?EspeciallysincetheCity’sGeneralPlan2025currentlymeetstheoverallintentoftheSCS,butdoessobasedupontheCity’snaturalcharacteristics.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.051‐05SteveHayesCityofSocio‐economicDataforRiversideCountywasrevisedbySCAGCommentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtherevisedWRCOG136IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseRiversidebaseduponthe2010Census.TheserevisionswerepresentedtotheExecutiveCommitteeofWRCOGandapprovedinDecemberof2011.WilltheplansandDraftPEIRbeupdatedtoreflectthisnewinformation?datasetintothefinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives.051‐06SteveHayesCityofRiverside[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber24.052‐01GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeTheCityconcurswiththeOCCOGandOCTAcomments.TheCityofSanClementeconcurswiththecommentsSCAGwillreceivefromtheOCCOGandtheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA).TheCityrequestsSCAGtorespondtoalloftheircommentsandtoactuponanychangesadvocatedbyOCCOG,ofwhichtheCityisamemberagency.Commentnoted.052‐02GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeTheGeneralPlanandZoningmapsfortheCityarenotaccurate.SCAG'swebsiteallowsmemberagenciestoreviewthemapsthatwouldbeusedfortheDraftRTP/SCSandPEIR.Wereviewedthelatestmapfilesandconcludedtheyarenotaccurate.TheCityworkedcloselywithSCAGstaffonseveraloccasionstoensureSCAGhasaccuratemapsfortheCityofSanClemente.Pleaseupdatethemapfilestoreflectthecommentswepreviouslyprovided.Commentnoted.ThemapfilesfortheCityofSanClementehavebeenupdatedtoaddresscomment.052‐03GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeGrowthforecastnumbersshouldbeatthecountylevelconsistentwithpreviousRTPs.The2012RTP‐SCS,likeotherplanningdocuments,hasbeenwrittenbasedonassumptions,marketconditions,forecasts,projectlists,budgets,datasets,publicopinion,andotherinformationthatcanchangeafterthe2012RTP‐SCSisadopted.Therefore,itisimportantforthe2012RTP‐SCStoprojectgrowthatthecountylevelsocitiesandcountieshavetheflexibilitytorespondtothesechangeswhenfuturelandusedecisionsaremade.Ifsmallergeographiclevelsareused(e.g.subregions,cities,censustracts,TransportationAnalysisZones,parcels,orgridcells),itislesslikelythe2012RTP/SCSwillforecastactualgrowthpatterns.Therefore,pleasekeepallgrowthforecastnumbersatthecountylevel.ThishasbeentheprecedentforpreviousRTPs.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.052‐04GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeOCP‐2010modifiednumbersshouldbeused.OnJanuary26,2012,theOCCOGBoardofDirectorsapprovedanupdatedversionoftheOCP‐2010datasetforuseintheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousigndata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAg'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.TheupdatedOCP‐2010Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).137IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011.TheCityrequestsforall2012DraftRTP/SCS/PEIRdocuments,tables,maps,narratives,modelingruns,PEIRalternatives(includingAlternateC/3/Envision2),anddatasetstobeupdatedwiththelatestOCP‐2010numberspertheOCTA/OCCOG/SCAGMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)thatestablishedOrangeCounty'ssubregionaldelegation.052‐05GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeTheOCSCSshouldbefullyintegratedintotheregionalRTP/SCS.TheRTPandappendicesincludenumerousreferencestotheOCSCSandSCAG'stotaluseofthedocumentintheregionalRTP/SCS.YetnumerousotherreferencessuggestSCAGmayhavemodifiedelementsoftheOCSCSdata.SCAGshouldincludeastatementmaps,tables,charts,andotherinformationthatisnecessarytoconfirmalloftheOCSCSlanduse,socioeconomic,andtransportationdatawasincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSwithoutchanges.SCAGstafftoldtheOCCOGBoard(atseveralmeetings)theOCSCSdatahasnotbeenandwillnotbealtered.theOCSCSistobeintegratedintotheregionalSCSwithoutchangespertheMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)betweenOCCOGandSCAG.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.LanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedpertheMOUsbetweenSCAGandthedelegatedsubregions.ThefinalRTP/SCS,finalSCSBackgroundDocumentation,andfinalSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguage.052‐06GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClementeMileage‐baseduserfee.ThedraftRTPsuggests$127.2billionoftheapproximately$219.5billionregionalshortfallcanbeaddressedthroughactionsateitherthestateorfederallevelwitha$0.15gastaxincreasebetween2017and2024.Afterthat,thedraftRTPassumesthestateorfederalgovernmentwouldeitherreplacethegastaxwithanindexedmileage‐baseduserfeeof$0.05permile,beginningin2025,orfurtherincreasefueltaxestogeneraterevenuesequivalenttothemileage‐baseduserfee.TheCityofSanClementecannotsupportanincreaseinfees,includingtheintroductionofamileage‐baseduserfee,untilfurthereconomicanalysisiscompletedandpresentedtotheCityfordiscussion.Inaddition,whenconsideringsupportforanykindofanewuser‐basedfeeprogram,anemphasismustbeplacedontheneedforareturn‐to‐sourcecriteria,aswellasaprocessforrecognizingandrewardingareaswhichcommitadditionallocalrevenues.Commentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesarelessthanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisprovidedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCS,EconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendix.PleasecoordinatewithSCAGstafftoscheduleanappropriatetimetopresentthismattertotheCityfordiscussion.Weagreethatreturn‐to‐sourceandrewardingareasthathavemadesubstantialstridestoobtainingastateofgoodrepairarecriticalitemsforanynewrevenuesources.052‐07GeorgeScagboroughCityofSanClemente[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber26.138IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse053‐01TimHultsCityofSanJacintoThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentonthe2012‐2035DraftRTP/SCS.PleaseconsiderthisanofficialpositionofsupportforAmendments11‐03and11‐06,andespeciallyProjectIDRIV62024.Shouldhaveanyquestionsorcomments,pleasecontactmeatthenumberlistedbelow.Commentnoted.054‐01RosaBarelaCityofSantaAnaThegrowthforecastnumbersincludedinthedraft2012RTPshouldallowforreasonablemarketflexibility.Thus,itisrecommendedthatthegrowthprojectionsbeincorporatedandadoptedataCountylevel.Adoptionofpopulation,employmentandhousinggrowthprojectionatanysmallergeographycouldintroduceunnecessaryandunintendedchallengesforcitiesandthedevelopmentcommunitytomakereasonableadjustmentstolanduseapprovals;andpotentialinconsistencywiththeadoptedRegionalTransportationPlan.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.054‐02RosaBarelaCityofSantaAnaTheOrangeCountyProjections(OCP)aredevelopedeverythreetofouryearsincooperationwitheachindividualjurisdictioninOrangeCounty,toreflecttheanticipatedgrowthforourcommunities.WerespectfullyrequestthattheRegionalTransportationPlanberefinedtoincludethelatest"OCP2010‐Modified"versionthatincorporatesthe2010CensusandmorerecentStateemploymentdata.Commentnoted.SCAGwillincorporateOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS.054‐03RosaBarelaCityofSantaAnaTheCityofSantaAnaappreciatethesignificantresourcesandcollaborativeeffortsrequiredtodevelopthe2012SCAGRTP;particularlywiththeSB375requirementtoincorporateaSCStointegratelanduseandtransportationplanningtopromotesustainablecommunities.Commentnoted.054‐04RosaBarelaCityofSantaAna[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber27.055‐01JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaOnbehalfoftheSantaClaritaCityCouncil,IamwritingtorequestthattheOrangeLineDevelopmentAuthority'sNorthernCorridorbeincludedwithinSCAG'sRTPConstrainedProjectsList.TheOrangeLineDevelopmentAuthority,ofwhichtheCityofSantaClaritaisamember,iscommittedtothedevelopmentofahighspeed,gradeseparated,environmentallyfriendlyandenergyefficienttransportationsystem.Inrecentmonths,theOLDANorthernCorridor,fromdowntownLosAngelestoSantaClarita,hasbeenthefocusofintensereviewandinvestment.TheseactivitiespositionOLDA'sNorthernCorridortobeplacedwithintheConstrainedProject'sList,asopposedtotheRTP'sStrategicPlan.Commentnoted.ForaprojecttobeconsideredforinclusionintheconstrainedRTP,theprojectmustbeclearlydefined,itmusthavereasonablyavailablefundingforimplementation,includingconstructionandrightofwayacquisition,anditmusthavetheconcurrenceoftherelevantcountytransportationcommission/s.AsdiscussedwiththeOrangelineDevelopmentAuthority,theNorthernCorridorcouldbeconsideredforinclusionintothefutureRTPamendmentsoncetheseconditionsaresatisfactorilymet.However,theOrangelinesectionofthePassengerRailAppendixwillreflectthedevelopmentsbroughtupinthiscomment.139IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse055‐02JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityiscurrentlyconductingtheAntelopeValleyLineInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlan.Thisplananticipatestheidentificationofspecificprojectswhichcanbeundertakeninthecorridortoenhanceserviceandsafety.Thisstudywillbecompletedinspring2012.Commentnoted.TheAntelopeValleyLineInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlanisreferredtoinTable2ofthePassengerRailappendix;asitisanongoingstudy,thefindingswillbeincorporatedintosubsequentRTPupdates.055‐03JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaTheRegionalCouncil'sapprovalearlierthismonthofaMemorandumofUnderstandingwiththeCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthorityandtransportationcommissionspavesthewayforplacementofthestatewidehighspeedrailprojectwithintheRTPConstrainedProjectsList,asthealignmentforthehighspeedrailprojectfallswithintheOLDANorthernCorridor.Furthermore,the$1BillionincludedwithintheMemorandumofUnderstandingcontemplatesexpenditureswithintheOLDANorthernCorridorduringthe2012RTPhorizon.ItisalsowidelyanticipatedthatsomeoftherecommendationsidentifiedintheAntelopeValleyLinestudywillalsobeincorporatedintotheprojectlistthatservesastheimplementationoftheMOU.Commentnoted.055‐04JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaFinally,theGroundAccessStudybeingconductedbytheBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportAuthorityandOLDAfocusesonmulti‐modaltransportationimprovementsthatwillenhancethelinkagebetweentheairport,theOLDANorthernCorridor,andcommunities,suchasSantaClarita,locatedwithinthecorridor.Clearly,thecurrentstudyactivityalongtheOLDANorthernCorridor,coupledwithspecificinclusionoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority'sproposedprojectalongthesamecorridor,demonstratesthattheOLDANorthernCorridormeetsthecriteraforbeingincludedwithintheRTPConstrainedProjectsList.Withintheforseeablefuture,itisreasonabletoconcludethatsignificantinvestmentswilllikelybemadeinthecorridor,inconformancewithSCAG'scriteriaforinclusionofprojectswithintheConstrainedProjectsList.OnbehalfoftheSantaClaritaCityCouncil,InencourageSCAGstaffandtheRegionalCounciltoincludetheOLDANorthernCorridorwithinthe2012RTPConstrainedProjectsList.Commentnoted.AsdiscussedwiththeOrangelineDevelopmentAuthority,theNorthernCorridormaybeaddedtotheConstrainedPlanthroughafutureRTPamendment.However,theOrangelinesectioninthePassengerRailAppendixwillreflectthedevelopmentsbroughtupinthiscomment.056‐01JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaThepurposeoftheRTPistoprovideablueprintforfuturetransportationprojectsandstrategiesthroughouttheSCAGregionthrough2035.IncludedwithintheRTPisafinancialplanthatidentifiesfundingavailabletosupporttheregion'stransportationinvestments,includingtransit,highways,localCommentnoted.Weacknowledgethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theinclusionofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisbasedonrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissions140IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseroadimprovements,systempreservation,anddemandmanagementgoals.CentraltothefinancialplanistheidentificationoffundingresourcestheRTPidentifiesas"reasonablyavailable"forfutureprojects.TheCityhaspreparedthefollowingcommentregardingthefinancialplanincludedwithintheRTP(Chapter3):Basedonitsidentificationasa"reasonablyavailable"fundingresource,theCityrequestsadditionalinformationonincreasedgastaxesonmileage‐baseduserfeesasmandatoryactionitems.Over50percentofcommutersthatliveintheCityworkoutsideoftheSantaClaritaValley.Asaresult,anincreaseingastaxoramileage‐baseduserfeecouldresultinsignificantfinancialimpactsonthelocallaborpool(Page95,table3.3).establishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LUtoestablishsustainabletransportationrevenuesources.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.056‐02JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaAsrequiredbyAB32andSB375,thiscycle'sRTPincludesaSCS.TheSCSfunctionsasamechanismtoensuretheSCAGregioncanachievemandatedGHGreductionsof8%percapitaby2020and13%percapitaby2035.ThedraftSCSincludedintheRTPconcludesthesetargetscanbemetthroughaspecificlandusescenario,calledScenario2.Thescenariowascompiledusingavarietyofdatainputs,includingaseriesofworkshopshostedbySCAGinanumberofcommunitiesthroughouttheregionandbyworkingdirectlywithstaffatlocaljurisdictions.TheSCSthenmodelsGHGbasedonavarietyoffactors.CentraltoScenario2isashiftfromlargerlotresidentialdevelopmenttosmallerlotresidentialdevelopment,includingmoreemphasisonmultifamilyhousing.Inaddition,thescenarioassumesamuchhigherlevelofinfillandmixed‐usedevelopmentthanhistoricaldevelopmentpatterns.TheCityhaspreparedthefollowingquestionsandcommentsregardingtheSCS(Chapter4oftheRTP):Forclarity,thescenariosintheRTPshouldbetitledinaconsistentmannerwiththealternativesincludedintheSustainableCommunitiesStrategybackgrounddocumentation.TheCityassumes"Scenario2"fromtheRTPisthesameas"AlternativeB"intheSCSBackgrounddocumentation.Commentnoted.Plan"AlternativeB"isbasedonelementsofsketch"Scenario2."TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenclarifiedtoaddresscomment.056‐03JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaThroughoutthechapter,theRTPreferstoAppendix19.SCAGstaffhasindicatedAppendix19isnowreferredtoasthe"SCSBackgroundDocumentation,"however,thisisnotreflectedinthecurrentdraft(page112).Commentnoted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddressthecomment.056‐04JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaWhereas,SantaClaritaagreeswiththeassumptionscontainedinthelanduseScenario2fortheregion,itshouldbenoteditisCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethata141IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseunlikelyasimilarpatternwilloccurintheSantaClaritaValley.AlthoughtheCity'snewGeneralPlan,adoptedinJune2011,stressesmixed‐useandtransit‐orienteddevelopment,significantgreen‐fielddevelopmentisstillcontemplatedwithinthetimehorizonoftheRTP(Page115,Figure4.3)jurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.056‐05JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaItisunclearhowthetwoareasidentifiedinVenturaCountycanbeconsidered"urbanareas"onparwiththoseidentifiedinLosAngeles,Orange,RiversideandSanBernardinocounties.BycomparisontothoseareasidentifiedinVenturaCounty,theStateRoute14corridorbetweenthecitiesofSantaClarita,Palmdale,andLancasterservicesalocalpopulationofover700,000residentsandrepresentsasubstantialproportionofthenewgrowthinLosAngelesCounty(Page125,Exhibit4.5).Commentnoted.TheurbancentersidentifiedinSCAG'sSCSareexamplesofareasineachcountywherestrategiessuchascompactcommunitydesign,mixed‐usedevelopment,redevelopmentofagingretailareas,greaterhousingvariety,andadditionaltransitservicearemorelikelytosucceed.056‐06JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaOneofthethreeHighQualityTransitAreasreferencedintheexhibitistheDowntownNewhallarea.ThisareaisdefinedbytheDowntownNewhallSpecificPlanandistheprimaryfocusoftheCity'sformerRedevelopmentarea.However,giventheuncertaintysurroundingformerredevelopmentareas,itisunlikelythislocationwillbeabletoprovidethesametypeoftransit‐orienteddevelopmentandinfillcontemplatedbytheDowntownNewhallSpecificPlan(Page134,Exhibit4.9).Commentnoted.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.SCAGrecognizesthattheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.056‐07JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaTheRTPincludesfutureprojectsinatleasttwosections:theConstrainedList,whichiscomprisedofprojectsthathaveidentifiedfunding,andtheStrategicPlan,whichiscomprisedofprojectsrequiringmorestudyandwhichlackidentifiedfunding.TheCityhaspreparedthefollowingcommentregardingprojectsincludedintheStrategicPlanandnotincludedintheConstrainedPlan(Chapter7):SCAGshouldconsiderincludingtheOrangelineHigh‐SpeedTransitProject(UnionStationtoSantaClarita)intheConstrainedListratherthantheStrategicPlan,duetothefacttheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityhasrecentlyacceleratedtheevaluationofrailimprovementsalongtheAntelopeValleyLineCommentnoted.ForaprojecttobeconsideredforinclusionintheconstrainedRTP,theprojectmustbeclearlydefined,itmusthavereasonablyavailablefundingforimplementation,includingconstructionandrightofwayacquisition,anditmusthavetheconcurrenceoftherelevantcountytransportationcommission/s.AsdiscussedwiththeOrangelineDevelopmentAuthority,theNorthernCorridorcouldbeconsideredforinclusionintothefutureRTPamendmentsoncetheseconditionsaresatisfactorilymet.However,theOrangelinesectionofthePassengerRailAppendixwillreflectthedevelopmentsbroughtupinthiscomment.142IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(Page196,Table7.1).056‐08JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaAspartofourreview,thelistofConstrainedProjectswascomparedtothescheduleofprojectsincludedonpagenineofthe"MeasureRHighwayProgram"reportreleasedinJanuary2012bytheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority.TheCityhasidentifiedtwodiscrepanciesbetweenthetwodocumentsandisseekingclarification.Thediscrepanciesareasfollows:Metro'slistofhighwayprojectsindicatescompletionofInterstate5trucklanes(Phase1)fromSR‐14toPicoCanyonRoadby2014,whiletheFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectListindicatescompletionofthissameprojectby2016(RTPTechnicalAppendices,page154).Commentnoted.ThecompletionyearintheRTP/SCSProjectListisconsistentwithMetro'sTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)submittal,whichfederallawrequirestheRTPtobeconsistentwith.WewillworkwithMetrotocorrectthisinafutureRTPAmendment.056‐09JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClaritaMetro'slistofhighwayprojectsindicatescompletionofI‐5trucklanesandHOVlanes(Phases2and3)fromSR‐14toParkerRoadby2025,whiletheFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectListindicatescompletionofthissameprojectby2017(RTPTechnicalAppendices,page155).Commentnoted.Thankyouforbringingthisinconsistencytoourattention.Unfortunately,weareunabletorevisethisatthistimeastheprojectiscurrentlylistedinMetro’sTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)withthecompletionyearthatisindicatedintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.SCAGisrequiredbylawtoreflectthemostcurrentTIPindevelopingtheRTP.However,SCAGwillworkwithMetrointhefuturetocorrectthisissueinthefutureTIPandRTPAmendmentsasnecessaryandappropriate.056‐10JulieSkinnerCityofSantaClarita[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber28.057‐01DennisWoodsCityofSouthPasadenaTheCityofSouthPasadenastronglysupportsarobustmulti‐modaloption.TheCityofSouthPasadenafeelsthattheinclusionoftheSR‐710NorthisflawedandthereforeshouldberemovedfromtheRTP.Itisflawedinacoupleofareas.Bytheinclusionofafreeway,evidenceisshowbothfromresearchandactualdataonthegroundfromreallifeexamples,thatexpandingfreewaysdoesnotimproveVehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)anddoesnotelevatecongestioninthelongterm.Itisalsoflawedinassumingthatithasreasonablefunding.WedonotbelievereasonablefundingisthroughtheVMTtraveltaxandorthroughthetollsthatSCAGisproposingasreasonable.WedonotbelieveitmeetstherealtenantsofSB375orAB32,particularlyinregardstoreducingVMT.ItdoesnotreduceVMTbyadditionoftheSR‐710North.Inconclusion,theCityofSouthPasadenarequeststhattheRTPandthePEIRremovethe710Northextensions.WiththisinclusioninthePlanithasnotbeendemonstratedthatitmeetstwoofthefourrequiredtestsforCommentnoted.IncreaseintotalVMTin2035overthecurrentconditionisprimarilyduetoestimatedincreaseof4millionpeopleovertheplanperiod.However,VMTonapercapitabasiswilldecreaseoverthisperiodoncetheplanisfullyimplemented.WhilethePlandoesincludesomeneededhighwayimprovements,includingtheSR‐710NorthExtensionproject,thereisnoevidencethattheseimprovementswouldcontributetothetotalVMTincreaseinanydiscernibleway.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformanceandreductioninGHGtargetsrequiredunderSB375.143IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconformity.Sufficientfinancialresourcesfortheprojecthavenotbeendemonstratedandassumptionsregardingregionalemissionsareflawed.ThereportimpactofthePlannetworkisbasedonsuspectassumptions.InclusionoftheprojectatthistimewillalsobiasthefutureprojectlevelNEPAandCEQAreviewthatisbeingdonebyLAMetrowhohasnotdecidedonapreferredalternative.058‐01MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaSCAG'swelcomedeletionofasurfaceSR‐710northextensionshouldbeaccompaniedbyaland‐useactiontorequireStatedispositionofthehundredsofpropertiesnowsurplustothesurfaceroute.Commentnoted.058‐02MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaSCAGshouldfollowtheState'sdesignationofanunbuiltSR‐710projectasanextensionandnotagapclosure.Commentnoted.Referencestothe“SR‐710GapClosure”havebeenrevisedto“SR‐710NorthExtension(tunnel)(alignmentTBD)”.058‐03MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaThePlanandDEIRdonotmeetthelegalrequirementsoftheCleanAirAct,theNationalEnvironmentalProtectionActorTitle23ofU.S.Code:Test1FinancialConstraint;Test2:RegionalEmissionsAnalysisCommentnoted.Regardingregionalemissionsanalysis,theRTP/SCSmeetstheserequirementsasdescribedintheRTP/SCSTransportationConformityreport.TheRTPmeetsfiscalconstraintrequirementssetforthunderapplicablefederalregulationsandguidance,includingtherequirementthatstrategiesforensuringavailabilityofnewfundingsourcesbeidentified.See23CFR450.322(f)(1).“Fiscalconstraint”means,inpart,thattheRTPincludessufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheRTPcanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources.See23CFR450.104.TheSR‐710projectisproposedtobefundedbybothcore(MeasureR)andnew,reasonablyavailablerevenues.SCAGestablishesthatthenewfundingsourcesidentifiedfortheSR‐710projectarereasonablyavailable.Assuch,strategiesdelineatingrequiredimplementationstepsforensuringtheavailabilityofproposednewrevenuesarediscussedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.058‐04MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaByerroneouslyspecifyingonlyoneSR‐710extensionalternative—astraightlinetunnel—thePlanandDEIRthreatenprogram‐levelconformityandunlawfullyprejudicefutureproject‐levelenvironmentalanalyses.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.058‐05MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaEventhoughtheproposedRTPanditsshiftoftrucktraffictotheEast‐WestCorridorvitiatestheassertedneedforanSR‐710Commentnoted.Anefficientandextensiverailnetworkiscriticaltothegoodsmovementsystem.However,itisnot144IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetunnel,theplananddraftPEIRshouldemphasizeeliminationofnon‐localtrucktrafficinpreferencetoadirectrailloadingattheports.feasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.GoodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.058‐06MichaelCacciottiCityofSouthPasadenaTheCityofSouthPasadenarequeststhattheSCAGRTPandPEIRremovetheSR‐710northextension.Withitsinclusion,thePlanhasnotdemonstratedthatitcanmeettwoofthefourrequiredtestsofconformity—sufficientfinancialresourcesfortheprojecthavenotbeendemonstrated,andassumptionsregardingregionalemissionsareflawed.Thereportedimpactsoftheplannednetworkarebasedonsuspectassumptions.Inclusionoftheprojectatthistimewillbiasfutureproject‐levelNEPAandCEQAreviewifandwhenanSR‐710tunnelalignmentbecomesLAMETRO'spreferredalternative.Finally,whilethecirculatingdraftRTPandPEIRvitiatetheneedforanySR‐710extensionthatwillproducetollsandrelievecongestion,SCAGmustdiscarditsemphasisonaccommodatinganytrucktrafficfromtheportsandredrawitsplanandassessmentstoanticipatethedirectship‐to‐railtransportthatenablesair‐qualityconformityandsuccessfulportcompetition.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSwithinclusionoftheproposed710NorthExtensionproject,meetsapplicableconformityrequirements.SCAGrecognizesthataproject‐specificenvironmentalanalysisisunderwayforthisproject.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.TheresponsesregardingthetestsofconformitycanbefoundinCommentID#17641.Theresponsestocommentsregardingproject‐levelNEPAandCEQAreview,aswellastrucktrafficcanbefoundintheresponsesabove.059‐01OmarDadabhoyCityofStantonITisrequestedthatSCAGcontinuetoutilizegrowthprojectiondataattheCountylevelasithasdoneinpreviousRTPprocesses.ThegrowthprojectionsfortheRTPidentifypopulationhousingandemploymentdataforthesixcountySCAGregion,from2008(existing)to2020and2035.Thesegrowthprojectionsrepresentthebestavailableinformationfromlocaljurisdictions,thebusinesscommunityandlandowners.However,astimepasses,whatisfeasibleforanygivenprojectcanchange...SCAGshouldcontinuetoadoptgrowthprojectionsforthe2012RTPatacountywidelevel,consistentwithpastapprovalsofRTPgrowthforecasts.AdoptingofthedataatalowerlevelthanthecountywouldlimitjurisdictionalcontrolandcreateinflexibilityinaregionalCommentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.145IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseplanningdocument.Inaddition,thelevelofgeographyinwhichtheRTP/SCSgrowthforecastisadoptedshouldnotbedeterminedbyotherprocesses.Forexample,theRHNAallocationsmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS;statelawdoesnotrequirethattheybeidentical.TheRTP/SCScanbeadoptedatacountylevel,andtheRHNAprocesscanproceedindependentlyuntilitiscompleteaftertheappeals,trades,andtransfersarecompleted.TheRHNAallocationsthatwerederivedfromthegrowthforecastcanstillbedeterminedtobeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCS,evenifchangesaremadetothecitytotalsduringtheappeals,trades,andtransfersprocess.059‐02OmarDadabhoyCityofStantonInregardstotheprojectiondatausedintheRTP/SCSandthePEIR,on1/26/2012,theupdatetotheOrangeCountyProjection(OCP‐2010)data‐setknownasthe("OCP‐2010Modified")wasofficiallyapprovedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandisadataamendmenttotheOCSCS.Thedatasetincludesthe2010Censuspopulationandhousingdata,alongwiththe2010EDDBenchmarkdata,consistentwithSCAG'supdatedgrowthforecastdataset.ThedatasetwasprovidedtoSCAGstaffinDecember2011,andthisletterservesastheformalnoticeoftheupdatethatshouldbeincorporatedintothe2012RTP/SCS,PEIR,andrelateddocuments.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).059‐03OmarDadabhoyCityofStantonAspartoftheSCAGSCS,itwasindicatedthattheOCSCSwasincorporatedinitsentiertywithoutmodification.However,therearestrategiesintheOrangeCountySCSthatarenotincludedintheregionalSCS.Similarly,someofthosestrategiesarenotconsistentwiththeOCSCS...PleaseclarifytheroleoftheOCSCSintheregionalSCS,andwhenthereareinconsistenciesintheregionalSCSandtheOCSCS,whethertheOCSCSwouldbetheprevailingdocumentfortheOrangecountysub‐region.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.059‐04OmarDadabhoyCityofStanton[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber30.060‐01TammyWilliams‐AndersonCityofThousandOaks,PublicWorks/TransitCanyousendmeacopyofthepresentationpreparedsinceIwasnotabletohearit?Commentnoted.AllRTP/SCSworkshoppresentationshavebeenmadeavailableonSCAG'swebsiteathttp://www.scag.ca.gov.061‐01JohnNielsenCityofTustinItisstatedonpage80oftheDraftRTP/SCSthat“theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth.”ThisstatementappearstocontradictSCAG’sagreementpursuanttoCommentnoted.Thefinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenrevisedtospecifythatlanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedpertheMOUsbetweenSCAGandthedelegated146IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheMemorandumofUnderstandingwiththeOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)thatthestrategiesandlocallandusepoliciesoftheOrangeCountySCSwillberespected.TheRTP/SCSshouldacknowledgethatthelocallanduseplansinOrangeCountywillnotbechangedthroughtheRTP/SCS.subregions.061‐02JohnNielsenCityofTustinTheDraftRTP/SCSsuggeststhat$127.2billionofanapproximately$219.5billionregionalshortfallcanbeaddressedthroughactionsateitherthestateorfederallevelwitha$0.15gastaxincreasebetween2017and2024.Afterthat,thereportassumesthatthestateorfederalgovernmentwouldeitherreplacethegastaxwithanindexedmileage‐baseduserfeeof$0.05permile,beginningin2025,orfurtherincreasefueltaxestogeneraterevenuesequivalenttothemileage‐baseduserfee.TheCityofTustincannotsupportanincreaseinfees,includingtheintroductionofamileage‐baseduserfee,untilfurthereconomicanalysisiscompletedanduntilandunlesstherecanbeanexplanationofthereturntosourceprincipleswhichwillbeusedforthedistributionoffundscollectedthereunder.Inaddition,whenconsideringsupportforanykindofanewuser‐basedfeeprogram,anemphasismustbeplacedonaprocessforrecognizingandrewardingareaswhichcommitadditionalrevenues.Commentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesarelessthanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisofthe2012RTP/SCSAppendix.Weagreethatreturn‐to‐sourceandrewardingareasthathavemadesubstantialstridestoobtainingastateofgoodrepairarecriticalitemsforanynewrevenuesources.061‐03JohnNielsenCityofTustinTheDraftRTP/SCSproposesanumberofinvestmentsthataffectOrangeCountyandgobeyondtheLong‐RangeTransportationPlan(LRTP).TheCitywillonlyconsideradditionalinvestmentsafterrevenuesareidentifiedtoaccountforthesecommitments.TheregionalstrategiesidentifiedbySCAGdonothaveclearfundingmechanisms,anditmustbemadeclearthattheirinclusionintheRTP/SCSdoesnotconstituteacommitmenttofundand/orimplementtheimprovements.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSrecognizesthattransportationdecisionsaremadeatthelocallevelandthatmanyoftheregionalstrategiesintheRTP/SCSrequirefurtherstudy.061‐04JohnNielsenCityofTustinTheSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(“SCS”)isrecognizedasakeyportionofthe2012RTP/SCS,andservestomeetresponsibilitiesassociatedwithSB375.ItiscleartheSCS“GoalsandBenefits”involvesignificantlocaljurisdictionparticipationandefforts.ItiscriticalfortheRTP/SCStorecognizetheneedtosufficientlyfundlocalagencyeffortstoassuresuccessfuloutcomes.Commentnoted.Table4.3includesthefollowingaction/strategy,"Seekpartnershipswithstate,regionalandlocalagenciestoacquirefundingsourcesforinnovativeplanningprojects."Inaddition,SCAGisworkingtosecureincentivesforlocalgovernmentsforSCSimplementationincludingadditionalfundingforSCAG’sLocalSustainabilityPlanningAssistanceProgram(e.g.,CompassBlueprint,GreenRegion)andStrategicGrowthCouncilgrants.061‐05JohnNielsenCityofTustinTables4.3‐4.7oftheRTP/SCSidentify“Action/Strategy”effortsCommentnoted.Table4.3includesthefollowing147IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserelatedtotheSCS,withlocaljurisdictionsbeingidentifiedasresponsiblepartiesformanyofthetasks.Withoutproperfundingforlocaljurisdictioneffortswebelievetheeffectivenessofthe“Action/Strategy”measureswillbecompromised.action/strategy,"Seekpartnershipswithstate,regionalandlocalagenciestoacquirefundingsourcesforinnovativeplanningprojects."Inaddition,SCAGisworkingtosecureincentivesforlocalgovernmentsforSCSimplementationincludingadditionalfundingforSCAG’sLocalSustainabilityPlanningAssistanceProgram(e.g.,CompassBlueprint,GreenRegion)andStrategicGrowthCouncilgrants.061‐06JohnNielsenCityofTustinIngeneral,currentpoliciesandgoalsoftheRTP/SCSidentifyprojectsandfundingnecessarytosuccessfullyimplementelementsoftheRTP/SCS.TherearealsoRTP/SCSgoalswhichessentiallyrequiredevelopment“fromthegroundup”atthelocallevel.WeagreethemostefficientandeffectiveeffortstowardmeetingtheseRTP/SCSgoalswillbeginwiththelocaljurisdictions.Thereneedstobesufficientlevelsoffunding(whichdonotappeartobeaddressedinthecurrentRTP/SCSdraft)toallowlocaljurisdictionstoadequatelyinitiatethesespecializedefforts.Fromapracticalperspective,thisfundingwouldbeexpectedtoyieldsomeofthemostimmediateandtimelyresultsinmeetingRTP/SCSgoals.Theywouldconsidermeasureswhichcouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto:Programsforimproveduseofpublictransit;Responsivenesstodemographicchanges;Improvedmanagementofexistingtransportationinfrastructureandroadways;Employer‐basedTransportationManagementPlans;Trip‐reductioneffortsincludingpromotionoftelecommuting;Carpool/transitparkingneartransportationcorridors;Better“placemarking”whichincludesanincreaseofwalkableenvironments;Supportofbicycleprogramsincludingbicyclestorageandbikelanes;Bridginggapsbetweenmasstransitoptionsandshippingandservicecenters;Programsfornewconstruction;andreconstructionofnon‐motorizedtransportationpathsMeasurestoreducevehiclemilestraveledwillinvolvelocaljurisdictionsandemployerstoimplementmanystrategieswhichincludebutarenotlimitedtomeasuressuchas:Increasingrideshareandwork‐at‐home;Investinginnon‐motorizedtransportationfacilities;DevelopingappropriatelandusestrategiesoEncouraginguniversalemployeetransitaccesspasses;Synchronizingtrafficsignals;UsingLEDtechnologyfornewtrafficsignalsandstreetlights;Allocatingconvenientparkingareas,loadingareasandlargerparkingspacesforvansandCommentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.148IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseHOV;Creatingride‐sharingprogramsandprovideparkingnearpublictransportation;Enhancingsafetyandcleanlinessattransitstations;Providingshuttlestotransit;Providingincentives,educationandpublicitytoencourageuseoftransitItwillbenecessarytoprovidefundingtolocaljurisdictionsforimplementationand/ormanagementoftheseandotherassociatedmeasures.061‐07JohnNielsenCityofTustinTable3.6showsthatthe2012RTP/SCSanticipatesrelativelylowlevelsoffundingforlocalstreetsandroads,including$1.1billionforFY2011‐FY2015,$1.1billionforFY2016‐FY2020,and$1.2billionforFY2021‐2025.Fundingisincreasedto$7.9billionforFY2026‐FY2030and$9.6billionforFY2031‐FY2035.However,localstreetandroadimprovementsofferthebestopportunityforquicklyimprovingmobilityandrealizingRTP/SCSgoals.Theyalsoprovideeconomicbenefitswhichcouldtranslateintoadditionalfundinginthefuture.Fundingfortheseprogramsshouldbeincreasedandacceleratedinthenearfuture.Commentnoted.ThefundingforlocalstreetsandroadsoperationsandmaintenanceincreasessubstantiallybeginninginFY2026duetotheassumptionofnewrevenuesourcesbeginninginthatyear(seeTable3.5).Acceleratingfundingfortheseimprovementswouldrequireoffsettingrevenuesdedicatedtootherprojectsandprograms.061‐08JohnNielsenCityofTustinOneCityofTustinprojectwhichhasbothlocalandregionalsignificancedoesnotappeartobeincludedintheRTP/SCS.ItisthereforerequestedthatthefollowingprojectbeaddedtotheRTP/SCS:oTustinRanchRoadextensionfromWalnutAvenuetoWarnerAvenue,includinganewgradeseparationoverEdingerAvenueandtheOCTA/SCRRARailway.Commentnoted.TheTustinRanchRoadextensionfromWalnutAvenuetoValenciaAvenue,includingabridgeoverEdingerAvenueandtheOCTA/SCRRARailway,isincludedintheProjectListunderRTPID#ORA55244.061‐09JohnNielsenCityofTustinTheRTP/SCSshouldidentifytheregionaltransportationinfrastructuredeficienciesbrokendownbycountyforpurposesoftransparency.Commentnoted.TheHighwaysandArterialsAppendixdiscussessystempreservationneedsandprovidesinformationondistressedlanemilesandstatehighwaybridgeconditionsbycounty.061‐10JohnNielsenCityofTustin[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber31.062‐01JamesProvenzanoCleanAirNowTheissueofrevenuegenerationtorelyontheStatebudgetforresourcesisrisky,thereissupportforlocalgenerationofrevenues.Istronglyurgekeepthatinmindandlookatthosesourcesandpossiblymoveforwardwithsomeactionthatwillhelpyouobtainrevenuesfromlocalsources.Commentnoted.Commentnoted.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.149IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse062‐02JamesProvenzanoCleanAirNowTheaccesstomasstransit,allowingpeopletoaccessmasstransitbybeingabletowalktomasstransitordrivefewermilestomasstransitiscriticalintheoverallschemetotheRTP/SCS.PleaselistentothecommentsfromthepublictohelpimprovewhatyouhavedoneandmovethePlanintherightdirectionthatispalpabletoeveryonethatwillbeimpactedbytheRTP.Commentnoted.063‐01ToddCampbellCleanEnergyUponreviewoftheproposedRTP/SCS,wefeltcompelledtocommentonthedocumentinitscurrentformasitappearstooveremphasizeelectricandzeroemissionvehiclestrategieswithoutanyapparentbackupdocumentationregardingthecost‐effectivenessandfeasablityofsuchstrategies.CleanEnergystronglyrecommendsthatSCAGmeetwithCleanEnergytodiscussourexperiencewithintheIndustryandsharewithyouhowwe,asacompany,intendtohelpSCAGreachregionalairqualityattainment.Commentnoted.TheRTPenvisionsaworld‐class,coordinatedSouthernCaliforniagoodsmovementsystemthataccommodatesgrowthinwaysthatbothsupporttheregion’seconomicvitalityandthequalityoflifeforourcommunities.AsdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazeroandnearzero‐emissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.WelookforwardmeetingwithCleanEnergytodiscusstheseimportantissues.063‐02ToddCampbellCleanEnergyWestronglyurgeSCAGtomodifyitscurrentdraftRTP/SCStospecificallyhighlightnaturalgasvehicles,inadditiontoelectricandhybridoptions,amongstthenearzero‐emissiontozeroemissiontechnologiesthatwillhelptheregionmeetitscriteriaairemissionsgoalsunderthefederalCleanAirActandgreenhousegasemissionsgoalsunderthestate'sAB32‐TheGlobalWarmingSolutionsActof20066.NotonlydoesCleanEnergybelievethatNGVswillcontinuetobesomeofthecleanestoptions,particularlyformedium‐andheavy‐dutyvehicles,ontheroad,theywillmostlikelywillalsobenefitfromhybridizedplatforms,biomethaneandhydrogen‐blending,andotheradvancementsthatmaycometomarketoverthenext20years.WewouldliketoformerlyofferaninvitationtoseniorSCAGstafftovisitourofficesinanefforttobetterunderstandourplanstohelptheregionmeetitscleanairandgreenhousegasgoalspriortothefinalizationoftheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.WhiletheRTPisrequiredtobebasedonthevehiclefleetassumptionsinARB'sEMFACmodel,SCAGhassoughttofurthertheimplementationofalternativefuelsinanumberofplanningefforts.AsdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazero‐emissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.Forexample,theSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedinoutreachactivitiesforthreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,correspondingwiththedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,withfuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhas150IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.SCAGwelcomesfurtherdiscussionandlooksforwardtoworkingwithCleanEnergy.064‐01CareyKnechtClimatePlanPleasefindattachedourcommentletteraboutSCAG'sDraftRTP/SCSCongratulationsonthesuccessfulcompletionofadraftRegionalTransportationPlanandSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).Thisrepresentstheculminationofthreeyearsofhardworkbyyourstaff,committees,andRegionalCounciltounderstandandmergetogetherthelanduseandtransportationplansofhundredsoflocalgovernmentsandagencies.Thisisaverysignificanteffortthatcansubstantiallyimprovethequalityoflife,publichealth,long‐termeconomiccompetitiveness,andenvironmentalsustainabilityoftheregion.SouthernCaliforniahasmadesomeimpressivestridesinthisdirection,asreflectedinthesesuccessesoftheplan:•MeetsthegreenhousegasreductiontargetsestablishedbytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard•Reducesoveralltrafficcongestionandallowsresidentstospendlesstimeintheircars•Triplesspendingonbikeandpedestrianprojectsandincreasestransitinvestmentsby13%•Meetstheprojectedeconomicmarketdemandbyplanningforadiversityofhousingtypes,includingamoreadequatenumberofsmall‐lotsinglefamilyhomesanddwellingsinmixed‐use,walkableneighborhoods•Addresseshabitatlossviaplanningformorecost‐effectivefutureenvironmentalmitigationAsorganizationsthatworkacrossthestate,wewanttorecognizeandthankSCAGfortheenormousprogressthatSouthernCaliforniahasmadeinrecentyears.Thisisalargeanddiverseregionthathaslonglackedatransitsystemwithregionalreach.YetSouthernCaliforniaistakingactionsthatcanbeamodelforregionselsewhereinthestate.Forexample,LosAngelesCounty’sMeasureRwillgenerateupto$40billion,mostfortransit,andaneffortisnowunderwaytoacceleratethose30yearsofspendingintotheearlyyears,whenjobsaremostneeded.SCAGhasproactivelyengagedmanycommunitiestocreateavisionforsmartgrowth,firstthroughtheCompassBlueprintprogramandnowwiththecreationofthisSCS.ThisregionalplanbuildsonaninnovativemodelprogramfromOrangeCountythatwilladdresspotentialhabitatimpactsinawaythatimprovesenvironmentalbenefitswhilereducingcoststhroughCommentnoted.151IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecareful,upfrontplanning.Thesuccessofthisplanisbuiltuponjusttheseinstancesofgreatlocalandregionalleadership.However,amidstthisplan’ssuccesses,thereareimportantwaysthatthisplancanmakeadditionalstrides.Theplanaswrittenrevealsthatonthecurrentcourse,therearepartsoftheregionmakingsignificantinvestmentsintransit,bicycle,andpedestrianinfrastructureandtherebyreceivinggreatbenefits,whileotherareasaremakinglesserinvestments,particularlythoseinInlandEmpirecounties.064‐02CareyKnechtClimatePlanWebelieveSCAGshouldpursueadditionalstrategiestoexpandtransitandactivetransportationopportunitiesthatcouldhavegreateconomicandhealthbenefitsfortheentireregion.Wearealsoconcernedthatseveralvulnerabilitiesinthisplanmaycauseittonotsucceedatthelevelitintends.Commentnoted.064‐03CareyKnechtClimatePlanI.CreategreateropportunityforallSouthernCaliforniansAsnotedabove,thegrowthandinvestmentsinthisplanhavemanybenefitsfortheregionasawhole.However,transitandactivetransportationinvestmentsareuneven,andasaresult,noteveryoneintheregionwillreceivethesameopportunitiesandbenefits.Forinstance,thisplanrevealsthatpercapita,residentsinLosAngelesandOrangeCountywillcutthetimetheyspenddrivingbyabout20%,whileresidentsofImperial,SanBernardino,andRiversidewillreceivereductionsthatarehalfthat,orless.Inaddition,vulnerablepopulationsacrosstheregionwillfacegreaterrisks.Beforefinalizingtheplan,weaskthattheRegionalCouncilandstafftakesomesimplestepstoallowtheregiontomoveforwardtogether.Expandtransitserviceinkeyareas:Thisplanexpandsanetworkoftransitchoices,givingmanypeopleeasieraccesstomultipletransportationoptions,andtakingcarsoffoftheroadssothatthosewhododrivespendlesstimestuckintraffic.Augmentingthesewithsomeadditionaltransitinvestmentswouldprovidemoreoptionsincurrentlyless‐servedpartsoftheregion.Expandingbusservicelevelsistheleastexpensivetransitoption,andwellover80percentofthoseridingtransitnowdosoonbus.Thefast‐growingInlandEmpirecountiescouldparticularlybenefitfromthisstrategy.Theplanshowsthatonly10%ofRiversideCountywillbeservedbyhigh‐qualitybusservice(busesevery15minutesduringpeakperiods).Butsinceabout40%ofresidentswilllivenearbuslineswithaslightlyCommentnoted.Projects7120009,712008,and712007areidentifiedasregionwideexpansionsinbusrapidtransit,pointtopointexpressbusservice,andbusserviceinhighlyproductivecorridors,foratotalinvestmentof$3.0billionoverthelifeoftheplan.152IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselowerlevelofservice(15‐30minuteheadways),increasingbustravelfrequencieswouldbearelativelylow‐costwaytogreatlyexpandthenumberofresidentswithinwalkingdistanceofhigh‐qualitypublictransportation.Thiswouldnotonlyhelpthosewhochoosetotakethebus,butitwillalsorelievetrafficforthosewhostillneedtodrive.Ruralpartsoftheregion,suchastheeasternCoachellaValleyandtheNorthShoreoftheSaltonSea,haveparticularlylowaccesstotransitchoicesevenashousingandjobsbegintomoveintothoseruralareas.ExtendingexistingbusservicetocurrentlyunservedruralareasoftheCoachellaValley,orexploringoptionssuchaslocalcirculatorstomeetunmettransitneedsinruralareas,wouldalsoimproveaccesstoservicesanddecreasevehiclemilestraveledforfarmworkersandotherruralresidents.Additionally,extendingplannedBRTfromIndiotoCoachellawouldmakeitpossibletoaddresstheneedsofagrowingpopulationtoaccesshealthcare,groceries,orgoodjobsviapublictransit.Finally,enhancingandexpandingtheregion’sMetroLinksystem,aswellastheBRTandbussystemthatconnecttoit,canbringtothefullSouthernCaliforniaregiontheworld‐classtransportationnetworkthatitdeserves.SuchenhancementscouldcreategreatereconomicFinally,enhancingandexpandingtheregion’sMetroLinksystem,aswellastheBRTandbussystemthatconnecttoit,canbringtothefullSouthernCaliforniaregiontheworld‐classtransportationnetworkthatitdeserves.Suchenhancementscouldcreategreatereconomic.064‐04CareyKnechtClimatePlanExpandfundingandpoliciesforbicyclesandpedestrians:Thisplancouldalsotakeonestepfurthertowardprovidingresidentswithsaferoutesforwalkingandbiking.Whiletheplandoestriplethepreviousexpenditures,itstilldevoteslessthan1.5%ofitsfundstosafestreets,despitethefactthatover20%ofalltraveltripsintheregionareonfootorbybike.AccordingtoapollofSouthernCaliforniavotersbyMoveLA,NRDC,andtheAmericanLungAssociationlastyear,ifgiventhechoice,voterswouldspendsignificantlymoreoftheregion’stransportationdollarsonbicycleandpedestrianinvestments.TheL.A.DepartmentofPublicHealthrecentlyreportedthatthefundingneedcouldbeashighas$40B,yetthisplancurrentlydevotes$6Bandestimatesanother$4Bisavailable.ThisgapshouldbereducedbyincreasingregionalcombinedbikeandpedestrianCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.153IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefundingtoatleast$12B,inadditiontotheestimatedadditional$4B.Thesefundsshouldcreate“firstmile/lastmile”linkagesneartransit,addresssafetyproblemsinareasofhighinjuryandfatalityrates,providesidewalksandbikelanesinplaceswithlowercarownershipratesorwherebasicinfrastructureiscurrentlylacking,andhelpchildrenuseSafeRoutestoSchools.064‐05CareyKnechtClimatePlanInaddition,weaskSCAGtocommittoworkingwithitslocalgovernmentsandagenciestoembeda"completestreets"policyinlocalandregionaltransportationprojectplanning,tosystematizetheinclusionofpedestrianandbicyclesafetyfeaturesinroadconstructionandmaintenanceprojects.Doingsowillmakecost‐effectiveuseoftheselimitedfunds.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoftheirlocalactivetransportationplans,whichincludestheadoptionofCompleteStreetspolicies.064‐06CareyKnechtClimatePlanFinally,weaskthatSCAGundertakearegionalbike/pedmasterplanningeffort,similartotheassessmentofunmetroadmaintenancecoststhatSCAGcurrentlymanages.BeforethenextRTP,SCAGshouldworkwithpartneragenciesandjurisdictionstoidentifylocalneeds,fundingstrategies,andrevenuesourcestocreateacompletednetworkofsaferoutesforwalkingandbiking.Commentnoted.SCAGhasdevelopedtheSCAGRegionalBikewayNetworktoaddressregionalgapsintheexistingbicyclenetwork.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplansandincorporatingthesefindingsintothe2016RTP.064‐07CareyKnechtClimatePlanFurtherstudyandaggressivelyaddressdisparateexposuretoairpollutionandnoise:Whilethisplanwouldimproveairqualityintheregionoverall,wearegreatlyconcernedthatairpollutionlevelswouldstillbehighestinareasclosetofreeways,andthatlevelsinsomeplacescouldbehigherthanthe“businessasusual”orbaselinescenario.TheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixtothePlanshowsthat25%‐27%ofhouseholdslivingwithin500feetoffreewayscouldfacegreaterexposurestoCOandPM,withhighconcentrationsofminorityandlowincomeresidentsdisproportionatelyaffected.TheAppendixfurtherhighlightsthatallenvironmentaljusticepopulationsexcepttheelderlycurrentlyhavehigherriskofcancerandrespiratorydiseasethantheregionasawhole,andthatthe“highestareasofrespiratoryriskarethesegmentsthatcloselyfollowmajorfreewaysinthemosturbanizeportionsoftheregion.”Non‐English‐speaking,foreignbornpopulationshavethehighestrisk.Beforefinalizingthisplan,SCAGneedstostudywhereandhowdisproportionateimpactswilloccur,byprovidingamapshowingwherethiswillbehappening,andthenidentifyacompletesuiteofmitigationstoensurethatairpollutionandnoiseimpactsdonotgetworseforthemostvulnerablewhileCommentnoted.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigationmeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshowninthisAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsand154IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsegettingbetterforothers.Onepossibletoolisthelistofmodel“HealthandEquitymetrics,”includingamethodologyforcalculatingthosemetrics,createdbyHumanImpactPartnersinpartnershipwithotherhealthexpertsandorganizations.evolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.064‐08CareyKnechtClimatePlanMonitortheplan’simpactsonkeyindicatorsofhealthandequity,andimprovetoolsforfutureplanning:Addressinginequalitiesrequiresunderstandingthem.Particulartrendsthatthisplanhasalimitedabilitytoprojectandmitigate–suchastheriskofgentrificationanddisplacementneartransitstations,injuries/fatalitiestopedestriansandcyclists,asthmaincidenceandexacerbationsduetoNOx,andthebalanceofwagestohousingcosts–shouldbeactivelymonitored.Tocarrythisout,SCAGshouldmonitortheseissuesataregionalscaleandalsoidentifyparticularplacestomonitor,includingareasneartransitstations–whereshiftingdemographicssuggeststhatgentrificationmayalreadybeunderway–andalsoaselectedgroupofareasknowntohaveparticularlyvulnerablepopulations.Inadditiontotrackingthisplan’sperformance,SCAGshouldcommittodevelopingspecifictoolstoprojectfutureplans’impactoncriticalissues,suchasthefitbetweenjobwagesandhousingcosts;physicalactivity;thehealthimpactsofthephysicalactivityandairqualitycreatedbytheplan;andothermeasuresfromthe“Health&Equitymetrics”mentionedabove.Commentnoted.(1)SCAGiscommittedtoanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Trendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)ongentrification/displacementareinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetomonitorthismatterbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthecomingyears.(2)SCAGiscontinuingtomonitorandtrackplace‐baseddevelopment/growthandanyassociatedenvironmentalandsafetyindicatorsforfutureEnvironmentalJusticestudies.InpreviousRegionalTransportationPlans(RTP)aswellasforthisPlan,hotspotsofemissionsandnoiseconcernsareidentified,presented,andmappedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.SCAGwilltakethecommentandsuggestionintoconsiderationtoexpanditsexistingeffortsandestablisharegionwidemonitoringprogramtofocusonselectedenvironmentaljusticeareasandcommunitiesofconcern.(3)SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.064‐09CareyKnechtClimatePlanII.EnsuretheRegionalTransportationPlan’sStrengthsBecomeRealityThisplanhasmuchgoodnewsfortheregion,andtherecommendationsbelowaredesignedtohelptheplan’sstrengthsbecomereality.Ensurerevenuesmaterialize:Significantnewresourcesareneededfortheplantocometofruition.WeaskSCAGtotakealeadershiproleinconveningotheragenciesandjurisdictionstogeneratetherevenuesthatthisplandependsonforsuccess.Indevelopingthisplan,theregionwasfacedwithalargefundingshortfall.TheRegionalCommentnoted.Weagreethatgovernment,business,andstakeholdersneedtoworktogethertoidentifyandadvancethebest,mostappropriatefundingoptionstoprovideneededfundingforRTPpriorities.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.155IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCouncilmadethepolicydecisionnottocutprojectsbuttofindadditionalrevenuesourcestopayforitsinfrastructureplans.Thecurrentplanassumesthattheseneededfundswillcomefromstateandfederalgovernments,butashistoryshows,thisisnotguaranteed.Wehopetheregionwillfocusonwhatitcandotoraisemoneyviaacombinationofregionalandlocalfeesortaxes.Thesenewrevenuesourcesshouldbechosentoavoidadverseimpactstotheregion’slower‐incomepopulations.Asfundinggapsarelikelytocontinueoverthelongrun,wewouldalsorecommendthattheregionfollowtheexampleofotherregionsinconsideringhowtosystematicallyprioritizethoseexpendituresthatmostcontributetoasustainable,healthy,andequitableregion.BetweennowandthenextSCS,SCAGanditspartneragenciescoulddevelopasystematicmethodforprioritizingprojects,suchastheProjectPerformanceAssessmentconductedattheBayArea’sMetropolitanTransportationCommission.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Numerousstudieshavebeenconductednationallytoevaluatemileage‐baseduserfeeoptions.SCAGconcursthatfurtherworkwouldbenecessarybeforeimplementation.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceApppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.Wealsorecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithabsolutecertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheDraftRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.064‐10CareyKnechtClimatePlanFrontloadandexpandfundsfortransitandbike/pedestrianlinkages,andforroadandbridgesafetyprojects:Weaskthatincollaborationwithitspartneragenciesandjurisdictions,SCAGleadanefforttoacceleratethetransit,bike/ped,androadmaintenanceprojectsthatareessentialtomeetingtheregion’sgoalsintoearlieryearswhenrevenueismorereliable.Makingtransportationinvestmentsinatimelywayensuresthattheyhavemaximumimpact.Yet,thisplanacceleratesroadconstructionprojectswhiledelayingessentialinvestmentsinroadmaintenance,bikeandpedestriansafety,andtransittothelateyearsofthis24‐yearplan.Delayingroadrepairsisabadidea,becausedeferredmaintenanceleadstoincreasinglycostlyrepairneeds.Also,delayendangersroadandbridgeusers–inaregionwheremoredriversalreadycrossstructurally‐deficientbridgesthananywhereelseintheUnitedStates.1Delayingprojectsthatcancreateamultimodalnetworkwithavarietyoftransportationoptionsalsoconcernsus,becausefuturerevenuesinthisplanarelesscertain.TransportationCommentnoted.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.156IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseinvestmentsthatnotonlysupportdrivingbutalsocreateconvenientpublictransitoptionsandsaferoutesforwalkingandbikingareessentialforachievingtheregion’strafficreductionandairqualitygoals.064‐11CareyKnechtClimatePlanHelplocalgovernmentsplanthetransitneighborhoodsofthefuture:WeaskthatSCAGhelplocalgovernmentsplanthediversetransit‐orientedortransit‐readyneighborhoodsthatthisplanreliesuponbymakingafirmcommitmenttofundsforCompassBlueprint.ThedraftRTP/SCSassumesthatmanyoftheregion’shomesandjobswillgrowasrealestatemarkettrendspredicttheywill,inwalkableneighborhoodssurroundingtransitcorridorsandlightrailstations.Butmanycitiesarestillintheprocessofupdatinglanduseplanstoallowthatkindofdevelopment.Withoutthoseplansinplace,itismuchmoredifficultforbuilderstogetprojectsapprovedandbeginconstruction.Withlocalgovernments’planningfundsathistoriclows,fundstofinishthisplanningmaynotexist.ThatmakesitessentialthattheregionexpandsitsCompassBlueprintincentivegrantprogramtohelplocalgovernmentsplanthekindofneighborhoodsthatthisplanneedstosucceed.SCAGshouldmakeaclearfinancialcommitmentthatthiswillhappen.Indoingso,SCAGshouldusethesegrantsfirsttofundthoselocalgovernmentsthatstandreadytocreatehealthy,walkableneighborhoodsforhouseholdsatarangeofincomelevels.SCAGshouldupdateitsCompassBlueprintgrantcriteriatoensurethatneighborhoodsnearpresentorfuturetransitstationsorcorridorswillhavesafestreetsforwalkingandbiking,andamixofhousingtypestoallowpeopleofarangeofincomestoliveandworkneartransit.Commentnoted.ThroughtheCompassBlueprintProgram,SCAGhasworkedwithandprovideddirecttechnicalassistanceto94separatejurisdictionsincludinglocalcities,counties,non‐profits,andtransportationagencies.FuturecallsforapplicationswillfocusonlocalimplementationofSCSstrategies,andwillprioritizeprojectslocatedinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA).Inaddition,otherlocalandregionalfundingagencieshavebeguntoincorporateCompassBlueprintprinciplesintotheirdiscretionaryfundingprograms.SCAGwillcontinuetopursuededicatedanddiscretionaryfundingforthisimportantvoluntaryprogram.064‐12CareyKnechtClimatePlanSCAG’senvironmentaljusticeappendixshowsthatareasneartransitarealreadylosinglow‐incomepopulations.Lower‐incomehouseholdsaremorelikelytoutilizetransitservicesthatareavailabletothem,sobuildinghousingaffordabletothosehouseholdsneartransitwillmaximizethebenefitoftheregion’sinfrastructureinvestments.Asgrowthpatternsbecomemorecompact,SCAGshouldalsocarefullymonitorandseekresourcesthatcouldameliorateandimproveruralhousingstock.Commentnoted.064‐13CareyKnechtClimatePlanAddressgapsinthelinkbetweengrowthandtransportationplanning:ThesuccessofallregionalSustainableCommunitiesCommentnoted.AfteradoptionofthePlan,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithmemberagenciesandotherstakeholderstoassist157IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseStrategiesdependsonawell‐coordinatedlinkbetweenwheregrowthwillhappenandwheretransportationinfrastructurewillbeprovided.Inplaceswherethislinkremainsweak,SCAGshouldhostconversationsbetweenlocalgovernmentsandtransportationagenciesthatwillbetteraligntransitplanningwithfuturegrowthandhousing.Wheregrowthdoesoccurasgreenfielddevelopment,SCAGshouldmakesurethatthishabitatandfarmlandlossisadequatelymitigatedbyensuringregionalmitigationplanningincludesnotonlycriticalhabitatandlandswithinHabitatConservationPlan/NaturalCommunitiesConservationPlanAreasbutallimportantundevelopedlands,throughaninclusivepublicprocess.Finally,tomakesuretheregion’sanalysisrestsonasolidfoundation,SCAGshouldensurethatitsHighQualityTransitAreacalculationsaccuratelyincludesonlythegeographyaroundbusstops,nottheentirecorridoradjacenttoahighwaythatabustravelsalong.Thankyouverymuchforyourconsiderationofthesecomments,designedtostrengthenandsupportthesuccessofyourworkinSouthernCalifornia.WewanttoagainexpressourappreciationandgratitudetoSCAG’sRegionalCouncil,committees,andstaff.YoureffortstoimplementSB375canhelpreduceclimatechangeandensurethatfuturegenerationsofCalifornianshavecleanerairandwater,healthierplacestolive,astrongerandmoreresilienteconomy;andgreateropportunityforpeopleacrosstheeconomicspectrum.inimplementingthestrategieswithinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS.065‐01TomKirk/RickBishopCoachellaValleyAssociationofGovernmentsandWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernmentsCVAG,WRCOGandourrespectivememberjurisdictionsworkedwithSCAGrepresentativestodevelopgrowthprojectionsfortheCoachellaValleyandWesternRiversideCountysubregions,andweappreciateSCAG'sacceptanceofourlocalinputontheseoverallgrowthprojections.Thesegrowthforecastsforpopulation,housing,andemploymentinRiversideCountyunderwentextensivereviewbybothAgencies’members.BoththeCVAGExecutiveCommitteeandtheWRCOGExecutiveCommitteeadoptedsubregionalgrowthforecastsatthejurisdictional(i.e.CityandCounty)level.TheRiversideCountyBoardofSupervisorsalsoapprovedgrowthforecastsforRiversideCountyatthejurisdictionallevel.NeitherCVAG,WRCOG,northeBoardofSupervisorshaveendorsedorapprovedsubregionalgrowthprojectionsattheTAZlevel,norwereanymoreambitiousTAZlevelplansmadegenerallyCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.158IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseavailabletoandgenerallyacceptedbythelocalplannersinRiversideCounty.WeacknowledgeSCAG’susageofTAZ‐leveldataforscenariomodelingpurposesduringthedevelopmentoftheDraft2012RTP/SCS.However,wedidnotanticipatetheTAZdatathatwasrecentlyreleasedbySCAG;nordoweagreethattheydepictarealisticlandusepatternthatcanorwillbeachievedinRiversideCountyby2035.Inmostcases,the2035TAZmapssubstantiallydeviatefromourjurisdictions’adoptedGeneralPlans,andalsodeviatefromotherlanduseapprovals.Wearealsoconcernedthatthesemapswereonlyrecentlymadeavailabletousforreview.DuetothescheduleoftheDraftRTP/SCSpubliccommentandreviewperiod,CVAGandWRCOGwerenotgivensubstantialtimetoanalyzethisinformationandconsultwithourmemberjurisdictionsregardingthepotentialimplicationsofthegrowthprojectionsdepictedinthe2035TAZmaps.Accordingly,althoughCVAGandWRCOGsupporttheuseoftheunderlyingprojectedpopulation,household,andemploymentcountsforpolicypurposesatjurisdictionallevels,wedonotsupporttheuseofthecountsreflectedintherecently‐disclosedTAZmapsasabasisforCEQAstreamliningorSCSconsistencyreviewunderCEQA.NordowesupporttheuseofthesemapsforpurposesofdeterminingfutureinfrastructureplannedinRiversideCounty.Furthermore,wedonotsupporttheuseofthisinformationforthepurposeoflanduseregulationorregulatorypurposesofanykind.Finally,CVAGandWRCOGdonotsupportSCAG'suseoftheTAZmapsand...[continuedinnextcomment]065‐02TomKirk/RickBishopCoachellaValleyAssociationofGovernmentsandWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments[continuedfromlastcomment]...supportingdatafordeterminingfutureallocationofCompassBlueprintProgramfundsoranyotherfundingincentivesadministeredbySCAGorothers.WestronglyurgethatSCAGclarifythattheuseofTAZ‐leveldataisforSCSmodelingpurposesonly,andremoveanylanguageandpolicystatementsfromtheDraft2012RTP/SCSthatotherwisestrengthenthestandingoftheseunapproveddata.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddressreflectthecomment.066‐01MichaelAntonovichCountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisorsAsaLosAngelesCountySupervisor,Vice‐ChairoftheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority(MTA),andSCAGBoardDirector,itismypleasuretorequestthatthissubcommitteerecommendtotheSCAGRegionalCounciltheinclusionofahighspeedrailstudywithintheproposedHighCommentnoted.TheenvironmentalstudyofahighspeedrailcomponentwithintheHighDesertCorridorbetweenVictorvilleandPalmdalehasbeenincludedinthecontrainedportionofthefinalRTP/SCS(ConstrainedPlan).159IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseDesertCorridorprojectbetweenVictorvilleandPlamdaleaspartoftheConstrainedRegionalTransportationPlan.066‐02MichaelAntonovichCountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisorsTheimportanceoftheHighDesertCorridorhasbeenwell‐notedbythefederalgovernment,whichdesignatedtheprojectasa"CorridorofNationalSignificance"withits"E‐220"designationinSAFETEA‐LU.SupportforthisprojectstartedwiththeCountiesofLosAngelesandSanBernardinopartneringtocreateaJointPowersAuthority(JPA)tooverseethedevelopmentofthiscorridor.SincethistimetheprojecthasalsobeenendorsedintheconstrainedportionsoftheSCAG'sRegionalTransportationPlan,theRegionalTransportationImprovementPlan,andtheMTALongRangeTransportationPlan.thepotentialforthiscorridortodivertcarandtrucktripsfromtheheavily‐populated,congestedandemissions‐plaguedLosAngelesandSanBernardinobaisnshasgainednationalattentionasavitalsolutiontotheconfluenceoflocal,regionalandnationalcarandtrucktrafficwithintheregion'scurrentfreewaysystem.Commentnoted.066‐03MichaelAntonovichCountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisorsTheHighDesertCorridorJPABoardofDirectorshasalwaysenvisionedthiscorridorasapublic‐privatepartnerrshipthatwouldrequiremultipleelementstocreateamulti‐modalcorridorthatmettheregion'sneedsforcar,truckandtransitinfrastructureimprovement.Inclusionofahigh‐speedrailcomponentwithintheright‐of‐wayoftheHighDesertCorridorreflectsthedesireoftheJPABoardofDirectorstoconnectPalmdaleandVictorvillewithatminimumanenhanced110mile‐per‐hourhighspeedMetrolinkcorridor,andpotentiallya220mile‐per‐hourhighspeedrailcorridorcompatiblewithboththeCaliforniaandDesertXpressHighSpeedRailsystems.CurrentlytheJPABoardhasnotenteredintoanyagreementwithMetrolink,CaliforniaHighSpeedRail,AmtrackorDesertXpresstopartnerwiththeJPAinoperatingserviceonthishighspeedrailcorridor.Rather,theJPAwillremainpartner‐neutraluntilwhichtimethePublic‐PrivatePartnershipRequestforProposalsprocesscallsforadecisiontobemadebytheHighDesertCorridorJPAanditspartnersinMTAandSANBAG.Commentnoted.066‐04MichaelAntonovichCountyofLosAngelesBoardofSupervisorsBycombiningtheenvironmentalstudyofthishighspeedrailcomponentoftheHighDesertCorridorintothecurrentenvironmentalworkforthehighwayportionoftheproject,theJPABoardstrivestoprovideacost‐effectivemannerofCommentnoted.TheenvironmentalstudyofahighspeedrailcomponentwithintheHighDesertCorridorbetweenVictorvilleandPalmdalehasbeenincludedintheconstrainedportionofthefinalRTP/SCS(ConstrainedPlan).160IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimplementingthistransitaspectoftheprojectascost‐effectivelyaspossiblewhilestayingwithinSCAG'senvelopof$8.2billionintheproposedRegionalTransportationPlan.Byincludingavitalhighspeedrailcomponent,theHighDesertCorridorstandspoisedtobecomeamodelpublic‐privatepartnershipprojectwhichcapturesthemulti‐modalrequirementsofAB32andSB375whileleveragingprivatecapitalandimprovingthenationalmovementoftruckfreightasencouragedbyfederaltransportationpolicy.ThankyouforyoursupportoftheinclusionoftheHighDesertCorridor,includingtheenvironmentalstudyofahighspeedrailcomponentwithinitsright‐of‐way,intheConstrainedportionofSCAG'sRegionalTransportationPlan.067‐01PaulSimonCountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealthTargetandincreaseinvestmentforactivetransportation.WeapplaudSCAG'sproposedincreasedinvestmentinactivetransportation,from$1.8billioninthe2008RTP(lessthan.5%)to$6billion(1.3%)inthecurrentdraftplan.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.067‐02PaulSimonCountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealthDPHstronglyencouragesthatthefinalplan:(1)Prioritize(i)first‐mile/last‐mileconnectionstotransitstationswhichwillhelpsupporttheincreasedinvestmentinthetransitsystem;(ii)projectsthatclosegapsinkeybicycleandpedestriancorridors;and(iii)communitieswithhighnumbersofbicycleandpedestrianinjuriesandhighratesofchronicdisease;(2)Frontloadactivetransportationfundingsoitisavailabletojurisdictionstobuildwalkableandbikeablecommunitiesearlyoninthe25yearRTPperiod;and(3)Providefundingandtechnicalassistanceforcitiestocreatebicycleandpedestrianplansandcity‐widesaferoutestoschoolplans.OffersupporttoCTCsandlocaljurisdictionstoadoptacompletestreetspolicysothatpedestrianandbicycleimprovementscanbemadeCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportation161IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseroutinelyandmoreeconomicallywhenstreetsareimprovedorbuilt.andpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.067‐03PaulSimonCountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealthInaddition,theplanshouldincludefurtherinvestmentsinactivetransportationtocreate1)basicbicycleandpedestrianinfrastructureinkeyareasineverycityintheSCAGregion;2)bikeableandwalkableneighborhoodswithin1/2mileofallTODs,existingandplanned;3)completeroutestopublicschoolsthroughouttheregionthatchildrencanwalkandbiketo;4)sidewalksrepairthroughouttheregion;and5)improvedcontinuityincountybikenetworks.Giventhatcities'bicycleandpedestrianmasterplanshavearangeofcostsforproposedimprovements,wepresentarangefortheestimatedamountofactivetransportationfundingneededtogeneratetheseimprovementsacrosstheregion,fromalowof$37billion(7.1%)toahighof$60billion(11.4%)over25years,adjustedforinflation.Werecognizethattherearemanyfactorsthatmustbeconsideredinyourresourceallocationdecisionsand,therefore,donotprovidetheseestimatesasarecommendationforfunding.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.067‐04PaulSimonCountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealthBuildhealthyneighborhoodsaroundtransitstationsthatprotectexistinglow‐incomeresidents.Theareaaroundrailstationsoffersauniqueopportunitytocreatesafeaccesstotransitandtoaddresskeycommunityneedssuchasmixed‐incomehousingandbusiness/retailcorridorswithinawalkableandbikeablecommunitysetting.However,withoutcarefulplanning,thepeopleinneighborhoodsadjacenttorailstationscanbedisplacedasrealestatepricesriseinresponsetonewdevelopment,triggeringcorrespondingincreasesinresidentialandcommercialrentsforlow‐incomefamiliesandsmallbusinessowners.DPHencouragesthattheplan:Preventdisplacementofexistinglow‐incomeresidents,fundjurisdictionstocreatetransit‐orienteddevelopmentplansthatincludepoliciestopreserveexistingaffordablehousingandsmallbusinessstorefrontsandtoensuretheprovisionofaffordablehousingandsmallbusinessstorefrontsinnewdevelopments;Wheneverpossible,locatehousing,childcarefacilities,schools,andothersensitive‐usedevelopmentfarenoughawayfromsourcesofpollutiontodecreaseexposurethatcannegativelyaffecthealth.Commentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Trendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitorthisinformationinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithenvironmentaljusticeandpublichealthstakeholdersonstrategiestopreventdisplacement.SCAGalsolooksforwardtoworkingwithpublichealthstakeholdersonstrategiestoreducepollutantexposuretosensitivepopulations.Further,theEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixhasbeenrevisedtoincludehealthimpactsonchildren5yearsoldandbelow,asfurtherrecognitionofthisimportantpublichealthissue.067‐05PaulSimonCountyofLosStrengthenpublichealthmodelingandmonitoring.WeCommentnoted.ConsistentwithupdatedCTCGuidelines,and162IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealthencourageSCAGtomeasurethepublichealthimpactsoftransportationinvestments.Forexample,theRTPcouldbeanalyzedforitspotentialtoreducechronicdiseasesintheSCAGregion,suchasheartdiseaseandbreastcancer,basedonincreasesinwalkingandbiking,linkedtoactivetransportationscenarios.Specifically,DPHencouragesSCAGto:MeasurethehealthbenefitsoftransportationplansbyintegratinghealthoutcomesintoSCAG'smodelingapproaches;Measureandreportonadditionalpublichealthindicatorsincludingbutnotlimitedto:bicycleandpedestrianinjuriesandcollisionsbygeographicareas;percentageofhouseholdsthatcanwalkorbikewithin10minutestoreachtheirdailydestinations,e.g.transit,schools,childcare,parks;percentofincomeconsumedbyhousingandtransportationcosts;andConducttargetedanalysesinneighborhoodsadjacenttorailstationstodetermineifdisplacementofexistingresidentsisoccurringasdevelopmentoccurs.stakeholderrequests,SCAGhasincludednumeroushealthbasedmetricsnotpreviouslyincludedintheRTP.SCAGwillexplorefurtherimprovingtheassessmentofhealthbenefitsofactivetransportationandotherRTP/SCSpoliciesinthefutureRTP/SCSupdates.068‐01ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeOrangeCountySustainableCommunitiesStrategyIn2010,theOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)requesteddelegationtodevelopasubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)forOrangeCounty.OCCOGenteredintoaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MOU)withSCAGthathasallowedOCCOGtodeveloptheOrangeCountySustainableCommunitiesStrategy(OCSCS)whichwillbeincorporatedintoSCAG's2012RTP/SCS.TheOCSCS,approvedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsonJune23,2011,describesthepoliciesandprogramsthatOrangeCountylocaljurisdictionswillimplementtoreducegreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsto2005levelsbytheyear2035andreflectscurrentlanduses,existingentitlements,proposeddevelopment(e.g.,generalplans,zoningmaps,etc.)andforecastedpopulation,housingandemploymentgrowthinOrangeCounty(i.e.,OrangeCountyProjections[OCP]2010‐Modified,January2012).PursuanttotheMOUbetweenSCAGandOCCOG,theOCSCSistobefullyincorporatedwithoutchange.AlthoughthereareseveralreferencestotheOCSCSinboththeRTP/SCSandPEIR,itremainsunclearwhetherthedatacontainedintheOCSCShasremainedunchangedineachproposedalternative.Withouttheunderlyingdataforeachalternativeavailableforreview,thiscannotbeconfirmed.Itisrequestedthatlanguage,maps,tables,andchartsbeaddedtoCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.LanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedpertheirsubregionalSCSagreements.ThefinalRTP/SCSSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshasbeenupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguage.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.163IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedemonstratethattheunderlyinglanduse,socioeconomic,andtransportationdataforOrangeCounty(OCP2010‐Modified)hasbeenincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSandeachofitsplanalternativeswithoutalterationasagreedtointheMOU.ItisalsorequestedthattheadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersbySCAG'sRegionalCounciland/orJointPolicyCommitteebeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs.AreviewofthepoliciesandstrategiescontainedintheRTP/SCShasrevealedthepotentialforinconsistencywithlandusepoliciesand/orCountyoperationsintheunincorporatedarea.TheCountyrequeststhattheRTP/SCSincludelanguagethatacknowledgesandincorporatesthefifteen"OCSCSSustainabilityStrategiesAthroughO,"containedinChapterThree,andthe"SustainabilityStrategies,"containedinAppendixF,oftheOCSCSasspecificallyappropriatefortheOrangeCountySubregion.068‐02ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeSB375ConsiderationsTheCountyisdeeplyconcernedwiththebroadnessofthePEIRandRTP/SCS.AtapresentationheldattheCEHDmeetingonJanuary8,2009,SCAGtheninterpretedSB375toonlyincludeVMTassociatedwithvehiclesandlighttrucks,andwentonrecordthatgreenbuildings,energyefficiency,municipaloperations,wastemanagement,waterandtechnologyprogramsandmeasureswerenotwithinthepurviewoftheSCS.ThedraftRTP/SCSandPEIR,howeveraddressallofthesesubjectareas.WebelievethatSCAG'soriginal2009interpretationisthelegallycorrectoneunderSB375andthatSCAGshouldamendthedocumenttodeleteallreferencesandmeasurestoitemsoutsideofSB375thatdonotdirectlyrelatetoVMTfromvehiclesandlighttrucks.TheRTP/SCSandPEIRshouldnotbeusedasanumbrelladocumentforallthingsSCAGconsiderssustainable.ThelegislativetextofSB375statesthatstatetransportationfundingwillbeprioritizedandallocatedtothoselocalagenciesthatareconsistentwithanapprovedSCS.TheactualSB375statutesdonotspecificallystatehowthiswillbedoneandwhatexactfundingwillbesubjecttoSCSprioritization.Therehasbeennofollow‐uplegislationorotherpolicyofwhichtheCountyisawarethatclarifiesthisissue.Duetothis,SB375enforcementisunclear.WebelievethatSCAGshouldclarifyandelaborateonitsunderstandingofthisissue.MuchmoreinformationisCommentnoted.ItisnotSCAG'sintenttoobligatelocalgovernmentsinOrangeCountytoundertakemorestrategies,programsandmandatesbeyondthoseincludedintheOCSCS.Allthelanduses,growthforecasts,projectsandstrategiesintheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategyhavebeenfullyincorporatedinSCAG'sRTP/SCS.164IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseneededastotheprocess,ifany,thatSCAGwillemploytomakeSCSconsistencyfindings.WillSCAGmakeSCSconsistencyfindingsforindividualprogramsandprojects?WillasubregionaldelegatewhohasprepareditsownSCS,likeOCCOGhaswiththeOCSCS,havetheauthoritytomakesuchfindings?WillthelocalprogramsandprojectswithinOrangeCountyboundariesalsobesubjecttoconsistencyfindingsbySCAGunderitsapprovedSCS?WhattypesoflocalprogramsandprojectswillbesubjecttoaSCSconsistencyreview?ThesequestionsandmanyothermustbeansweredpriortoeffectiveimplementationofthepoliciessetforthinSB375.068‐03ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page60‐62:Informationispresentedonairportgroundaccessandairportfinancialandmarketingstrategies.Thesestrategiesidentifypotentialsourcesoffundingsuchas:a)chargingfeesforprivatevehiclespickingupanddroppingoffpassengersatcongestedairports;b)aregionalfundingmechanismusingrevenuesgeneratedatcongestedairportstosupportfacilitiesanddevelopmentatalternateairports(requiringnewlegislation);andc)fundingaregion‐widemarketingeffortthroughsourcessuchasairportparkingandrentalcartransactions.IncludingthesespecificstrategiesintheRTPdocumentmayraiseexpectationsthatthesestrategiesaresupportedbyairportsintheregion.However,duetothecompetitivenatureofmostairports,itmaybedifficulttoachievesuchsupport.ItmayalsobechallengingtogarnerairlineandFAAsupport.Itissuggestedthattheairportstrategiestextberevisedtorecognizethatanyincentivesorfundingmechanismsthatareproposed,andwhichaffectotherairportsintheregion,shouldbedevelopedthroughregionalconsensus.AlthoughmanyoftheSCS"AirportPoliciesandActionSteps"suggestsuchanapproach,thisshouldbestatedinthestrategiestextaswell,anditshouldbeclearthatwhilethesestrategiesmaybeexplored,theymayormaynotbepursued.Additionally,SCAGshouldinvitetheFAAandairlinerepresentativestobepartofanydiscussionswhichaddresstheconceptofusingrevenuesfromoneairporttobenefitanother.Commentnoted.Additionallanguagehasbeenaddedtothereferencedsectionthatwillemphasizetheneedforaregionalconsensusinordertoimplementregionalairportfinancialandmarketingstrategies.068‐04ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page61:ArevisiontotheAirportGroundAccessStrategysection(endofthefirstparagraph)issuggestedasfollows:"PotentialsourcesoffundingcouldincludechargingfeesforprivatevehiclespickingCommentnoted.Thissectionhasbeenrevisedtodeletethedescriptionofthereferencedstrategyasnothavinganadverseimpactonairportrevenues.165IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseupanddroppingoffpassengersatthecongestedairports.This[delete]wouldnotadverselyimpactexistingairportrevenuesandwould[/delete]couldhaveanumberofadvantages....."Thisrevisionisproposedbecause,withrespecttothethirdbullet,acasecouldbemadethatalthoughthereareadvantagestopassengersusingpublictransportation,itispossiblethatparkingrevenueswouldbeadverselyimpacted.068‐05ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page61:TheAirportFinancialStrategysectionshouldberevisedtoavoidmakinginferencesthatanissue"shouldnotbecontroversial,"especiallyrelatedtoastrategythatidentifiesarequirementforlegislativechangesallowingfundsfromoneairporttobeusedatanotherairport(s)notoperatedbythesameentity.Itshouldalsobeclarifiedthatsuchlegislativechangeswouldbeneededatboththestateandfederallevels.Commentnoted.Thissectionhasbeenrevisedtodeletethedescriptionofthereferencedstrategyaslikelytonotbecontroversial.068‐06ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page62:TheAirportMarketingStrategysectionsuggeststhatSCAGworkwithregionalstakeholderstodevelopregion‐widemarketingeffortstopromotealternativestotheuseofcongestedairports.Avarietyoffundingsourcesissuggested;however,airportparkingandrentalcartransactionsarespecificallymentioned.ThesefundingsourcesmayormaynotbesupportedbyairportsintheSCAGregionandshouldbethoroughlydiscussedand,asstatedinthedocument,aconsensusoftheregion'sairportsshouldbedevelopedbeforeproceedingwithsuchastrategy.Commentnoted.Languagehasbeenaddedtothereferencedsectiontoemphasistheneedforaregionalconsensusofairportsinordertoimplementaregionalairportmarketingstrategy.068‐07ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page62:TheAirportPoliciesandActionsStepsidentifycertainactionsthatarerecommendedbySCAG.Thesub‐section,AirspacePlanningandNewTechnologies,identifiespoliciesrelatedtomodificationstotheregionalairspacesystem,andairspacecapacityandconstraints.Itissuggestedthatthewording,"incoordinationwiththeFAA,"beaddedtoeachofthebulletpointsinthissection.Commentnoted.TheinvolvementoftheFAAismentionedtwiceintheactionstepsfortheAirspacePlanningandNewTechnologiespolicies,whichwerethoroughlyreviewed,revisedandeventuallyapprovedbySCAG'sAviationTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeoveraseriesofmeetings.WeagreethatanyfutureimplementationofthesepoliciesandactionstepswillinvolveclosecoordinationwiththeFAA.068‐08ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter1‐Vision,Page15,Table1.3:Note,viaadditionalcheck,connectionbetween"SafetyandHealth"and"Encouragelanduseandgrowthpatternsthatfacilitatetransitandnon‐motorizedtransportation."Commentnoted.Table1.3isintendedtoidentifythelinkagesbetweenRTP/SCSgoalsandtheperformancemeasuresused.Tothatend,thelinkagebetweenactivetransportationandhealthismoredirectlyexpressedbythecheckmarkconnecting"SafetyandHealth"and"Protecttheenvironmentandhealthforourresidentsbyimprovingairqualityandencouragingactivetransportation".166IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse068‐09ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page53:Thecollectionofadditionaldataonactivetransportation,includinggreaterspecificityindestinations,geographicdetail,andtypesofactivetransportation,isimportantinensuringdatadriventransportationsystems.Commentnoted.068‐10ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page53:Theproposedexpansionofbikewaysrepresentsanexcitingopportunitytofacilitateactivetransportation,improveairquality,andreducechronicdiseaserisk.Theconnectivityofsuchanexpandedbikewaynetworkwithtransitsystems,centersofemployment,andresidentialareas,particularlythosemostlikelytouseandbenefitfromsuchassets,isalsoanimportantpartofsuchaplan.Commentnoted.068‐11ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page53:TheimprovementofsidewalkinfrastructureproposedintheRTP/SCSislikelytofacilitatewalkingassidewalkqualitycanbeakeyfactoraffectingwalkability.Commentnoted.068‐12ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page54:SafeRoutestoSchool:Besidestheirbenefitsinreducingcongestionrelatedtothedrop‐offandpick‐upofstudents,SafeRoutestoSchoolinitiativescanfacilitateimportantdailyincidentalwalkingandbiking,whichcansubstantiallyincreasethechancesofchildrenmeetingdailyphysicalactivityrecommendations.ThoughthedraftRTP/SCSrecognizestheimportanceofSafeRoutestoSchool,itcouldbetterdetailhowSafeRoutestoSchoolprograms,assets,andprincipleswillbeintegratedintotheplan.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsintheirdevelopment,maintenance,andimplementationoflocalactivetransportationplans,includingpoliciessuchasCompleteStreetsandSafeRoutestoSchool.068‐13ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter2‐TransportationInvestments,Page54:SCAG'sencouragementofCompleteStreetsisimportanttothelocalimplementationofCompleteStreetspoliciesconsistentwithAB1358.AugmentedandexplicitsupportintheRTP/SCSforphysicalandengineeringchangesthatfacilitatesafemulti‐modal,multi‐userroadwayutilizationmaybebeneficial.ConsiderincreasingregionalcoordinationinCompleteStreetpolicyimplementationtofacilitatecontinuityacrosslocaljurisdictions.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsintheirdevelopment,implementationandmaintenanceofCompleteStreetspolicies.068‐14ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.3:WewouldbeexcitedtoparticipateintheAction/Strategy,"Collaboratewiththeregion'spublichealthprofessionalstoenhancehowSCAGaddressespublichealthissuesinitsregionalplanning,programming,andprojectdevelopmentactivities."Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.167IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTheinclusionof"LocalJurisdictions"inthe"ResponsibleParties"fieldwouldfurtherbolsterlocalcollaborations,includingthosewithPublicHealthDepartments.068‐15ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.3:TheAction/Strategy"Considerdevelopinghealthycommunityoractivedesignguidelinesthatpromotephysicalactivityandimprovedhealth"hasconsiderablepromise.Theinclusionof"State"in"ResponsibleParties"wouldbolstercoordination,collaboration,andsupportingeneratingguidelines.Commentnoted.SCAGhasaddressedtherequesttoinclude"State"in"ResponsibleParties"forthisaction/strategy.068‐16ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.3:Inreferenceto"Engageinastrategicplanningprocesstodeterminethecriticalcomponentsandimplementationstepsforidentifyingandaddressingopenspaceresources,"pleaseconsiderincludingincreasing/preservingparkspace,specificallyinpark‐poorcommunities.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.068‐17ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.4:PerhapstheAction/Strategies"EncouragetheimplementationofaCompleteStreetspolicy"and"EmphasizeactivetransportationprojectsaspartofcomplyingwiththeCompleteStreetsAct(AB1358)"couldbetiedtogethersomehowgiventheywilllikelybeimplementedinconcert.Commentnoted.SCAGhasaddressedtherequesttocombinetheactions/strategies.068‐18ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.4:TheAction/Strategy"Developinfrastructureplansandeducationalprogramstopromoteactivetransportationoptions"maybenefitfromengaginglocalpublichealthdepartments,walking/bikingcoalitions,and/orSafeRoutestoSchoolinitiatives,whomayalreadyhavecomponentsofsucheducationalprogramsinplace.Commentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoreflectcomment,asappropriate.068‐19ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page150,Table4.4:Wealsohadsomeadditionalsuggestedlanguage.Theadditionsareunderlined:1.Performandsupportstudieswiththegoalofidentifyinginnovativetransportationstrategiesthatenhancemobilityandairquality,anddeterminepracticalstepstopursuesuchstrategies.[add]Engagelocalcommunitiesinplanningandprioritizationefforts.[/add]2.ContinuetoworkwithneighboringMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationstoprovidealternativemodesforinterregionaltravel,includingAmtrakandotherpassengerrailservices,[add]andanenhancedbikewaynetwork,suchasonrivertrails.[/add]3.PrioritizeCommentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoreflectcomment,asappropriate.168IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationinvestmentstosupportcompactinfilldevelopmentthatincludesamixoflandusesandhousingoptions,[add]includingparkspace[/add],whereappropriate,tomaximizethebenefitsforexistingcommunities,especiallyvulnerablepopulations,andtominimizeanynegativeimpacts.068‐20ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page152,Table4.5:Wealsohadsomeadditionalsuggestedlanguage...:SustainableSupportwork‐basedprogramsthatencourageemissionreductionstrategiesand[add]incentivizeactivetransportationcommutingorride‐sharemodes.[/add]Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.068‐21ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page162,Table5.1:AugmentSafetyandHealthindicatorswithinRTPperformancemeasures.Considermeasuresofobesity,non‐motorizedcommuting,walkingandbikingbehavior,asthmahospitalizationrates,etc.Commentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012RTP/SCSwasdevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Forexample,tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewcategoriessuchlocationefficiency.Inaddition,performancemeasuresarealsodevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingontheprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasuresforfutureplanupdates.068‐22ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page110:ThegoalsandbenefitsoftheSCSlistedheregoaboveandbeyondtherequirementsofSB375.TheprovisionsofSB375requirethedevelopmentofaSCSthatfocusesonareductionofvehiclemilestraveledbycarsandlighttrucks,andgreenhousegasemissions.ApresentationmadebySCAGinJanuary2009indicatedthat"SB375isnotabout:greenbuildings,energyefficiency,municipaloperations,wastemanagement,water,technology."However,alloftheseitemshavebeenincorporatedintotheRTP/SCSandPEIR.Commentnoted.Theco‐benefitssummarizedinChapter4illustratethepotentialbenefitsoftheactionsandstrategiescontainedintheRTP/SCSfarbeyondreducingvehiclesmilestraveled,andconsequentlyGHGemissions.Withthisinmind,theactionsandstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCSrepresentamenuofoptionsthatlocaljurisdictionsmayconsiderattheirdiscretiontosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS.WhiletheRTP/SCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.068‐23ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page119:SCAGindicatesthatthepoliciesofitsCompassBlueprintprogramwillCommentnoted.Transitprojectswithobligatedfundingfromstateorfederalsourceswillnothavethosefundsde‐obligated169IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebeusedtodetermineconsistencyofprivatedevelopmentandpublicinfrastructureprojectswiththeSCS.AstatementshouldbeaddedthatwillclarifywhetherornotaprojectthatisdeterminedtobeinconsistentwiththepoliciesoftheSCS(i.e,CompassBlueprint)willbedeemedineligiblefortransportationfunding.asaresultofanyadoptedSCS.AsstatedinChapter4,theCompassBlueprintprinciplesandprecedinglanduseadvisorypoliciesservedonlyasafoundationfortheoverallregionallandusedevelopmentpattern.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.068‐24ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page148:ThroughoutthedocumenttheRTPisdescribedashaving"growthinducingimpacts."InpastiterationsoftheRTP,itspurposewastomitigatetheimpactsofgrowth.IftransportationprojectsidentifiedintheRTPareseenasinducinggrowth,thentheleadagencymayberequiredtomitigatetheimpactsofperceivedsubsequentrelatedgrowth.Commentnoted.ClarifyinglanguagehasbeenprovidedinthefinalRTP/SCStoaddressthiscomment.068‐25ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeThereareseveraltermscontainedthroughouttheRTP/SCSandPEIRthatneedtobeclearlydefinedincludingthefollowing:‐UrbanGrowthBoundary‐Referencestobenchmarks‐SCRIP‐Gentrification‐Openspace‐ParkingCashOut‐Smartgrowthprinciples‐ActiveTransportation‐GreenfieldCommentnoted.Thesetermshavebeenaddedtotheglossary.068‐26ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeThealternativesdiscussedintheRTP/SCS,PEIRandSCSBackgroundDocumenthavebeeninconsistentlynamed.Thealternativesarelabeledeither:1,2and3,orA,BandC.Theappropriatenameshouldbedeterminedforeachandthesedocumentsrevisedtoensureconsistency.Commentnoted.ForpurposesofplanevaluationandforthePEIR,SCAGdevelopedalternativedevelopmentpatternsthatwerealternatelyclosertothepasttrends(withamoredisperseddevelopmentpatternandahigherproportionofsingle‐familyhomescomparedtomulti‐family)ormoreaggressivelyshiftedtowardin‐fillandTOD(Envision2).ThesePEIRalternativesaresimilar,thoughnotidentical,tothealternativesdevelopedforplanevaluation,andthereforedidnotusethesamenames.Inparticular,thePEIRalternativesusedthesamegrowthandlanduseassumptionsasthePlanAlternatives,butdidnotincludeprojectandnetworkcomponentsatthesamelevelofdetail.068‐27ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Pages82‐83:TheRTP/SCSdescribesthefollowingmeasurescontainedinthe"waterresourcesmitigationprogram:"1."Utilizingadvancedwatercaptureandfiltrationtechniques,showingapreferencefornaturalizedsystemsanddesignstocontrolstormwateratthesource;"2."Avoidinganynewconstructionofimpervioussurfacesinnon‐urbanizedareas,suchaswetlands,habitatareas,parksandnearriversystems;"3."Avoidinganynewconstructionthatprovidesaccesstoflood‐proneareas,suchasalluvialfansandslidezones;"and4."Expansionof(naturalCommentnoted.Pursuanttofederaltransportationplanningrequirements,metropolitanlong‐rangeplansmustincludeadiscussionofpotentialenvironmentalmitigationactivitiesincludingactivitiesthatmayhavethegreatestpotentialtorestoreandmaintaintheenvironmentalfunctionsaffectedbytheRTP.Assuch,theRTPincludesadiscussionofenvironmentalmitigationmeasuresinordertocomplywiththisrequirement.AdditionallythefinalRTP/SCSPEIRincludesalistofexamplemeasuresleadagenciesmayconsiderattheirdiscretiontoreduceproject‐specificenvironmentalimpacts.For170IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefloodcontrolsystems,suchaswetlandsandriparianbuffers)inareaswheretheydonotcurrentlyexist".Itisunclearhowsuchmeasureswouldbeimplementediftheyareincludedinthisdocument.Iftheyaretobeviewedbylocaljurisdictionsaseithergoalsorsuggestedpolicies,theycouldbeimplementedonthatbasistotheextenttheyweredeemedfeasibleinanygivencase.Ontheotherhand,iflistingsuchmeasuresindicatestheyaredeemedreasonableandfeasibletobeappliedbymunicipalitiesinallnewroadprojects,thatisquiteanothermatterandnotsupportable.Forexample,whileitmaybedesirabletoutilizeadvancedwatercaptureandfiltrationtechniques,thereislittledocumentedexperiencewithengineeredon‐sitecaptureandfiltrationtosupportapreferencefor"naturalizedsystemsanddesigns"ineverycase.Similarly,thestronglywordedmeasuresagainstnewconstructioninwetlands,habitatareas,parks,nearriversystems,andflood‐proneareasmaybedesirable,butshouldnotconstituteanoutrightprohibition,withhundredsofvacant,olderbutlong‐establishedlegalbuildingsitessituatedinsuchsettings.Theword"any"shouldberemovedfromthemitigationmeasurestoaddresstheseconcerns.Finally,thesuggestedexpansionofnaturalfloodcontrolsystems,suchaswetlandsandriparianbuffers,inareaswheretheydonotcurrentlyexistissupportable,aslongasitdoesnotinanywaymandateremovalofexistingengineeredchannelstretchesas"mitigation"forroad‐building.Inmanycases,theonlyreasonanewroadcanbebuiltatallisthatengineeredchannelshavereducedfloodhazardstothatarea.additionalresponse,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRtothe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,Chapter4,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftPEIRLetterNumber34.Themitigationsectionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenrevisedtoclarifythatmitigationattheprojectlevelisatthediscretionofleadagencies.068‐28ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeChapter4‐SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,Page110:Oneofthe"BenefitstoPublicHealthandtheEnvironment"regardsmunicipalwaterandsewersystems.Thestatement"...concretestormwaterchannelsharmwaterqualityandsprawleatsintoopenspace"ismisleading,andissubjecttoRegionalWaterQualityControlBoardregulationsthatvarybyregion.Thefollowingalternativelanguageissuggested:Publichealthandenvironmentalprotectionhavelongbeenlinkedtothewayourregionisplannedandthewaypublicservicesaredelivered.Municipalwaterandsewersystems,forexample,ensurecleanwater.Atthesametime,[delete]concretestormwaterrunoffchannelsharmwaterquality[/delete][add]asareasbecomeCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.171IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemoreurbanizedandthepercentageofimpervioussurfaceisincreased,thehydrologicregimeisdramaticallyaltered.Drainageconveyancesthatoncewerenaturalandriparianarerequiredtobeengineeredashardenedfloodcontrolchannelstoprovideadequateprotectionofprivatepropertyandpublicinfrastructurefromtheincreasedfreguency,duration,peakflow,andoverallvolumeofstormwaterrunoff.Withthisarmoringofoncenaturalchannels,waterqualitybenefitsfrombiofiltrationarelostalongwithopportunitiesforinfiltrationandevapotranspiration,whichcanleadtohydromodifcationdownstreaminsectionswhicharenotyetengineeredandhardened.ManystrategiescontainedintheRTP/SCSwillprovidewidespreadbenefitswithintheregionforbothpublichealthandenvironmentalprotection.068‐29ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeProgrammedCommitments,Page2,Table1:WithrespecttoOrangeCounty,SampleMajorHighwayProjectslistedinTable1forintheFTIPidentifyimprovementstoI‐5(HOVLanesfromSouthofAvenidaPicetoSouthofAvenidaVista,completionyear2020)andI‐405(MixedFlowLanesfromSR‐73toI‐605,completionyear2018).ItispresumedthatCaltransisleadontheseprojectsandthereisnolocalmatch/investmentrequirement.Commentnoted.FTIPprojectsforOrangeCountyaresubmittedtoSCAGbytheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA),whichisresponsibleforprovidingprojectinformationincludingfundinglevelsandsources.Thisinformation,alongwithleadagencyidentification,ispublishedintheFTIPdocumentationavailableathttp://www.scag.ca.gov/ftip/index.htm.068‐30ThomasMaukCountyofOrangeProgrammedCommitments,Page3,Table2:InTable2,additionalcountycommitmentsareidentified.Therein,thereisreferenceto:1.HOVLanes‐ReconfiguringtheAvenidaPicoInterchangeattheI‐5inSanClemente‐completionyear2014.2.TollLanes‐ConstructingHOV/HOTconnectorsforSR‐91/SR241–completionyear2018.3.MixedFlowLanes‐ReconfiguringtheinterchangesatAveryParkwayandLaPazinMissionViejo‐completionyear2020.ThereisalsomentionofimprovingtheinterchangeatSR‐91/SR‐55andLakeviewAvenueinAnaheim‐completionyear2023.ItispresumedthatCaltransisleadontheseprojectsandthereisnolocalmatch/investmentrequirement.(TheseprojectsarenotlistedinOCPublicWorks/7‐yearTransportationCapitalImprovementProgram,BOSApprovedon6‐28‐2011.)Commentnoted.FTIPprojectsforOrangeCountyaresubmittedtoSCAGbytheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA),whichisresponsibleforprovidingprojectinformationincludingfundinglevelsandsources.Thisinformation,alongwithleadagencyidentification,ispublishedintheFTIPdocumentationavailableathttp://www.scag.ca.gov/ftip/index.htm.068‐31ThomasMaukCountyofOrangePage2,FederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP)ProjectList:1.FTIPORA120357‐OrangeCounty,TrafficsignalSynchronizationforBusRapidFederalTransitCorridors,Route0•IsfundingtiedtoOCPublicWorks/Road'sAntonioParkwayCommentnoted.FTIPprojectsforOrangeCountyaresubmittedtoSCAGbytheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA),whichisresponsibleforprovidingprojectinformationincludingfundinglevelsandsources.Thisinformation,alongwithlead172IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCorridorTrafficSignalSynchronizationprogrammedforFY2012‐13?CoordinationbetweenProgramOCTAandOCPublicWorks/Roadisrecommended.2.FTIPORA120326Route5andFTIPORA000152,FTIP120506andORA120507onRoute74•Comment/Question:IsfundingtiedtoOCPublicWorks/Road'sLaPataAvenue(Engineering)andLaPataAvenueNEPA(permitting)projectsprogrammedforFY2011‐12,PataAvenueLandAcquisitionprogrammedforFY2012‐13andLaPataAvenue(construction)programmedforFY2013‐14?3.FTIP2A0804andORA082401Route0,CowCampRoadfromFTCtoOrtega•IsfundingtiedtoOCPublicWorks/Road'sCowCampRoadSegment1(Engineering)programmedforFY2011‐12,CowCampRoad‐Segment1(Construction)andCowCampRoadSegmentII(Engineering)programmedforFY2012‐13,andCowCampRoad‐SegmentII(Construction)programmedforFY2013‐144.FTIPORA82406AntonioParkwayBuildOutbetweenLaderaPlannedCommunitiestoOrtegaHighway•NotshownlistedinOCPublicWorks/?‐yearTransportationCapitalImprovementProgram,BOSApprovedon6‐28‐2011.5.FTIPORA120505AltonParkwayImprovements‐IrvineBlvdtoCommercentreDrive•NotshownlistedinOCPublicWorks/?‐yearTransportationCapitalImprovementProgram,BOSApprovedon6‐28‐2011.•CoordinationwithCountyrequired‐AdjacenttoJamesAMusickBranchJailagencyidentification,ispublishedintheFTIPdocumentationavailableatCommentnoted.http://www.scag.ca.gov/ftip/index.htm.QuestionsaboutFTIPprojectinformationshouldbedirectedtoOCTA,andanyneededchangesshouldbesubmittedbyOCTAtoSCAGinaccordancewithestablishedFTIPdevelopmentprocedures.068‐32ThomasMaukCountyofOrangePage2,FederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP)ProjectList(continued):6.FTIPORA120523onRoute0,Placentia‐RichfiedAve.‐AtwoodChannelBridgeWidening•CoordinationwithOCFCDrequired.7.FTIPORA020826onRoute0,TustinAve/roseDriveGradeSeparation•CoordinationwithCountyandOCFCDrequired.8.FTIPORA100603onRoute0,SantaAnaRiverTrail•CoordinationwithOCFCDrequired.9.Financially‐ConstrainedRTPProjects,21010.RTPORA120357OrangeCountyTrafficsignalSynchronizationforBusRapidTransitCorridors‐seeFTIPProjectsabove11.RTPORA120326Route5‐seeFTIPProjectsabove12.RTPORA120523RichfieldAvenue‐seeFTIPProjectsabove,completionFY201213.RTP2A0705SignalSynchronizationProgram‐seeFTIPORA120357above,completionFY203514.RTP2L220Non‐motorized,completionFY2035•NoprojectsareidentifiedinOCPublicWorks/Road7yearCIP.15.RTP2A0804CowCampRoad,Commentnoted.FTIPprojectsforOrangeCountyaresubmittedtoSCAGbytheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority(OCTA),whichisresponsibleforprovidingprojectinformationincludingfundinglevelsandsources.Thisinformation,alongwithleadagencyidentification,ispublishedintheFTIPdocumentationavailableathttp://www.scag.ca.gov/ftip/index.htm.QuestionsaboutFTIPprojectinformationshouldbedirectedtoOCTA,andanyneededchangesshouldbesubmittedbyOCTAtoSCAGinaccordancewithestablishedFTIPdevelopmentprocedures.173IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecompletionFY2018‐seeFTIPProjectslistedaboveLagunaCanyonRoadProjectsidentifiedinOCPublicWorks7yearCIPforFY2011‐12(SR‐73toI‐405andSR‐73toElTaroRoad)werenotidentifiedinthereportnorwasthatfortheElTaroRoadwideningfromGlenRanchRoadtoLiveOakCanyoncurrentlyprogrammedforFY2014‐15.068‐33ThomasMaukCountyofOrange[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber34.069‐01AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter1:Vision,page21.PassengerandHighSpeedRail‐RequestaddingadiscussionofDesertXpress.AlthoughincludedintheStrategicPlan,asafederallylicensedandapprovedinterstatepassengerrailroad,DesertXpresswillhelptoachievethevisionforhighspeedpassengerrailinSouthernCalifornia.Commentnoted.069‐02AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter2:TransportationInvestment,page44.StrategicallyExpandingourSystem‐Suggestaddinglanguagedescribingthatbydivertingautomobiles,highspeedrailincreasesthegoodsmovementcapacityofthefreewaysystem.Commentnoted.Totheextentthathigh‐speedraildivertsautomobiletrips,anyroadwaycapacitythatbecomesavailablefromthisdiversionwouldbeavailablenotonlyforgoodsmovement(trucks)butformanytypesofvehicles,includingautomobilesandbuses.069‐03AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter2:Transportationinvestments,page50.PassengerandHighSpeedRail‐RequestaddingthataconnectiontotheDesertXpresssystembetweenVictorvilleandPalmdalewouldeffectivelyexpandpassengerrailserviceprovidinginterstatehighspeedrailconnectivity.Commentnoted.069‐04AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter2:Transportationinvestments,page52.RailPolicies‐SuggestaddinglanguagetoexplainthatDesertXpressiscommittedtobuildinganinteroperablesystemandwelcomesthesupportofSCAGinworkingwithustoensurethatinteroperabilitybetweensystemsisachieved.TheMOUbetweenSCAG,LAMETRO,CAHSRA,SANBAG,SANDAGetc.shouldbereferenced.Commentnoted.TheMemorandumofUnderstandingisdiscussedonpages11and16ofthePassengerRailAppendix.SCAGsupportsworkingwithDesertXpress,CHSRAandotherrailproviderstoworkoninteroperabilityissues.069‐05AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter4:SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,page106.Table4.4:TransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies‐SuggestincludinglanguageintabletoencourageconnectivitywithDesertXpress.Commentnoted.069‐06AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCChapter7:StrategicPlan,page201.Chapter7:StrategicPlan‐Suggestaddingelectrifiedpassengerrailinadditiontofreightrailasastrategyforemissionreduction.Commentnoted.069‐07AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,Chapter7:StrategicPlan,page204.UltimateVisionforaHigh‐SpeedRailSystem‐SuggestaddingmoredetailregardingCommentnoted.ThiscommenthasbeenaddressedinthePassengerRailAppendix.174IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseLLCDesertXpress.DesertXpressisaFederallyapprovedandlicensedhighspeedpassengerrailroadthatconnectsLasVegaswithSouthernCalifornia.WithitsSouthernCaliforniastationinitiallyinVictorville,anextensionofDesertXpresstoPalmdale,50milesWest,wouldprovideforacrossplatformconnectiontotheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystemwithstationstopsthroughoutSouthernCalifornia.FullyinteroperablehighspeedservicewouldbeachievedovertheCaliforniahighspeedrailprojectorupgradedMetrolinksystem.EnvironmentalworkhasalreadybeguntoanalyzeandcleartherailconnectionbetweenVictorvilleandPalmdaleaspartoftheHighDesertCorridorproject.TheHighDesertCorridorJointPowersAuthority(comprisingSanBernardinoCounty,LosAngelesCounty,CityofAdelanto,CityofHesperia,CityofPalmdale,andCityofVictorville)passedresolutionsofsupportforDesertXpressinMay2010andJune2011.TheDesertXpressprojectspecificEISiscompletewiththefollowingFederalactions:July8,2011:FederalRailroadAdministrationRecordofDecision(ROD)October26,2011:SurfaceTransportationBoardissuedCertificateofPublicConvenienceandNecessity.October31,2011:BureauofLandManagementRODNovember18,2011:FederalHighwayAdministrationRODOnDecember7,2011,DesertXpressexecutedaleaseagreementwithBLMforthealignmentandfacilitieslocatedonfederalland.ApplicationforafederalloanundertheRailroadRehabilitationandImprovementFinancingprogramcurrentlyunderreviewbyUSDepartmentofTransportation.069‐08AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCSupplementalReport:AviationandAirportGroundAccess,page112.2.3.2RoleofCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailSysteminRegionalAirportGroundAccess‐SuggestaddingdiscussionofpotentialforDesertXpressconnectionatthePalmdaleAirport.Commentnoted.069‐09AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCSupplementalReport:PassengerRail,page8.Table2:HighSpeedRailMatrix‐Suggestrevisingasfollows:PROJECT:DesertXpressPROJECTDESCRIPTION:LasVegastoVictorvillewithnointermediatestopsgenerallyalongI‐15corridor.Phase2wouldconnectVictorvillewithPalmdale.Topspeedof150MPHusingTierIIIcompliantelectricmultipleunittrains.PROJECTREADINESS:ProjectspecificEISiscompleteandfederalinterstateoperatinglicensehasbeenissued.July8,2011:FederalRailroadAdministrationRecordofDecision(ROD).Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPhasbeeneditedtoincorporatethiscomment.175IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseOctober26,2011:SurfaceTransportationBoardissuedCertificateofPublicConvenienceandNecessityauthorizingDesertXpressasaninterstaterailroad.October31,2011:BureauofLandManagementROD.November18,2011:CaliforniaandNevadaFederalHighwayAdministrationRODs.December7,2011,DesertXpressexecutedaleaseagreementwithBLMforthealignmentandfacilitieslocatedonfederalland.PROJECTCONSENSUS:High‐asevidencedbythecompletedNEPAprocess,agreementsinplacewiththeStateofCalifornia,CertificateofPublicConvenienceandNecessityfromtheSurfaceTransportation069‐10AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCSupplementalReport:PassengerRail,page18.theStrategicPlan:OurUltimateVisionforHighSpeedRail‐SuggestaddingDesertXpressandconnectiontoCaliforniaHighSpeedRailandupgradedMetrolinkserviceasakeycomponentoftheUltimateVisionforHighSpeedRail.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPhasbeeneditedtoincorporatethiscomment.069‐11AndrewMackDesertXpressEnterprises,LLCSupplementalReport:PassengerRail,page19.StrategicPlanProjects‐DesertXpressisaFederallyapprovedandlicensedhighspeedpassengerrailroadthatconnectsLasVegaswithSouthernCalifornia.TravellingbetweenLasVegas,NVandVictorville,CAatatopspeedof150MPH,DesertXpresswillusenextgenerationsteelwheelonsteelrailfullyelectrichighspeedtrains.Therearenointermediatestops.TheDesertXpressprojectspecificEISiscomplete:∙July8,2011:FederalRailroadAdministrationRecordofDecision(ROD)∙October26,2011:SurfaceTransportationBoardissuedCertificateofPublicConvenienceandNecessity.∙October31,2011:BureauofLandManagementROD∙November18,2011:FederalHighwayAdministrationROD∙OnDecember7,2011,DesertXpressexecutedaleaseagreementwithBLMforthealignmentandfacilitieslocatedonfederalland.WithitsSouthernCaliforniastationinitiallyinVictorville,anextensionofDesertXpresstoPalmdale,50milesWestwouldprovideforacrossplatformconnectiontotheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystemwithstationstopsthroughoutSouthernCalifornia.FullyinteroperablehighspeedservicewouldbeachievedovertheCaliforniahighspeedrailprojectorupgradedMetrolinksystem.EnvironmentalworkhasalreadybeguntoanalyzeandcleartherailconnectionbetweenVictorvilleandPalmdaleaspartoftheHighDesertCorridorproject.TheHighDesertCorridorJointPowersCommentnoted.TheFinalRTPhasbeeneditedtoincorporatethiscomment.176IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAuthority(comprisingSanBernardinoCounty,LosAngelesCounty,CityofAdelanto,CityofHesperia,CityofPalmdale,andCityofVictorville)passedresolutionsofsupportforDesertXpressinMay2010andJune2011.ApplicationforafederalloanundertheRailroadRehabilitationandImprovementFinancingprogramcurrentlyunderreviewbyUSDepartmentofTransportation.070‐01LarsClutterhamdowneygreenDowneygreenisanon‐profitpartnershipadvocatingsustainabilityintheCityofDowney.Assuch,wehaveactivelyparticipatedinthedevelopmentofthisRTP/SCSoverthepastyear,includingitsprogressatthesubregionallevelthroughtheGatewayCitiesCOG.Commentnoted.070‐02LarsClutterhamdowneygreenWewanttoforcefullyunderlinetheneedtostrengthentheactivetransportationobjectivessetforthintheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.070‐03LarsClutterhamdowneygreenWefurthersupporttheadditionalcommitmentrequestedinitsletterbytheSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnership,whichcallsforincreasingtheproposedRTPinvestmentinactivetransportationtoasmuchasfivethrougheightpercentofthetotal2012plan.Commentnoted.070‐04LarsClutterhamdowneygreenWealsoagreewithSafeRoutestoSchoolthattheRTPshouldequalizedisbursementstoactivetransportationovertheentirecourseoftheRTP/SCSthrough2035.Commentnoted.070‐05LarsClutterhamdowneygreenAswestatedatthepublichearingonFebruary2,theCityofDowney,intheheartoftheSCAGregion,isacitylockedintothetransportationandlandusecultureofthe1950'sand'60's.DespitegivinglipservicetodevelopingbicycletransportationinitscurrentGeneralPlanandinits2010DowntownSpecificPlan(whichreceivedaCompassBlueprintAward),theCityofDowneyofferednocontributiontotheactivetransportationprojectionsoftheGatewayCitiesCOGsub‐regionalSCSthrough2035.Commentnoted.070‐06LarsClutterhamdowneygreenMoreover,theCityofDowneyhasjustapprovedamajorshoppingcenterdevelopmentwhich,accordingtocurrentplans,prioritizestheautomobileandlackstransitaccess.Therefore,wefeelitisespeciallyimportantthatSCAGcontinuetoshowstrongleadershipinpromotingthenecessaryevolutiontonewtransportationparadigmsinsouthernCalifornia.Commentnoted.070‐07LarsClutterhamdowneygreenTheDraftRTP/SCSincludesoneverybriefappendixonVehicleTechnologywhichmentionsElectricVehicles.YetSouthernCommentnoted.Chapter4,SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,includesadiscussionofRegionalandLocalEffortstoAdopt177IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCaliforniaEdisonprojectsbetween400,000andonemillionElectricVehiclesintheregionby2020.WebelievesomementionofEVtechnologyshouldbemadeinthebodyofthe2012RTP/SCS,andwehopethatSCAGwillbegintoplantopromotethedevelopmentofanEVSEinfrastructureinsouthernCaliforniaforthe2016RTP.CleanVehicleTechnology.Specifically,itstatesthat,"inresponsetoPEVmarketforecasts,SCAGhasdevelopedarobustworkprogramtopreparefortheinfluxofPEVs,incollaborationwiththeSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,SouthernCaliforniaEdison,WesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments(WRCOG),theSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(SBCCOG)andawidearrayofstakeholders."Furthermore,theSCSincludestwostrategiesforSCAGandlocalgovernmentstosupportandpromotezeroornon‐zeroemissionstechnology,includingtheintroductionofelectricandotherzero‐emission/nearzero‐emissionvehiclesinSouthernCalifornia.SCAGiscurrentlyengagedinacollaborativeprocesstoprepareSouthernCaliforniafortheforecastedinfluxofPlug‐InElectricVehicles(PEV),whichwillreduceairpollution,addressAB32andSB375,andattractgreenbusinessestoSouthernCalifornia.SCAGrecognizesthataregionalplanningperspectiveisnecessarytoadequatelyaddressPEVReadiness.Inordertobetterunderstandtheon‐goingandplannedeffortsintheregion,SCAGhascoordinatedstakeholdermeetingswithutilities,subregionalcouncilsofgovernment,academia,jurisdictionsandotherkeyregionalpartners.SCAGhasalsoincludedPEVrelatedactionsandstrategiesintheDraftRTP/SCSthatwouldsupportandexpandthiseffort.InJune2011,SCAG,inconjunctionwithourregionalpartnersappliedfortwoPEVplanninggrantsandwassuccessfulinbothapplications.Thefirstgrant,awardedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy(DOE)hasasitsprimarypurposethedevelopmentofaRegionalPEVReadinessPlanforSouthernCalifornia.TheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict(SCAQMD)submittedthestatewideapplicationinpartnershipwithSCAG,theBayAreaAirQualityManagementDistrict,thePlug‐InElectricVehicleCollaborative,andCleanCitiesCoalitionsinCalifornia.Thisgrantawarded$1milliontoPEVReadinesseffortsstatewide,with$300,000goingtoSCAG.ThesecondsuccessfulgrantapplicationwasawardedbytheCaliforniaEnergyCommission(CEC)andwastheresultofacollaborativeeffortbetweenSCAGandSCAQMDinpartnershipwithSCE,theWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments(WRCOG),andSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(SBCCOG).Thisgranthasbeenfundedfor$200,000.The178IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepurposeoftheprojectistodeveloptwocomplementarysubregionalplansincollaborationwithWRCOGandSBCCOG.ThesesubregionalplanswillserveasmodelsforothersubregionsastheybegintodeveloptheirownPEVReadinessPlans.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithourregionalpartnersonthisnewplanningeffortandwillpursueoutreacheffortstoadditionalstakeholdersastheprocessevolves.071‐01LeonardKranserEditor,ElToroInfoSiteThe2035RTPAviationPlanisbasedon assumptionsthatthelegalrestrictionsonthecapacityofexistingurbanairports‐LosAngelesInternational,JohnWayne,BobHopeandLongBeach‐willcontinueunchangedthrough2035.Consequently,growingfuturedemandisforecastbySCAGtobemetatremoteairportsthathavebeenshowntobeunpopularwithmanypassengersandaircarriers.OntarioAirporthasseenasubstantialdeclineintrafficandPalmdalewasunabletogenerateenoughvolumetobecomesustainable,evenwithgovernmentsubsidies.TheTable2.72035AirportForecastsareunrealistic.Theplanusesassumptionsaboutlevelsoffuturedemandandshouldalsoincorporatereasonableassumptionsaboutchangesinthefutureconstraintsontheurbanairports.Thenegotiatedagreementsthatlimittheutilizationoftheregion'smostaccessibleairportswillexpirewellbefore2035.ItisunreasonabletoassumethattheFAA,fundingsources,airlinesandthetravelingpublicwillnotinsistthatthelimitsberelaxedinordertoaccommodatefuturedemand.Withnewer,quieterandlesspollutingaircraft,itshouldbecomemorepoliticallyacceptabletohandlemoreflightsattheseexistingfacilities.Unrealisticassumptionsaboutwhichairportswillservetheregion,andtowhatdegree,mayleadtounrealisticassumptionsaboutgroundaccessneeds.Commentnoted.The2035regionalairpassengerdemandforecastsintheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(2012RTP/SCS)recognizeslegally‐allowableanddefinedphysicalcapacityconstraintsatconstrainedurbanairportsincludingLAX,BobHope,LongBeachandJohnWayne.SCAGrecognizesthefactthatthesettlementagreementsatbothLAXandJohnWayneairportsexpireinthe2015‐2020timeperiod,andthatrelaxationoreliminationofthesettlementagreementconstraintsattheseairportscouldsignificantlyimpactforecastallocationsofaviationdemandatotherairportsintheregionalsystem.However,itiscurrentlydifficulttodeterminewhethertheseconstraintswillbere‐establishedatcurrentorhigherlevels,orcompletelyeliminatedaftertheexistingsettlementagreementsattheseairportsexpire.Futureupdatesoftheforecast,suchasforthe2016RTP,willincorporateanynewinformationprovidedtoSCAGbylocalairportauthoritiesonrevisedconstraintsatcapacity‐constrainedairports.072‐01ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencySection6001Safe,Accountable,Flexible,EfficientTransportationEquityAct:ALegacyforUsers(SAFETEA‐LU)directsmetropolitanplanningorganizationstoconsultwithresourceagencieswhiledevelopinglong‐rangetransportationplans.Italsostatesthatlongrangetransportationplansmustinclude“adiscussionoftypesofpotentialenvironmentalmitigationactivitiesandpotentialareastocarryouttheseactivities,includingactivitiesthatmayhavethegreatestpotentialtorestoreandmaintaintheenvironmentalfunctionsCommentnoted.179IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseaffectedbytheplan.”EPAprovidesthefollowingcommentsinsupportofcompliancewiththeserequirements.072‐02ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyEnvironmentalJusticeandchildren‘sHealthTheDraftRTPprovidesasummaryofpublicinvolvementeffortsandathoroughEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisincludingrecommendationsfromthepublicoutreachmeetings.TheEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisfindsmanypotentialdisparateimpactsonminority,low‐income,andothersensitivecommunities.Theseimpactsarearesultofgentrification,airqualityimpacts,andnoise.TheDraftRTPprovidesevidencethatenvironmentaljusticecommunitiesintheSCAGRegionarealreadyheavilyburdenedasaresultofexposuretoairpollutionfromtransportationrelatedactivities.ThecommunitieswillcontinuetobeimpactedwiththemanyprojectsplannedintheSCAGRegion.Therefore,allimpacts,evenseeminglysmallones,areimportanttoconsiderandmitigateinordertooffsettheprojectrelatedimpactstothelocalcommunities.EPAisencouragedtoseethat,newtothe2012RTP,the1EnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisconsiderscancerandrespiratoryrisksandairqualityimpactsalongfreewaysandhighlytraveledcorridors.ChildrenasSensitiveAgeGroupTheEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisincludesoneagevariable:population65yearsoldandolder.ChildrenareanothersensitiveagegroupthatshouldbeincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeanalysis.Environmentalcontaminantsmayharmchildrenmorethanadults.Minorityandlow‐incomechildrenmaybeexposedtomorepollutionandtherefore,mayfacehigherhealthrisksfromexposures.Animportantindicatorinscreeningforpotentialenvironmentaljusticeconcernsisthepercentofthepopulationunderfiveyearsold.”2Thereisagrowingbodyofevidencethatenvironmentaljusticecommunitiesaredisproportionatelyexposedandmorevulnerabletopollutionimpactsthanothercommunities.3AsdiscussedinEPA‘sFrameworkforCumulativeRisk4disadvantaged,underserved,andoverburdenedcommunitiesarelikelytocometothetablewithpre‐existingdeficitsofbothaphysicalandsocialnaturethatmaketheeffectsofenvironmentalpollutionmore,andinsomecases,unacceptably,burdensome.Thus,certainsubpopulationsmaybemorelikelytobeadverselyaffectedbyagivenstressorthanisthegeneralpopulation.•EPArecommendsthattheCommentnoted.AdditionalanalysiswillbeincludedinSCAG’sFinalEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Appendixthatmeasuresthehealthandemissionsimpactsforpopulationlessthanfiveyearsofage.Includedinthissectionwillbetheexistingcancerandrespiratoryriskforareaswithhighconcentrationsofyoungchildren,alongwithprojectedemissionsimpactsfromtheRTP/SCSonyoungchildrenforthosewholivewithin500feetoftheregion’sfreewaysandhighlytraveledcorridors.180IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysisintheFinalRTP,andincludedhealthanalyses,includepercentofthepopulationunderfiveyearsoldasavariabletoelucidatehowyoungchildreninenvironmentaljusticecommunitieswillbeimpa072‐03ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyEnvironmentalJusticeMitgationToolboxTheDraftRTPprovidesanEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxwithrecommendedmitigationsfornoiseimpacts,airquality,railrelatedimpacts,androadpricingmechanisms.ThemitigationsarerecommendationsandarenotrequiredthroughtheDraftRTP.TheDraftRTPusesthelanguagethattheprojectsponsorsshould“totheextentfeasibleandpracticable”applythesemitigationstotheproject.TherecommendedmitigationsarecriticaltoprotectingthehealthoftheenvironmentaljusticecommunitiesintheSCAGregion.EPArecognizestheimportanceofthesemitigationsandrecommendsthattheprojectsponsorsnotonlyapplythesemitigationsbutalsoseekoutfurtherrecommendationsfromtheaffectedcommunity.Thecurrentmitigationtoolboxprovidesalistofbroadmitigationsthatarespecifictoprojectconstructionandimplementation.•Communityidentifiedmitigationscouldincludemoreholisticapproachestoprotectinghealthincluding:oFundproactivemeasurestoimproveairqualityinneighboringhomes,schools,andothersensitivereceptors;oProvidepubliceducationprogramsaboutenvironmentalhealthimpactstobetterenableresidentstomakeinformeddecisionsabouttheirhealthandcommunity;andoEngageinproactivemeasurestotrainandhirelocalresidentsforconstructionoroperationoftheprojecttoimprovetheireconomicstatusandaccesstohealthcare.•EPAalsorecommendsthatthelistofavailableairqualitytoolsintheEnvironmentalJusticeToolbox‐AirQualityImpactsberevisedtoincludenear‐termadvancedtechnologydeploymentmeasures,suchas:ozeroemissionsheavy‐dutytrucks(2013+);oTier4marineenginerepowersandreplacements(2014+);andoTier4andzeroemissionsrailyardequipment(2015+).oSeehttp://www.dieselnet.com/standards/us/marine.phpandhttp://www.dieselnet.com/standards/us/loco.php.FutureProject‐levelEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysesAdditionally,theEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixprovidesdetailonhowtheEnvironmentalJusticeAnalysiswasperformed,withtheanalysisCommentnoted.SCAGwillprovideadditionalmitigationdetailsintheboththeEJappendixandinthePEIRasitrelatestoairqualityimpacts.Pleaserefertosection3.2ofthePEIR,whichoutlinesmorepotentialmitigationmeasurestoreducetheairqualityimpactsoftransportationanddevelopmentprojectsthroughouttheregion.Inthefuture,communityidentifiedmitigationprogramsmayalsobefeaturedinSCAG'splanninginitiativesasameansforreducingthehealthimpactsofairqualityandemissionsonthepopulation‐at‐large.SCAGiscommittedtoimprovingthequalityoflifeforSouthernCaliforniansandwillcontinuetoresearchvariousapproachestoenvironmentalmitigationinthefuture.181IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconductedwithinputfromthecommunity.•EPArecommendsthattheFinalRTPacknowledgethatprojectsponsorsshouldprovideasimilarlevelofanalysistoidentifytheEnvironmentalJusticeimpactsofeachproject.Withconsistencyinanalysisandmeaningfulinvolvementfromtheaffectedcommunity,mitigationmeasurescanbeidentifiedtobestaddresstheproject’simpacts.072‐04ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencySustainableCommunitiesStrategyandRegionalZeroEmissionsFreightSystemTheDraftRTPrecognizesthatthatSCAGregionhassubstantialmobilityandairqualitychallenges,withthemostcongestedroadwaysinthenationandtheworstairqualityinthenation.TheDraftRTPalsoidentifiesitsregionasthelargestinternationaltradegatewayintheU.S.,supportedbymarineports,aircargofacilities,railroads,regionalhighwaysandstateroutes.SCAGhasagreatopportunitytofacethesechallengeswithplanningeffortsthatareunderwaytoestablisharegionalzeroemissionfreightsystemandtheRTP’sinclusionofaSustainableCommunityStrategy(SCS),intendedtoreducegreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsfromautomobilesandlighttrucksthroughintegratedtransportation,landuse,housingandenvironmentalplanning.•EPAencouragesSCAGtousethecurrentneedsforefficientandcleanerfreightmovementasacatalystforinitiatingthemostadvancedtechnologicalsolutionstofreightmovement,includingzeroemissionstechnologies,inthistransportationplanningeffort.PartofSCAG’sRegionalZeroEmissionsFreightSystemincludesasystemoftruck‐onlylanesextendingfromtheSanPedroBayPortstodowntownLosAngelesalongthe1‐710,connectingtoaneast‐westsegment,andfinallyreachingthe1‐15inSanBernardinoCounty.Truck‐onlylanesaddcapacityincongestedcorridors,improvetruckoperationsandsafetybyseparatingtrucksandautos,andwouldprovideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.The2012RTPidentifiesanEast‐WestFreightCorridorconcept(Exhibit2.9PotentialEast‐WestFreightCorridorshowslanesalongthe1‐710,SR60,and1‐15tojustnorthof1‐10),carryingbetween58,000and70,000trucksperday,withtrucksremovedfromadjacentgeneralpurposelanesandlocalarterialroads.Commentnoted.072‐05ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionSCAG’sSCSfocusesthemajorityofnewhousingandjobgrowthinhigh‐qualitytransitareasandotheropportunityareasinCommentnoted.Theestimationofinduceddemandisnotanestablishedscienceandsomeofitisaddressedinouranalytical182IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAgencyexistingmainstreets,downtowns,andcommercialcorridors,resultinginanimprovedjobs‐housingbalanceandmoreopportunityfortransit‐orienteddevelopment.EPAispleasedtoseethattheRTPprovidesagreaterinvestmentintransitprojectsandanallocationofover$6billionforactivetransportationprojects,a200‐percentincreasefromthe2008RTP.EPAsupportstheinvestmentofagreatershareoftransportationresourcestopromotingpublictransitandotheralternativemodesinsteadoffacilitatingsingle‐occupantvehicleuse.Effortstoexpandtransitservice,increaserideshare,andintegratebicycleandtransitnodesoffertheopportunitytosupporttheregion’sgoalofreducinggrowthinvehiclemilestraveled(VMT)andinturn,improveairquality.TheemphasisonplanningforadditionalhousingandjobsneartransitwillalsoassistindecreasingVMTandrelatedpollutantemissions.Whileintendedtorelievecongestion,freewaycapacityexpansionprojectssuchastruck‐onlylanesandHOV/TollLanes,mayhaveinitiallybeneficialcongestionreliefthaterodesovertime,potentiallyresultinginincreasedVMTandautoemissions.•SincetheRTPincludesseveralprojectsthatexpandfreewaycapacity,EPArecommendsthattheFinalRTPincludeadiscussionofinducedtraveltoensurethattheseprojectsdonotcountertheveryVMTandemissionbenefitsexpectedfromSCAG’sSCSandRegionalZeroEmissionsFreightSystem.toolsandmodels.However,overall,thebenefitsofhighwaycapacityprojectsarefoundinthereductionofprojectedincreasesincongestion.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformance.SCAGwillconsiderincludingadiscussionofinduceddemandinfutureRTPupdates.072‐06ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyTechnologiesforTransportationInvestmentsThissectionoftheplancitesseveralcompellingstrategies,whichpresumablywillresultinsignificantemissionsreduction.However,theDraftRTPdoesnotclearlyoutlinewhattherequisitetechnologiesareinrelationtoemissionsstandardsfortherelevantsourcecategories.•EPArecommendsincludingclearerdescriptionsofthetechnologieslistedintheTransportationInvestmentssectionoftheRTP.Definitionof“cleantruck”EPAsuggestsdefiningtheterm“cleantruck”inrelationtocurrentvehicleemissionsstandards.ThistermislistedintheVisionandTransportationInvestmentssectionsoftheRTP,aswellasintheGoodsMovementsupplementalreport.OneoptionfordefiningthistechnologywouldbetocompareitsemissionstotheEPA2010heavy‐dutytruckstandard.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationshavebeenprovidedasappropriateforRTPdocumentationpurposes,however,additionaldetailsassuggestedareincludedintechnicaltaskreportsforSCAG’sComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategy.072‐07ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionMeasuringEnvironmentalResultsoftheRTPTheDraftRTPhasidentifiedcriteriapollutantandgreenhousegasemissionsasitsCommentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensive183IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAgencysoleperformancemeasureandindicatorforenvironmentalquality.Giventhattheregionhasexperiencedsignificantlossestospeciesandhabitatfromdevelopmentencroachmentandtransportationconstruction,EPAencouragesSCAGtoconsidersensitivehabitatasaperformancestandardandindicatorforenvironmentalqualitywhenupdatingtheRTP.•EPArecommendsSCAGconsiderdemonstratingtheRTP’seffectivenessatprotectingspecies,wildlifeorwetlandhabitat,and/oropenspace.Ifadditionalperformancestandardsarenotpossibleduringthe2012RTPupdategiventhealreadyextensiveeffortstodeveloptheidentifiedperformanceoutcomesandmeasures,theFinalRTPshoulddescribeifthereareappropriateperformancestandardsurrogates,suchaslandconsumptionunderLocationEfficiency,tomeasuretheRTP’ssuccessinprotectingsensitivehabitat.participationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Forexample,tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewcategoriessuchlocationefficiency.Inaddition,performancemeasuresarealsodevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingonthisprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalperformancemeasuresincludingthemeasuressuggestedbyEPAforfutureplanupdates.072‐08ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyRTPEnvironmentalMitigationProgramSAFETEA‐LUSection6001requireslongrangetransportationplanstoincludeadiscussionofpotentialenvironmentalmitigationactivitiesandpotentialareastocarryouttheseactivitiesthatmayhavethegreatestpotentialtorestoreandmaintaintheenvironmentalfunctionsaffectedbytheplan.TheDraftRTPacknowledgesthatthePEIRincludesthreecategoriesofmitigationmeasures(regional,local,andproject‐specific,asdescribedonp.76);howevertheDraftRTPidentifiesaseparate,broadstrategytolinktransportationplanningtotheenvironment,suchasplanningtransportationroutestoavoidandminimizeanumberofbiologicalimpactsandregionalmitigationstrategiessuchasmitigationbanking,improving!retaininghabitatlinkages,preservingwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.TheDraftRTPnotesthatmapsofprotectedandunprotectedareas,representingSCAG’sopenspaceinfrastructure(fromSCAG’s2008RegionalComprehensivePlan),willbeupdatedasafunctionofpost‐RTPplanningefforts,thatareasthatare“unprotected”couldbepossiblelocationsformitigation,andthatSCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithitsregionalpartnerstohelpfacilitateconservation.•Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.ItisSCAG’sintenttodefertothecountytransportationcommissionsandotherlocalagenciestodeterminethebestconservationmechanismforitsregionwithappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.SCAGwelcomesinputfromEPAinthispost‐RTPstrategicplanningprocess.184IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseWhileEPAissupportiveofmanyofthebroadmitigationstrategiesidentified,EPArecommendsthattheenvironmentalmitigationdiscussionintheFinalRTPincorporatespecificinformationfromtheRegionalComprehensivePlanthatwillinformregionalavoidanceandminimizationstrategieswhenplanningregionaltransportationnetworksandpossiblelocationsformitigation.•TheFinalRTPshouldalsoprovideadditionalinformationonpost‐RTPcomprehensiveandconservationplanningeffortsanddescribehowanticipatedoutcomesandproductswillbeincorporatedintolong‐termplanningfortransportationinfrastructure.072‐09ConnellDunningEnvironmentalProtectionAgency[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber93.073‐01GwennNorton‐PerryFourCornersCoalitionTheFourCornersCoalitionhasa20yearhistoryofsupportingregionalsolutionstothetransportationchallengesthatoccurintheheartofSouthernCalifornia.Thejurisdictionalcoordinationwherefourofyoursixcountiescometogethercanbeachallenge.WeareverypleasedwiththecooperationthathasoccurredintheregionoverthepastseveralyearsandthecontinuingeffortsthatarerepresentedintheRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP).Forexample:theUniversalTransitFareCards(SmartCards)aretheexacttypeofregionalalignmentthatisnecessaryforincreasingtheoveralleffectivenessofourtransportationsystem.WewouldsuggestthatthevariousTSMstrategiescapturetheessenceofthisbyaddingsuchphrasesas:Multijurisdictionaltrafficsignalsynchronization,andRegionwideadvancedtravelerinformation,MultiagencyimproveddatacollectionCommentnoted.073‐02GwennNorton‐PerryFourCornersCoalitionWealsosupporttheprinciplesoutlinedbytheGloballanduseandEconomicscommitteeofSCAG:ProvidesPositiveEconomicImpacts–ProEconomicGrowthandJobCreationProvidesLocalControl:Anynewtransportationrevenuesorfeescollectedmustbeunderthecontrolofthelocaltransportationagency/authorityoCities,countiesandlocaltransportationagenciesmustmaintainappropriatecontrolandflexibilityinmanagingdecisionsandresourcesrelatedtolanduseandtransportationIsCEQACompliantandDefensible–TheRTP/SCSisbuilttowithstandaCEQAChallengeIsBalanced–Theplan’scallforNewRevenueisbalancedwithPerformanceMeasures,Commentnoted.Weagreethataccountabilityisacriticalconsiderationforanynewrevenuesource.TheRTPdoesnotassumenorwoulditresultanychangesincontroloftransportationrevenuesthatwoulddiminishlocaltransportationagency/authoritypowersnorprovideanynewpowerstoSCAG.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetter185IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseReformsandGuaranteesthatassuretheRTPisEffective,EfficientandResponsibleAligntheplaninvestmentsandpolicieswithimprovingregionaleconomicdevelopmentandcompetitiveness.AvoidcostlyprojectslikealightraildesertconnectthathelpsmovemoneyoutofthesouthernCaliforniaregiontoNevadaanddoesnotaddresstheimmediateneedsoftheregion’sexistingtransportationneeds.Maximizetheproductivityofourtransportationsystem.Lookatpeaktimepricingandtransportationdemandmanagement(TDM)costrecoveryapproach.reflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.073‐03GwennNorton‐PerryFourCornersCoalitionWecontinuetosupporttheimprovementstothosefreewaysthatcarrysignificantintra‐countytrafficflow:SR71,SR57uptoandincludingtheSR60/SR57intersection,SR‐91,I‐15,I‐10.Thefollowingimprovementsarelisted:SR‐71‐AdditionofoneHOVlaneineachdirectionfromI‐10toSR‐60•SR‐71‐AdditionofoneHOVlaneineachdirectionfromI‐10toSR‐60•SR‐91‐AdditionofoneHOVlaneineachdirectionfromAdamstoSR‐60/21•I‐10‐AdditionofoneHOVlaneineachdirectionfromHaventoFord•AdditionofHOTlanesonI‐10•SR‐91‐ConvertionofHOVlanestotolledexpresslanesandadditionofdirectconnector•SR‐91‐Additionofoneeastboundmixed‐flowlanefromSR‐91/55connectortoSR‐241andonewestboundmixed‐flowlanefromSR‐241toImperialHighway•SR‐91‐Additionofonemixed‐flowlaneineachdirectionatvariouslocationsfromSR‐241toPierceStreet•I‐15ConstructionofNewSchleismanRdICandrampswithaNB/SBAuxiliarylanebetweenSchleismanRdICandLimoniteRdIC.•SR‐71‐PineAvenueconnectorfromtheSR‐71off‐ramptoPine/SchleismanRoadforconvertibilitytotheI‐15,throughChinoandEastvaleCommentnoted.074‐01ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentontheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)andSustainableCommunityStrategy(SCS).FriendsofCoyoteHillsisbasedinFullerton,andourmissionistopermanentlyprotectall510acresofWestCoyoteHills,oneofthelastremainingnaturalopenspacesinnorthOrangeCounty,fromdevelopmentthroughacquisition,toensurealastingpublicparkforrecreationandenjoyment.OurCommentnoted.186IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseorganizationincludessupportfrom20,000residentsinOrangeandLosAngelesCounties.WearewritingtoprovidecommentsontheDraft2012RTP/SCSandtheDraftProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR).WearesopleasedtoseeanadvancedmitigationcomponentintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.Thisisaremarkablefirststeptocreatingaprogramthatthoughtfullymitigatesimpactstoournaturalenvironmentfromtransportationprojects.Asyouknow,OrangeCountyandSanDiegohavesimilarprogramsthathavemetgreatsuccess.Byincorporatingthisstrategyintoyourpolicydocument,themanybenefitsofthislarge‐scaleconservationapproachwillberealized.Thankyouforyourleadership.074‐02ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsUndertheEndangeredSpeciesAct,theUnitedStatesFishandWildlifeServicehavedefinedcriticalhabitatasareasthatsupportendangeredorthreatenedspeciesthatareessentialtothespecies’conservation.ThedescriptionintheConservationPlanningPolicysection(page76oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)states“large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitattomitigateimpactsrelatedtofuturetransportationprojects”[emphasisadded].WebelievethereareotherhabitatareasintheSCAGregionworthconsideringforacquisitionandmanagementandthereforeSCAGshouldnotlimitthemitigationopportunitiestoonlycriticalhabitat.Wesuggestexpandingthelanguagetoincorporateall“importanthabitatlands.”BecausethisprogramisdirectlytiedtotheimplementationoftransportationprojectsthereisaclearconnectiontotheCountyTransportationCommissions(CTCs).Wedohowever,respectfullyrequestthatconservation‐focusedorganizationsandconservationfocusedstateagencies,conservancies,andjointpowerauthoritiesbeincludedinthediscussionsregardingsettingpriorityconservationareas.Forexample,FriendsofCoyoteHillshasspecificknowledgeaboutlandsandlinkagesinandnearWestCoyoteHills.Weofferourexpertisetoyouduringthisprocess.Inaddition,wealsobelievetargetedoutreacheffortsineachoftheSCAGcountieswouldcreateanopenandtransparentprocessforsettingpriorities.Thisrecommendationalsoappliestothelimitedscopeof“agencies”intheResourceAreasandFarmlandssection(page128oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS).Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresourcesamongawidevarietyofstakeholders.Theintentistoincludeallapplicableprotectedareas.Languagehasbeenclarified.074‐03ConstanceFriendsofLocationsforMitigation(pg.78oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)OnCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywill187IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSpengerCoyoteHillspage78oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS,thedocumentmentionsthe2008RegionalComprehensivePlanthatinventoriedprotectedandunprotectedareasinrelationshiptowildlifelinkages,linkagedesignationareas,parkandrecreationareas.WewerepleasedthatSCAGcompletedthisPlanshowingwhatareasareprotectedandcriticaltomaintainingfunctioninghabitatreserves.WeagreethattheplanningeffortsSCAGundertakesinthefutureshouldinvolveupdatingthemaps,butrecommendexpandingthelanguageinthissectiontoincludeallformsofprotectedlands.BylimitingtheacquisitionandmanagementopportunitiesofconservationlandstojustNaturalCommunitiesConservationPlan(NCCP)orHabitatConservationPlan(HCP)areas,decisionsaboutpriorityconservationareaswillbemisinformed.Infact,itnolongerdemonstratesacomprehensiveplanbecauseofthelimitedscope(ofpre‐establishedmitigationsites,whicharelikelyunrelatedtotransportationprojects).Protectedareas(e.g.,NationalForests,StateParks,RegionalParks,etc.)notinanNCCP/HCPareexcludedfromthebigpicture,yettheyhaveextensivebenefitstotheentireopenspacesystemandoftentimeslinkimportanthabitatareasthroughouttheregion.Consequently,werecommendhavingthisupdatedmapandmitigationsitelocationsexpandedtoincludemorethanjustNCCP/HCPareasandinsteadincludealllevelsofprotectedlands(federal,state,regional,andlocal).pursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,notjustNCCP/HCPareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.074‐04ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsWehopeyouutilizetheexperienceandexpertiseofalready‐establishedprogramsinbothOrangeandSanDiegoCounties.Thelanguage,asitexistsnow(“achievedthroughalready‐establishedprograms”)impliesnoothertransportationagencyintheregioncanadoptorimplementanadvancedmitigationprogram.Werecommendrephrasingthissentencetobemoreclearabouttheeligibilityoftransportationagenciesandutilizingtheexperienceexistingregionalprograms.Commentnoted.Theintentoftheconservationpolicyistobuilduponalready‐establishedprograms,withappropriateinputfromstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.074‐05ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsOnpage79oftheDraft2012RTP/SCSwewereencouragedtoseeSCAGrecognizethebenefitsofreducingtransportationimpactstosensitivelandsandencouragingsmartlandusedecisions.Webelievelandscapeleveladvancedmitigationwillbecomeastatewideplanningpolicy.PlanningfuturetransportationprojectswithacomprehensivemitigationprogramensuresouropenspaceinfrastructurecancontinuetoCommentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.188IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefunctionandmaintainviablehabitats,linkages,andspeciespopulationsinperpetuity.Unfortunately,wenoticedthelackofinclusionofwildlifelinkagesinthissection.OrangeCounty’stransportationmeasurelanguageincludedwildlifelinkagesandwerecommendSCAGincludelinkagesaswell.074‐06ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsRenewedMeasureMinOrangeCountyincorporatedlanguagethatdemonstratesanetenvironmentalbenefitinconjunctionwithanetbenefitinthedeliveryoftransportationimprovementprojects.Someoftheenvironmentalbenefitsinclude:landscapelevelacquisition,restoration,andmanagement.Someofthetransportationbenefitsinclude:streamlinedpermitting,involvementoftheresourceandpermittingagencies,andreducedprojectdelays.Webelievethereisanopportunitytoincorporatesimilar“netenvironmentalbenefit/netbenefitoftransportationprojects”languageintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.Tothatend,werecommendthelanguagefromtheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority’sOrdinance#3Section2,ItemA.5.iii(pageB‐5)asastartingplace.Commentnoted.ItisSCAG’sintenttodefertotheCTCstodeterminethebestconservationmechanismforitsregionwithappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.074‐07ConstanceSpengerFriendsofCoyoteHillsWeappreciateSCAG’sefforttocreateastrategicplanningprocessthatwoulddocumentimportantconservationlandsintheregion.WebelievethereisanimportantopportunitywiththisconcepttoalsocreateaSouthernCaliforniaGreenprint.BycompletingaGreenprintacomprehensiveviewofouropenspacelandattributeswouldbedocumented.Suchattributesinclude:recreationpriorities,agriculturallands,scenicvalues,historicpreservation,andmore.AGreenprintwouldgiveamorecompletepictureofbothopportunitiesandchallenges,whileatthesametimerespectingpropertyrights.Commentnoted.AGreenprintisonepossibleoptionforthemitigationprogramthatwillbediscussedwithawidevarietyofstakeholdersinthefuture.075‐01MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentontheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)andSustainableCommunityStrategy(SCS).FriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParks(FHBP)isbasedinNewportBeachandweworktoprotectthenaturallands,waterways,andbeachesofOrangeCounty.Ourorganizationincludessupportfrommorethan80conservationandcommunitygroupsintheregionalandthousandsofOrangeCountyresidents.FHBPwouldliketoapplaudSCAG’seffortstoincludearegionaladvancedmitigationcomponentintheRTP/SCS.ThisletterservestooffersuggestionsmainlytoCommentnoted.189IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsestrengthenthiscomponent,whichcloselylinkswiththesustainabilityprinciplelistedinthedocument’svisionstatement.Wedo,however,offerafewothersuggestionsasitrelatestootherprojectsweareinterestedin.075‐02MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksActiveTransportation(p.21oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)In2011,FHBPcompletedastudydocumentingtheWalkScoreforthecityhallofeachOrangeCountycityaswellasthecity‐wideaverage.WalkScoremeasureshoweasyitistoliveacar‐litelifestyle—nothowprettytheareaisforwalking.Accordingtoitswebsite,WalkScore.comusesGooglemapstocomputethedistancebetweenresidentialaddressesandnearbydestinations.Thealgorithmlooksat13categoriesandawardspointsforeachbetween1⁄4to1mile.Amenitieswithin1⁄4milereceivemaximumpoints,whilenopointsareawardedforamenitiesfurtherthanonemile.Thecategoriesincludegrocerystore,coffeeshop,movietheatre,park,bookstore,drugstore,clothingandmusicstore,restaurant,bar,school,library,fitness,andhardwarestore.1Seeattachment#1fortheresultsofthisWalkScorestudy.Recommendation#1Werecommendutilizingthistoolasameasurementofhowandwherewalkable,bikablecommunitiesmaybemostrelevant.ThisinformationmayserveSCAGwellindeterminingorprioritizingfundingformoreactivetransportationopportunities.Ofcourse,weunderstandthatmanyfactorsareatplayincludingsitedevelopment,existingstableneighborhoods,transitareasandmore,butincludingasametrichowcommunitiesaredoingalreadyishelpfulinformationtohaveintheoverallanalysis.Commentnoted.SCAGwillconsidertheuseofWalkScoresandothermetricsinfutureplanningefforts.075‐03MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksRegionalHOTLaneNetwork(p.58oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)WedisagreethattheTollRoadAgenciesproposedextensionofthe241SouthbeincludedintheRegionalHOTLaneNetwork.TheRTPincludestheproposed16‐mileFoothill‐SouthTollRoadextension,whichwouldrunthroughtheheartofSanOnofreStateBeachPark,abelovedandpopularrecreationspotinsouthOrangeCountythatservesmorethan2.4millionvisitorseachyear.BoththeCaliforniaCoastalCommissionandtheU.S.DepartmentofCommercehaverejectedtheFoothill‐Southprojectonthebasisofitsdevastatingprojectedimpactsoncoastalresources.Recommendation#2ThecontinuedinclusionofthisunbuildableprojectasabaselineroadwaychangesthetransportationmodelingforsouthernOrangeCountyCommentnoted.TheSR‐241/FoothillSouthExtensionisacommittedTransportationControlMeasure(TCM)intheRTP/SCSandisprogrammedintheFederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP).TheTransportationCorridorAgencies(TCA)astherespectiveimplementingagencyismovingforwardwiththefirstsegmentoftheSR‐241extensionfromOsoParkwaytothevicinityofOrtegaHighway.190IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationprojects.TheFoothill‐SouthshouldbeeliminatedfromthebaselinescenarioandremovedfromtheRTP,especiallysinceitisintheunconstrainedplanoftheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority’sLongRangeTransportationPlan.075‐04MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksConservationPlanningPolicy(p.76oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)Whilewewholeheartedlysupporttheconceptoftheconservationplanningpolicy,whichhelpsdemonstrateprogressandsafetyinSAFETEA‐LUrequirements,howeverwedonotagreelarge‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitatbetheonlytypeofmitigationopportunityutilized.Wenotehowever,thismaysimplybeawordchoiceissue.AccordingtotheU.S.FishandWildlifeService:“whenaspeciesisproposedforlistingasendangeredorthreatenedundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct(Act),wemustconsiderwhetherthereareareasofhabitatwebelieveareessentialtothespecies’conservation.Thoseareasmaybeproposedfordesignationas“criticalhabitat.”2Essentially,wefirmlybelievethereareotherimportantnaturallandsdeservingofconservation/preservation,butdonotormaynotcontaina“criticalhabitat”designation(asdefinedbytheService).Recommendation#3Withthisinmind,wesuggestchangingthereferencefromcriticalhabitattoimportantnaturallands.ThiscommentalsoappliestotheResourceAreaandFarmlandsection(pg.128oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS).Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresourcesamongawidevarietyofstakeholders.Theintentistoincludeallapplicableprotectedareas.Languagehasbeenclarified.075‐05MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksEngageinaStrategicPlanningProcessWewouldalsoliketoofferthatitmaybeanimportantfirststeptocreatearegionalGreenprintinadditiontoamapofregionalpriorityconservationareas.AccordingtoOregonStateUniversity:“AGreenprintisanon‐regulatoryvisiontohelpcommunitiesmakeinformeddecisionsaboutlandconservation,scenicvalues,andrecreationpriorities.Componentsinclude:∙Acomprehensiveoverviewofimportantnaturalresources,wildlifehabitat,historicsites,scenicvalues,andpotential/existingtrailconnectionsintheregion∙Mapsthathighlighttheecologicalandrecreationprioritiesoftheregion,whilerespectingpropertyrightsandcreatingawarenessaroundpublicaccess∙Aninclusivevisiontofosterdiscussionofthediverseconservationandrecreationneedsoftheregion.”3Recommendation#4Werequestaregion‐wideGreenprintbeconductedtodocumentthenatural,Commentnoted.AGreenprintisonepossibleoptionforthemitigationprogramthatwillbediscussedwithawidevarietyofstakeholders.191IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserecreational,agricultural,andotherresourcesintheSCAGjurisdictionaspartoftheconservationpolicyplanning.075‐06MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksIdentifyMapPriorityConservationAreasandEngageVariousPartners:WhileweunderstandtheRTPisdirectlyrelatedtoCountyTransportationCommissions(CTCs)wewouldrespectfullyrequestthatconservationorganizationsandotherrelatedagencies,conservancies,andjointpowerauthorities,liketheSantaMonicaMountainsConservancy,MountainsRecreationandConservationAuthority,andtheWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority,beincludedindeterminingpriorityconservationareasandplandevelopment.CTCs,withallduerespect,donottendtofocusonconservationofnaturallands.AstheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthoritywillconfirm,itrelieduponmanysourcesforestablishingitspriorityconservationareasundertheEnvironmentalMitigationProgramofRenewedMeasureM.Tothatend,FHBPwouldliketoofferitsassistancewithOrangeCounty’spotentialconservationlandsaswe’vecreatedacounty‐widemap,theGreenVisionMap,thatdocumentsimportantconservationlandsandexistingprivatelyorpubliclyprotectedlands.Inaddition,webelievetherearesimilarconservationnon‐profitorganizationsandentitiesthroughouttheSCAGregionthatcouldprovideuseful,beneficial,andrelevantinformationabouttheiron‐the‐groundpriorities.Recommendation#5WerecommendthatSCAGincorporatepublicworkshopsandoutreachtoeffectivelygatherinformationfromconservationorganizationsandotherrelatedagenciesonconservationpriorities.Thisrecommendationalsoappliestothelimitedscopeof“agencies”intheResourceAreasandFarmlandssection(pg.128oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS).Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetofacilitatetheinputfromconservationorganizations.Theagencieslistedonpage128onlyrefertodatacompilationrelatedtoresourceareamappingfortheRTP/SCS.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeinputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders,includingthegroupsprovidedinthecomment.075‐07MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksLocationsforMitigation(pg.78oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)WearepleasedthatSCAGhasalreadyinventoriedthelocationsoftheprotectedandunprotectedareasinrelationshiptowildlifelinkages,linkagedesignationareas,park,andrecreationareas.Weagreethemapsshouldbeupdatedasafunctionofthepost‐RTPplanningeffortsbutqualifythisstatementwiththecaveatthatnotalloftheprotected,orundevelopedunprotectedlands,inSouthernCaliforniaarewithinaNaturalCommunitiesConservationPlan(NCCP)orHabitatConservationPlan(HCP)area.Recommendation#6WerecommendnotonlyupdatingCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,notjustNCCP/HCPareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.192IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsethemapstoincludemorerecentacquisitionsintheNCCP/HCPareas,butalsorecommendincludingpreservedlandsnotintheNCCP/HCPareas.Forexample,mostofChinoHillsStateParkisnotincludedinanNCCP/HCPbutthisparkoffersmorethan14,100acresofnaturallandstotheinventory.Toexcludenon‐NCCP/HCPlandswouldmisinformdecisionsaboutconservationprioritiesandexcludeanentirenetworkofpreservedlandsoutsideof,butoftentimescriticaltothefunctioningof,ourentireopenspacesystem.075‐08MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksInaddition,theOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityhascreatedacounty‐wideNCCP/HCPforitsEnvironmentalMitigationProgram.ThisnewNCCP/HCPisaboveandbeyondtheexistingNCCP/HCPareas(Central/CoastalandSouthern).Bylimitingtheviewofwheremitigationcanoccur(toonlyexistingNCCP/HCPareas),SCAGisconsiderablyreducingitspotentialmitigationsitesespeciallyinlightofthebroadandexpansivenatureoftheRTP.FreewayscrisscrosstheentireSCAGregionandhaveimpactsthatcannotormaynotbeabletobemitigatedinanexistingNCCP/HCP,normaySCAGorCTCsbeabletoaddthemselvesasapartnerthislateintheNCCP/HCPprocess.Recommendation#7InsteadofdictatingtheconservationmechanismorprogramtobeusedbytheindividualCTCs,werecommendallowingtheimplementingCTCdeterminethebestconservationmechanismforitsregionwithappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.Commentnoted.ItisSCAG’sintenttodefertotheCTCstodeterminethebestconservationmechanismforitsregionwithappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.075‐09MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksWeagreeSCAGdoesnothavetheauthoritytopurchaseormanagetheseconservationlands,butdisagreethattheconservationareaswillbe“achievedthroughalready‐establishedprograms.”ThisstatementlimitstheopportunitiesforconservationtojustOrangeCountyasitistheonlytransportationagencyintheSCAGregiontohaveanadvancedmitigationcomponent.Shouldyoumeanyouwillusealready‐establishedprogramstobuilduponSCAG’sefforts,weagreewiththisapproach,butitisnotclearlystatedandshouldberevised.Recommendation#8Werecommendaugmentingthestatementtoincludenotonlyalready‐establishedprograms,butalsoprogramsthatmaybedevelopedinthefutureorcreatedwithinexistingtransportationmeasures(whereappropriate).Additionally,itmaybeagoodexercisetounderstandwhatCommentnoted.Theintentoftheconservationpolicyistobuilduponalready‐establishedprograms,withappropriateinputfromstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.193IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemodifyingexistingtransportationmeasurestoincorporatearegionaladvancedmitigationprogramwouldentail.075‐10MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksTypesofMitigationActivities(pg.79oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)ByreducingtransportationimpactstosensitivelandsandencouragingsmartlandusedecisionsSCAGismovinginadirectionthatwebelievewillbecomethenormandanadoptedpolicyatthestatewidelevel–planningourtransportationprojectswithacomprehensivemitigationprogramthatensuresouropenspaceinfrastructurecancontinuetofunctionandmaintainviablehabitats,linkages,andspeciespopulationsinperpetuity.Recommendation#9WedidnoticethelackofmentionofwildlifelinkagesinthissectionandbasedonourexperiencesinOrangeCountyrecommendtheirinclusion.Wildlifelinkagesarealsoanimportantconservationcomponenttoensurethehealthofouropenspaceareas.Commentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.075‐11MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksWearepleasedtosaythattheRenewedMeasureMOrdinancedefinesProgrammaticMitigationas“permanentprotectionofareasofhighecologicalvalue,andassociatedrestoration,managementandmonitoring,tocomprehensivelycompensatefornumerous,smallerimpactsassociatedwithindividualtransportationprojects.Continuedfunctionofexistingmitigationfeatures,suchaswildlifepassagesarenotincluded.”4Inotherwords,iffreewayprojectsimpactexistingwildlifecorridors,fundingtoensureitscontinuedfunctionmaynotcomefromtheprogrammaticmitigationcomponent.Inaddition,theprogramwillestablishan“accountingprocessformitigationobligationsandcreditsthatwilldocumentnetenvironmentalbenefitfromregional,programmaticmitigationinexchangefornetbenefitinthedeliveryoftransportationimprovementsthroughstreamlinedandtimelyapprovalsandpermitting”[emphasisadded].Recommendation#10Wedo,therefore,recommendthatmaintainingexistingandfuturewildlifecorridorsorlinkagesbeincludedasatypeofmitigationactivityandthattheadvancedmitigationprogramincorporateslanguagetoensureanetenvironmentalbenefitastherewillbeanetbenefitincompletingthetransportationprojects.Recommendation#11Whilewerecognizetherearemanyoptionstohowthemitigationprogramgetsdeveloped,wedorecommendthatthesummarylanguageacknowledgesthatthelistoftypesofmeasuresisnotexhaustive.Commentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.Clarificationlanguagehasbeenaddedtodenotethatthesummarylanguageisnotexhaustive.194IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse075‐12MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksFarmlandandAgriculturalResourcesWeurgeyoutoconsideraddingfarmlandandotheragriculturalresourcestotheconservationpolicy.IncomparingacreagesoffarmlandintheSCAGregion,therewasalossofnearly64,000farmlandacresbecauseofitsconversiontourbanusesbetween2002and2008.Therewasalsoa47,000acredeclineinprimestatewideimportantanduniquefarmlands(asdesignatedbytheFarmlandMappingandMonitoringProgramclassificationsystem).6Urbanusesgenerallyequatetoadditionalgreenhousegasemissionsduetoauto‐centricdevelopmentsandthereforegoagainstthemandateofSB375.Webelieveexistingagriculturallandsplayintothelargernetworkofopenspaces.Farmlands,likenaturallands,createopportunitiesfornaturalrechargeofthegroundwater,reducetheeffectsofurbanheatislands,andproviderefugeandforagingareasforwildlife.Ofcourse,agriculturallandsalsoprovidefoodproduction(worth$4.6billionperyearintheSCAGregion)andjobs(67,000withanannualpayrollof$800million),whileproducingmanytimeslessgreenhousegasesthantheurbandevelopmentthathasbeensupplantingthem.Commentnoted.Agriculturallandswerepartofthelocationspreviouslymappedthroughpriorplanningprocessesasnotedonpage78.Agriculturalresourcesarealsoincludedinthelistofmitigationforbiologicalresourcesandopenspacemitigationprograms.ItisSCAG’sintenttoincludeagriculturallands,withappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.075‐13MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksGeneralMapping:ItunfortunatelyseemedtobeatrendthatthemapsintheRTP/SCSwereillegibleinbothprintedanddigitalform.Itwouldbehelpfultorevisethemapscontainedwithinthedocumentssothatthepubliccanaccuratelyreadandunderstandwhatthemapsaretryingtoshow.Wewereparticularlyinterestedinthefollowingmapsbutourcommentsarelimitedduetoreadability(pixelation)issues:theprojectedpopulationgrowth(Exhibit4.1),housinggrowth(Exhibit4.2),employmentgrowth(Exhibit4.3),naturalresourceareas(Exhibit4.6),openspace(Exhibit4.7),andfarmlandmaps(Exhibit4.8).Commentnoted.Exhibitsmapsweredevelopedtofitstandardpapersize,howeverhighresolutionmapsareavailableuponrequestandwereprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.075‐14MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksForecastedGrowth:WeapplaudyourgoaloftheRTP/SCStofocuson(amongothergoals):Alandusegrowthpatternthataccommodatestheregion’sfutureemploymentandhousingneeds,andprotectedsensitivehabitatandnaturalresourceareas.Weagreelanduse,transportationANDhabitatprotectioncanallbeachievedthroughinnovative,smartandnewprogramsliketheproposedadvancedmitigationpolicy.Wealsoappreciatethatthelandconsumptionofthegreenfieldareasconsumes408squaremileslessthanthebaseline.AndCommentnoted.195IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseyes,weagreeitismoreexpensivetodevelopingreenfieldareasbecauseofthelackofinfrastructureandservices.WearepleasedtoseeSCAGpromotinginfillprojectsandprotectingourremaininggreenfieldsthroughcompactdevelopmentandimprovedlanduseplanning.WebelievetheseconceptsareallmovingintherightdirectiontowardachievingourmutualgoalsandthegoalsoutlinedintheRTP/SCSformobility,economy,andsustainability.075‐15MelanieSchlotterbeckFriendsofHarbors,Beaches,andParksRapidFireModelRapidFireModelRegionalScenariosSummarywhichoutlinestheresultsoftheimpactsofvaryinglandusepatterns,transportationinvestments,andpolicydirectionsongreenhousegasemissions,airpollution,waterandenergyuse,landconsumption,andinfrastructurecostisanexcellentmethodtoevaluatehowdecisionswillimpacttheregion.WearepleasedtoseeSCAGutilizingthistool.Commentnoted.076‐01RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsWeunderstandthatSCAGstaffisrecommendingthatthegrowthforecastbeadoptedatthecitylevelratherthanatthecountylevel,whichhasbeenthepracticeinthepast.WerequestthatSCAGcontinuethepastpracticeofadoptingthegrowthforecastatthecountyleveltoallowformuch‐neededflexibilityaslocaljurisdictionsimplementtheirgeneralplans.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.076‐02RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsThedraftFinancialPlanincludesover$110billiontocomefromnewmileage‐baseduserfeesthatwouldbeimplementedtoreplaceandaugmentgasolinetaxes.ThisisthelargestsingleelementoftheoverallnewrevenuesourcesanticipatedfortheRTP.Wewouldlikeadditionalinformationonhowthesefeesmightaffectlower‐incomeresidentsoftheSCAGregion,particularlysincemanysuchresidentsareconcentratedwithintheGatewayCities.TheFinancialPlanenvisionsafuturesplitamonglocal,state,andfederalfundingsourcesthatisquitedifferentfromthecurrentsplit,inwhichover70%ofalltransportationfundingisoflocalorigin.Inthefuture,thePlanshows22%fromfederaland25%fromstate,leavingonly53%fromlocalsources.CanSCAGpresentachartorplanshowinghowandwhenthistransitionwouldoccurbetween2012and2035?Table3.4.1presentsCoreandReasonablyAvailablelocalsourcesofrevenueandincludesdevelopmentmitigationfeesforOrangeandRiversideCounties.DoestherevenueestimateincludeanyassumptionoffundsfromthepotentialadoptionofCommentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Thefinancialplandoesnot196IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseadevelopmentfeeinLosAngelesCounty?assumeanyrevenuesassociatedwiththecongestionmitigationfeefeasibilitystudycurrentlybeingexploredbyMTAasapartofaproposedrestructuringofitsCongestionManagementProgram.076‐03RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsExhibit2.1andExhibit4.12showmajorhighwayprojectsundertheRegionalTransportationPlan.SomemajorGatewayCitiesprojects‐notablythosealongI‐5betweenI‐605andtheCountyline‐arenotindicatedontheseexhibits.WeunderstandthatthisisbecausetheexhibitsshowonlyPlanprojectsanddonotshowprojectsinthecurrentFederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP).WesuggestthattheexhibitsbeamendedtoincludeFTIPprojectsoveracertaincostthresholdsoastoshowamorecompletepictureofregionalhighwayinfrastructureinvestments.TheHOVlaneimprovementsonI‐5betweenI‐605andtheCountylineareincludedinExhibit2.1and4.12,however,themixed‐flowlaneimprovementswereleftoutofthesemaps.Themixed‐flowlaneimprovementshavebeenaddedtothemapsfortheFinalRTP/SCSdocument.076‐04RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsWeunderstandthatdiscussionsareongoingamongSCAG,theCountyTransportationCommissions,andtheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthorityregardinglevelsofavailablefundingforrailinfrastructureimprovementswithintheSCAGregion.WelookforwardtofurtherdetailsaboutthespecificinvestmentsthatwillbemadeinSouthernCalifornia'srailinfrastructureunderthe2012RTP,particularlythosethataffecttheGatewayCities.Commentnoted.076‐05RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTable2.6listsseveralpotentialroutesforExpress/HOTLanedevelopment.TwooftheserunthroughtheGatewayCities:I‐405fromI‐5totheLA/OCCountyline;andSR‐91fromI‐110toSR‐55.Whatistheanticipatedtimeframeoryearsofconstructionandcompletionfortheseprojects?Willmixed‐flowlanesbeaddedorremovedinordertoprovidetheHOTlanes?Commentnoted.ThetwoExpress/HOTlaneprojectsmentionedinthecommentareassumedtobecompletedby2030.ForpurposesoftheRTP,theExpress/HOTlanesinvolveaconversionoftheexistingHOVlanesandnottheremovalofanyexistingmixed‐flowlanes.ImplementationissuesfortheRegionalExpress/HOTlanenetworkwillbeaddressedintheExpressTravelChoicesPhaseIIstudy.076‐06RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsExhibit2.8displays"risingtruckvolumesintheSCAGregion."However,theassumptionsunderlyingthedatainthisexhibitarenotclear,andshouldbeexplainedinthetext.Forexample,howdothesefiguresrelatetothecargoforecastbeingprojectedbytheSanPedroBayPortsorthefiguresassumedintheI‐710Corridorand91/605/405Corridorprocesses?ArethefiguresintheexhibitbasedonSCAG'srevisedtruckmodel?Also,woulddifferenttruckvolumesbefoundunderdifferentRTPalternatives?Toavoidlocalimpactstomembercities,theGatewayCitiesrespectfullyrequestthatthepotentialroutesfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorbelimitedtofreewaysonly,andthatnon‐freewayroutesnotbefurtherconsidered.ThetablesCommentnoted.The“risingtruckvolume”exhibitdepictsthebaselineforecastscenariofortheyear2035.ThisexhibitisbasedonSCAG’supdatedHeavyDutyTruckmodel,includingrecentdatacollected.FurtherclarificationregardinganalysesandassumptionshasbeenprovidedinthetextofthefinalRTP/SCSasappropriate.197IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserelatingtotheproposedEast‐WestFreightCorridorpresentaconfusingpictureoftheplanforimplementingreduced‐emissionvehiclesonthecorridor.Table2.8,BenefitsofanEast‐WestCorridorStrategy,mentions"50%cleantruckutilization"underEnvironment,butalsolists"Zero‐emissionstechnology"underCommunity.Table2.11,EnvironmentalBenefits,showsan"East‐WestFreightCorridorwith100%Zero‐EmissionVehicles."ItwouldbehelpfultoclarifythetimelineonwhichSCAGanticipateslow‐orzero‐emissiontruckswouldbephasedinspecificallyontheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.ThisimplementationtimelineshouldbethesameontheEast‐WestCorridorasontheI‐710CorridorthroughtheGatewayCities,andbothshouldemploy100%zero‐emissionvehicles.076‐07RaymondDuntonGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsPage79oftheSCSBackgroundDocumentationreportstatesthat"SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)willberespectedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly)."SincethePEIRalternativesaredesignatedbynumber(1,2,3)ratherthanbyletter(A,B,C),pleaseclarifywhetherthisstatementreferstoAlternative3,calledthe"Envision2Alternative"inthePEIR.Also,wewouldappreciatehavingspecificinformationonwhere,ifanywhere,revisionsmayhavebeenmadetotheGatewayCities'jurisdictionalinputasreflectedinoursubregionalSCS.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.LanduseinputsfromGCCOGandOCCOGwerenotchangedbySCAGpertheMOUsbetweenSCAGandthedelegatedsubregions.AlternativeCexaminedpotentialgrowthredistributionfocusedonmaximizingtheregion’stransitsystem.AlternativeCinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSissimilarbutnotthesameastheEnvision2AlternativeinthePEIR.077‐01RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncilAsabodyrepresentativeofSouthernCalifornia'sbroaderbusinesscommunity,theGLUECouncilrecognizesthecrucialrolesthattransportationandinfrastructureplayinmaintainingtheregion'seconomyandqualityoflife.ThatiswhythroughouttheRTP/SCSprocesstheGLUECouncilhasfocusedontheplan'sabilitytodelivereconomicrecovery,jobrecover,andCEQAstreamliningtotheregion.ThefollowingkeypoliciesandprincipalsarerecommendedbytheGLUECouncilforevaluatingtheplanastheyrepresentthequalitiesofagoodandsoundRTP/SCS:1.ProvidePositiveEconomicImpacts‐Aplanthatisproeconomicgrowthandprojobcreation‐TheRTP/SCSmustundergoatrueeconomiccost/benefitanalysissothateconomicimpactsareunderstoodandknownbySCAGRegionalCouncilmembers(andstakeholders)beforemakingafinaldecisionontheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS.198IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse077‐02RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncil2.ProvidesLocalControl:Anynewtransportationrevenuesonfeescollectedmustbeunderthecontrolofthelocaltransportationagency/authorityinordertoassurelocalaccountability.Cities,countiesandlocaltransportationagenciesmustmaintainappropriatecontrolandflexibilityinmanagingdecisionsandresourcesrelatedtolanduseandtransportation.Commentnoted.Weagreethataccountabilityisacriticalconsiderationforanynewrevenuesource.TheRTPdoesnotassumenorwoulditresultanychangesincontroloftransportationrevenuesthatwoulddiminishlocaltransportationagency/authoritypowersnorprovideanynewpowerstoSCAG.077‐03RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncilAssuresRevenueSourcesareFair,UnderstandableandGoodfortheEconomy‐TransportationrevenueconceptswithintheRTP/SCSmustundergocost/benefitandotherappropriateanalysistoassurethattheyaregoodforarecoveringeconomyandfuturegrowth.Theymustalsobefairandunderstandable,meaningthatanappropriatenexusexistsbetweenwho/whatisbeingtaxedandwhatisbeingpaidfortoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.077‐04RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncilIsBalancedandAccountable:Revenuesshouldbebalancedwithperformancemeasures,reformsandguaranteesthatassuretheRTPiseffective,efficientandresponsibletothecitizensandtaxpayersofSouthernCalifornia.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSisaperformancebasedmulti‐modalplanthatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformance.077‐05RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncilEconomicAnalysis‐ThroughouttheRTP/SCSprocess,theGLUECouncilhasaskedforandencouragedSCAGtofocusontheplan'sbenefitsandimpactsontheregionaleconomyandjobcreation.TheGLUECouncilhasarguedthat,doneright,theRTP/SCScanbeamajorcatalystfortheregion'seconomicandjobsrecovery.Likewise,ifnotdoneright,theRTP/SCScoulddelayrecoveryorpossiblyevenworsentheregion'sstrugglingeconomy.Withthisinmind,earlyontheGLUECouncilcalledforacompleteeconomicanalysisfortheRTP/SCS,inclusiveofatruecostbenefitanalysis.Commentnoted.SCAGengagedateamofhighlyregardedeconomicexpertsandtheyhaveconcludedthatthe2012RTP/SCSprovidesasignificanteconomicbenefittotheregion’seconomy.TheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsofthe2012RTP/SCS.PleaseseetheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixtotheFinal2012‐2035RTP/SCSformoreinformation.077‐06RecylGlobalLandGLUECouncilappreciatesSCAG'sdedicatingresourcestofullyCommentnoted.199IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseChapmanUseandEconomicCouncilarticulatetheneteconomicbenefitsofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSandsupportsthefindings:‐Every$1spentoninfrastructureinvestmentsyieldsareturnof$2.90‐Theprojectedcostperday/percapitaislessthan$2.00‐Theprojectedbenefitperday/percapitaexceeds$5.00‐Theplangeneratesanaverageof166,000jobsperyearfromconstructionandmaintenanceexpenditures‐Improvedtransportationbenefitsincommuting,accessibilityandcongestionreliefyeilds354,000annualjobsGLUECouncilhasreviewedtheworkofSCAG'seconomicteamandtheiranalysisoftheRTP/SCSandfindsthatitdoesshowtheplantobeonethat"providespositiveeconomicimpacts",whichisoneoftheGLUECouncil'skeyqualitiesofagoodplan.077‐07RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncilPhaseIIoftheEconomicRecoveryStrategy‐AspartoftheadoptionoftheRTP/SCS,theGLUECouncilrecommendsthattheSCAGalsoadoptPhaseIIoftheEconomicRecoveryStrategy.TheadoptioncouldhappensimultaneouslywiththeadoptionoftheRTP/SCSorattheadoptionoftheRTP/SCS,SCAGcouldcommittoasubsequentadoptionofthePhaseIIStrategy(withinsixmonths).ThePhaseIIEconomicStrategywouldbeawayforSCAGtotakebusinesscommunityconcernswiththeRTPandturnthemintoapositivepartnership.Workingtogether,SCAG,GLUEandotherstakeholderscoulddevelopthePhaseIIStrategyasawaytofocusSCAGandlocalgovernmentoncriticallynecessaryregulatoryreformsandstrategiesfornewoutoftheboxfinancing,especiallyinlightofthedissolutionofredevelopmentagencies.ThePhaseIIStrategywouldalsogiveSCAGandGLUEavehicleforestablishingatrueRegionalEconomicPlantogoalongwithSCAG'sotherregionalplanssuchastheRTP,theSCSandRHNA.UpdateadoptionoftheRTP/SCSandthePhaseIIEconomyRecoveryStrategy,GLUECouncillooksforwardtopartneringwithSCAGonactionstoencourageincreasedbusinessinvestmentinSouthernCalifornia,inordertoretainthecurrentbusinessbase,toidentifyopportunitiesforexpeditingprojectdelivery,toreducecostsandtorealizeaccelerateplanbenefits.Commentnoted.077‐08RecylChapmanGlobalLandUseandEconomicCouncil[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber98.078‐01ChrisGansonGovernor'sPerformancebasedplanning.WeareencouragedbySCAG’sCommentnoted.200IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseOfficeofPlanningandResearcheffortstodevelopaplanbasedonquantitativemeasuresofprojectedoutcomes,or“performancemetrics”.WeencourageSCAGtocontinuetodevelopitscapacitytoemploysophisticatedscenariomodeling,andtousethatinformationtoenableevenbetter‐informeddecision‐making.Modelsusedinregionaltransportationplanningareincreasinglyimportantininformingtransportationandlandusedecisions.Transparencyofmodelsisthereforeaprerequisitetotransparencyintheplanningprocessanddecision‐making.WeencourageMPOstodisplayasmuchinformationaspossible,includingmodelinputs,tohelpmembersofbothlayandtechnicalpublicunderstandandcomparemodelassumptionsandresults.Similarly,themodelcodeitselfshouldalsobemadeavailabletomembersofthetechnicalpublicforanalysis.ConsistentwiththeRTPGuidelines,SCAGhasappropriatelymadeitsmodelingworkavailableforpublicreview.WeappreciateSCAG’seffortsinprovidingthisinformation.078‐02ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchApplyingperformancemetricstoinformpolicy.SCAG’sRTPalsoreliesonanddiscussesusefulmetrics,andprovidescleardescriptionsoftheirmeaning(example,“reliability”and“lostproductivity”).WesuggestthatSCAGprovideadditionalcontextwhenusingsomemetrics.Forexample,deathratelistedperVMT(p.19,fig1.2)capturesfactorssuchasroadwaydesign,butmasksthesafetybenefitsofreducingVMT.Similarly,metricsofdelay(pp.164‐165)donotdistinguishbetweenlongandshorttrips.Suchmetricscanpenalizeashortcommuteintrafficascomparedtoalongcommuteontheopenhighway.Congestionmetricsthereforedonotcapturethebenefitstothetransportationsystemoflanduseplanningstrategiesthatshortentriplengths.WhilewebelievetheRTPwouldbenefitfrominclusionoftriplengthinthemetricsusedtodescribethefunctioningofthetransportationnetwork,wenotethattheRTPcapturesthesebyusingseparatelandusemetrics.WeencourageSCAGtoincludeanotherkeymetric,healthbenefitsresultingfromactivetransportation,suchaswalkingandbicycling,intheevaluation.Commentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionpriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewhealth‐relatedcategories.Performancemeasuresaredevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingontheprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasures,includingthosesuggested,aswellasmethodsandtoolsforanalysisandmonitoringforfutureplanupdates.078‐03ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchAVMTfee:afundingsourcewithpotentialadditionalbenefits.WeappreciateSCAG’seffortsinmodelingandevaluatingaVMTFeeaspartoftheRTP‐SCSanalysis.SCAG’sconsiderationofeffectsofawell‐administeredVMTfee,includingreducingCommentnoted.201IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecongestion,andpossibleco‐benefitstohumanhealthandtheenvironment(e.g.reducingGHGemissions,improvingairquality,andreducingcollisions),isbeneficialfordecision‐makersandthepublic.WeappreciateSCAG’sworkinthisarea.078‐04ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchQuantifythebenefitsofActiveTransportation.WenotethattheRTPhighlightsthelinkbetweenactivetransportationandhumanhealth(p.30).Werecommendthatfutureplanningeffortsquantifyhealthbenefitsofactivetransportation,sothosebenefitscanbemorespecificallyfactoredintothetransportationplanningprocess.WenotethattheRTPincludesdiscussionsdelineatingactivemodeshareandaccident/fatalityrateforcyclistsandpedestrians,andelsewhereinthedocumenttheexpenditureshareonactivetransportation.WerecommendthatthesefactorsbeconsideredtogetherwithactivemodehealthbenefitsforacomprehensiveanalysisofthiscomponentoftransportationCommentnoted.078‐05ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchSystempreservation.Forlong‐runfiscalhealth,itmakessensetofundfullupkeepofexistingroadwayandhighwayinfrastructurebeforebuildingmorecapacity.Inthislight,weappreciateSCAG’scommitmentof$217billion(nearlyhalfoftotalexpenditures)tosystempreservation,maintenance,andoperation.Commentnoted.078‐06ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchProtectingthenaturalenvironment.TheRTPdiscussesthedirectimpactofroadwayconstructionandoperationonsensitivespeciesviaroadwildlifestrikes(p.78).Wenotethatthedevelopmentthatwillbeservedbytheseroadscouldhaveamuchgreatergeographicfootprintthantheroadsthemselves.Asaresult,theRTPshouldconsiderthepotentialindirectimpactroadwayconstructioncanhaveonlanddevelopment,andinturntheimpactofdevelopmentonhabitat.WeencourageSCAG’scontinuedengagementandfacilitationinimplementationofregionalconservationplans.Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Furthermore,theprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludesexamplemitigationmeasuresforimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.078‐07ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchOnpage174,theRTPpresentsthefollowingdefinitionofsustainability:“Atransportationsystemissustainableifitmaintainsitsoverallperformanceovertimewiththesamecostsforitsusers.”TheRTPshoulduseabroaderdefinitionofsustainabilitythatencompassestheenvironmental,socialandeconomicmetricsusedelsewhereintheplan.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSperformancemeasuresweredevelopedwithinputfromlocalandregionalstakeholderagencies.Aswithpreviouscycles,SCAGwillconsiderandreviewthesustainabilitymeasure,andallofitsRTP/SCSperformancemeasures,withthenextRTP/SCSupdate.078‐08ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofImplementationmonitoringtracksresultsoftheplanningprocess.TheRTPanticipatessubstantialachievementthatwillCommentnoted.SCAGcurrentlyhasanumberofmechanismsformonitoringimplementationoftheRTP/SCS.Thoseinclude202IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePlanningandResearchbemeasuredbyanumberofmetrics.Inordertodeterminewhethertheseanticipatedachievementsoccur,wesuggestSCAGemployanimplementation‐monitoringprogram.SuchaprogramwouldassesstheextenttowhichlocaljurisdictionswithinSCAGapprovedevelopmentinaccordancewiththeplan.Itwouldtesttheassumptionsusedintheplanningprocess,allowingforcorrectionstotheplansothatitcancontinuetotrackacoursetowardsstatedtargets.Also,itwouldchecktheassumptionsmadeintheplanningprocess,allowingcalibrationwithempiricalresults.periodicreportsonStateoftheRegion,localProfiles,PerformanceMonitoringandAssessmentProgram,periodichouseholdtravelsurveyandbi‐annualFTIPupdate.SCAGwillconsiderfurtherstrengtheningourmonitoringprogramfortheRTP/SCSinthenextRTP/SCSupdate.078‐09ChrisGansonGovernor'sOfficeofPlanningandResearchSCAG’sRTPappropriatelydescribesseveralkeyco‐benefitsintheRTP(pp.175‐176).Further,theRTPalsoquantifiesandmonetizesthosebenefitssothattheycanbeconsideredincostbenefitanalyses.WeencourageSCAGtoclarifyhowthoseco‐benefitsarefactoredintothedecision‐makingprocess,andalsotoexpandthescopeofco‐benefitanalysesinitsfutureplanningprocesses.Commentnoted.Co‐benefitsforthevariousalternativeswerepresentedduringallofthe18publicworkshopsinsummer2011asabasistoseekpublicinput.Inaddition,co‐benefitswerealsoestimatedforeachofthealternativesinthePEIRanalysis.Givenitssignificance,SCAGwillcontinueimprovingitsestimatesandanalysisofco‐benefitsforfutureRTPupdates,includingforexample,investigatingthehealthco‐benefitsofactivetransportation.079‐01DavidAlbaGRID/ECSTCSystemsInthespanofmyexperienceandresearchseekingsolutionstogreatchallengesinvolvinggoodsmovement,thefirstandmostprofounddiscoveryemergingobviousandopportuneisthatoverdecadesofindustrialgrowth,containerlogisticsisnolonger“portcentric”.Rathertoday,goodsmovementhasshiftedtobecome“regioncentric”.Thatistosaylogisticsactivityatconsolidatedwarehousing,useoffreewaynetworksandsurfacefreightrailhasexplodedtosupportthevolumes(inmillionsofcontainerseachyear)emanatingfromthePortsofLosAngelesandLongBeach.Theregionnowbearsthebruntofgoodsmovementandwiththisbruntcomesnegativeenvironmentalimpacts.Thisimageonthepreviouspagewastakenfrompage3(exhibit1)fromtheSCAGGoodsMovementSupplementalReportillustratingwarehousinglocations(inbluedots).Wehaveaddedthe15mileradiusredringstoillustratewherethevastmajorityoflocaltruckdeliveriesemanatefromtheports.Ideally,ifcontainerscouldbedeliveredinanewmethodoffreighttransmissiontothecenteroftheseareasofdeliverydensity,thefreewaytruckingcomponentcouldbecompletelyeliminateddecongestingfreewaytrafficmeasuredinthemillionsoftrucktripsandinthehundredsofmillionsintruckvehiclemilestravelled(VMT).Theideaofa100%freightCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.203IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsededicatedrightofwayconnectingtheportstotheInlandregionsisthecoremotivationoftheproposedGRIDFreightPipelinesystemandtransportationnetwork.Amongthe2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan’s(RTP),byfar,themostambitiousproposedprojectsspecifictogoodstransportationistheproposedelevatedordoubledecked,EastWestFreightCorridor.Thisprojectcallsforafreewaynetworkdedicatedtotruckdrayagefromthe710fwyconnectingtotheIH‐15ultimatelylinkingtoareasintheInlandEmpirewhereahighdensityofcontainerdeliveriestoconsolidatedfreightservice(CFS)warehousingandintermodalyards.Thisimageonthepreviouspagejustifiesthecentralargumentforthecriticalneedforafreightdedicatedcorridorcrossingtheregionthroughtheareaswherethehighestfrequencyofporttruckdeliveriesareoccurringbythethousandseverydayhereandnow.Therefore,thispubliccommentistoagreeandconcurwithSCAG’sdeterminationthataneastwestfreightcorridoriscriticaltoreducetrafficcongestiononsurfacefreewayswhereourcommutercarsuseourfreewaynetwork.079‐02DavidAlbaGRID/ECSTCSystemsHowever,theproposedconventionalprojectsolution,connectingfortymiles,estimatedtocost$15B,istobuildanentirelynewfreewaynetworkforthepurposeofdecongestinganotherparallelfreewaynetwork.Tosomeelectedofficialsthisprojectproposalleavescausesforconcern.Infact,thisproposedmega‐projecthasalreadyreceivedpushbackfromelectedofficialswhosecitiesrunthroughtheseproposednewfreewayroutes.Tobegin,fifteenbilliondollarstofundthissingleprojectinanRTPinvolvingliterallythousandsofprojectsrepresents10%ofthe$155BdollarsSCAGproposestoraiserevenuesintheformofafuturegastaxincreasesat$0.30pergallonorimposeavehiclemilestravelled(VMT)tax.ThesegastaxincreaseswillfillthecurrentgapofbudgetingwithintheRTP’stotal$450Bplan.ThecertaintythatpassageofanationalgastaxorVMTisimminentasasolutionisconsideredbysometobesomewhatoptimistic.ThefollowinglinkreferencingthesespecificissuesisanarticlefromtheSanGabrielValleyTribune.LINK:http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_19327611Anothersignificantissuethatrapidlygrowingconcernandinsomecasesfirmoppositionfromelectedandcitystaffofficialsofcities,especiallythosepositionedwithinornearingtheroutetotheCommentnoted.204IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseproposedsurfacesolutionthatdescribestheproposeddesignoftheE/WFreightCorridor.ThefollowinglinkdescribesthealigningoppositionbeginningwiththecitiesofDiamondBar,Walnut,WestCovina,ChinoHills,Montebello,SouthElMonte,andPicoRivera.ArticlefromtheWhittierDailyNews.LINK:http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_19261687ThecentralmotivationofthispubliccommentistoreachouttoSCAGstronglyurgingstafftotakeboldforwardthinkingsteps,shiftingitsregionalplanwithfocustogravitatetowardsenvironmentallysuperioralternativesthatactuallyhavesuperiorefficiencyandplatformsusing21stCenturythinkingtosolutionsspecifictostreamlining,evenpotentiallyundergroundingthetransmissionofmillionsofcontainersfromthe5thlargestcontainertradegatewayonplanetearthsignificantlydecongestingfreewaynetworksonoururbansurfaceswherehumanmulti‐modaltransportationisgivenpreciousspace.079‐03DavidAlbaGRID/ECSTCSystemsTheGRIDProjectisnowparticipatinginits3rdpubliccommentsonproposedmajortransportationinfrastructurewhereoneprojectreplacesnotone,rathermultipleprojects.AmongthemostappealingfacetsofGRIDisthattheprojectpaysforitself(economicallysustainable).ThefirstthreeprojectsGRIDhasaddressedincommentare;1.PublicCommentonthePortofLongBeachPierSDEIR/DEISwheretheSuperDockmakesthisbilliondollarprojectobsolete2.TheBNSFSouthernCaliforniaInternationalGateway(SCIG)ProjectDEIR/DEISmakingthiscontroversialdevelopmenthavingsignificantcommunityandenvironmentaljusticegroupandNRDCopposition(savingrailroadcompanies$500M)withasuperioroperatingfacilitycalledGRIDSuperDock).3.TheSCAG2012‐2035RTPwhereGRIDproposesa“FreightPipeline”connectingtheportstoinlandareaswherecontainerswouldemergefromthisnetworkoffreighttunnelsemergingatthecenterofwherethehighestconcentrationofcontainersaredelivered.ReferencingtheearlierSCAGimageonpage1,thepipelinefollowsaroutewerefreightwarehousevolumedensityismostconcentrated.Todate,theGRIDProjecthasbeenpresentedtoSCAGseniorstaff.AlsoGRIDproposerswererecentlyinvitedtopresentattheArroyo‐VerdugoSCAGSubregionmeetingwherethecentralagendainvolvedissuespertainingtothe2012‐2035RTP.WeCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.205IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesubmitforSCAGandcommitteemembersconsiderationaconclusionfromarecentCARB/CEPAsponsoredstudyentitled;“DevelopmentofaCaliforniaGeospatialIntermodalFreightTransportModelwithCargoFlowAnalysis”Contractno:07‐314(PDFavailableonCARBwebsite).TheConclusionofthereportstatesthefollowing;“TheCaseStudyprovidestwoprimaryinsights.First,theCaseStudyquantifiesport‐relatedintermodalgoodsmovementthroughthestateofCaliforniaandbeyond.Second,theidealizeduseofleast‐CO2routingconstraintsillustrateshowemissionssavingscanbeachievedthroughmodalshifts.Intermsofsavingsinemissions,itisestimatedthatatotalof~60%reductioninCO2emissionsisachievablebyamodalswitchfromroadtorail.Bothoftheseinsightshaverelevanceforconsiderationofsystem‐wideimprovementsthatmayachieveenergysavings,CO2reductions,andassociatedbenefitsforairquality”.079‐04DavidAlbaGRID/ECSTCSystemsWeurgecommitteememberstopleaseconsiderensuringthatSCAGstaffwillagreetodraftlanguagewithintheE/WFreightCorridorsectioninthe2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanclearlycommunicatethattheEast/WestFreightCorridordescriptionwithintheRTP;1)Consistofotherdesignalternativesbeyondthoseofonlytruckwithroadandfreewayexpandingsolutions.2)IncluderailguidewaysystemsinfrastructuretocarryfreightfromthesamepointtopointdestinationsthatdefinetheEast/WestFreightCorridorevenintheformofsuperiorenvironmentalalternative.3)Includerailguidewaysystemshavinganundergroundcomponentconsistingoftunnelingand/or“freightpipeline”networksincludedintheRTPlanguage.4)IncludedesignalternativesthatappeartohavesuperiorenvironmentalalternativestoconsiderasrequiredbyCEQAandNEPAlegislationasexpressedundersection101oftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct.Inthismostperfectstormofeconomic,environmental,andpoliticaldrivetocreatenewjobsandindustries,SCAGcancreateaGoodsMovementRTPsquarelyfocusedonsustainablealternativesbothgreenandeconomic.WehopethatleadersintheregionwilljoinotherleadersinfurtherinvestigatingtheGRIDprojectandgrowinspiredtoitspurposeinredefiningtransportation,smarturbanuseandeconomicbenefitstotheregion.Commentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.206IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse080‐01BarneyBarnettHighgroveAreaRedevelopmentItisunfortunatethattheHighgrovelocationcontinuestobedownplayedforsuchalongperiodoftime.Forover10years,surroundingcities,civicorganizationsandlocalresidentshaverequestedaMetrolinkstationatHighgrove.Butcityresolutions,letters,andthepubliccommentsmadeattheRCTCmeetingscontinuetobeignored.RCTCnowownsthepropertyatHighgroveandaccordingtoAnnMayer,ExecutiveDirectoroftheRCTC,theyboughtthe17.22acresofvacantlandtoenablethePerrisValleyLinerailroadtracktoconnecttotheBNSFmainlinetrack.TheexcesslandthatRCTCdoesnotneedwouldbeanideallocationfortheSCAGRTPforcommutersbetweenSandBernardinoCountyandRiversideCounty.OnJan.18,2012IspokeattheSCAGRegionalTransportationPlanmeetinginSanBernardinounderpubliccommentsandsubmittedwrittendocumentationthatcontained29itemsthatincludedacoloredmap,cityresolutionsandlettersofsupportfromelectedofficialsandlocalresidents.Someoftheseitemsdatebackto2001.ThisinformationwasgiventoJustineBlockwhoisSCAG’sDeputyLegalCouncilinLosAngeles.Copiesoftheabovee‐mailhavebeensenttoSCAG,priortotheFeb.14,2012deadlineforpublicinputfortheirRegionalTransportationPlan.TheabovelistisalsobeingsenttoRCTCandSANBAGrepresentatives.Pleaselookatthenewmapandtherelatedinformationon:www.highgrovehappenings.netthatshowstheHighgroveMetrolinkStationnorthoftheproposedcurvedtrack.RCTC’spropertyatHighgroveshouldbeusefortheSCAGRegionalTransportationPlanduetotheideallocation,existingcommutertrains,andgrowthpotentialduetohundredsofacresofnearbylotsreadyforhomes.Thislocationiswaytooimportanttocontinuetobeignored!Commentnoted.Station‐stopsiteselectionforlocalprojectsisalocalissue,andistheresponsibilityofaproject'sleadagencywithineachcounty.080‐02BarneyBarnettHighgroveAreaRedevelopmentPointsmadeatSCAGpublichearinginSanBernardinoonJan.18,2012byR.A.“Barney”Barnett:1.Locationefficiency:TheHighgroveMetrolinkStationwillbeanidealandefficientlocationforSCAG’sRegionalTransportationPlanforcommutersbetweenRiversideandSanBernardinocountiesandbeyond.2.Landuse:Thevacant17.22acrepropertyatHighgroveisalreadyownedbytheRiversideCountyTransportationCommission.3.NewStationLocation:TherequestforastationplatformhasbeenmovednorthoftheproposedcurvedtrackCommentnoted.Station‐stopsiteselectionforlocalprojectsisalocalissue,andistheresponsibilityofaproject'sleadagencywithineachcounty.AllsupportingdocumentssubmittedbythecommenterhavebeenincludedinthePublicParticipation&ConsultationAppendixtothefinalRTP/SCS.207IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsethatwillconnectthePerrisValleyLinetotheBNSFmainline.ThislocationisstillonthesamepropertyownedbyRCTCandwillnotinterferewiththeirplantorunfuturetrainsbetweenRiversideandPerris.4.Vacant1,555acres:Highgrovehas1,555acresofvacantbuildablelandforfuturehomesandbusinessesincludingtheSpringMountainRanchproject.5.$250Million:OnemileeastoftheHighgroveMetrolinkstationlocationistheSpringMountainRanchhousingprojectwhere$250Milliondollarshavealreadybeenspentoninfrastructurefor2,500newhomes.6.Existingresidents:EvenbeforeanynewhomesarebuiltintheSpringMountainRanchareatherearealready30,777residentswithina2mileradiusoftheHighgrovelocationthatcouldhavebeenusingtheexistingMetrolinktrains.(RiversideEDAfigures)7.Existingtrains:OnJuly15,2006MetrolinktrainsthroughHighgrovewentfrom5daysaweekto7daysaweek.Eachyear3,224commutertrainspassthroughHighgrovewithoutstopping.AllthatisneededistohaveparkingonRCTC’spropertynexttotheseexistingtrainsandastationplatformtobuytickets.TheconstructionoftheColtonFlyoverwillallowevenmorefuturecommutertrainsthroughHighgrovebutRCTChasnoplantostopanyoftheexistingorfuturetrainsatHighgrove!8.Location:TheHighgrovelocationis1⁄2milefromtheCenterSt.exitoftheI‐215freewayand1⁄4milesouthoftheRiverside/SanBernardinocountyline.9.Website:Pleaselookatourwebsite:highgrovehappenings.netThereisamapand10yearsofwrittensupportforaMetrolinkStationatHighgrovebutthislocationhasbeenopposedbyRCTCfor10years.081‐01R.A."Barney"BarnettHighgroveAreaRedevelopmentRegardingacommuterrailstationinHighgrove:Wehaveanideallocation.We'vegotthetracks,we'vegotthepropertyandwe'vegotthesupport.Commentnoted.CommuterrailstationlocationsforthePerrisValleyMetrolinklinearedeterminedbytheRiversideCountyTransportationCommission.082‐01ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryoneSafetyandSecurityFirst(pg.37oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)WeapplaudyoureffortstoensureSouthernCalifornia’sresidentsarebothsafeandsecureontheregion’stransportationsystem.Wewerealsopleasedtoseeoneofyourtwomaingoalsforsafetyandsecurityisto“prevent,protect,respondto,andrecoverfrommajorhuman‐causedornaturaleventsinordertominimizethethreatandimpacttolives,property,thetransportationnetworkandtheregionaleconomy”(p.37).HFECommentnoted.Localagencies,includingcountyfiredepartments,havethetechnicalexpertiseandjurisdictiontoexaminecausesandappropriatemitigationofwildfiresnearfreeways.208IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehasjustcompletedanear100yearanalysisoffiresinthefour‐countyareasurroundingChinoHillsStatePark.SeeAttachment1,whichdocumentsthefirefrequencyoftheChinoHills.Whatwe’vefoundisthatproximityofroadstonaturallandsdirectlyincreasesthelikelihoodforfirestoigniteandburnbothhabitatandhomes.Forexample,asitrelatestothe91FreewayatthejunctureofRiversideandOrangeCounties,wehaveprovidedtoyouananalysisofthefireperimetersandpointsoforiginforfiresthatburnedinandnearChinoHillsStatePark.Alongthisfreewayalone,thereare48separatefiresthatignited/burned.From1914–1963(49years),1963beingwhenthefreewayopened,wehaverecordsofsixfires.Since1963–2012(49years),afterthefreewayopened,therewerenearlyseventimesasmanyfiresrecorded(41).Theaveragefiresizeforrecordedfireswas6,263acres.Itiscleartousthatthesafetyandsecurityofresidentsalongthisonetransportationcorridorarebeingsignificantlyimpactedbecauseof91Freeway,nottomentiondisruptionofmobilityduetoroadclosuresbecauseoffiresandevacuations.Recommendation#2WithadditionalroadwayandotherprojectsplannedinandaroundthePuente‐ChinoHillsWildlifeCorridoronthe57,91and71Freeways,weaskthatSCAGanalyzepotentialfirepreventionmeasuresalongfreewaysthatbisectnaturallands.Forexample,onefirepreventionmeasurewouldbethecreationofhardscapealongtheroadwayedgessothatdrybrushcannotignitewhentransportation‐relatedfiresbegin.Reducingthefirefrequencyanddurationnotonlyprotectshabitat,butalsoallowscontinuedanduninterruptedoperationofthemajortransportationcorridorsand,importantly,protectslifeandpropertyoflocalresidents.082‐02ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryoneBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpace(pg.79oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)Wereiteratetheimportanceofacknowledgingtheimpactofwildlandfirewithatransportationgeneratedpointoforiginonournaturallands.Thoughwildlifefatalities,habitatfragmentation,andotherhabitatimpactsareimportant—ifthehabitatcannolongerregenerateinitsnaturalandnativestateduetoexcessivefirefrequencythelongtermpreservationofthelandhasbeenlost.Recommendation#3Aspreviouslymentioned,werecommendincorporatingfirepreventionstrategiesalongnaturalareasbisectedbymajortransportationCommentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportincludesmitigationmeasuresthatacknowledgetheimpactofwildlandfire.SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber39.209IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecorridors.Forexample,the91,57,71Freewaysallbisectnaturallandsandnotonlyinhibitnaturalmigrationandmovementoflargeanimalspecies,theybecomeareaspronetofireignitionandthereforehabitatdestruction.082‐03ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryoneGrowthintheSCAGRegion(2035)(Exhibits4.1,4.2and4.3)WeappreciatethatSCAGhasincludedaprojectedpopulation,employment,andhousinggrowthmapsasexhibits,butaredismayedthatthemapsareillegible.Inordertoappropriatelycommentonthismapitmustbereadable.Fromwhatwecandecipher,theareaofthePuente‐ChinoHillsWildlifeCorridor,knownastheMissingMiddle,isshownasadding2000–3500peoplepersquaremile.ThisareaisdesignatedasaSignificantEcologicalArea(SEA)intheLosAngelesCountyGeneralPlan,therebyacknowledgingitssignificantnaturalresourcevalues.Theowner,AeraEnergy,hasattemptedtoachieveentitlementsonthispropertytwicewithoutsuccessbecauseoftheSEAdesignation.Ironically,thisparticulardevelopmentproposal’spopulation,employment,andhousinggrowthareascontradictthegoalsofSB375anditsrequirementforreducedvehiclemilestraveled(VMT)sincethelocationofthedevelopmentisnowhereneartransit;doesnotincludeamajoremploymentcenterbutinsteadfocusesonlargesinglefamilyresidentialunits;encouragesdependencyontheautomobileandwill,whencombined,increaseVMTs,notreducethem.Inaddition,relatedtoExhibit4.2,therearenoemploymentcentersapprovedorproposedontheAeraEnergypropertyinLosAngelesCounty.AsnotedinyourIntegratedGrowthForecast(p.111)the“RTP/SCSdependsheavilyonaccurateandcredibleforecastforfuturegrowthinpopulation,housingandemployment.”Itisthereforemisleadingtoshowgrowthwhenresidentialunitsaretheonlydocumenteddevelopmentfeature.AndlikewiseitisinaccuratetoshowsuchalargepopulationgrowthinanareaprotectedundertheCounty’sownSEAprogram.Commentnoted.TheExhibits4.1,4.2and4.3weredevelopedtofitthepapersize,butthehighresolutionGISmapinanelectronicformatisavailableuponrequest.Theresourcemapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofillustrationonly.ThegrowthfiguresallocatedtotheareawerebasedoninformationreceivedfromprojectssubmittedtoSCAGthroughInter‐governmentalReview(IGR).SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionsgoingforwardonsmallareagrowthdistributionstoensurethattheidentifiedAerapropertyiscorrectlyrepresented.082‐04ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryoneAdvancedMitigationPolicyWhileweunderstandtheRTPisdirectlyrelatedtoCountyTransportationCommissions(CTCs)wewouldrespectfullyrequestthatconservationorganizations,likeHFE,andotherrelatedagencies,conservancies,andjointpowerauthority’s(e.g.,theSantaMonicaMountainsConservancy,MountainsRecreationandConservationCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresourcesamongawidevarietyofstakeholders.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,notjustNCCP/HCPareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenbeclarified.210IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAuthority,andtheWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority)beincludedindeterminingpriorityconservationareasandplandevelopment.CTCs,withallduerespect,donottendtofocusonnordotheyspecializeinconservationofnaturallands.AstheOrangeCountyTransportationAuthoritywillconfirm,itrelieduponmanysourcesforestablishingitspriorityconservationareasundertheEnvironmentalMitigationProgramofRenewedMeasureM.Tothatend,HFEwouldliketoofferitsassistancewithpotentialconservationareasinthefour‐countyregion.Inaddition,webelievetherearesimilarconservationnon‐profitorganizationsandentitiesthroughouttheSCAGregionthatcouldprovideuseful,beneficial,andrelevantinformationabouttheiron‐the‐groundpriorities.Recommendation#5WerecommendthatSCAGincorporatepublicworkshopsandoutreachtoeffectivelygatherinformationfromconservationorganizationsandotherrelatedagenciesonconservationpriorities.Thisrecommendationalsoappliestothelimitedscopeof“agencies”intheResourceAreasandFarmlandssection(pg.128oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS).CommunitiesConservationPlan/HabitatConservationPlan(NCCP/HCP)areastoacquire,protect,andpreservelandinperpetuity.Recommendation#6WerecommendthatSCAGexpandthepossiblemitigationsitestoincludeanyundevelopednaturallandsinitsinventoryasthiswouldbeamoreinclusivelistthanjustfocusingonNCCP/HCPlands,whichbytheirverynaturearelimitedtoparticularareasofeachcounty(whereestablished)andrelatedtospecificresidentialdevelopments,nottransportationprojects(theOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority’sNCCP/HCPistheexception).082‐05ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryoneAdaptation(pg.31oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)HFEagreesSouthernCaliforniawillbefacedwithextremesinprecipitationandtemperature,increasedstormfrequency,andintensityandsea‐levelrise.However,wefeelitiscriticaltoincludetheimpactoffire,especiallyasmorepeopleandroadscometotheregion.MuchofCaliforniaisfacingsignificantandextendedfireseasons,whichhavetremendousimpactsonboththenaturalenvironmentandthedevelopmentsnearby.Inessence,wehaveplannedourentireinfrastructuresystem(e.g.,floodplains,waternetworks,transportationmethods)ontheclimatebeingacertainwayandnowthatclimatebaselineischanging.SinceCommentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportincludesmitigationmeasuresthatacknowledgetheimpactoffireandsea‐levelrise.Chapter2oftheRTP/SCS,TransportationInvestments,discussesSCAG'sapproachtoSafetyandSecurity,includinghowtoprevent,protect,respondto,andrecoverfrommajorhuman‐causedornaturaleventsinordertominimizethethreatandimpacttolives,property,thetransportationnetwork,andtheregionaleconomy.211IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse1986thenumberofmajorforestfiresinCaliforniahasquadrupledduetomoredayswithsummer‐likeandgenerallyhottertemperatures.1Thisincreaseinfireshasnumerousimplications,includingbutnotlimitedto:increasedfirefightingcosts,increaseddangertoresidentsnearthewildlandurbaninterface,andatransitionofhabitattypestomoreflammablevegetationduetoincreasedfirefrequency.WerecommendthatasapartoftheSCSintheAdaptationsectionofthedocument,SCAGprovideexamplesofhowitandlocaljurisdictionsplantoadapttothesenewrisks,especiallyinregardtowildlandfires,throughbetterlandusechoices.Forexampleasitrelatestofires,fireofficials,planners,developers,transportationagencies,andothersmustshiftthefocusfromprimarilyareactionaryfireplan(i.e.,fightingfireswhentheyoccur)toapreventativefireplan(e.g.,creatingbuffersbetweencommunitiesandnaturallands).WhatotherstepswillSCAGbetakingtoadapttoclimatechangeandtoensurepublichealth,economiclivelihoods,thefinancialsector,theinsuranceindustry,individualcomfort,naturallandsandrecreationareaswillbeprotected?082‐06ClaireSchlotterbeckHillsForEveryone[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber39.083‐01KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersPerformanceMeasure:Asthmaincidenceandexacerbation:WeweregladtoseethisincludedbutbelievethedatapointcouldbestrengthenedbyusingNOxasanexposuremeasurementtobettertiethisoutcometovehicleemissionsandmonitorovertime.SCAGiscurrentlymeasuringexposuretoNOxandhasanacceptedmethodologytoenablethisanalysisandquantification.Commentnoted.083‐02KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersPerformanceMeasure‐Analysisofpercentofenvironmentaljusticehouseholdslivingwithin500feetfromhigh‐volumeroadways:Werequestanalysisofthepercentofenvironmentaljusticehouseholdsandpotentialhealthoutcomeswithin1,000feettobetterreflectresearchdemonstratinghealthimpactswithinthatarea,particularlyinenvironmentaljusticecommunities.Protocolsforaddressingimpactsarealsoneeded.Wealsowouldrequestameasureofhowmanyhouseholdsarebelowmarketrate(BMR)vs.marketrate(MR),aswiththeanalysisintheEJappendix.Commentnoted.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigation212IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshowninthisAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.Informationonemissionsimpactsforareaswithin1,000feetofhighwayshasbeenincludedasadditionalanalysisintheFinalEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Appendix.Intermsofthemarketrateofregionalhouseholds,arelatedmeasureiscurrentlyavailableintheEJAppendix:householddistributionbyincomequintile.Belowmarkethouseholdsgenerallyfallwithinthelowesttwoincomequintiles.Marketratehouseholdsfallinthemiddlequintile.Abovemarketratehouseholdsgenerallyarewithinthehighesttwoincomequintiles.083‐03KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersPerformanceMeasure:PrematuredeathsduetoPM2.5Thankyouforincludingthisperformancemeasure.Commentnoted.083‐04KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:Jobs‐housingimbalanceSCAGwasresponsivetostakeholdersinmeasuringajobs‐housingimbalance,butthemeasurementcouldbeimprovedbyusingmethodologythatUC‐DavisandtheSacramentoCouncilofGovernmentshasdeveloped.Theirsisarelativelysimplemethodologytodoajobs‐housingfitbycreatinga4‐to‐5‐milebufferzonearoundmajorjobcenters,andcomparingwagesprovidedbythosejobstocostofhousingwithinthebufferzonetoseeifthereisagoodfit.UC‐Davisisdevelopingthistooltobeabletoprojectthejobs‐housingfitintothefuture,whichwouldenableSCAGtoshowhowthePlanwillimpactthisperformancemeasure.Commentnoted.Pleaseseethejob/housingfitandbalanceanalysisfortheinter‐countycommutersintheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix(pgs.59‐61).SCAGstaffusedthesameLongitudinalEmployer‐HouseholdDynamics(LEHD)dataasSACOG/UCDavistoconductthefollowinganalysis:(1)convertLEHDdatatoSCAGTAZgeographiesandconductacorrelationanalysisbetweenjob/workerratioandcommutingdistance/time;(2)definebothdistanceandtravelbasedbuffersbymodestoinvestigaterelationshipsbetweenjob/workerratio,jobpay/workerearningmatchandcommutingdistance,traveltimeandmodeusage;(3)confirmtheobservationandconclusionforinter‐countycommutersusingtheLEHDdata.213IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTheinitialresultfromtheitem#1inthemethodologydescribedaboveshowedthatthereisnocorrelationbetweenjob/workerratioandcommutingdistance.SCAGanticipatescompletionoftheentireanalysisbysummerandwillsharetheresultsandpolicyimplicationswithacademics,MPOsandallinterestedparties.083‐05KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:Gentrification&displacementWeapplaudthismeasureandrequestongoingmonitoringanddevelopmentofmitigationmeasures.SCAG’sanalysisindicatesthatwithongoingconcentrationofnewhousinginHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA),gentrificationEJanddisplacementwillhappen.Whilethiscanbediscernedfromtheanalysisofwhathashappenedwiththeindicatorshistorically,theydonotprojectchangewiththeseindicators.ItwouldstrengthenthisEJanalysistoseehowmanymarket‐ratevs.below‐marketrateunitsareplannedforeachTAZ,andtheEJToolboxcouldbestrengthenedbysuggestingdisplacementmitigationmeasures.Commentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Trendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetomonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.PopulationandhouseholdfiguresbyincomegroupfortheRHNAplanningperiodareprovidedtoeachlocaljurisdictionsuchthattherequiredhousingbytype,incomecategory,andaffordabilitycanbeaddressedthroughlocalhousingelementupdates‐whichwillbedue18monthsaftertheadoptionofFinalRTP/SCS(aroundOctober2013).083‐06KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:Accesstoemploymentandservices(45‐minuteautoaccess)Kudosformeasuringthis,butwewouldliketoseemeasurementsforwalkingandbikingaccessandrecommendusinga30‐minutewalkingorbikingtraveltime.Analternativemethodwouldbetomap1⁄2mileaccesstoemploymentandservicesforwalkingandcycling.Thecut‐offchoiceof45‐minuteautoaccesstimedoesnotshow,fromahealthlens,howpeoplecouldbemorelikelytouseactivetransportmethodstoaccessjobsandservices.Commentnoted.Thedistancebasedaccessibilityanalysiswithina3‐mileand5‐mileradiusforeachenvironmentaljusticepopulationgroup(seeFigures9&10,Page6intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix)providesindicationsaboutdestinationsthatcanbereachedbyalltransportationmodesunderdifferenttraveltimes.Whiletheanalysisdoesnotprovidetheimputedtraveltime,itcanbeassumedthattoreachanydestinationwithina3‐mileradiuswilltake60‐80minutesbywalking,8‐12minutesbybicycleorbus,andjustunder5minutesbyauto.083‐07KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:Accesstoparks‐Similarcommentstoaccesstoemploymentandservices,above[comment6].Itisnotclearforeithermeasurewhat“average”accessis.Commentnoted.Averageaccessibilitytoemployment,services,andparksrepresentsthepercentageoftheregion’sopportunitiesmeasuredbyjobs,services,oropenspace(parksmeasuredareas)thatcanbereachedbydifferenttransportationmodesandwithinafixedtraveltime.Forexample,inFigure21onPage63(orinTable24,Page66intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix),theregionalaverageofjobaccessibilitybyautofor45minutesisabout25%ofregionaljobopportunities,whilebybusisonlyabout4%ofregionaljobopportunities.083‐08KimGilhulyHumanImpactEJPerformanceMeasure:RTPprojectinvestmentshareThisCommentnoted.PleaserefertoFigures11and12onpage49in214IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePartnersanalysisdoesnotdetailwhatkindsofinvestmentsaretargetedforeachquintile,i.e.,willtherebemorerailinvestmentinhigherorlowerincomequintiles,forexample.Thisanalysiswasastepintherightdirectionbutmoredetailwouldhelpdetermineifthetypeofinvestmentistargetedforthemodeusageofeachincomeleveland/orability/disability.theDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,whichdemonstratetransportationinvestmentsbyincomequintileandtransportationinvestmentsbyethnicity.Althoughthisdatawasnotbrokendownfurtherbyincomeandethnicity,Figure9onpage48intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixprovidesinformationonoveralltransportationsystemusagebymodeandbyincomeandFigure10displaystotalsystemusagebymodeandbyethnicity.083‐09KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:AirpollutionandnoiseexposureTheanalysisshowedclearlythatrisksarehigherforEJpopulations,andthatmorecurrentandfuturehousingnearfreewaysandbusyroadwaysistargetedforlower‐incomeresidentsandminorities.WewerepleasedtoseethatamitigationmeasureinSCAG’stoolboxistodoacorridor‐levelanalysisforproposedprojectsinareaswhereroadwayairqualityimpactsareconcentratedamongEJcommunities.Werequestmoreindicatorsthatmeasureactualhealthoutcomes.Respiratoryriskwasnotwell‐defined.Also,mappinginsmallergeographieswouldbeusefulasthemapswereunabletoshowmuchattheregionallevel.Withregardtonoise,weseethathighwaynoisereductionswillnotbenefitEJcommunitiesasmuchasnon‐EJcommunities.WeappreciatethenoisemitigationssuggestedintheToolbox.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.TheTitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisforthe2012RTP/SCSincludesanassessmentofexposuretoozone,concentrationofparticulatematteremissions,cancerrisks,respiratoryhazardrisks,andnoise.Inaddition,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.PleasenotethattheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixhasbeenrevisedtoincludehealthimpactsonchildren5yearsoldandbelow,asfurtherrecognitionofthisimportantpublichealthissue.Further,staffwillclarifytherespiratoryriskinformationcontainedwithintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.Intermsofourfutureeffortstoaddresshealthimpactsinregionalplanning,SCAGiscurrentlyworkingtoenhanceourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.Byintegratinghealthimpactsdataintothislanduseandtransportationsimulationtool,userscanassessthehealthrelatedoutcomesassociatedwithchangesinthebuiltenvironment.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.083‐10KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersEJPerformanceMeasure:ShareofhouseholdandemploymentgrowthinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA)Wouldliketoseehouseholdgrowth,jobgrowth,andpopulationgrowth.Wouldalsoliketoseehowmanylarge(3‐4bdr)units,howmuchseniorhousing,andbelowmarketrate(BMR)unitsprojectedforHQTA.Commentnoted.ForhouseholdandjobgrowthintheHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA),pleaseseeTable43onPage121intheDraftEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.ThepopulationandhouseholdsbyincomegroupfortheRHNAplanningperiodareprovidedtoeachlocaljurisdiction,suchthattherequiredhousingbytype,incomecategories,andaffordabilitycanbeaddressedthroughhousingelementupdatesbylocaljurisdictions.Thispieceoftheplanningprocesswillbedue18215IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemonthsaftertheadoptionofFinalRTP/SCS(aroundOctober2013).083‐11KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersSCAGstatedthatthefollowingrecommendedmetricswouldbetargetedforafutureRTP/SCSifdatabecameavailable.WewouldencourageSCAGtocontinueresearchingwaystomeasureandreportouttheseindicatorsearlierthaninthenextRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.WelookforwardtoworkingwithHumanImpactPartnersonfutureeffortstoobtaindatatomonitorperformance.083‐12KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:PercentofhouseholdswithwalkaccesstoneighborhoodservicesSCAGstatesfurtherresearchisneeded.SANDAGhaspioneeredmappingstrategiesforthis,andSCAGhaslaidthegroundworkforthisanalysisintheEnvironmentalJusticeappendix.Commentnoted.SCAGiscontinuouslyworkingtoimproveitsdataandtechnicalapproachestoanalyzingthebehaviorpatternsoftheregion’s18millionresidents.Forthisparticularmeasure,furtherresearchisneededtounderstandtheresidentiallocationandnearbybuiltenvironmentforcertainpopulationgroups,inparticularNativeAmericansandthosewhoidentifyassomeotherrace(non‐Hispanic).083‐13KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:PercentofexistingandnewBMRrentalhousingunitsinTODareas.SCAGstatesfurtherresearchneeded,yethasmeasuredasimilarindicatoraboveas“ShareofgrowthinHighQualityTransitAreas”.Commentnoted.AfterPlanadoption,wewillcontinuetoworktoidentifyappropriatemetricsforanalyzingandmonitoringkeyassumptionsandoutcomes.083‐14KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:PercentofJobswithin15minuteswalkoftransit‐SCAGstatesthatthisispendingavailabledata,butitisunclearwhythisisnotincludedsincetheyaremeasuringgrowthofjobsandhouseholdsinhighqualitytransitareas.Alsoweareinterestedinproportionofjobsandhouseholdswithin1⁄4mileoflocalpublictransit(busandrail)andwithin1⁄2mileofregionalpublictransit.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTP/SCSdocument(and/ortheappendices)willincludethismeasurement,orareasonableproxy.083‐15KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:Percentofpopulationwithin1⁄2mileofhighfrequencytransitstop‐SCAGstatesthatthisispendingavailabledata,butwenotethatSCAGhasassignedthistasktotheirGISteam,whichisagreatsign.ItisunclearwhatdataisneededbeyondwhatSCAGhasaccesstosincetheyhavemeasuredtheshareofhouseholdandemploymentgrowthinhighqualitytransitareas.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTP/SCSdocument(and/ortheappendices)willincludethismeasurement,orareasonableproxy.083‐16KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:Percentofresidentswithin1⁄2milewalktoparksandopenspace(pendingavailabledata)(newresearchmeasure)‐SCAGstatesthisispendingavailabledatabutdidperformadistancetoparksanalysisintheEJappendix,soitappearsthisdataisavailable.Commentnoted.Theresultsforpark/openspaceaccessibilityindicateverylimitedaccessibilitywithin45minutesoftraveltime.Withina1/2mileradius,theavailabilityofparkoropenspaceislikelyexpectedtobeverylow,almostnearzero.However,inthefutureSCAGcanestimateandprovideinformationonthepercentofregion’spopulationwithina1/2mileofparksoropenspace.216IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse083‐17KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:Percentofhouseholdslivingwith>65decibelsofnoise‐SCAGstatesthatfurtherresearchisneeded,butthisdataiscollectedfortheEJappendixandappearstobeavailable.Commentnoted.TheroadwaynoiseanalysisinSCAG’sEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixwasgeneratedusingguidancefromtheFederalHighwayAdministration(FHWA),whichadvisesthatnoiseimpactsoccurwhennoiselevelsincrease3dBalongroadwayswherenoiselevelsarecurrently,orwouldbeinthefuture,above66dB.Onceroadwayswereidentifiedusingthisdefinition,staffmeasuredtheenvironmentaljusticeimpactsofnoiseinsurroundingareaswithin150feetofselectedroadways.Inordertoidentifyallareasthatcontainnoiselevelsinexcessof65decibelsonacomprehensivelevel,however,detailednoisecontoursareneededtoidentifythegeographicextentofnoiseimpactsthroughouttheregion.SuchinformationwasnotavailableforthepreparationofthePlan.083‐18KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersWeencourageSCAGtoincorporatetheseadditionalperformancemeasures,whichwerenotincluded.Commentnoted.Seeresponsesbelow.083‐19KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:Dailyamount(inminutes)ofworkandnon‐worktriprelatedphysicalactivity‐MethodologyexiststopredictthisastheMTChasdone.Commentnoted.083‐20KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSPerformanceMeasure:Chronicdiseaseresultingfromchangesinphysicalactivityduetotransportationprojectexpenditures‐MethodologyexiststopredictthisviatheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth.Commentnoted.ToaddressSB375,updatedCTCGuidelines,andstakeholderrequests,SCAGhasincludednumeroushealthbasedmetricsnotpreviouslyincludedintheRTP.SCAGwillexplorefurtherimprovingtheassessmentofhealthbenefitsofactivetransportationandotherRTP/SCSpoliciesinthefutureRTP/SCSupdates.083‐21KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticePerformanceMeasure:Injuriesandfatalitiesfrommotorvehiclecollisions,includingfromtrucks,forpedestrians,bicyclists,aswellasmotorvehicleoperators‐Whilethisismeasuredforperformancemeasures,thereisnoEJanalysis.Commentnoted.Thekeytoconductinganenvironmentaljustice(EJ)analysisforregionalplanningandtransportationinvestmentsistheavailabilityofdata.ToprovideaneffectiveEJanalysisforaccidentsandinjuriesforbothvehiclesandactivetransportationmodes,SCAGmustcollectthefollowingdataitemsfromtheCaliforniaHighwayPatrol(CHP):(1)vehicleaccidentdatabylocation,(2)injuriesforactivetransportationmodesbylocationandtheirassociationwithethnicityandincome,and(3)correlationsofaccidents,injuries,anddeathswithbuiltenvironmentandtransportationmodes,andinvestmentbylocation.SCAGiscommittedwithavailablefundingandresourcestothisendandisintheprocessofbuildingthestaff,data/tools,andthetechnicalcapacityneededtoconductthisanalysisinpreparationforthe2016RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS).217IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse083‐22KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticePerformanceMeasure:SCAGlooksatairqualityandsomeEJrespiratoryhealthissues,butthehealtheffectsofchangesinairqualityduetotransportationexpenditureswouldbeclearerifprematuremortalityweremeasuredandreportedspecificallyinenvironmentaljusticecommunities.SCAGmeasuresparticulatematter,andsocoulddothecalculationtoattributeprematuremortalitytomobilesourcesofPM2.5.Commentnoted.Quantificationofhealthimpacts(e.g.,prematuremortality)thatresultfrommobileemissionssourcesrequirestheestablishmentofconcentration‐responsefunctions.PMemissionswouldneedtobeconvertedtoairqualityconcentrationsintermsofpartspermillion(ppm)sothattheassociatedhealtheffectscanbeassessed.AfterconsultationwiththeSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict(SCAQMD),SCAGcannotobtainPMconcentrationsatthistimethataresolelyattributabletomobilesources.SCAGwillcontinuetocollaboratewiththeSCAQMD,CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(ARB),andtheUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)todeveloptoolsthatcanprovidequickassessmentsofPMconcentrationsfrommobilesourcesforthenextroundoftheRTP,duein2016.083‐23KimGilhulyHumanImpactPartnersRTP/SCSEnvironmentalJusticePerformanceMeasure:PhysicalactivitygainedfromactivetransportforEJcommunities.SCAGconsidersaccessibilitytoparks,employmentandservices,whichalltieintowhysomeonewouldwalk/bike/takepublictransittogettotheseservices.Werequestthatthehealthbenefitsfromtransportationdecisionsbemadeexplicitbymeasuringthem.Commentnoted.SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.Byintegratinghealthimpactsdataintothislanduseandtransportationsimulationtool,userscanassessthehealthrelatedoutcomesassociatedwithchangesinthebuiltenvironment.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.084‐01EmmanuelSanchezImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrictThelistoftransportationinvestmentprojectsfoundinpage5and6,callsformanybeneficialprojectswithintheSCAGregionwhichwouldultimatelyreduceVMT,trafficcongestionandvehicleemissions.OntopoftheprioritylistandoneofthemostexpensiveprojectsisthepassengerhighspeedrailsystemwhichisscheduletoprovideservicestomostoftheSCAGregionwiththeexceptionofImperialCounty.AsindicatedinTable1.7foundonpage28oftheRTP,theImperialCountyiscurrentlyclassifiedasnon‐attainmentfor20088‐hourOzonestandard,aswellasnon‐attainmentforthePM10andPM2.5standardswhichiswhyitisveryimportantandcrucialthatprojectssuchasthehighspeedrailsystemarebuiltandtiedintotheImperialCountytoalleviatethesameissuesotherSCAGregionsarehavingandexpectedtohaveinfutureyears.Asitstands,theAirDistrictwillnotbenefitfromtheemissionCommentnoted.Thecommuterrailprojectsandhighspeedandintercitypassengerrailprojectsselectedforinclusioninthe2012RTP/SCSwereselectedbytheHighSpeedRailSubcommitteeoftheTransportationCommittee,tobeforwardedtotheTransportationCommitteeandtheRegionalCouncilforinclusionasfiscallyconstrainedplanprojectsinthe2012RTP/SCS.TheselectedprojectswereapprovedbySCAG’sPolicyCommitteesandRegionalCouncil.ThefinancialandproductivityassumptionsestimatesoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority'sDraft2012BusinessPlanarenotconsideredinthe2012RTP/SCS.Totheextentthatthebusinessplanisaresourceforthe2012RTP/SCS,itisduetothepresenceofnewprojectdeliverystrategiesinthebusinessplan,suchasthe"blendedapproach."StaffwillcontinuetoworkwiththeDistricttofindsolutionsformeetingEPAStandards.218IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsereductionsahighspeedrailsystemcanprovide.Forthisreason,theAirDistrictwouldliketorequestacost‐feasibilityanalysisand/oradetailedexplanationwhichdemonstrateswhytyingahighspeedrailsystemtotheImperialCountyisnotbeneficial.084‐02EmmanuelSanchezImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrictThecurrentfinancialplanfoundonpage7callsforanestimated$110.3billionrevenuesourcefromaproposedmileage‐baseduserfeebeginningin2025.Ifthisrevenuesourceisultimatelyapprovedandimplemented,ImperialCountyresidentswillbeatanenormousdisadvantageandenduppayingmoreintothisfundingsourceduetothecounty'sgeographicallocationandlackoftransportationresourcesavailableinthearea(currentlyhigh‐speedrailnotproposed).EventhoughtheImperialCounty'spopulationhascontinuedtogrowatafastrateduringthelastcoupleofyears(page17),itstillcontinuestoheavilyrelyongoodsandservicesthataremainlyprovidedinmetropolitanareassuchasSanDiego,RiversideandL.A.Counties.Asmentionedinthefirstcomment,theAirDistrictisindesperateneedoftransportationimprovementsthatwillnotonlyalloweasier,fasterandsaferservicestootherSCAGregionsbutthatitwillalsoreduceairemissionsintheImperialCountyregion.Commentnoted.Theproposedmileage‐baseduserfee,liketheexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetaxes,isdirectlylinkedtotheamountoftransportationresourceused.Whilethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldchargedriversforeachmiletraveled,theexistinggasexcisetaxeschargedriversforeachgallonconsumed.Theamountofgallonsofgasconsumedisadirectproductofthetotalnumberofmilestraveled.Whiletheimplementationofthemileage‐baseduserfeewouldnotcauseanydriverstoincreasethenumberofmilestraveled,itwouldprovideadditionalrevenuetofundtransportationimprovementsthatwouldallowforeasier,faster,andsafertraveloptionsinImperialCountyandthroughouttheSCAGregion.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.084‐03EmmanuelSanchezImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrictTheAirQualitysectiononpage79providesseveralmeasuresthatarenecessarytoaddressairemissionnecessarytoachieveRTPgoals.Oneofthemeasuresistohave"ARBmeasuressetnewon‐roadandoff‐roadenginestandardsandaccelerateturnoverofhigheremittingenginesfromthein‐usefleet"amongothers.ItisimportantforSCAGtocontinueworkingwiththeCaliforniaAirResourceBoardandtodiscussthesetypesofmeasuresinaconsistentbasistoensurenewenginestandardsandtheturnoverofhigheremittingengineswillbefeasibleforboththeprivateandpublicsectorinupcommingyears.In2008,CARBadoptedtheTruckandBusregulationwhichrequiresdieseltrucksandbusesthatoperateinCaliforniatobeupgradedtoreduceemissions.HeaviertrucksmustberetrofittedwithPMfiltersbeginningJanuary1,2012,andoldertrucksmustbereplacedstartingJanuary1,2015.ByJanuary1,2023,nearlyalltrucksandbuseswillneedtohave2010modelyearenginesorequivalent.Ultimately,theAirDistrictwouldliketoknowiftheemissionreductionsfoundonTable3.2:CriteriaPollutantEmissionbyCounty‐‐ExistingConditionsCommentnoted.ThecriteriapollutantemissionsbycountyinTable3.2arebasedontheRTPtravelactivitydata(including2012and2035Plan)thatareprovidedtoCARBforupdatingtheemissioninventory.SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber40.219IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(2012)vsPlan(2035)havebeenapprovedbyCARBandwillbeincludedintheiremissionsinventory.084‐04EmmanuelSanchezImperialCountyAirPollutionControlDistrict[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber40.085‐01StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCAsexplainedbelow,weareconcernedthatthedraftRTP/SCSasproposedwouldresultinananinappropriateuseoftheregionalgrowthforecastplanningefforttoencroachonlocallanduseauthorityandjurisdiction.Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.085‐02StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWethereforerequestthatSCAG(1)extendthecommentperiodandmakeTAZdataavailableforpublicreviewandcomment;Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐03StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC(2)correcttheTAZdataandmapstoaccuratelyreflectcurrentlocalplaningdecisionsincludingentitledprojects;andCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.TheTAZlevelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.085‐04StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC(3)revisetheSCSsothatconsistencydeterminationsarenotmadeatthesmall‐scalelevelofaTAZbutatthejurisdictionalleveltoallowreasonableflexibilityandappropriatelandusedecisionmakingauthorityatthelocallevel.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐05StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC1.TheSCSdoesnotappeartoaccountforprojectsalreadyinprocess.KohlRanchownsover2200acresoflandinSouthernCalifornia.However,weareconcernedthattheSCSprocesshasCommentnoted.SCAG’sgrowthforecastingprocessandresultsareprimarilybasedonthebottom‐uplocalinputprocess.However,SCAGalsoreviewsregionallysignificantprojects220IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsenotfullaccountedforprojectsarearealreadyinprocess.Regenthasseverlprojectsintheareathatarefullyentitledandapprovedforbuild‐out,aswellasproposedprojectswithpendingapplicationsthatrepresentasubstantialinvestmentofresourcestodesign,planandcommunicatewiththecommunityandresponsibleagencies.throughtheIntergovernmentalReview(IGR).BasedontheinformationreceivedfromtheIGRprojects,SCAGevaluatesandincorporatesthegrowthfromthoseIGRprojectareastoassesstheirimpactsontheregionaltransportationsystem.SCAGwilladdtothe2012RTP/SCSGrowthForecastAppendixthedescriptionofhowtoevaluateandincorporatethesignificantIGRprojectsintosmallareasocioeconomicdatabasefromthe2008RTPgrowthforecastreport.085‐06StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWhiletheSCSitslefstatesthatitwascreatedwithinputfromlocaljurisdictions(seeDraftRTP/SCSp.111),weareconcernedthatthegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSandlandusepatternmapsdonotinfactreflectthelandusedecisionsthathavebeenmadebylocaljurisdictions.Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.085‐07StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCMorespecifically,whiletheDraftRTP/SCSindicatesthatithasshiftedprojecteddensitiesfromlessdevelopedareastotheurbanizedcore,nowheredoestheSCSclearlystatethatthoseshiftsindensitytakeintoaccountdevelopmentprojectsthatarealreadyapproveorthatarereasonablyforeseeableprojectswhichlocaljurisdictionshavealreadyspentconsiderableresourcesprocessing.Commentnoted.SCAGidentifiesregionally‐significantlocalplans,projects,andprogramsthroughtheIntergovernmentalReview(IGR).SCAGtypicallyassignsthegrowthintothoseIGRprojectareastoassesstheirimpactontheregionaltransportationsystem.IncaseswherelocalinputdiffersfromtheIGRdata,thelocaljurisdictionisconsulted.085‐08StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC2.UnderlyingTAZdatamustbereleasedtoallowmeaningfulpubliccomment.Moreover,theSCS'streatmentofapprovedprojectsisimpossibletodeterminefromtheinformationthatSCAGhasmadeavailabletothepublic.The2035LandUsePatternMaps,whichareintendedtodepictprojecteddensityandlanduse,areatsuchalargescale,withsuchslightcolorgradations,thattheycannotbeinterpretedinanymeaningfulway.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐09StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCTheSCSitselfdoesnotseemtocontemplatethatthesemapswillbeimportanttofuturetransportationandlandusedecisions.Instead,theSCSfocusesontheprojecteddensitycontainedinthedatathatunderliesthemaps‐‐datathatSCAGhasnotreleasedtothepublic.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐10StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCTheSCSstatesthatthelanduseprojectionscontainedintheSCSarebasedonthedistributionofgrowthforecastdatatoTAZs(RTP/SCS,p122).AccordingtotheSCS,theTAZdatacontainsforecastedhousing,populationandemploymentdata,whichtheSCSusedtocreate"CommunityTypes"andmoreCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecent221IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserefined"developmenttypes"thatcontainaverageusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensities.TheSCSstatesthatadevelopmenttype,includinganaverageresidentialdensity,hasbeenassignedtoeachTAZforpurposesofcreatingtheSCS(DraftRTP/SCSp123).However,itcannotbedeterminedwhetherthisassignmentwasmadeinamannerthattakesexistingconditions(includingapprovedandreasonablyforeseeableprojects)asabaselinefortheseprojections,norcanitbedeterminedhowtheforecastingwasdoneorhowitwasdistributedacrosstheTAZ.trendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.085‐11StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCDespitethecriticalroleoftheTAZdataindevelopingtheSCS,wearenotawarethatSCAGhasmadethisdataavailableforpublicreviewandcommentinanymeaningfulway.Commentnoted.TheTAZleveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐12StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWewereabletoobtainpartial[TAZ]datashowinghousingdensitiesonly,fromotheragenciesinvolvedintheSCSprocess.Thesedatadonotcontainemploymentorpopulationforecasts,anddonotcontainanycommunitytypeordevelopmenttypedesignationswhich,accordingtotheSCS,havebeenassignedtoeachTAZ.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐13StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCItisnotpossibleforthepublictoprovidemeaningfulcommentontheSCSwithoutaccesstotheunderlyingdataonwhichdensityandlanduseprojectionsarebased.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐14StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCIntheabsenceoftheunderlyingdataandmodelingsupportingtheproposedplan,wearesubstantiallyimpairedinourabilitytoprovidemeaningfulpubliccommentonthetechnicalandlegaladequacyoftheplan.Commentnoted.Modelingandothertechnicaldataisavailableuponrequest.085‐15StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCInparticular,wecannotassesswhethertheunderlyingdataadequatelyreflectsalldevelopmentsasapproved.Underthefederal(5U.S.C.S500et.seq)andCaliforniaAdministrativeproceduresActs(Gov.CodeSS11340et.seq.,includingS11346.2(b)(6)),theopportunityforpubliccommentmustincludedisclosureofthedataandtechnicalstudiesintimetoprovidemeaningfulpubliccomment.Seee.g.SoliteCorpv.EPA952F.2d473,484(D.C.Cir.1991((perCuriam).Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐16StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWhilewearenotconfidentthatthedataiseitheraccurateorcomplete,wehavereviewedwhatdatawewereabletoobtain.Basedonourreview,weconcludethattheforecastedhousingdensitiesdoneedtobecorrected,asthenumbersclearlydonotreflecteitherexistingentitlementsorpending,reasonablyCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecent222IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseforeseeableprojects.trendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.085‐17StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC3.ImplicationsofconsistencywithunderlyingTAZdata.TheimportanceoftheTAZdataisnotlimitedtounderstandinghowtheSCSwascreated.InadditiontobeingthebasisforcreationoftheSCSlanduseprojections,accordingtotheSCS,theTAZdataistobereliedoninfuturedeterminationsastowhetheraprojectisconsistentwiththeSCS.TheSCSstates:"SCAGsuggeststhatutlizingcommunitytypesattheTAZlevelofgeography(whichanaveragesizeof160squareacres)offerslocaljurisdictionsadequateinformationandflexibilitytomakeappropriateconsistencyfindingsforprojectstobeeligibletoreceiCEQAstreamliningbenefits(DraftRTP/SCSP.122.)"Onewayofdeterminingconsistency[withtheSCS]isifaproposedresidential/mixeduseofTPP[transitpriorityproject]conformswiththedevelopmenttypedesignatedforaTAZ."(DraftRTP/SCS,p.148.)Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐18StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCDespitetheseexplicitstatementsthattheexistingTAZdatawillbecriticallyimprotanttofuturedcisionsaffectingprojects,SCAGhasnotprovidedthepublictheopportunitytoreviewandcommentontheTAZdatainanymeaningfulway.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.085‐19StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCSignificantly,aproject'sconsistencywiththeSCS‐‐whichistobedeterminedattheTAZlevelaccordingtotheSCS‐‐affectsnotonlytheavailabilityofCEQAstreamliningincentives,butcanhaveadverseconsequencesfortheavailabilityoffederalfundsfortransitimprovementsthatwouldservetheproject.TransitimprovementprojectsrelyingonfederalfundingmustbeconsistentwithanapprovedRTP,andwiththeadoptionofSB375thatincludesconsistencywiththeSustainableCommunitiesStrategyportionoftheRTPaswell(40CFR93.102;42USC7506).Thus,iftheDraftRTP/SCShasshifteddensityawayfromapprovedorpendingprojects,thoseprojectsstandtolosecriticaltransitimprovements.Thelossoftransitimprovementscouldimpairprojectfeasibility,orcreatenewunmitigatedimpactsiftrafficmitigationsbecomeunfunded,whichcouldresultinanunlawfultakingofprivatevestedpropertyrightsforthoseprojectsthathavealreadybeenapprovedbylocaljurisdictions.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.Transitprojectswithobligatedfundingfromstateorfederalsourceswillnothavethosefundsde‐obligatedasaresultofanyadoptedSCS.085‐20StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWeareconcernedthataproject'sinconsistencywiththegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSmayhavebroaderCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethata223IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimplicationsaswell.Localjurisdictionswillbeunderconsiderablepressuretoconformtheirgeneralplanstothedensity,intensityandlandusescontainedintheSCS,orrisklosingtransportationfundingthroughouttheirjurisdictions.jurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.085‐21StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWhilealltheimplicationsofaproject'sinconsistencywiththeSCShaveyettobedetermined,weareconcernedthatbyshiftingdensityawayfromlocallyapprovedandpendingprojects,theSCSiscreatinglandusepolicyinviolationofSB375'smandatethattheSCSmustnotsupersedethelanduseauthorityofcitiesandcounties.(GovCode65080(b)(2)(J).Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.ThegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSareproposedtobeadoptedatthejurisdictionalscale.085‐22StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC4.RTP/SCSconsistencyshouldbedeterminedatthejurisdictionallevel.TheTAZmapsareamodelingtoolforengaginginaregionalplanningandevaluationprocess.ThefeasibilityofachievingthepreciseresultsinanyparticularTAZareahasnotbeenevaluatedorconfirmedbyanycitycouncilorboardofsupervisors,andasexplainedabove,itappearsthattheTAZdataandmapsfor2035dodeviatefromgeneralplansandvestedentitlementsthathavenotbeenapprovedbytheseelectedofficials.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐23StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCWhileweunderstandelectedbodiesorsenioradministrativestaffsoflocaljurisdictionsmayhaveapprovedlocalinputfortheoverallpopulationandhouseholdnumberswithintheirrespectivejurisdictions,webelievetheyhavenotapprovedtheTAZdataormaps.Commentnoted.085‐24StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCAccordingly,requiringconsistencydeterminationsconcerningusedesignations,densityandbuildingintensityatthesmallscaleofeachTAZwouldbeinappropriateandoverly‐prescriptive.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐25StephanieKohlRanchAgain,SB375specificallyprecludesSCAGfrominterferingwithCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedfor224IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCohenCompanyLLClocallandusedecisions.SB375requiresthatanSCS"identifythegenerallocationofuses,residentialdensitieswithintheregion..."CaliforniaGovCodeS65080(b)(2)(B)(i).ThusthereisnolegislativemandatethatSCAGidentifythelocationoflanduses,densitiesandbuildingintensitieswithintheregionmorepreciselydowntoaTAZlevel.thepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐26StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCInsteadSCAGshouldappropriatelyidentifythesecharacteristicsatalevelconsistentwiththeneedforreasonableflexibilityandlocalcontrol.Atthelowest,thelevelofcomparisonshouldbeatajurisdictionallevel‐particularlygiventhattherearenearly200jurisdictionswithintheSCAGregion.AccordinglyweurgeSCAGtoidentifysuchcharacteristicsatnofinerascalethanatthelesserof(i)thejurisdiction,and(ii)thesub‐region(i.e.whereunincorporatedcountylandisdividedintosub‐regions).Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.085‐27StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCDespiteSB375'smandatethattheSCSnotregulatelanduse,thedraftRTP/SCS"shifts"households"fromtheperipheryintotheurbanizedcore"statingthatmuchofthisshift"willoccurnaturallyinthemarketplace,"andthatthis"shift"wasdone"perconsultationwiththelocaljurisdictions."(DraftRTP/SCSP128)However,thisshiftdoesnot"occurnaturally"northrougha"consultation"processbetweenagencystaffthatexcludesthepublic.Commentnoted.SB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction'slandusepoliciesandregulationsbeconsistentwiththeRegionalTransportationPlanorSustainableCommunitiesStrategy.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterrelfectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.In2011,SCAGconductedaseriesofplanningsessionswithlocalgovernmentstogatherallrelevantlanduseandtransportationpolicies,plansanddatarequiredtoformulatetheSCS.Usingsurveyinstruments,one‐on‐onediscussionsandGeographicalInformationSystem(GIS)software,thelocalgovernmentsprovidedup‐to‐dateinformationincludinggrowthopportunities,locallanduseplansandmeasures,transportationdemandmanagement(TDM)measures,transportationsystemsmanagement(TSM)measuresandotherlocaltransportationstrategies.085‐28StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLCInstead,suchashiftcanonlyoccur,ifatall,aspartofaseparateandlengthydiscretionarydevelopmentapplicationprocessinvolvingrequeststolocallandusejurisdictionstoamendtheirgeneralplans,specificplans,areaplansandzoning.Inshort,thereisno"shift"tohigh‐densityhousinginsomelocaljurisdictionsandawayfromhousingdensityalreadyapprovedbyotherjurisdictions,unlessanduntilthelocallandusejurisdictionsadopttherequesteddiscretionaryapprovals.Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.225IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse085‐29StephanieCohenKohlRanchCompanyLLC4.ConclusionThedraftRTP/SCSrepresentsasubstantialandimportantregionalplanningeffort.Webelievethecurrentdraftneedstobecorrectedtoreflectcurrentlocallanduseplanningdecisionsandtoensurethattheregionalgrowthprojectionprocessisnotimplementedinamannerthatinfringesoneithervestedpropertyrightsorthelanduseauthorityoflocaljurisdictions.Commentnoted.SCAGbasedthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsintheRTP/SCSoninputreceivedfromeachofour197localjurisdictions.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptions(withinjurisdictionalboundaries)tobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.086‐01TomWilliamsLA32NeighborhoodCouncilHighDesertCorridor–Ifyoulookatthepopulation,employment,andlanduseplanstherearenoplansfortheHighDesertCorridor.WilltheHighDesertCorridorinfluencethepopulationandespeciallytheemploymentalonga56mileareabecauseitisnotreflectedinthepopulationgrowth,norintheemployment,whichis2035.YouhavetheCorridorgoingthroughalotofagriculturallandhowever.itdoesnotindicatethattheCorridorisgoingtodoanythingtothatfarmland.OneofthereasonsIaminterestedinthatis,freight.Yousometimescallitgoods,cargo,orfreightbutmostcommonisfreightcontainers.ThosecomefromtheportsincludingHuenemehowever,let’slookatPortofLAandLongBeach.Theyproject44millionTEU’s.AlotofpeopledonotknowwhataTEUisbecausethingshavechangedbutyourprojectsdonotreflectthatsortofchangethatisalreadygoingoninthemaritimeindustry.Thatis,therearecontainerships,rightnow,thatcantakea53’containerandtheyareincreasing.Thisisimportantbecauserightnowthepredominanttradeintrucksistotakea40’containerandbreakitintoone53’containerbyrearrangingit.Thenyouhavetostacktoempty40’ssomeplace.Becauseofthisthereisacomplexmaritimefreightgoingon.TheDraftRTPdoesnotreflectthisbecauseintheSouthBayarea,GatewayCities,theremaybefewertrucksbasedonthefactthattheycanloada53’containerontoeitherrailorontotrucks.IfyoulookatthePortofLAandLongBeachcombinedtheywillproduceabout45‐50thousandtrucksadaybutSCAGhastruckingontheeastwestCorridorsof210,10,60andothers,ofovera100thousandtrucks.Wheredotheyallcomefrom?BasedupontheavailableinformationinboththeprimaryandtheappendicesoftheRTP,wedonotknow.Thisisamajorflaw,Commentnoted.TheHighDesertCorridorisdepictedinTable2.2andExhibit2.1oftheRTP/SCS.226IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseitisanincompleteandinadequatedescriptionofthefreightmovementsfromtheurbanareasintotheHighDesertCorridor.TheCorridorisabasicMeasureR,fullyfunded,probablythemostprofitableofanyoftheMeasureRpublic/privatepartnerships.ItisalltollsystembutitisnotdepictedinyourRTP.086‐02TomWilliamsLA32NeighborhoodCouncilOneofthereasonsIaminterestedinthatis,freight.Yousometimescallitgoods,cargo,orfreightbutmostcommonisfreightcontainers.ThosecomefromtheportsincludingHuenemehowever,let’slookatPortofLAandLongBeach.Theyproject44millionTEU’s.AlotofpeopledonotknowwhataTEUisbecausethingshavechangedbutyourprojectsdonotreflectthatsortofchangethatisalreadygoingoninthemaritimeindustry.Thatis,therearecontainerships,rightnow,thatcantakea53’containerandtheyareincreasing.Thisisimportantbecauserightnowthepredominanttradeintrucksistotakea40’containerandbreakitintoone53’containerbyrearrangingit.Thenyouhavetostacktoempty40’ssomeplace.Becauseofthisthereisacomplexmaritimefreightgoingon.TheDraftRTPdoesnotreflectthisbecauseintheSouthBayarea,GatewayCities,theremaybefewertrucksbasedonthefactthattheycanloada53’containerontoeitherrailorontotrucks.IfyoulookatthePortofLAandLongBeachcombinedtheywillproduceabout45‐50thousandtrucksadaybutSCAGhastruckingontheeastwestCorridorsof210,10,60andothers,ofovera100thousandtrucks.Wheredotheyallcomefrom?BasedupontheavailableinformationinboththeprimaryandtheappendicesoftheRTP,wedonotknow.Thisisamajorflaw,itisanincompleteandinadequatedescriptionofthefreightmovementsfromtheurbanareasintotheHighDesertCorridor.TheCorridorisabasicMeasureR,fullyfunded,probablythemostprofitableofanyoftheMeasureRpublic/privatepartnerships.ItisalltollsystembutitisnotdepictedinyourRTP.Commentnoted.Someoceancarriershaveused53‐footcontainersformovingcargousingcontainerships.However,the53‐footcontainerdoesnotcurrentlyconformtoexistinginternationalstandards.NewPanamaxships,thenewesttypeofcontainershipdesignedtocarryanincreasednumberofcontainers,aremeasuredbythenumberoftwenty‐footequivalentunits(TEUs)theywillhold.Atthistime,itwouldbeprematuretoassumeasignificantshiftfromoceancarriersutilizingtwenty‐andforty‐footequivalentunits(FEUs)shippingcontainerstotheuseof53‐footcontainers.Moreover,evenassumingashiftbyoceancarrierstotheuseof53‐footcontainers,theimpactsonthenumbertrucksmovingthroughtheregionwouldremainunknown.Reasonsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:1)ConsiderablevolumesofgoodsmovingthroughtheregionaredomesticfreightanddonotmovethroughtheSanPedroBayPorts2)Transloadingservices,whichoftendeconsolidatecargofromTEUsandFEUsto53‐footdomesticcontainers,oftenprovideadditionalvalue‐addedservicesbesidesrepackaging3)NoteverycontainerwouldbefilledwithgoodsalldestinedforthesamelocationTruckmovingthroughtheSCAGregionhavevariedoriginsanddestinations.TheRTPdiscussesthenumerouspotentialoriginsanddestinationsincludinginternationalimportsandexportsthroughtheSanPedroBayPorts,importsandexportsthroughinternationalbordercrossings,aircargo,localandregionalmanufacturing,andgoodsmovementdependentindustries.SCAGincludestheHighDesertCorridorinthe2012RTPandcontinuestoworkwithstakeholdersasappropriatetosupporttheproject.086‐03TomWilliamsLA32NeighborhoodCouncil710,Extension–Thereisinfactafederalinjunctionrightnowthatsaysyoucannotdoanydesign,butifyoutakeallofthelittlepiecesyouhavewithinyourRTP,specificallythecost,howdoyougetfivesignificantdigitsofcostfromone.Thereisnoreferenceastowhatthesourcewasandrightnowthemostcurrentsourcewasmaybegoingupto2,3,or4billion,nobodyCommentnoted.TheprojectcostfortheSR‐710projectisbaseduponthecostforthisprojectthatisidentifiedinMetro'sLongRangeTransportationPlan,escalatedtoyear‐of‐expendituredollarsasrequiredbytheFederalHighwayAdministrationforallprojectcostfigures.227IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseknows.Youhaveanunreferencedsignificantcostintheprojectlist.Wheredidyougetthenumbers?Youmusthavehadadesign,concept,orotherwise.087‐01TomWilliamsLA32NeighborhoodCouncilandNELACoalitionWherearetheappendicesreferencedintheRTPTableofContentsandthroughouttheReport???TheSupplementalReportsarenottechnicalsupportsfortheRTP.SeeattachedforRTPreferencesandtableofcontentscopies.PleasewithdrawtheDraftRTP,revise,upgradewithtechnicalappendices,andrecirculate.Commentnoted.TheappendiceslistedintheTableofContentsservetosupportthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSmaindocumentandcanbedownloadedintheirentiretyonlineathttp://scag.ca.gov.088‐01DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessWethanktheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)anditsstaffforthehardworkontheRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).LatinoHealthAccessisparticularlypleasedtoseethatimportanthealthandequityindicatorswereincludedinthestrategypositivelyimpactingthehealthofourcommunity.ThehighlevelsofairpollutionandhealthproblemsexperiencedintheSouthernCaliforniaregionrequirestrongactiontotransformtransportationandlanduseplanning.TheLosAngelesregioncontinuestoberatedasthemostpollutedareaforozoneinthecountrybytheAmericanLungAssociationandthepublichealthtollremainshigh.Commentnoted.088‐02DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessWetrustandrelyontheresearchbytheAmericanLungAssociationinCalifornia.TheagencyquantifiedtherespiratoryhealthbenefitsofsmartgrowthstrategiesintheSouthernCaliforniaregion.Theiranalysisshowedthatthesix‐countySouthernCaliforniaregioncouldavoidover$16billionincumulativehealthandsocietalcoststhroughsmartgrowthstrategiesthatreducethegrowthintheregion’svehicletripsby20percentby2035.Whilelarge,thesebenefitsmayrepresentasmallfractionofthegreaterbenefitsthataccruewithmorephysicallyactivetransportationoptions,asenvisionedandquantifiedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sI‐THIMmodelingproject.Understandingthepotentialbenefitsofgivenplanningscenarioswillhelptoidentifyplansthatprovidethegreatestreductionsinharmfulemissionsandchronicillnesses.Commentnoted.088‐03DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessAsanagencyweseefirsthandtheeffectsthatobesityanddiabeteshasonthelivesonourclientsandrecognizedtheneedforgreaterfocusonashifttoactivetransportationmodeslikewalking,cyclingandtransitthatreducepollutionemissionsandCommentnoted.228IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsegetspeopleoutoftheircarsandintoamorephysicallyactivelifestyle.WejointheAmericanLungAssociationinofferingthefollowingcommentsandrecommendationstoensurethattheSustainableCommunitiesStrategyandfuturetransportationinvestmentsplacesufficientemphasisonpromotingactivetransportationmodesandtransitorienteddevelopment,measuringandimprovinghealthprogress,andensuringthathealthandequityareimbeddedinthedecisionmakingprocessforthisplanandfutureplanningefforts.088‐04DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessIncreaseactivetransportationinvestmentstomorethan$12billionayear.WhileweappreciatetheincreaseinactivetransportationfundingincludedinthedraftSCS,webelievemorefundingisneeded.ArecentstudybytheLosAngelesCountyofPublicHealthestimatedthatupto$40billioncouldbeneededtobuildoutallofthecurrentbicycleandpedestrianprojectsinLosAngelesCountyalone.SCAG,incoordinationwithhealthdepartmentsandorganizations,shouldconductaComprehensiveNeedsAssessmentfortheSouthernCaliforniaregiontodeterminetheinfrastructureneedstodevelopanetworkofbicycleandpedestrianpathwaysandtransitconnections.AnalysisisalsoneededofhowSCAG’sbicycleandpedestrianpercapitainvestmentcompareswithotherregions.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.088‐05DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessImproveAssessmentofhealthbenefitsthroughnewmodelingapproaches.UtilizethenewCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthI‐THIMscreeningtooltoanalyzethepotentialchronicdiseasereductionsthatcanbeachievedintheSCAGregionbasedonincreasedtransportation‐relatedphysicalactivitysuchaswalkingandbiking.ThismodelwasusedintheSanFranciscoBayArearegiontodeterminereductionsinheartandrespiratorydisease,breastcancerandotherhealtheffectslinkedtoactivetransportationscenarios.WeurgeSCAGtoincorporatethistoolinregionalplanninganddecisionmakingfortransportationinvestments.Commentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewhealth‐relatedcategories.Performancemeasuresaredevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingontheprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasuresaswellas229IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemethodsandtoolsforanalysisandmonitoringforfutureplanupdates.088‐06DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessIncludetheattachedlistof13healthandequitymetricsintheSCSandmonitorovertime,includingexpandedpublichealthtargets.Inadditiontomonitoringprematuremortality,SCAGshouldalsoassessreductionsinasthmaincidenceandexacerbationsduetotrafficrelatedpollution(NOX)andothertargetsthroughcollaborationwithlocalhealthdepartments,theSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,academicresearchersandcommunitybasedorganizations.Improvementstothetargetsshouldbemonitoredandreportedtothepubliceverytwoyears.AdditionalcommentsonthetargetsalreadyincludedbySCAGintheSCSwillbesentinaseparatecommentletter.Commentnoted.ToaddressSB375,updatedCTCGuidelines,andstakeholderrequests,SCAGhasincludednumeroushealthbasedmetricsnotpreviouslyincludedintheRTP.SCAGwillexplorefurtherimprovingtheassessmentofhealthbenefitsofactivetransportationandotherRTP/SCSpoliciesinthefutureRTP/SCSupdates.088‐07DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccess•Focusinvestmentsoncompletingtransitsystemsandbuildingouttransitinfrastructure,ratherthanhighwayexpansion,includingthefollowing:oDoublingMetrolinkridershipby2020anddoubleitagainby2035oExpandingBusRapidTransitandregionalbusserviceoEnhancingTODplanningand1st‐mile‐last‐mileinvestmentsnearMetrolinkstationsoDoublingthebicyclenetworkto24,000milesandimprovingpedestrianenvironmentCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCScontainsthreenewcommuterraillines,sixnewrapidbuslines,andanexpansionofpointtopointexpressbusservice.Theplanforecastsa338%riseincommuterrailboardingsbetween2001and2035.Landusepolicyaroundtransitstationsalsocallsforfirst/lastmileinvestments.088‐08DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessFrontloadactivetransportationfunding.SCAGshouldcommittoahigheramountoftransportationfundingforbikeandpedestrianinfrastructure,especiallyintheearlyyearsofthe25‐yearRTPprocess.SCAGshouldworkwithlocaltransportationagenciestoprioritizebicycleandpedestrianprojectsandensurethemajorityoffundsarespentpriorto2020.Commentnoted.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsregionalActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated230IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatefundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.SCAGiscommittedtoassistinglocaljurisdictionswiththedevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoftheiractivetransportationplans.088‐09DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessIncreaseinvestmentsinzeroemissionfreighttransportationinordertoreducedieselemissionsandexposuresincommunitiesnearfreightcorridorsandrailyards.Ensurethatfundingmechanismsareinplacetoexpeditetheimplementationofthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightandtruckstrategiesandinfrastructure.Prioritizespendingonprojectsthatdelivermaximumhealthbenefitsforresidentsoftheregion,especiallythoselivingalongthefreightcorridor.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission(ornearzero‐emission)trucks.SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnerstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.FurtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedintheRTPtextregardingfundingfordemonstrationandinitialdeploymentofzero/nearzero‐emissiontechnologies.088‐10DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessEvaluatethenumberandtypeofnewdevelopmentsthatcouldbelocatedincloseproximitytofreewaysandhightrafficroadwaysintheSCAGregionunderthenewRTP.Workwithairdistrict,healthdepartmentsanduniversitiestodevelopandimplementbestpracticepoliciesfordevelopmentslocatednearheavytrafficareastoreduceexposurestoairpollution.Commentnoted.SCAGpreparedadditionalanalysistohighlighttheemissionsexposureinareaswithin500feetoffreewaysandhighvolumeroads.Itshouldbenotedthatthelevelofemissionsnearthesefacilitiesishigherthanintheregionasawhole.In2035theseareasstillwillhavehigheremissionsthantheregionasawhole.However,whileregionalemissionsoveralldecrease,therateofdecreasebetweennowand2035nearfreewaysandhighvolumeroadsisevengreater.TheRTP/SCSdoesresultinanincreaseinpopulationintheselocations,andassuchhealthriskishigherfortheseindividualsthaniftheywerenotinthebufferarea.Assuch,subsequentprojectlevelanalysisandmitigationshouldbecognizantofon‐goinghealthconcerns.However,theplanasawholeshowsbenefitsforemissionsexposureanddecreasedlevelsofriskinareasnearfreeways.088‐11DoloresGonzalez‐HayesLatinoHealthAccessAshealthandmedicalorganizationsandprofessionals,werecognizethatstronggovernmentpoliciestocontrolharmfulemissionsandthatdramaticallyincreaseoptionsforactivetransportationarecriticaltoimprovingpublichealthandqualityoflifeinSouthernCalifornia.Westandreadytoassistyouinimplementingatrulyhealthprotective,equitableandsustainableplanforOrangeCountyandallofSouthernCalifornia.Commentnoted.231IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse089‐01JackelynCornejoLosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomyThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentonthe2012DraftRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).WehavespecificconcernsregardingstatementsandrecommendationsmadeinthedocumentregardinghowtransportationimprovementscanincreaseeconomiccompetitivenessintheSCAGregion.LAANEisanadvocacyorganizationdedicatedtobuildinganeweconomyforall.Combiningdynamicresearch,innovativepublicpolicyandtheorganizingofbroadalliances,LAANEpromotesaneweconomicapproachbasedongoodjobs,thrivingcommunitiesandahealthyenvironment.Westronglybelievethatinfrastructureinvestmentiscrucialtoourregion'seconomicrecoveryandtoincreasemobilityoptionsforworkers.However,atthesametimefamiliesshouldearnmiddle‐classwages,withhealthandpensionbenefits,asitalsoessentialtostimulatingoureconomy.Solidinfrastructureinvestmentandgoodjobsgohand‐in‐handinbeingabletomaximizepublicinvestment.Wefinditverytroublingthatanagency,suchasSCAG,wouldrecommendorsuggestthatloweringworkers'wageswouldmaketheregionmoreeconomicallycompetitive,asstatedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendix.Publicinvestmentthatistiedtoincreasingworkerstandards;workforcetrainingprogramsandtargetingcommunitiesdisproportionatelyaffectedbypovertyandunemploymentwillmakeusmoreeconomicallycompetitive.SCAGshouldlooktowardsmodelsalreadyexisting,forexampleinLosAngelesCounty,toguaranteeefficiencyininfrastructureprojectsandputpeoplebacktowork.Commentnoted.Thereferencetowages,intheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysis“HowTransportationImprovesEconomicCompetitiveness,”number2wasnotintendedtobeapolicystatementonwages.Theinformationwasintendedtoexplaintheeconomicimpactmodelingresults.Clarifyinglanguagewillbeadded.089‐02JackelynCornejoLosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomyDraftAnalysisComments1.OnPage8,thedraftEconomicandJobCreationanalysisstates:SCAGcouldtakethisrecommendationonestepforwardbyidentifyingstrategieswhichensurethecreationofgood‐middleclassjobcreationandprojectdelivery.OnesuchtoolareProjectLaborAgreements(PLAs),inwhichpublicagenciescanusetoattractahighly‐skilledworkforcetocompleteconstructionprojectson‐timeandon‐budget.PLAs,usedinboththepublicandprivatesector,arepre‐bid,collective‐bargainingagreementsbetweenadeveloper(oragency)andtheconstructiontradeunionstosetoutwages,standardsandbenefitsforworkersonaconstructionproject.Inexchange,bothpartiesagreetorefrainfromstrikesorlockouts.Commentnoted.232IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseBecausetheyaretraditionallyusedonlarge‐scale,multi‐yearprojects,theyprovideexcellentopportunitiestodevelopjobsprogramsforcommunities.LAANEhaspushedforamorecomprehensiveapproachbyadvocatingforConstructionCareersPolicies,whichcombineaPLAandatargetedhireprogram,whichrequirescontractorstosetasideapercentageofconstructionjobstoindividualswholiveincommunitiesmostaffectedbyhighunemploymentandpoverty,andwithbarrierstoemployment,PLAareanincreasinglypopularprojectdeliverytoolintheSCAGregion.ConstructionCareerspolicieshavebeenapprovedatthefollowingagencies:CityofLosAngelesCommunityRedevelopmentAgency,CityofLosAngelesDepartmentofPublicWorksandPortofLosAngeles.Recently,ConstructionCareersPolicieshavebeenappliedtotransportation‐relatedconstructionprojects.InMarch2011,theExpositionLineConstructionAuthoritypassedsuchapolicyforPhaseIIofthelightrialproject.InJanuary2012,theLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityBoardofDirectorsunanimouslyapprovedanagency‐widepolicythatincludesaPLAandtargetedhireprogramforprojectsgreaterthan$2.5million,whichincludesmanyprojectsfundedbyMeasureR.Metroisthefirsttransitagencyinthecountrytoapprovesuchapolicy.ThisapproachcanserveasavaluabletoolfortransitagenciesthroughouttheSCAGregionthataredealingwiththetwinproblemsofcongestionandunemployment.InFebruary2011,theFederalTransitAdministrationapprovedtheuseoftargetedhireonprojectsreceivingfederaldollars.TheFTAapprovalsetsanationalprecedentfortargetingdisadvantagedworkersontransitprojects.089‐03JackelynCornejoLosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomy2."HowTransportationImprovesEconomicCompetitiveness"Section(P.8)Thissectionofthedraftplananalysis"outlinesfivepathsthroughwhichtransportationimprovementscanincreaseregionaleconomiccompetitiveness."WefindittroublingthatSCAGsuggeststhat,undernumber3,"ReducedCongestionReducesEmployees'Asking(orReservation)Wage."Itstates,"Metropolitanareas,allelseequal,luremoremigrantsintotheregionduetheamenityvalueoflowertrafficcongestion.Thisincreasesthesupplyofavailablelabor,drivingwagesdown."ThesestatementssuggestthatcongestionreductionaloneCommentnoted.Thereferencetowages,intheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysis,HowTransportationImprovesEconomicCompetitiveness,wasnotintendedtobeapolicystatementonwages.Theinformationwasprovidedtoexplaintheeconomicimpactmodelingresults.SCAGhascollaboratedandworkedcloselywithpublicandprivatesectorleadersthroughoutthedevelopmentofthe2012RTP/SCS.Forexample,theGlobalLandUse&EconomicCouncilwithrepresentativesfromprivatesectorsincludingSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil,LAEDC,OrangeCountyBusinessCouncilandInlandEmpireEconomic233IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewouldencouragepeopletomoveintotheSCAGregion,asopposedtoothermoreessentialfactorssuchasmajorindustriesthatarerootedinthelocaleconomy‐‐‐goodsmovement,tourism,construction,entertainment,etc.Weshouldbelookingtostrengthenindustriesthatarevitaltooureconomy,notcreatinglow‐roadcareeroptionsforresidents.ItisalsohighlyproblematictohaveapolicyobjectivetolowerwageswhentheSCAGregionhashighlevelsofpoverty,unemployment,sluggishgrowth,andhighlevelsofincomeinequality.SCAGhasprovidedananalysisthatessentiallyimpliesthatloweringwagesareabenefittotheregion,andthattheagencycanhelpachievethatthroughthe2012RTPcongestionreductioninterventions,projectsandpolicies.Forexample,theSCAGregion:rankedlastinaveragewageperjobatabout$44,379amongtheninelargestmetropolitanareas,hasthehighestpovertyrateamongtheninelargestmetropolitanregionsinthenation,andin2006,hadthehighesthousingcostburdenamongtheninelargestmetropolitanregionsinthenation,with53percentofownerhouseholdspaying30percentormoreoftheirincomesonhousing.ThesevencountiesthatarepartoftheSCAGregionaregrapplingwithsignificantchallengesthathavebeenfurtherexacerbatedbytherecession.Whenworkersspendlessontransportationcosts,abenefitofreducedcongestion,theyareabletospendtheirearningsinotherways,stimulatingtheregionaleconomy.GiventhathousingpricesintheSCAGregion,especiallyinLosAngelesCounty,areveryhigh,congestionreductionalonewillnotaddressaffordabilityandsupply,andhowcurrentincomeearningsplayaroleinwhereworkerschoosetolive.PartnershipdevelopedanEconomicandJobCreationStrategyandwasadoptedbySCAG'sRegionalCouncilinJune2011.OneoftheStrategy'semphasesisonretainingandgrowingjobsintheregion'skeyindustries.089‐04JackelynCornejoLosAngelesAllianceforaNewEconomyWesuggestthefollowingrecommendationsbeconsideredinrevisingtheRTP:Deletelanguageinthe2012RTP/SCSorappendicesthatsuggestthatlowerwageratesintheSCAGregionareabenefitofcongestionreductionstrategiesincludedintheplan;Includetools,suchasprojectlaboragreementswithtargetedhire,thatallowgovernmentagenciestoensurethatinvestmentintransportationinfrastructurealsocreatesmiddle‐classcareers,especiallyinconstruction;IncludeananalysisonwhattheeconomicbenefitsofcongestionreductioninimprovingthequalityoflifeofworkersintheSCAGregion,whichincludeshowthediversionofearningsfromCommentnoted.Thereferencetowages,intheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysis,HowTransportationImprovesEconomicCompetitiveness,wasnotintendedtobeapolicystatementonwages.Theinformationwasprovidedtoexplaintheeconomicimpactmodelingresults.234IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationcoststoothervitalservicesandindustriescanstimulateoureconomy.Wehopethattheagencytakestheserecommendationsseriouslyanddevelopsablueprintfortheregionthatimprovesthequalityoflifeofworkingfamiliesthrougheffectiveinfrastructureinvestmentandthecreationofgoodmiddle‐classcareeropportunities.090‐01AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionItiscriticalthatthe2012RTPsettangibleandmeasurablegoalstoimprovethesafetyofallcommunitymembers,especiallyourmostvulnerableroadusers,thosewalkingandbicycling.WeareconcernedthattheSCAGstaffreporttotheRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommittees,datedOctober20th,failedtoprovidemeasurablegoalsinregardstoSafetyandActiveTransportation.WeencourageSCAGtobespecificastohowthe2012RTP/SCSwillimprovethesafetyofpeoplewalkingandbicyclingandhowSCAGandthesixCountyTransportationCommissionscanworktoaddressandachievepolicieslistedsuchas:"makingtransitmorebikefriendly"andhowto"encourageimplementationofaCompleteStreetspolicyacrosstheregion,"(asstatedonpage11of10/20staffreport).CreatingamoremultimodaltransportationnetworkintheSCAGregionrequirestheRTPtobespecificabouthowinvestmentsinactivetransportationwillbefunded,planned,prioritized,measuredanddevelopedincollaborationwithpartnersandinterestedstakeholders.Withthosekeyprinciplesinmind,werespectfullysubmitthefollowingrecommendationsforyourconsideration:Commentnoted.PleaseseetheTransportationSafetyAppendixwhichrecommends69actionsforlocalgovernmentsandcomplementthe152actionsintheCaliforniaStrategicHighwaySafetyPlan.090‐02AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalition1.Fund:IncreaseFundingLevelsforBicycleandPedestrianInfrastructure:Currentlycloseto21percentofalltripsintheSCAGRegionaredoneviawalkingandbicycling(2009NationalHouseholdTravelSurvey)and25percentofallSCAGroadwayinjuriesandfatalitiesarepedestrianandbicyclists(2008SWITRS).TheRegion'slastRTP,adoptedin2008,allocatedonly0.46percentofitstotalfundingforthesemodes.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.235IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse090‐03AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionWerespectfullyrequestthatthe2012RTPincludesstrategiestosignificantlyincreasetheproportionoffundsallocatedtoactivetransportationsothatovertime,suchfundingreflectstheproportionoftripsmadebywalkingandbiking.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.090‐04AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionWerecommendthefollowing:Preliminaryestimatesshowafundingneedintherangeof$22Bto$36Bthroughoutthelifeofthe2012RTPtofundthebuild‐outofhighprioritypedestrianandbicycleinvestmentsasidentifiedbylocaljurisdictions.Giventhemodesplit,safetyandcollisiontrends,publichealthconcernsandmanyotherco‐benefitswerecommendthat5‐8percentofthe2012RTPfundactivetransportationprojects.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.090‐05AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionAllfutureSCAGRegionalTransportationfundingstrategiesshouldallocate10percentofallrevenuetowardswalkingandbikingimprovementsandinvestmentstohelpmeettheunmetfundinggapforactivetransportation.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.Staff236IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.090‐06AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionRecommendtheformationofanActiveTransportationFundingCommitteetoassistinthenextsixmonthswhiletheRTPcontinuesitsdevelopmentandscheduledadoptioninMay2012.Commentnoted.090‐07AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionWerecognizegoingfrom0.46%to5%‐8%isasignificantjumpininvestments,howeverwemaintainthatthereistremendousunfundedneedtomakeourstreetssaferandusableforallusers.Manyfromaroundtheregionwouldbeinterestedinassistingwithidentifyingstrategiesforunmetactivetransportationfundingneeds,aswewouldbehappytoplayaleadershiproleinthisCommittee.Commentnoted.090‐08AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionPlanandEconomics:IntegrateBicycleandPedestrianImprovementsintoallTransportationSystemPreservationProjects:Roadmaintenanceandthefirstandlastmileconnectionstotransitarecrucialforcreatingaconnectedandsustainabletransportationsystem.Systempreservationisinherentlyimportanttopeoplewalking,biking,andconnectingtotransit;thereneedstobeenhancementsforcompletestreets‐ensuringthatwhenmaintenanceopportunitiesariseorarescheduled,thattheregionisleveragingitslimitedresourcestoenhanceourmulti‐modaltransportationnetwork.CurrentlythepotentialbenefitstooftheTransportationSystemPreservationcategoryfailtoaddresshowtheseinvestmentswillimprovethesafetyandaccessofpeoplewalkingandbiking‐itonlyoutlinesbenefitstodrivers.Commentnoted.TheActiveTransportationappendixidentifiestheneedforactivetransportationconsiderationsforalltransportationplanningprograms.090‐09AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionThereforewerecommend:EmbedaCompleteStreetsPolicywithintheTransportationSystemPreservationcategorythatrequiresanyinvestmentsintosystempreservationonsurfacestreetsincludeimprovementsforpedestriansandbicyclists,andthoseaccessingtransit.FundingforTransportationSystemPreservationofhighwaysneedstoincludebicycleandpedestriansafetyimprovementsaton/offrampstoensuregreatersafetyofpeopleusingthosemodesofsurfacestreetsthatconnectwithrampsandhelpknitcommunities,thathavebeenadverselyimpactedbyfreewayonandofframps,backtogether.AdoptaCompleteStreetschecklistthatrequiresCountyTransportationCommissionstodemonstratehoweachprojectisaddressingallmodes.ThischecklistshouldbeCommentnoted.Goal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegion,Objective3.2AdoptionofaCompleteStreetsPolicyincludestwopolicies1)Encouragelocaljurisdictionstoprioritizeandimplementprojects/policiestocomplywithADArequirements;and2)EncouragelocaljurisdictionstodevelopandimplementCompleteStreetsPolicies.237IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincludedinthe2012RTPtobeimplementedin2014.Thiswillassistinprioritizingprojectsthatarecriticalinachievingregionalgoals.090‐10AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionPlan:DoBicycleandPedestrianPlanning:Improvingthewalkingandbikingenvironmentsinourregioncannotbedonewithoutadequateplanningatthelocallevel.Unfortunately,manySCAGcitiesdonothavebicycleorpedestrianmasterplans;inLosAngelesCounty,forexample,onlyapproximately11of88citieshavebicyclemasterplansandfourcitieshavepedestrianplans.Additionally,currentstationareaplansfailtotakeintoaccountthefirstandlastmileoftransittrips,whichareusuallydoneonfootorbybicycle.Thislackofplanningisasignificantimpedimenttoimprovinginfrastructureforpeoplewhorelyonbicyclingandwalkingtoconnecttotransit,work,school,andtheirdailyneeds.Assuchwerecommend:ExpandtheCompassBlueprintprogramtosupportSCAGcitiesinthedevelopmentofbicycle,pedestrian,SafeRoutestoSchools,SafeRoutestoTransit,andADATransitionplans.Itisestimatedthatitwouldrequireapproximately$200,000percitytodeveloptheseplans(95citiesat$200,000).Identifyandsecurefundingsourcesinordertosetasideatleast$19Minthe2012RTPtosupporttheseplanningefforts.Establishagoalof50percentofSCAGcitieshavingcompletedatleastoneplanby2016inordertoprepareforthe2016RTP.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithallmembercountiesandcitiestodevelopbicycleandwalkingplansandpolicies.SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopmentofPedestrianSafetyActionPlans(PSAPs)byconductingworkshops;andassistwiththedevelopmentandmaintenanceoftheirlocalactivetransportationplans.SCAGmayconsiderexpandingtheCompassProgramtosupportactivetransportationplansinthefuture.090‐11AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionPrioritize:SafetyandEquity:Bicyclistsandpedestriansaccountfor25%ofallroadwayfatalitiesandinjuriesintheSCAGRegion(2008SWITRS),yetthesemodesarecurrentlyreceivinglessthan0.46%ofallavailablefunding(2008SCGRTP).Commentnoted.Goal1oftheActiveTransportationappendixistodecreasebicyclistandpedestrianfatalitiesandinjuriesbyworkingwithlocaljurisdictionstosupportasafetransportationenvironmentintheSCAGregion.090‐12AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionStudiesalsoshowthatadisproportionateamountofthoseinjuriesandfatalitiesoccrinlow‐incomecommunities(TrafficInjuryPrevention09/11).Itiscriticalthatwearedoingallwecantoensuresafetyforallcommunitymembers,regardlessofwheretheyliveorhowtheytravel.Earlierthismonth,theLosAngelesTimeswroteacompellingarticleon2younggirlswalkingtoschoolwhowereseverelyinjuredwhenacarstruckthem.Itisimperativethatourtransportationplansaredoingalltheycantomakesurethesetragedies,andthehighnumberinwhichtheyoccurintheSCAGregion,end.Commentnoted.Goal1oftheActiveTransportationappendixistoDecreaseBicyclistandPedestrianFatalitiesandInjuries.SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionstosupportasafetransportationenvironmentintheSCAGregion,byworkingwithlocaljurisdictionstoprovidecomprehensiveeducationforallroadusers,directenforcementagenciestofocusonbicyclingandwalkingsafetytoreducemulti‐modalconflicts,andpartnerwithlocaladvocacygroupsandbicyclerelatedbusinessestoprovidebicycle‐safetycurriculatothegeneralpublic.090‐13AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleForthesereasons,werecommendthattheRTPtakethefollowingstepstoincreasesafetyandequity:AnalyzebicycleCommentnoted.IntheTransportationSafetyAppendix,thetop5%collisionlocationsintheSCAGregionarenotedforState238IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCoalitionandpedestriancollisiondatatounderstandwherehighratesofcollisionsinthesix‐countyregionarehappeningandifcollisionratesareincreasingordecreasingeachyear.Highways,interchangesandlocal(non‐state)roadways.Inaddition,SCAGhadobtainedthecollisiondatacollectedbytheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolaspartoftheStatewideIntegratedTrafficRecordsSystemandgeocodedtobetteranalyzehot‐spotlocationswherecollisionsinvolvebicyclistsandpedestrians.090‐14AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionSCAGstaffshouldpresentayearlyreporttotheSCAGBoardtohelpinformthepublicandtheBoardonthestateofwalkingandbicyclingsafety,andSafeRoutestoSchoolprogramsintheregion.Commentnoted.SCAGwillconsiderreportingonaperiodicbasis.090‐15AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionManyofthecountiesintheSCAGregionareworkingtosupportlocaleffortsandinvestments‐theseprojectsareincreasingsafetyandimprovingthemodesplit,andaddressingcommunityconcerns.Commentnoted.090‐16AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionTheRTPshouldsetagoalofworkingtowardszerodeathsandshouldprioritizeimprovethesafetyofalltransportationmodes.Commentnoted.Goal1oftheActiveTransportationappendixistoDecreaseBicyclistandPedestrianFatalitiesandInjuries.SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionstosupportasafetransportationenvironmentintheSCAGregion,byworkingwithlocaljurisdictionstoprovidecomprehensiveeducationforallroadusers,directenforcementagenciestofocusonbicyclingandwalkingsafetytoreducemulti‐modalconflicts,andpartnerwithlocaladvocacygroupsandbicyclerelatedbusinessestoprovidebicycle‐safetycurriculatothegeneralpublic.090‐17AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionUtilizeTransportationInjuryMappingSystem(TIMS)inthe2012RTP.Allocategreaterresourcestocitieswithlittleornobicycle/pedestrianinfrastructureand/orplans,highratesofcollisions(usingTIMSdata),andsignificantpopulationsoflow‐incomeresidents.Identifythesecommunitiesinthe2012RTPinordertoallocateresourcesfortechnicalassistanceandprioritizeplanningandinfrastructureresources.Expandthe"ToolboxTuesdays"programstoincludebicyclesafetydesign,pedestriansafetydesign,ADAdesign,andtrainingonhowtousetheTIMSprogramforstafffromthe190SCAGcities,toexpandunderstandingofwherecollisionsarehappening,howtoimprovethesafetyforpeoplewalkingandbicycling,andenhancelocaljurisdictionHSIP,SRTS,andothergrantopportunityapplications.Commentnoted.IntheTransportationSafetyAppendix,thetop5%collisionlocationsintheSCAGregionarenotedforStateHighways,interchangesandlocal(non‐state)roadways.Inaddition,SCAGhadobtainedthecollisiondatacollectedbytheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolaspartoftheStatewideIntegratedTrafficRecordsSystemandgeocodedtobetteranalyzehot‐spotlocationswherecollisionsinvolvebicyclistsandpedestrians.Inaddition,SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionstosupportasafetransportationenvironmentintheSCAGregion,byworkingwithlocaljurisdictionstoprovidecomprehensiveeducationforallroadusers,directenforcementagenciestofocusonbicyclingandwalkingsafetytoreducemulti‐modalconflicts,andpartnerwithlocaladvocacygroupsandbicyclerelatedbusinessestoprovidebicycle‐safetycurriculatothegeneralpublic.090‐18AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionMeasure:ConductPedestrian&BicycleUsageCounts:Wemustincreasedocumentationofbicycleandpedestrianusageanddemandbyregularlyassessingnumbersofpeoplewalkingandbiking.Withoutsuchfigures,itisdifficulttoforecastusageorCommentnoted.SCAGhasidentifiedthatimproveddatacollectionregardingpedestrianandbicycletripcharacteristics,facilityconditions,andinjuriesandfatalitiesisnecessarytodevelopaclearunderstandingofactivetransportation239IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeasurethepositivebenefitsofinvestmentsinthesemodes.conditions.SCAGacknowledgesthatthisdatacollectionisnecessarytoimprovedecisionmakers'understandingofthedeficienciesandneedswithintheexistingactivetransportationsystem.090‐19AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionCreateandfundaregionalbicycleandpedestriancountprogramatSCAGestablishingyearlyusagecountsatkeylocationsincitiesthroughouttheSCAGregion.Commentnoted.090‐20AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionUsethedatacollectedtoestablishtrends,setgoals,evaluatefundrequestsforfacilityimprovements,prioritizeimprovements,andshowtheimpactsofrecentimprovements.SetasidefundsinSCAG's2012/2013OWPtocreateandmaintainthisprograminfutureyears.Commentnoted.090‐21AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionTheRTPshouldsetatargetforincreasingtheamountofalltripsmadebybicycleandtheamountofwalkingtotransittrips(measuringthe1st/lastmile).Commentnoted.Goal3oftheActiveTransportationAppendixistoincreaseActiveTransportationusageintheSCAGRegionbyadoptingaSafeRoutestoSchoolPolicyandaCompleteStreetsPolicy.090‐22AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionCollaborate:ReviewLocalInput,ProvideOpportunitiesforStakeholderstoEngageandIncorporateFeedback:TherearegrowingvoicesalloverthesixcountySCAGregioninsupportofsafewalkableandbikeableneighborhoodsforusersofallagesandabilities.SafeRoutestoSchoolprogramsandinvestmentsisanexampleofabroadspectrumprogramthatwhilefocusingonimprovementstoensurethesafetyofouryouth,ultimatelybenefitsthewholeneighborhood.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithstakeholderstodevelopasafeactivetransportationprogramthroughoutSouthernCalifornia.090‐23AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionManyoftheseindividuals,communitymembers,professional‐andmore,haveconcernsaboutthefundamentalchangeneededinourregion.Commentnoted.090‐24AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionSCAGconductedvaluableandwellrunworkshopsthissummer,andwecommendthoseefforts,howeverweareconcernedtherehasnotbeenareportcompiledandpresentedonthefeedbackreceivedinthoseworkshops.WeunderstandSCAGstaffisworkingonthis.WeurgethesefindingstobesharedinatimelymannerwiththeBoard,sothattheymayunderstandtheirconstituents.Weaskthatthestafftoreportonwhatwasheardandhowthesecommentsareaddressedinthedraft2012RTP.Commentnoted.Feedbackreceivedduringthesummer2011workshopswasanalyzedandpresentedtoSCAG'sJointPolicyCommitteesandRegionalCouncillaterinthefallforthepurposesofdevelopingtheDraft2012RTP/SCS.090‐25AlexisLantzLosAngelesCountyBicycleCoalitionWerecognizethereisasignificantincreasedlevelofinvestmentsandpoliciesoutlinedinthisdocument,thisisbuiltonthedemand,interestandsupportforactivetransportationCommentnoted.240IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehappeningallovertheSCAGregion.WithincreasedopportunitiesforstakeholderstoweighinontheRegion'sTransportationPlan,webelievethiswillstrengthentheRTPanditsabilitytobesuccessfullyimplementedoverthecomingyears.091‐01TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationForthepastthreeyears,businessandindustryrepresentativesfromthroughoutSouthernCaliforniahaveparticipatedintheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernment'sextensiveprocessusedtodeveloptheregion'sDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),whichincludesaninauguralSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS).Ourinterestinthisprocesshasbeenparticularlykeengivenboththesignificanteconomicchallengescurrentlyfacingourregion'seconomyandthefactthattheinauguralSCScould‐ifnotconsideredfrommanyviewpoints‐haveunforeseennegativeconsequences.Inlightofourongoingparticipationandunderstanding,weappreciatethetremendouseffortthatSCAG'sstaffandleadershaveputintotheprocessthatledtotheDraft2012RTP/SCS&PEIR.ThedevelopmentofthisRTP/SCSfollowedaninclusiveapproachwithSCAGholdinghundredsofmeetingswithSCAG'spublicandprivatestakeholders.WealsoappreciatetheextensiveeconomicanalysisthatSCAGhasperformedontheDraftRTP/SCSinordertoprovideallstakeholdersandSCAG'sRegionalCouncilmemberswithanunderstandingofthefinancialimpactsoftheplan.AsrepresentativesofSouthernCalifornia'sbroaderbusinesscommunity,werecognizethecrucialrolesthattransportationandinfrastructurehaveinmaintainingourregion'seconomyandqualityoflife.Accordingly,throughthisletter,wejointogethertoprovideSCAGwithgeneralcommentsregardingremainingsignificantconcernsaboutthecontentsofboth(i)theDraft2012RTP/SCS,and(ii)theDraftProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR).Commentnoted.091‐02TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationFostereconomicgrowthandjobcreationinabalancedandaccountablemannerandinrecognitionofforeseeableregionalpopulationgrowth;Commentnoted.PleaseseeRegionalGoalsonpage13ofChapter1,Vision.091‐03TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationUtilizeallrevenuesourcesveryefficiently,andutilizenewrevenuesourcesonlyiftheyareeconomicallysoundandequitable;Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTP241IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.091‐04TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationHonortheprerogativesthatlocalgovernments–asthelevelofgovernmentwiththegreatestunderstandingofandsensitivitytocommunityinterestsandcontext–shouldcontinuetoenjoyconcerninglanduseandcommunitydevelopment;Commentnoted.SCAGbasedthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsintheRTP/SCSoninputreceivedfromeachofour197localjurisdictions.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptions(withinjurisdictionalboundaries)tobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.091‐05TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationComplywiththeCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA)andfederalenvironmentallawsandregulations(e.g.,federalCleanAirActconformity);and‐AllowforexpeditiousreviewandapprovalofprojectsthatareconsistentwithasoundandreasonablyaccommodatingRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSanditsPEIRcomplywithallrequirementsincludingSAFETEA‐LU,theCaliforniaRegionalTransportationPlanGuidelines,SB375andCEQA.091‐06TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederationTurningtothesubstanceoftheRTP/SCSasapolicymatter,wehavethefollowingadditionalgeneralcomments:4)TheRTP/SCSisundergirdedbyanalysiswhichshowsthedispersionofpopulationsandemploymentshownandcategorizedatthelevelofsub‐jurisdictional“transportationanalysiszones”(TAZs).TheTAZlevelofdetailis,webelieve,toosmallandprecisealevelatwhichtoprescribethespatialdispersionofdevelopmentandredevelopment,particularlyinlightoftheregionalnatureoftheRTP/SCS.Page148oftheSCSshouldthereforebeclarifiedtoindicatethatquestionsofconsistencywiththeRTP/SCSshouldbesubstantivelymeasuredandCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.242IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedeterminedatajurisdictionalorsub‐regionallevel,notataTAZlevel.091‐07TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation5)TheRTP/SCSshouldaimtoreflectandaccommodateboththeshort‐termfutureoftheSCAGregionanditslongtermfuture.Forexample,theRTPshouldbetteranticipatetheneedforandreasonablelikelihoodofagradualtransitionintheregion’soverallvehiclefleet(e.g.,graduallytowardsalternativefuels)andtheongoingneedforenhancementstovehicularmobilityevenasmoremasstransitcomestofruition.Commentnoted.The2102RTPisalongrangeplanningdocumentthataccountsforvehiclefleetturnoverandpresentsbothnear‐termandlong‐termstrategiestoaddresstheon‐goingneedforenhancedmobilityinalltransportationmodes.091‐08TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation6)Moredetail,clarityandexplanationareneededconcerningthenewrevenuesourcesthatareoutlinedwithintheplandocument.Newrevenuesaccountfor$219.5billionoutofthetotal$524.7billionneededforthetransportationplan,yetthereisverylittledetailexplainingthesesignificantnewfeesandimpositions(seepage95&96oftheDraftRTP/SCS).Tofullyandfairlyevaluatetheseproposals,thebusinesscommunityandallstakeholdersneedthebenefitofadditionaldetailandexplanation.Inparticular,weneedclarityandassuranceregardingthefollowing:a.ThenewrevenueconceptsassumedwithintheRTP/SCSmustbefair,equitableandeconomicallysound,meaningthatanappropriatenexusexiststoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.b.ThenewrevenuesourceswithintheRTPmustbeeffectivelyallocated,meaningtheplanshouldclearlyarticulatehowresourceswillbeefficientlyandresponsiblyallocatedsothatthereisthebestpossiblereturnoninvestmentfortheexpenditureofthesenewtransportationfunds.SCAGneedstoshowthatitwillbearesponsible,accountableandinnovativestewardofthenewrevenuesthatitisproposing.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.091‐09TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation8)IntheRTP,SCAGshouldidentifyandhighlightthesignificanteconomiccontributionsofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Specifically,theRTPshouldacknowledgethat,asbusinessstakeholdersworkwithregulatoryagenciestofurtherreduceemissionsintheSCAGregion,anytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,orreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.ItwouldbehelpfulforSCAGtostateclearlyintheRTPthat,todate,stakeholdersCommentnoted.SCAGclearlyrecognizesthesignificantcontributionofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Weconcurthatanytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,andreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.Furtherclarificationconcerningtechnologydevelopment,stakeholderinvolvement,andfundinghasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTP.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholdersinfurtherevaluating243IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehavenotreachedconsensusontechnologies,timing,funding,oremissionsimpactsofthevariousoptionsthatSCAGexaminedintheRTP.Forexample,SCAGdiscusseslong‐termstepstowardsa"ZeroEmissionsContainerMovementSystem"(ZECMS).IfSCAGchoosestopursuesuchafundamentalshiftinnewtechnology,itwouldneedtoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholderstoclearlyestablishwhetherand,ifso,whenandwherewithinthetransportationinfrastructureaZECMSoptioncouldbedemonstratedandevaluatedwithoutnegativelyeffectingthevelocityandthroughputofthesystem.technologyoptions.091‐10TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation9)Withtherecenteliminationofredevelopmentagencies,theabilityoflocaljurisdictionstomeetthedensificationofurbancentersintheneartermischallenged,giventhecostsrelatedtoagingorinadequateinfrastructurecapacityandhighdevelopmentcostsforhigherdensityprojects.Theeliminationofredevelopmentagenciesalsothreatenstheavailabilityofsufficienthousingoptionsnecessarytomeettheneedsofadynamicworkforce.Infact,sincethepassageofSB375,theStateofCaliforniahasstrippedlocalgovernmentsoffundsthatwerepreviouslyavailablefortransit,transportationandredevelopment.Thisfollowsmanyyearsinwhichthestatedivertedrevenuesfromgasoline,sales,incomeandothertaxesneededforlocalgovernmentprograms.Localgovernmentscannothelptofulfillthe2012RTP/SCSwithoutincreased,notdecreased,statesupport.SCAGshouldemphasizetheneedforthestatetorestoresupportforplanning,transit,transportationandredevelopmentorothernecessaryfundingtopre‐SB375levelsinordertospeedtheattainmentofmandatedgoals.Whilewefindmanyverypositiveaspectsintheplan,especiallyrelatedtoprinciplesanddirection,thesesignificantissuesneedtobeaddressed.Theshortlistofgeneralconcernssetforthaboveisnotmeanttobeexhaustive.Manyoftheorganizationsthatsubscribetotheabove‐statedcommentswillbecommentingmorerobustlyinseparatewritings.Wejoinhere,however,toexpressourunityinfindingtheDraft2012RTP/SCSandPEIRtobeinneedofsignificantclarificationandcorrection.Wearealsojointlycommittedtocompletingthisprocessand,overtheremainingweeks,workingcloselywithSCAGtodevelopandadoptasmart,flexible,accountable,andeconomicallysoundRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.SCAGconditionedacceptanceoftheSB375regionaltargetson11recommendationsaimedprimarilyatrestoringpreviouslevelsofstatefundingfortransportation.Wealsoincludedmileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxestodetailspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesources,whichwillhelpensurewehaveadequateresourcestomeetstateandfederalmandates.244IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse091‐11TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation7)NewrevenuesfromfeesonbusinessesoperatingintheSCAGregion–andparticularlythe“FreightFee/NationalFreightProgram”listedonpage96oftheDraftRTP–needtobedevelopedandimplementedatthefederallevel,notthelocalandregionallevel.Unlesssuchfeesareimposedonanationalscale,theregion’scompetivenesswillbecompromised.Commentnoted.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesarenotaneconomicdisadvantagewerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.091‐12TracyRafterLosAngelesCountyBusinessFederation[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber77.092‐01JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthWeapplaudedSCAGforajobwelldoneandembracethemanyaspectsoftheRTPwhichwillimprovepublichealthincludingexpandingpublictransit,reducing,increasingbikepadfunding,andI’mveryexcitedtohearfromthepresentationincreasingbikepadplanning,that’sreallygoodnews.Commentnoted.092‐02JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthTosupportSCAGinmakingresourceallocationdecisionsourdepartmentdevelopedanestimatesuggestiveoftheneedforbikeandpedestrianimprovementsintheSCAGregion.Thiswasactuallyaverylengthyanalyticalprocess,wereviewedthecostdatainexistingcitiesbikeandpedestrianplansinL.A.CountyandtheCaltrans_______disclosedgrantsinL.A.County.WelookedatthecostofsidewalkrepairsintheCityofLosAngeleswhichisquitesignificant.WealsolookedatthecostforbuildingpedestrianandbicycleimprovementintransitorienteddistrictswhichisallabouttheFirstMiles,LastMileissue.Wethenusedthisdatatoextrapolatetheneedsfortheentireregion.Giventhatthisbikeandpedestrianplanshavearangeofcostforproposedimprovementsweactuallylookedatacorrespondingrangeforthecostofactivetransportationfunding.Wecameupwithlowof37billiontoahighof60billionovertwentygiveyearsandthisisadjustedforinflationaspertheRTP.Thisisnotarecommendationforfunding,butwedofeellikegiventheregion’slongstandingunderinvestmentinbikeandpedestrianinfrastructureandoverinvestmentinhighways,arterials,etc.,thatwereallyneedtobethinkingaboutthisasanappropriaterangeforinvestmentoptionsintheRTP.AninvestmentofthismagnitudecouldyieldforourregionbasicbikeandpedestrianinfrastructureinkeyareasofeverycityintheSCAGregion.Itcouldyieldbikeableandwalkableneighborhoodswithinahalfmileofalltransitorienteddistrictsexisting.ItcouldyieldpublicCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionstodevelopanactivetransportationfriendlyenvironmentthroughouttheSCAGregion.245IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseschoolsthroughouttheregionthatchildrencanwalkandbiketo.Sidewalksthatarerepairedthroughouttheregionandimprovedcontinuityincountybikenetworks.092‐03JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthOurrecommendationsfortheRTPinclude:•Frontloadingtheactoftransportationfundingsoitisavailableearlyontojurisdictionsinthetwenty‐fiveyearperiod.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.092‐04JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•TargetingactivetransportationinvestmentsinTOD’screatingFirstandLastMileconnectionstotransit.Commentnoted.092‐05JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthTargetinginvestmentstoclosetheGAP’sinthekeybikepadcorridors.Commentnoted.The2,012.2mileSCAGRegionalBikewayNetworkaimstoclosegapsinspecificregionalcorridorsthatmaybeusedtoincreasebicyclistmobilityandconnectivitywithintheSCAGregion.092‐06JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•Providingfundingandtechnicalassistanceforcitiestocreatebikeandpedestrianplansandtobuildoutthoseplans.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoprovidinglocaljurisdictionswithassistanceinthedevelopmentandimplementationoftheiractivetransportationplans.092‐07JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•FundingjurisdictionstocreateTODplanstoprovideincentivesforhousingandbusiness,tolowincomepeople,andtopreventdisplacementofexistinglowincometenants.Commentnoted.Althoughtheanalysisrelatedtogentrificationanddisplacementisinconclusive,SCAGwillincludepotentialresourcestoaddressgentrificationintheFinalEJappendix.WelookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithEJstakeholdersandwouldencouragetheseprojectstoapplyforfundingthroughCompassBlueprint.092‐08JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•Citinghousingandothersensitiveusedevelopmentfarenoughawayfromsourcesofpollutiontodecreaseexposuresthatcannegativelyaffecthealth.Commentnoted.ThereissubstantialinformationandanalysisonhealthrisksrelatedtoairpollutionfromtransportationinfrastructureincludedinboththeEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixandintheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport.StaffwillprovidefurtheranalysisinthefinalRTP,inresponsetoseveralcomments.092‐09JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•Integratingcompletestreetsintoalltransportationprojectsandincludinghealthcriteriawhenimprovingprojects.Commentnoted.TheActiveTransportationappendixsupportstheconceptofCompleteStreets.Goal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegion,Objective3.2AdoptionofaCompleteStreetsPolicyincludestwopolicies1)Encouragelocaljurisdictionstoprioritizeandimplementprojects/policiestocomplywithADArequirements;and2)246IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEncouragelocaljurisdictionstodevelopandimplementCompleteStreetsPolicies.092‐10JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•MeasuringhowbenefitsoftransportationplansandincorporatinghealthperformancemetricsandhealthoutcomesintoSCAG’smodelingCommentnoted.SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.092‐11JeanArmbrusterLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth•Adoptingtransportationpoliciesthatdiscouragepeoplefromdrivingandincludestrategiessuchascongestionpricingandincentivesfornon‐autoformsoftransportation.Commentnoted.SCAG'sTransportationDemandManagementAppendixincludesrecommendationstoenticetravelersoutofsingleoccupancyvehicles,includingfirst‐mile/last‐milestrategies,rideshare,activetransportationandtelecommuting.TheCongestionManagementAppendixincludesatoolboxcontainingvariousTDM/TSMstrategiesandperformancemetrics.093‐01RichardBrucknerLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanningWeareconcernedthattheDraftRTP/SCSstatesthatthegrowthforecastisbasedonlocalinput.TheoveralllandusepatternmapsforLosAngelesCounty(PartAoftheSCSbackgrounddocumentationappendixoftheSCSChapter)reflectlandusepatternsthatarenotpartoftheCounty'slocalinput.Inparticular,thelandusepatternforthenorthwestcorneroftheunincorporatedAntelopeValleyreflectssignificantgrowthby2020.AreviewoftheTAZlevelsocioeconomicdataforthatareashowsprojectionsofover10,000newhouseholdsby2020,andover22,000newhouseholdsby2035.TheareaisagreenfielddesignatedNon‐urbanbytheAntelopeValleyAreaPlan.Theareaalsoconsistsofenvironmentalandhazardconstraints.AnotherconcernisthelandusepatterninUnincorporatedRowlandHeights,andunincorporatedSouthDiamondBaralongSR‐57,particularlythedesignationofthisasaHQTAby2035.Thisareaisvacant,designatedopenspaceorlowdensity,andalsoconsistsofhazardandenvironmentalconstraints.Commentnoted.SCAG’sgrowthforecastingprocessandresultsareprimarilybasedonthebottom‐uplocalinputprocess.SCAGalsoreviewsregionallysignificantprojectsthroughtheIntergovernmentalReview(IGR).BasedontheinformationreceivedfromtheIGRprojects,SCAGevaluatesandincorporatesthegrowthfromthoseIGRprojectareastoassesstheirimpactsontheregionaltransportationsystem.SCAGwilladdtothe2012RTP/SCSGrowthForecastAppendixthedescriptionofhowtoevaluateandincorporatethesignificantIGRprojectsintosmallareasocioeconomicdatabasefromthe2008RTPgrowthforecastreport.093‐02RichardBrucknerLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanningItisourunderstandingthatSCAGassumedgrowthwithintheseareasbasedonknowledgeofpendinglarge‐scaleprojectsthroughtheCEQAIGRprocess.TheassumptionofgrowthbasedonpendingindividualprojectsisnotexplicitlydescribedintheDraftRTP/SCSaspartofSCAG'sgrowthforecastmethodology.Commentnoted.SCAGreviewsregionallysignificantprojectsthroughtheIntergovernmentalReview(IGRBasedontheinformationreceivedfromtheIGRprojects,SCAGevaluatesandincorporatesthegrowthfromthoseIGRprojectareastoassesstheirimpactsontheregionaltransportationsystem.SCAGwill247IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseInaddition,assuminggrowthbasedonindividualandpendingprojectsisofconcerngiventheuncertaintyofprojectsthathavenotbeenconsideredbyadecisionmakingbodyandhepublic,andthesignificanttimeandcomplexissuesentailedinprocessinglargescaleprojects.TheprojectsmentionedabovewillrequirelegislativeactsbytheLACountyBoardofSupervisors,andthisactionshouldnotbeassumed.Inaddition,assumingapendingprojectinthegrowthforecastputslocalgovernmentsinadifficultpositionandcausesconfusionwhentheprojectisactuallyconsideredforpublichearing.Furthermore,aslarge‐scaleprojectsareoftenbuiltinphases,assumingfullbuild‐outforanindividualprojectwithinthehorizonoftheRTPmaynotalwaysbeappropriate—inparticular,assumingover10,000newhouseholdsby2020andover22,000newhouseholdsby2035inoneparticularTAZ.Theseprojectionsarenotconsistentwithhistoricaldata.TheAntelopeValleyabsorbslessthan200newunitsperyear.Evenif100%ofthegrowthwereinthisonearea,theseprojectionswouldfarexceedhistoricpatterns.addtothe2012RTP/SCSGrowthForecastAppendixthedescriptionofhowtoevaluateandincorporatethesignificantIGRprojectsintosmallareasocioeconomicdatabasefromthe2008RTPgrowthforecastreport.093‐03RichardBrucknerLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanningGiventheoutlinedconcerns,werecommendthefollowingamendmentstotheDraft2012RTP/SCS:1.AmendtheOverallLandUsePatternmapsandadjusttheassociatedTAZ‐levelsocioeconomicdatatoredistributethegrowthassumedtooccurduetopendinglargescaleIGRprojectstoareaswheretheCountyencouragesgrowthintheGeneralPlanUpdate,suchasTransitOrientedDistricts;and2.AsanalternativetousingpendinglargescaleIGRprojectstoinformgrowthdistributionsintheDraftRTP/SCS,addaseparatesectiontotheDraftRTP/SCSthatacknowledgespendinglarge‐scaleIGRprojectsthroughouttheSCAGRegionandtheirpotentialtoimpactfuturegrowthforecastsuponapprovalandadoptionbythelocaljurisdiction.ConsistencybetweentheGeneralPlanUpdateandDraftRTP/SCSisanimportantpartofadvancingthegoalsoftheRTP/SCSatthelocallevel.Weacknowledgethatseverallargeprojectsareintheentitlementprocess,andatthetimeprojectsareapproveditwouldbeappropriatetoamendtheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionsgoingforwardonsmallareagrowthdistributions.094‐01LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanWecommendSCAGforthesignificantandunprecedentedoutreachtoMTA,sub‐regionalagencies,andthepublicinthedevelopmentoftheDraft2012RTP/SCS.WealsoacknowledgeCommentnoted.WearegratefulfortheindispensiblerolethatMTAplayedinthedevelopmentofthisRTP/SCSandlookforwardtocontinuingourpartnershipbeyondtheadoptionof248IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTransportationAuthoritytheextensiveanddedicatedeffortonthepartofSCAGtocraftaSouthernCaliforniaapproachtothenewSCSrequirementsofSB375.WearepleasedthattheDraft2012RTP/SCShasbeenabletomeetboththeairqualityconformityrequirementsofthefederalCleanAirAct,andgreenhousegasemission(GHGe)reductionrequirementsnecessarytocomplywithSB375.theRTP/SCS.094‐02LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthoritya)WeappreciatetheworkingrelationshipbetweenSCAGandMTAstaffnecessarytointegrateour2009LongRangeTransportationPlan(LRTP)projects,programs,andfinancialassumptionsintotheDraft2012RTP.ItappearsthattheDraft2012RTPincludesallprojectsandprogramsfundedbyMTAinthe2009LRTP.WenotethatSCAGhasidentifiedanumberofprojectsandprogramsthatarebeyondfundinglevelsoftheLRTP.WeassumethattheseprojectsandprogramswillbefundedthroughneworinnovativefundingprogramsthatSCAGhasidentifiedintheDraft2012RTPas“reasonablyavailable”fundingsourcesoverthelifeoftheRTP.ExamplesofprojectsbeyondthefundedLRTPinclude:East‐WestFreightCorridorbetweentheI‐710andtheI‐15;PhaseIoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority(CHSRA),pendinganagreementbetweenCHSRA,MetrolinkandLOSSANtoidentifyfundstobringlocalsystemsuptohighspeed(110+MPH)wherepossible;AregionalExpress/HOTLaneNetworkthatexpandsourFastLanespilotprojecttoincludetheI‐405andSR‐91;Variousmodalprograms,includingbusandrailexpansion,TDM,TSM,bicycle,pedestrian,andoperationsandmaintenance.b)MTAhasproposedandisadvocatingaprogramknownasAmericaFastForward(formerlyknownasthe30/10Initiative)tolookatfederalloanandbondingmechanismswhichcouldacceleratethecompletionof12transitprojectsin10yearsinsteadof30years.WebelievethatsuchaprogramisbeneficialtoSouthernCaliforniacountiesthathaveatraditionofself‐helplocalsalestaxmechanisms,andthatthoseself‐helptraditionsshouldberewardedthroughnewfederalbondingorloanassistanceprograms.ClearlythisprogramwouldassisttheregionintheearlierattainmentoffederalandstateairqualityconformityandGHGereductionrequirements.WewouldrecommendthatasectionbeincludedintheDraft2012RTPregardingAmericaFastForward,andthatthissectionincludeSCAGpoliciesandactionstopartnerwithMTAandothercountytransportationCommentnoted.a)Welikewise,appreciatethepositiveworkingrelationshipbetweenMTAandSCAGstaff.YourassumptionsregardingfundingresourcesforprojectsandprogramsbeyondtheLRTParecorrect;wehaveidentifiedreasonablyavailablesourcestosupporttheseinitiatives.b)AmericaFastForwardisspecificallyaddressedonpage207oftheDraftRTPandadditionallanguagehasbeenadded.WearesupportiveofthiseffortandwillcontinuetoworkwithMTAandothercountytransportationcommissionstohelpleverageexistingrevenuesourcesandexpediteprojectdelivery.249IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecommissionstosupportandadvocateforfederalenactmentofthisprogram.094‐03LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityWenotethatpage50,paragraph3statesthat“ourregionhasvirtuallynobuslanes,especiallycomparedtoothermajormetropolitanareas.”WewouldsuggestthatthisreferenceberevisedtoacknowledgethatMTAhasopenedthehighlysuccessfulOrangeLinebusway,hasfederalapprovalofaVerySmallStartGranttoimplementbuslanesonWilshireBlvd,andthattheMTABoardhasrecentlydirectedstafftoconductacountywidetransitstudytoidentifyaminimumoffiveadditionalbuslanecandidateprojects.Additionally,wehavebeenoperatingdedicatedbusserviceforsometimeontheElMonteBuswayandontheHarborTransitway.Commentnoted.Thetexthasbeenalteredtoread"Ourregionhasfewexistingbuslanes,buthasimplementedtheMetroOrangeLine,HarborTransitwayandElMonteBusway."AdditionalcandidatecorridorswillbeconsideredforinclusioninfutureRTPcycles.094‐04LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityTheTransitPoliciesonpage50andtheSCSchaptermakereferencetoHighQualityTransitOpportunityAreas(HQTAs).WewouldencourageSCAGtoidentifyintheDraft2012RTPthespecificareasthatwillbedesignatedasHQTAsandthebenefitofthisdesignation.Commentnoted.Appendix:SCSBackgroundDocumentationidentifiesspecificareasthatareconsideredHQTAs.Therearegeographicareaswithinahalf‐mileradiusofanexistingorplannedmajortransitstoporhigh‐qualitytransitcorridorwithafrequencyofserviceintervalof15minutesorlessduringthemorningandafternoonpeakcommuteperiod.DevelopmentprojectsproposedintheseareasaresubjecttopotentialCEQAreliefiftheymeetanumberofdefinedcriteria.094‐05LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage66,intheparagraphon“Logisticsactivities–includingwarehouseanddistributionfacilities”,wewouldsuggestaddingthatwarehousesanddistributioncentersalsoperformvalue‐addedservicestopreparegoodsforretailsale,suchaspackagingandaddingofaccessories.TheseservicesalsocreatejobsfortheSCAGregion.Commentnoted.Warehousinganddistributionactivitiesdoprovidevalue‐addedservices,well‐payingjobs,andupwardmobilityforregionalresidents.Thisismentionedunderthe“ContinuedExpansionofWarehouseandLogisticsActivity”bulletpoint.ThepointisalsomoreclearlyarticulatedintheGoodsMovementAppendixtothe2012RTP.Furtherrecognitionoftheimpactofvalue‐addedservicesprovidedbytheregionalwarehousinganddistributionhasbeenaddedthefinal2012RTP.094‐06LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage67,inthesection“ComponentsoftheRegionalGoodsMovementSystem”,wewouldencourageSCAGtoaddrailintermodalfacilities(ICTF,Hobart,etc.)asaseparatebulletpointfortworeasons.First,theyplayasignificantroleinthegoodsmovementsystem,whilealsogeneratingtrafficandenvironmentalimpacts.Second,theyarementionedasacomponentoftherailimprovementstrategy(ICTFandSCIGarespecificallymentioned).Commentnoted.SCAGhasincludedrailandintermodalfacilities.094‐07LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyOnpage71,itshouldclarifyinthetextthateventhoughthespecificalignmenthasyettobedetermined,theeast‐westCommentnoted.250IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityfreightcorridorwouldgenerallyparalleltheUPLosAngelessubdivision/SR‐60betweentheI‐710andI‐605,SanJoseCreek/SR‐60betweentheI‐605andSR‐57,andtheSR‐60eastoftheSR‐57.094‐08LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage71,thetextstatesthebenefitsofaneast‐westcorridor,butSCAGmayalsowanttostatewhythiscorridorwasselectedoverthe210,91,and10usinginformationcontainedintheComprehensiveGoodsMovementStudy.Commentnoted.StaffwilladdlanguageonPage71toclarifyperyourcomment.094‐09LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage71,SCAGmaywanttohighlightthattheeast‐westfreightcorridorisenvisionedtobeacleanfreightcorridorsimilartothatwhichwouldbebuiltontheI‐710.Commentnoted.TheintroductionoftheEast‐WestFreightCorridoristitled“RegionalCleanFreightCorridorSystem”andnotesthattheEWFCwould“provideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissionornearzero‐emissionstechnologies”.However,SCAGhasincludedadditionallanguagetoclarifythattheEast‐WestFreightCorridorisexpectedtobeacleancorridorsimilartotheI‐710.Thezero‐emissionconceptfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorismoreclearlyexplainedintheGoodsMovementAppendixincludingadiscussioninthegoodsmovementenvironmentalsectionregardingnear‐andlongtermoperationaltrucktechnologiesthatmaybeconsideredforazero‐emissionornearzero‐emissionfreightcorridor.094‐10LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage72,wesuggestthatthebottleneckreliefstrategyreportshouldbeincludedinthetechnicalappendixandfootnotedinthe“BottleneckReliefStrategy”section.Onpage72,SCAGmaywanttoaddanotherparagraphonsmaller‐scale,near‐termgoodsmovementimprovements,suchastruckclimbinglanesontheI‐5andarterialimprovementsthroughouttheregion.Commentnoted.SCAGincludesneartermgoodsmovementimprovements,suchastruckclimbinglanesontheI‐5andarterialimprovementsthroughouttheregioninthe2012RTPProjectList.094‐11LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpage74,underKeyRailProjectsintheDraft2012RTP,weencourageSCAGtohighlighttheACESanGabrielTrench,asitisthelargestandmostsignificantACEgradeseparationproject($498million).Commentnoted.Thesegradeseparationprojectsareincludedinthe2012RTPProjectList.TheyarefurtherhighlightedintheGoodsMovementAppendix.094‐12LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityWeconcurthattheOrangelineHigh‐SpeedTransitcorridorimprovementfromUnionStationtoPalmdaleisintheStrategic(unfunded)portionoftheDraft2012RTP/SCS.Onpage207ofthemainRTP/SCSdocument,inthelastparagraph,thatreferstoAmericaFastForward,pleaseadd"and14highwayprojects"inthethirdsentenceafterthephrase"toCommentnoted.WehaveaddedthestrategicprojectsasrequestedandhavemodifiedthisparagraphwithlanguageprovidedbyMTAregardingAmericaFastForward.251IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebuild12keymasstransitprojects".094‐13LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthoritya)WesuggestthatSCAGaddadefinitionoftheacronym“LOSSAN”.b)ToclarifywhichdraftCAHSRBusinessPlanisbeingreferredto,SCAGmaywanttoaddthe2012date.c)SCAGmaywanttoindicatethattheCAHSRisestimatedtoreachourregionwiththeInitialOperatingSegment(IOS)in2021,andtheBaytoBasinphasein2026.Furthermore,itshouldbeclarifiedinotherlocationsinthedocumentthattheIOSwillconnecttosouthernCalifornia’snetworkin2021.d)Sincetheactualspeedsforthesystemwillvarybylocation,SCAGmaywanttoremovethereferencetothedefinitionof110mphfortheCAHSRsystem.e)Onpage51,subsection“ImplementationofPhase1oftheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedTrain(HST)Project”,SCAGmaywanttodefinewhich“Authority”isbeingdiscussed.f)WerequestthatSCAGclarifythatProp.1Awillallocate$9.95billioninfundingfortheproject(thecurrentDraftreadsalmost$1billionless:“$9billion”).g)WesuggestthatSCAGstatethatthe$950millioninfundingneedstobeallocatedbytheState.Furthermore,aMemorandumofUnderstandingisanticipatedbetweentheCAHSRAandsouthernCaliforniaagenciestoidentifyfundsfortheregionforadvanceinvestmentinhighspeedrailcorridorsandconnections.h)Onpage52,wesuggestthatSCAGprovideadefinitionordescriptionof“gradeclosures”.i)WesuggestasourceofwheretheLOSSANstrategiesarefrom,toprovideclarity.j)Startingatthebottomofpage52,inthesection“ImprovementstotheExistingMetrolinkSystem”,wenotethatpositivetraincontrolisnota“strategy”,itismandatedbyFederallaw.SCAGmaywanttoaddthatMetrolinkwillincorporatethisdevelopingtechnologytwotothreeyearsaheadoftherestofthenation’spassengerrailroads.k)Theterm“speedcapacityimprovements”needstobeclarified:eitheritisa“speedimprovement”ora“capacityimprovement”.l)Thesecondparagraphonpage53suggeststhatMetorlinkwillbeconnectedin2035whentheHSTreachestheCentralValley.WesuggestrewordingtheparagraphtobeinaccordancewithMetrolink’soperationalareaandtheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority’sBusinessPlan.m)Furthermore,thefinalsentenceinthisparagraphimpliesthatitisknownwhatwouldbeneededfortraveltimesofonehour.ThisisunderCommentnoted.Commentsnoted.A.)LOSSANisdefinedonpage51,withamoredetaileddefinitionbeginningonpage3ofthePassengerRailAppendix.B.)Editmade.C.)Thedraft2012CAHSRBusinessPlanindicatestheCAHSTprojectwillnotreachSylmaruntil2034.D.)Thedefinitionof110mphforhigh‐speedrailreferstotheFRAdefinitionofhigh‐speedrail.E.)TheAuthorityisdefinedintheprecedingparagraph.F.)Editmade.G.)Commentnoted.TheMOUisdiscussedinthePassengerRailAppendix.H.)Textchangedto“gradeseparations”.I.)TheLOSSANstrategiesarefromtheLOSSANStrategicImplementationPlaneffort,asindicatedinthetext.J.)Commentnoted.K.)“Speedcapacityimprovements”changedto“speedandserviceimprovements”.L.)Editmade.M.)Editmade.252IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsestudyregardingthefeasibilityforMetrolinkoperations.WeaskthatSCAGstatethattheremaybesignificantcostsandimpactsofsuchanoption.094‐14LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityItappearsthatallstrategicprojectsfromtheSupplement#1StrategicPlantothe2009LRTPwereadded,buttheoriginalstrategicprojectsfromthe2009LRTPwerenotadded.Commentnoted.WehaveaddedthestrategicprojectsasrequestedandhavemodifiedthisparagraphwithlanguageprovidedbyMTAregardingAmericaFastForward.094‐15LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityIntheTransportationSafetyAppendix,wesuggestusingtheterm"people[orpersons]withdisabilities"fordescribingmembersofthepublicforwhomtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActapplies.Commentnoted.RecommendationincorporatedintotheTransportationSafetyAppendix.094‐16LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityTheSCSBackgroundTechnicalAppendixshouldincludethemethodologyforcalculatingGHGemissionreductionsassociatedwiththeRTP/SCSalternatives,includingassumptionsanddiscussionofoff‐modelinganalysis.TheSCSBackgroundTechnicalAppendixshouldprovidesomediscussionoftherelativebenefitofvarioustransportationandlandusestrategiestowardreducingregonalgreenhousegasemissions.Forexample,howmuchofthereductionisattributabletotheVMTfee,TDMmeasures,TSMmeasures,etc.Movingforward,thisinformationwouldbeusefulforcitiesandotheragenciesseekingtoreduceGHGsinlocalClimateActionPlansandtransportationplanningefforts.Commentnoted.AdditionalinformationregardingthecalculationofGHGemissionreductionshasbeenincludedintheFinalRTP.SCAGisevaluatingtherelativebenefitsofvariousstrategiesandwillmakethisinformationavailableuponcompletion.094‐17LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityIntheAviationandGroundAccessTechnicalAppendix:onpage126,Table4‐8,undertheExpositionLightRailPhaseII,thedescriptioncurrentlyreadsthatitwill"connect"totheExpositionLightRailPhaseI,anditshouldbecorrectedtosaythatitwill"extendtheExpositionLightRailPhaseI";and,thesameTable4‐8shouldincludetheSlausonLightRail:CrenshawCorridortoMetroBlueLineSlausonStation(RTP#1120003)becauseitprovidesadditionalaccesstoLAX.Commentnoted.TheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendicesoftheDraft2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoincludethisnewinformationontheExpositionLightRailLineandtheSlausonLightRail:CrenshawCorridortoMetroBlueLineStation.094‐18LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityOnpages7,95and100,werequestthatSCAGreplacetheword"tunnel"with"transportationimprovementoptions".Perthe2009MetroLong‐RangeTransportationPlan,wehaveupdatedthelanguagetoread“SR‐710NorthExtension(tunnel)(alignmentTBD)".094‐19LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesProjectListAppendix:Onpage27,deletedescriptionfortheCommentnoted.TheProjectListentryforthe710253IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority13thentryandreplacewith,"Route710:Studytoevaluatetransportationimprovementoptionsandpreparealternativesanalyses,engineeringandenvironmentalstudies"(EA#187901andPPNO#2215).Onpage162,deletethedescriptionforthefifthentryandreplaceitwith,"Route710:Studytoevaluatetransportationimprovementoptionsandpreparealternativesanalysis,engineeringandenvironmentalstudies"(EA#187901andPPNO#2215).Onpage163,inthefirstentry,deletethedescriptionandreplaceitwith,"Developtransportationimprovementoptions".Onpage430,thefifthentry,deletethealternativestotheSR‐710tunneloptionandreplaceitwith,"SR‐710transportationimprovementoptions".Onpage432,thesixthentry,deletethedescriptionandreplaceitwith,"SR‐710transportationimprovementoptions".HighwaysandArterialsAppendix:Onpage3,thefirstentryunderTollLanesheading,deletethedescriptionandreplaceitwith"Developtransportationimprovementoptions".environmentalstudiesistheprojectdescriptionintheadoptedFederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP)andFTIPdescriptionchangesmustberequestedthroughthestandardFTIPdatabaseupdateprocess.RegardingSR‐710,perthe2009MetroLong‐RangeTransportationPlan,referencestothe“SR‐710GapClosure”havebeenrevisedto“SR‐710NorthExtension(tunnel)(alignmentTBD)”.094‐20LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityPassengerRailAppendix:a)Page1,referenceismadetoAmtrakservice.ItshouldbestatedthatallAmtrakserviceotherthanthePacificSurflinerareintercityandlongdistanceroutesthatconnectLACountyandadjoiningcountieswithdestinationsthroughoutCaliforniaandtheUS.Also,theAntelopeValleyLineispartoftheLOSSANCorridorbetweenBurbankJunctionandLAUnionStation.b)ThePassengerRaildocumentshouldeliminatereferencetoMaglevandtheSCAGHSRTasthiscreatesconfusionandappearstoindicatethatthetechnologyandproposedcorridorarestillunderconsideration.Aswritten,itappearsasiftheMaglevtechnologyandtheCAHighSpeedRailprogramareincompetitionwitheachother.Itisunclearwhythisisheavilycoveredinthisdocumentwhentheconclusionisthattheprojectisnolongerplanned.c)ThevisionforrailserviceintheSo.Cal.regionshouldprovideastrongeremphasisonintermodallinkagesatthethreeregionalairportsthatwillbephysicallyortemporallylinkedtotheCAHighSpeedRail.TheseairportsincludePalmdale,BobHopeandOntario.Eachoftheseairportsalreadyhaspassengerrailaccessibility,butthiswillbestrengthenedasaresultofcurrentplanningandsystemdevelopmentefforts.d)Thedocumentshouldamplifyontheroleofregionalrailintegrationandservice/operatingimprovementsinmeetingregionalgreenhousegasreductionCommentnoted.Commentsnoted.A.)Editsmadetoincorporatethiscomment.B.)Commentnoted.ThesectionontheSCAGHSRTMaglevprojectisincludedtogiveabackgroundofSCAG’shigh‐speedrailplanningeffortsinpreviousRTPs,andtoshowitisnolongerconsideredfinanciallyviable.TheHigh‐SpeedRailSubcommitteevotedtonotincludeitinthe2012RTP/SCS,asreflectedlaterinthePassengerRailAppendix.C.)DiscussionsofintermodallinkageswithCAHSTarediscussedintheappendix,butalsoinChapters2and7oftheRTP.D.)Commentnoted.E.)Commentnoted.Muchofthisdiscussionisincludedin“TheStrategicPlan:OurUltimateVisionforHighSpeedRail”sectionbeginningonpage18.F.)Commentnoted.G.)Commentnoted.Thiscommentisdiscussedin“CooperativeAgreements”beginningonpage16.H.)Commentnoted.TheAntelopeValleyLineStudyisdiscussedinChapter2onpage52.TheotherprojectsareincludedintheRTPandidentifiedintheprojectlist.I.)Commentnoted.J.)TheCHSRA’sdecisiontodroptheGrapevinealignmentagainin2012isdiscussedinChapter2.K.)Commentnoted.TheAuthorityisdefinedearlierintheappendix.254IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandvehiclemilestraveled/vehicletripreductiongoals.Further,thedocumentshouldidentifythepassengerrailstationareasascandidatelocationsforlanduseintensificationthataddresstheregionaljobs/housingimbalances.e)ThediscussionofthestatewideHSTsystemandwhatitmeansforSo.Cal.isfragmented.Thereshouldbeaclearerdefinitionofthetechnology,routes,andwhatitmeansforregionalconnectivity.f)ThedocumentshouldmakeclearerthedesiredeffectoftheEarlyInfrastructureInvestmentinitiativebothtodevelopthewayforHSRandtoincrementallyupgradeexistinginfrastructuretosupporthigherspeed,moreefficientandsaferpassengerrailservicelinkingtheregiontotheHSRsystem.Thiscouldincludereferencetotheuseofsharedcorridorsandsharedcorridor/sharedtrackscenariosthatwillhelpimproveexistingpassengerserviceandenhanceserviceintegrationacrosstheregion.(continued)094‐21LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority(continued)g)ThediscussionofthePacificSurflinershouldrefertotherecenteffortstodevelopthebusinessplanforthecorridorandtheaddressingofshorttermimprovements,alsoincludetheeffortstocreatesynergyinthecorridorandtomovetowardslocalgovernance.Thediscussionshouldincludetheadvantagesofthis.h)ThediscussionofMetrolinkshouldincludecapitalstudiesinLACountythatareunderway.Specifically:AntelopeValleyLineStudy‐thisisacomprehensivestudyoftheAntelopeValleyLineforcapitalimprovementsandenhancementstooverallsafety.Thestudywilladdresscapacityandtraveltimeissues,gradecrossingupgradesandgradeseparations.Theproposedimprovementswillbemodeledandfromthataprioritizationandfundingstrategywillbedevelopedforimplementationoftheimprovements.CPRaymertoCPBernsonDoubleTrack‐thisisPreliminaryEngineeringandEnvironmentalwork(PE/NEPA)todoubletrackthissegmentoftheVenturaLine.ThisprojectwillcompletethedoubletrackingoftheLOSSANCorridorfromChatsworthtoOrangeCounty.MetroreceivedanARRAgrantforthisworkandispartneringwithMetrolinktocompleteit.Metroispursuingfundingforconstruction.VanNuysStation‐thisstationontheLOSSANCorridorisusedbyAmtrakandMetrolink.Itisasingleplatformstationthatisanoperationalbottleneckinthesystem.MetroreceivedanARRAgranttoperformPE/NEPAworkforasecondCommentnoted.TheFinalRTPwillbeeditedtoincorporatethesecomments.255IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseplatformatthisstation.StrategicStudies‐MetroismovingforwardwithstrategicstudiesofotherMetrolinklinesinLACounty.Metrowillbeworkingwiththeothermemberagenciesonsharedlinestodevelopoverallstrategicpriorities.i)Onpage15,regardingthediscussionofdecisionpointsafterconstructionoftheInitialConstructionSegment,therewillnotbeadecisiontocontinuetheproject.Thatwillbeanongoingdiscussionpriortothat.Priortothecompletionofthatsegmenttherewillbediscussionregardingproceedingnorthorsouth.Thedocumentshouldnotdiscussdecisionpointsforthesystem.ThiswillbeanongoingprocessforCHSRAandwillbebasedonbusinessmodelsandfundingopportunities.Also,onthispagethevariousstagesshouldusetheterm"extend"ratherthan"build".(continued)094‐22LoriAbrishamiLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthority(continued)j)NotethattheCHSRAhasdecidedtomoveforwardwithaPalmdalestationandnotmoveforwardwiththeI‐5/Grapevinealternative.ThisshouldbementionedandthediscussionshouldincludewhatthismeansforthePalmdalearea.k)Page17referstothe"Authority'sdraft2011BusinessPlan".ThismaybetheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthoritybutitisnotedwithintheMetrolinkdiscussionandcanconfusethereader.WesuggeststatingthespecificAuthorityinvolved.Commentnoted.095‐01AvitalShavitLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityMetrowouldliketorequestmodificationstotheTCMTimelyImplementationReportthatwehavesubmittedtoSCAGstaffviae‐mailon2/14/2012Commentnoted.AppropriaterevisionswillbereflectedintheFinal2012RTPTCMTimelyImplementationReport.096‐01HermanChengLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityLACMTAiscommentingonthe"ProjectList"appendix.WewouldliketorequestmodificationstotheprojectlistthatwehavesubmittedtoSCAGstaffthroughthestandardFTIPdatabaseupdateprocess.Majorprojectmodificationsinclude:∙LAF1197∙LA0G451∙LAF3114∙LA0G406∙LAF1136∙LA0D441∙LA0D442∙LA0D465∙LA0F010∙LA0C8086∙LA0D145∙LA0D145B∙LA0D747∙LA996347∙LA0D399∙LA0D450∙LA0D480∙LAF3434∙LAF1455∙LA990305Majorprojectadditionsinclude:∙LA0G774∙LAF5309∙LAF5306∙LAF5302∙LA0G814∙LAF5307∙LAF5101∙LAF5100∙LAF5300∙LAF5115∙LAF5310∙LAF5314∙LAF5315∙LAF5316∙LA996345∙LAF5305∙LAF5301∙LAF5129∙LA0G726∙LA0G754∙LA0G755∙LAF5303∙LAF1343∙LA0G830∙LA0G598Commentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthe2011FTIPA24updateprocess.256IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse097‐01DiegoAlvarezLosAngelesWorldAirportsUseofAirportFunds:LAWA'sfirstpriorityistomaintainsafeandefficientairports.Ourrevenuesandexpendituresareusedtosupportthateffortandfulfillourcommitmenttosupportingthenationalairspacesystem.Allairportshaveatremendousdemandforcapitalimprovements.Assuch,mostairportsdependonfinancialsupportfromtheFAAviagrantfundsforeligibleconstructionandnoisemitigationprojects.Inreturnforfederalgrantmonies,theFAAincludesgrantassurancesthatlimituseofairportrevenuesolelyforaviation‐relatedusesonairportproperty.Usingairportfundsfornon‐airportfunctionsviolatesfederallawandjeopardizestheairport'sabilitytoreceivefederalgrants.Nevertheless,LAWAseekstopartnerwithSCAGtofindsolutionstosupportgroundaccessimprovementstoairports,otherprimarytransportationfacilities,and"secondary"airportsintheregion.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatthefederalgovernmentcurrentlyplacesstrictlimitationsontheuseofairportrevenuesforoff‐airportpurposes.Toaddressthisissue,SCAGhasadoptedregionalaviationpoliciesinsupportofnewlegislationthatallowsformoreflexibleuseofairportrevenuesforoff‐airportgroundaccessprojectswhenrequestedbyairportoperators,andthispolicycontinuestobeadvancedintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwelcomescontinuedpartnershipandcoordinationwithLAWAindevelopingandimplementingregionalairportgroundaccessstrategies.097‐02DiegoAlvarezLosAngelesWorldAirportsUseofAirportExpressBuses:TheRTPincludesan"ActionStep"whichwouldplanandpromotearegionalsystemofairportexpressbuses,modeledinpartontheFlyAwayservicecurrentlyoperatingatLAX.LAWAagreesthatexpressbusesareapromisingsolutiontocertaingroundaccessproblems.However,ithasbeenLAWA'sexperiencethatexpressbusesaremosteffectiveatairportswithhighpassengerdemandandincitieswithconcentratedpopulationsofpassengersandemployees.Eventhen,highfaresorsignificantsubsidieshavebeenrequiredtomaintainaneffectivelevelofservice.LAWAhasspentagreatdealofresourcescarefullystudyingthefeasibilityofestablishingnewFlyAwayroutestoserveLAX.However,evenforLAX,withitsextensivemarketareaandpassengerbase,ithasbeenachallengetofindstationlocationsthatarebothviableandsuccessful.LAWAinvitesSCAGtocontinueexaminingwaystobringsimilarprojectstootherairports,butcautionsthattheseservices,bythemselves,maynotbeeffectiveinincreasingpassengerdemandat"secondary"airports.Commentnoted.Weagreethatexpressbusesaremosteffectiveatairportswithhighpassengerdemand,asdiscussedintheAirportGroundAccessReportintheDraft2012RTP/SCSAviationTechnicalAppendices,andthatnew“FlyAways”servingairportsotherthanLAXarenotlikelytohaveasignificantimpactonfutureregionalairpassengerdistributions.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwithLAWAinidentifyingsitesforviablenew“FlyAways,”andre‐examiningaviationactivityconstraintsatLAWA‐operatedairportsforSCAG’snext(2016)RegionalTransportationPlan.097‐03DiegoAlvarezLosAngelesWorldAirportsAviationActivityConstraints:LAWAagreesthattheaviationactivityconstraintsintheregion,andpotentiallydispersionofthatactivityatotherairports,shouldbere‐examinedinsubsequentregionalplans.Commentnoted.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwithLAWAinre‐examiningaviationactivityconstraintsatLAWA‐operatedairportsforSCAG’snext(2016)RegionalTransportationPlan.097‐04DiegoAlvarezLosAngelesWorldAirportsAdditionalTechnicalClarifications:LAWAalsowantstoofferthefollowingtechnicalclarificationstotheRTP:SCAGhasreportedCommentnoted.ThevehicletripestimatesfromtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EISwerenotuseddirectlyintheDraft2012257IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseanumberofvehicletripstoLAXunderexistingconditionsaswellasunderafutureforecastfor2035,citingtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EISasajustificationforthosetripnumbers.However,thenumbersreporteddonotcorrespondtodatathatLAWAhaspreviouslyreportedorusedinanyenvironmentalanalysis.LAWArequestsclarificationofthosedatapoints.LAWArecommendsthefollowingchangestoTable4‐6and4‐7intheAviationandAirportGroundAccesssectionsoftheRTP.InTable4‐6,thefollowingprojectsshouldbeincludedinthelistofprojectscompletedsincetheprojectnoticeofpreparationin2008(footnote1):DouglasSt.,LaCienegaBlvd.,LincolnBlvd.(all),NashSt.,SepulvedaBlvd.(both),theI‐105westboundofframpatSepulvedaBlvd.,andtheI‐405atSR‐90.TwootherprojectsonTable4‐6,ArborVitaeSt.,andtheI‐405fromI‐10toSR‐101,areunderconstructionasofJanuary2012.InTable4‐7,ProjectLAX‐19,whichincludesLincolnBlvd.Improvements,hasalreadybeencompleted.LAWArecommendsthatSCAGincludeintheRTPaportionoftheprojectreferredtoasLAX‐10,wideningAviationBlvd.fromCenturyBlvd.toManhattanBeachBlvd.to3lanesineachdirection.RTP/SCSAirportGroundAccessReportsincetheywerepreparedfordifferentyears(2005and2015)thanthoseusedinthereport,andweregenerallyexpressedintermsofpeakhourtrafficvolumesratherthandailytrafficvolumes.ThevehicletripsshownintheAirportGroundAccessReportwereestimatedusingdataandfactorsthatwerederivedfromavarietyofsources,includingtheLAXMasterPlanEIR/EIS,the2006LAXairpassengersurvey,andreportsissuesbytheAviationCooperativeResearchProgramandTransitCooperativeResearchProgram.Ingeneral,trafficdatafromtheLAXmasterplanwasusedtoapproximateatripgenerationratefortheairportthatwasappliedtotheforecastpassengerincreasetoprojectfuturetrafficvolumes.Table3‐3intheAirportGroundAccessReportwillbeclarifiedtoreflectthesedistinctions.Commentnoted.TheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendicesoftheDraft2012RTP/SCShavebeenrevisedtoincorporatetherecommendedchangestoLAXgroundaccessprojectslistedinTable4‐6andTable4‐7.097‐05DiegoAlvarezLosAngelesWorldAirports2011AirPassengerSurvey:Lastly,the2006LAXAirPassengerSurveywasusedtocreateseveraldatapointswithinthissectionoftheRTP.LAWAishopingtounveiltheresultsofits2011AirPassengerSurveyinFebruaryofthisyear.SCAGshouldconsiderupdatingitsAppendixwiththisnewdataasitfinalizestheRTP.LAWAwillposttheresultsofthissurveyonourwebsiteoncethereportiscompleted.Commentnoted.DuetotimeandresourceconstraintsSCAGisunabletoincorporatedatafromLAWA’srecentlyreleased2011LAXAirPassengerSurveyintotheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendicesoftheDraft2012RTP/SCS.However,thisnewdatawillbeusedinanyfutureupdatestothisreport.098‐01DanFairbanksMarchJointPowersAuthorityExhibit4.18,LandUsePatternRiversideCounty(2035)identifiesa"HighQualityTransitOpportunityArea"locatedalongAlessandroBlvdinproximitytoI‐215,withintheCityofRiverside,CityofMorenoValley,unincorporatedRiversideCountyandMarchJointPowersAuthority.Theconcentrationofhighdensityresidentialand/orhighdensitycommercialusesalongportionsoftheAlessandrocorridorwouldconflictwiththeairportAccidentPotentialZonesasdefinedinthe2005MarchAirReserveBaseAirInstallationCompatibilityUseZone(AICUZ)study,andfurtherconflictwiththerecommendedairportcompatibilityprovisionsidentifiedinthedraftJointLandUsestudycurrentlyundergoingenvironmentalreviewbytheRiversideCountyAirportLandUseCommission.WhiletransitisCommentnoted.WeagreethatanyproposedchangesinlandusedensitiesthatliewithinairportAccidentPotentialZonesand/orconflictwithairportlandusecompatibilityprovisionsandstandardsshouldbeanalyzedandreviewedbytheimpactedairportsandappropriateAirportLandUseCommissions.258IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseencouragedbytheseplans,theproposedincreaseindensities/intensitiesinthisareaofhighnoiseandairportsafetyconcernsnecessitatesdetailedanalysis,bestperformedbytheRiversideCountyAirportLandUseCommissionandMarchAirReserveBase.099‐01MarniePrimmerMobility21Mobility21,SouthernCalifornia’stransportationadvocacycoalition,respectfullysubmitsthesecommentsaspartoftheongoingeffortsofSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)toproduceacomprehensive2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP).Mobility21,beingcomprisedofbothbusinessandgovernmententitiesisuniquelypositionedtoprovideinsightintotheRTPprocess.WerecognizeSCAGstaff’sdiligenceincraftinganRTPthatwillmeettherequirementsofthefederalprocessandofthenewly‐requiredSB375legislation.Mobility21alsoappreciatestheopenprocessandintensiveoutreachSCAGhasundertakenduringthedevelopmentofthe2012RTP.Nevertheless,wesharetheseideasregardingtheRTPascurrentlylaidoutandthoughtsonreformingtheRTPprocessforfuturesuccess.Firstandforemost,ourgoalistoassistSCAGwithensuringthefinaladoptedRTPisbothcomprehensiveanddefensible,providesflexibilitytothecountytransportationagenciesresponsiblefordeliveringprojectsundertheprogram,andsupportsastrongprivatesectoreconomicengine.WehavefiverecommendationstoprovidetoSCAGatthistime:Commentnoted.Seeresponsesassociatedwiththespecificcomments.099‐02MarniePrimmerMobility21ProtectLocally‐ApprovedSalesTaxMeasures:TheprogramofprojectssubmittedtoSCAGbythecountytransportationcommissionsconsistinpartofprojectspromisedtovotersaspartoflocally‐approvedsalestaxmeasures.Mobility21remindsSCAGthattheseprojectsindividuallyandtogetherconstituteacontractwiththetaxpayersthatmustberespectedandimplementedasvotersapproved.Localtaxpayershaveprioritizedthedistributionoffundsintheirrespectivesalestaxmeasurestoacomplete,multi‐modalprogramofprojectstomeetlocalneeds.Changescannotandshouldnotbemadewithouttaxpayerapproval.TheRTPshouldstrengthenandenhancetheabilityofthecountiestodelivertheseprojects,whileatthesametimesupportingtheireffortstodelivernon‐salestaxprojectsthatwillprovidegreatermobility,congestionrelief,andairqualitybenefits.TheRTPneedstobolstertheCommentnoted.TheRTPincludesthelocaloptionsalestaxmeasuresandtheirassociatedprojectsassubmittedbythecountytransportationcommissions.259IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseeffortsoflocaltransportationagencies,andthebusinesscommunitythatsupportsthem,toprotectthisessentialcovenantwithvotersandtaxpayers.Failuretodosowillmakeapprovaloffuturefundingmeasuresnearlyimpossible.099‐03MarniePrimmerMobility21ThoroughEconomicAnalysis:Asyet,theimpactoftheeliminationofredevelopmentagenciesisunknownintermsofthedeliveryoftransportationprojects.SomebusinessgroupshavealsoexpressedconcernoverthefeasibilityofseveraloftheproposedfinancialoptionsandmitigationsincludedintheRTP.Mobility21stronglyurgesSCAGtoincorporateathorougheconomicanalysisintothedevelopmentandapprovaloftheRTPsothatallelementsofthefinalapprovedplansupporttheeconomicgrowthofthisregion.Commentnoted.EconomicandJobCreationAnalysishasbeenupdatedtoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsofthe2012‐2035RTP.099‐04MarniePrimmerMobility21LocallySensitiveContext:ThisRTPisthefirstofitskind.SCAGhasdoneayeoman’sjobofworkingtoproduceSustainableCommunityStrategies,housinganalysisandtransportationprojectionsintheRTP.However,Mobility21remainsconcernedthatintensifyingdevelopmentintheurbancoremayimpactfuturehousingavailability,choicesandaffordability.Recommendationsregardingland‐useshouldtakeintoaccounttheregion’sdisparatecommunities,geographies,marketforces,andtakeaflexibleapproachtoprotectthediversityoftheregion.Commentnoted.Thelandusecomponentwasdevelopedthroughmorethantwoyearsofcollaborationwithlocalgovernments,demographers,economistsandotherstakeholders.ArobustenvironmentaljusticeanalysishasbeencompletedandisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Trendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitorthisinformationinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.SCAGwillincludemitigationstrategiesforgentrification.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithenvironmentaljusticeandpublichealthstakeholdersonstrategiestopreventdisplacement.Moreover,populationandhouseholdfiguresbyincomegroupfortheRHNAplanningperiodareprovidedtoeachlocaljurisdictionsuchthattherequiredhousingbytype,incomecategory,andaffordabilitycanbeaddressedthroughlocalhousingelementupdates‐whichwillbedue18monthsaftertheadoptionoffinalRTP(aroundOctober2013).099‐05MarniePrimmerMobility21ProtectRegion’sEconomicCompetitiveness:Alargeshareofourregionaleconomyisdependentupontheflowofgoodsfromourports,throughthecountiesandtotherestofournation.InfrastructureimprovementsrelatedtogoodsmovementarevitalforSouthernCaliforniatoremainCommentnoted.Strategiesidentifiedinthe2012RTPareintendedtoensurethecontinuedeconomiccontributionsofregionalgoodsmovementactivitieswhileaddressingassociatedairquality,environmental,andcommunityconcerns.SCAGhasworkedverycloselywithregionalstakeholderstoidentify260IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseeconomicallycompetitive.Asotheroptionsbecomeavailablebothnationallyandgloballyforcargomovement,Mobility21isconcernedthatcomponentsoftheRTPcouldputtheregionatadisadvantage,suchasimplementingnewtechnologiesbeforetheyarefeasibleorimposingfeesonbusinessesoperatingintheSCAGregion.Newrevenuesourcesshouldbedevelopedandimplementedatthefederallevel,notthelocalandregionallevel.potentialsolutionstoachievethesegoals.SCAGbelievesthatthestrategiesarticulatedinthe2012RTPactuallyprovidetheregionappropriateandfeasibleoptionstomaintainandimproveitscurrentadvantagesrelatedtofreightmovementinaresponsiblemanner.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesarenotataneconomicdisadvantagewerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.Further,considerableanalyseshavebeenundertakenbySCAGoverthecourseofthelastseveralyearstobetterunderstandgloballogisticssupplychainandthepotentialforcargodiversion.Wehavelearnedthatnumerousfactorsincludingtheimpositionoffeesaswellasfactorsbeyondourregion’scontrolcouldimpactcargogrowthandourregionalbusinessclimate.SCAG’sproposedfreightandfinancingstrategiesidentifiedinthe2012RTPcarefullytakeintoconsiderationthesefactors.099‐06MarniePrimmerMobility21ReformtheProcess:Mobility21recognizesthatfederalandstatetransportationplanningprocessesareimperfectandthatSCAGmustworkwithintheproscriptiverequirementsofexistinglawsandregulations.WethereforeproposetoidentifysystemicweaknessesintheprocessandworktoreformtheflawsintheRTPprocessthatconsumesubstantialresources,butaddlittleornovalue.Ourintentistohelpreducethetimeandcostexpendedontheprocessandtoremoveregulatoryhurdlesthatinhibitthedevelopmentanddeliveryofeffective,efficient,andtimelytransportationprojectsandservices.Specifically,Mobility21encourageschangesinstatelegislationthatwouldenableMPO’stouselowandno‐costalternativestoreachouttothepublicinlieuofresource‐heavypublicmeetings.Additionally,since83%ofthefundingforprojectsintheRTPcomesfromnon‐federalsources,Mobility21believesthatempoweringthefederalgovernmenttovetoalocallyapprovedfinanciallyconstrainedRTPunnecessarilyjeopardizesfederalfundingneededtocompleteprojects.Mobility21thereforewillseekmodificationstofederallegislationthatwouldenableMPO’swithover75%localfundingtoself‐certifythatanRTPisfinanciallyconstrained.Again,Mobility21applaudsSCAGfortheopenandtransparentprocessusedtodevelopthe2012RTP.WelookforwardtoworkingwithSCAGCommentnoted.261IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsestaffinthefinalstagesofRTPimplementationtoensurethestrongestpossibledocumentisdeliveredtotheRegionalCouncilinApril.100‐01BethStecklerMoveLAWecongratulatetheleadershipandstaffoftheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernmentsanditsRegionalCouncilmembersontheagency’sfirst‐everSustainableCommunitiesStrategyandRegionalTransportationPlanthatmeetsthe2020andexceedsthe2035greenhousegasreductiontargets,achievesCleanAirActconformity,andreducesvehiclemilestraveledandtrafficcongestion—despiteprojectedpopulationgrowthofaboutfourmillionresidentsby2035.WeapplaudSCAGstafffortheirleadershipandfortheircollaborationwithlocalgovernments,countytransportationcommissionsandawiderangeofnon‐governmentalorganizations.ThiseffortwasparticularlychallenginggivenitisthefirsttimeanyoneintheregionhasputtogetheranSCS.InthespiritofcreatingastrongerRTP/SCSthisyearandinfutureyearsweoffertheserecommendations.Commentnoted.100‐02BethStecklerMoveLA1.EnsureadequatefundingtocarryouttheRTP/SCS.WeapplaudSCAG’sgoalofbringingallroadstoa“stateofgoodrepair,”andunderstandthepolicydecisiontolookfornewrevenuesourcesratherthantoeliminatetransportationprojectsinordertoaddresstheRTP’sprojected$200billionshortfall.WeunderstandthatitmaybemorepoliticallypalatablefortheRegionalCouncilatthistimetoprojectrelianceuponexpandedfederalsources,suchasindexedgastaxoratransitiontoanequivalentVMTfee,butthatdoesnotmakeitmoreachievable.Commentnoted.100‐03BethStecklerMoveLAa.EmphasisshouldbeonmoreachievablerevenuesourcessuchaslocalvoterapprovedfeesortaxesratherthanmorespeculativefederalsourcesTherecenthistoryofvoterresponsetocounty‐basedtransportationfundingmeasuresintheSCAGregionsuggestsamorepromisinglocaldirection.TheexperiencewithMeasureRinLACountyandtherecentextensionofsalestaxmeasuresinotherSCAGcountiesdemonstratestousthatregionalvotersarenotastax‐averseassomebelieve,especiallywhenvotingonmeasurestofundwelldefinedlocaltransportationinvestment,iftheyhaveconfidenceintheagenciesandareclearaboutinvestmentpriorities.VotersinLosAngelesCountyapprovedCommentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeebeginningin2025andadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Wealsorecognizethatthe262IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesalestaxmeasuresby54%in1980,50.4%in1990,and67.8%in2008.Thissuggestsanincreasedwillingness,notreluctance,tosupporttransportationinvestmentsbyLACountyvoters.InSanBernardino,RiversideandOrangesalestaxextensionswereeasilyapproved:RiversidevotersapprovedMeasureAin2002with69%ofthevote;SanBernardinoCountyapprovedMeasureIin2004with80%ofthevote;andOrangeCountyapprovedasalestaxextensionin2006withalmost70%ofthevote.Ineachcasetheoriginalsalestaxeshadbeenoriginallyapprovedwithnarrowmajorities.Thepointisthat,withtheexceptionofVenturaCounty,votersthroughouttheSCAGregionhaveconsistentlyvotedtoapproveneworextendedsalestaxmeasuresfortransportationimprovementsbysubstantialandincreasingmajoritiesinexcessof2/3.Ifacountyortheregionneedsmorefundsfortransportationinvestments,localvotersseemamorepromisingopportunityoffirstresortthanacontentiousStateLegislatureortheCongress.WeurgeSCAGtoworktochallengeitsmembertransportationcommissionstogotovotersinthenearfutureforlocalandregionalfundingsolutionsinsteadof“punting”thisproblemofaregionalfundingshortfalltothefederalgovernment.Inotherwords,let’smakethefundingofregionalplanningmoreachievable,andthusmorereal.futurecannotbeknownwithabsolutecertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheDraftRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.100‐04BethStecklerMoveLAb.Recommendation:Developregionalrevenuesourcestofundregionalprojects.ThereareanumberoftransportationsystemsthatarevitaltothewelfareoftheSouthernCaliforniaregionasawhole,ratherthanspecificcounties.Thisincludesthe450‐plus‐mileregionalcommuterrailsystemoperatedbyMetrolinkandtheregionalgoodsmovementsystem.Region‐wideinvestmentsineachofthesesystemscouldyieldenormouseconomic,environmental,andequitybenefits.WeurgeSCAGanditsRegionalCounciltoconsidertakingatrulyregionalapproachtoaninvestmentstrategyforeachoftheseregionalsystemsbyincludingintheRTPprojectedadditionalrevenuefromaregionwiderevenuesource.Werecommendabroad‐baseduniformregionaltaxorfeeincrease,suchasa1/8–1/4centincreaseinsalestaxorequivalentparceltax,thatcanraisebetween$15‐$30billionCommentnoted.263IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseoverthe25yearlifeoftheplantoinvestspecificallyinregionaltransportationneedssuchasmeetingtheneedsofourgoodsmovementinfrastructure,modernizingandelectrifyingtheregionalcommuterrailsystem,providingexpandedBRTandbusserviceaswellasfirst‐mile‐last‐milebike‐pedestrianinfrastructurethatwouldconnecttothatregionalcommutersystem.Wewouldpledgetoworkwithyoutobuildsupportforsuchafundingmeasure.100‐05BethStecklerMoveLAc.Recommendation:Developstrategiestoprovideadequatefundingtomodernizefreighttransportationprojects.ThegoodsmovementindustryisavitalcomponenttotheSouthernCaliforniaeconomybutisalsoamajorreasonforourpoorairqualityandvarioushealthimpactsaffectingtheregion.Developingandinvestinginboththezeroandnear‐zeroemissiongoodsmovementtechnologyandtheoperationalefficacyofthegoodsmovementinfrastructurewouldsignificantlybenefittheregionandthemanycommunitiesofconcernthataredirectlyaffectedbyemissionsandcongestionfromtransportationandrailactivity.Estimatesoftheregionalinvestmentneededcouldbeupto$25billionoverthelifeoftheplan.Ensuringthatfundingmechanismsareinplacetoexpeditetheimplementationofthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightandtruckstrategiesaswellastheinfrastructureneededforoperationalefficacyshouldbeacentralcomponentoftheregionalstrategy.Forthesereasons,werecommendthatSCAGincludethefollowingstrategies:Developaclearassessmentoffundingoptionsavailable,includingvariousmodelsofpublic‐privatepartnershipsthatcouldmakezero‐emissionandnear‐zeroemissionfreighttechnologyoptionspossibleandensureanefficientgoodsmovementsystemintheregion.Recommendpursuinglegislationseekinga$30pertwenty‐footcontainerfeeformovingeitherintooroutoftheports.Thisstrategycouldgenerateasmuchas$441millioninrevenuefromloadedcontainersinitsfirstfullyearofimplementation,whenappliedequallytoimportsandexportsandmoreinsubsequentyearsascargoactivitygrowsatourports.Suchaprogramcouldgenerateover$10billionoverthelifeoftheplan.1PreviousCommentnoted.264IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselegislativeeffortshavecreatedabroadcoalitiontosupportthismeasure.Suchlegislationhasbeenapprovedtwicebybothhousesofthestatelegislatureonlytobevetoedbythepreviousgovernor.Aspreviouslystated,werecommendabroad‐baseduniformregionaltaxorfeeincrease,suchasa1/8–1/4centincreaseinsalestaxorequivalentparceltaxthatcouldraisebetween$15‐$30billionoverthe25yearlifeoftheplantoinvestspecificallyinregionaltransportationneedssuchasgoodsmovementinfrastructureneeds,aswellasmodernizingandelectrifyingtheregionalcommuterrailsystemandrelatedinfrastructure.Prioritizespendingonprojectsthatdelivermaximumhealthbenefitsforresidentsoftheregion.Includepublichealthasanoverarchingpriorityandgoalinthe$2.1billionannualfreightprogramincludedintheEnvironmentandPublicWorksCommittee.100‐06BethStecklerMoveLAd.Supportnationaleffortstocreateastrategicplanforthefreightsystem.EncourageSCAGtoincludelanguagethatclarifiesthecurrentfederalfundingrestraintsandaltertheRTPtoreflectthattheserevenuesareassumedbutnotassuredandarecontingentuponpassageoftheMAP‐21programonpage95and100.AsarevenuesourcetheinclusionofthisfundingisstillindoubtasthecurrentiterationoftheHouseAmericanEnergyandInfrastructureJobsActdoesnotincludeanationalfreightprogramoranydedicatedfreightfunding.TheestablishmentofthisprogramiscontingentuponafreightprogrammakingitswayintothefinalfederaltransportationreauthorizationandthatlegislationpassingthroughbothChambers.Activelysupportthepassageofafederalfreightprogramthatwoulddelivertheserevenuesandclearlyestablishimprovingpublichealthonthefreightnetworkandadjacentcommunitiesasanoverarchingpriorityandgoalofthefederalfreightprogram.SupporttheinclusionofSenatorLautenberg’sFreightActof2011inthefinalfederaltransportationreauthorizationwiththecompetitivegrantprogramandthegoalsandobjectivesaswritten.Commentnoted.SCAG,incoordinationwithourregionalpartners,continuestoactivelysupportthepassageofanationalfreightprogram.Wealsorecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheDraftRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,aneworupdatedRTPisadoptedeveryfouryears.100‐07BethStecklerMoveLAChampionincreasedCompassBlueprintfundingtohelplocalgovernmentsupdatetheirgeneralplanstoimplementtheSCS.WhiletheRTP/SCSshowsasignificantshiftinhouseholdgrowthtowardHQTAs,thiswillinmostcasesrequirechangesinGeneralPlansandcommunityplans—andensuringthatthisCommentnoted.ThroughtheCompassBlueprintProgram,SCAGhasworkedandprovideddirecttechnicalassistanceto94separatejurisdictionsincludinglocalcities,counties,non‐profits,andtransportationagencies.FuturecallsforapplicationswillfocusonlocalimplementationofSCS265IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewillhappenislikelytorequireincentivesandotherresources.SCAG’sCompassBlueprintprogramwassuccessfulinhelpingmanycommunitiesmoveinthedirectionofsmartgrowthandurbaninfillyearsbeforeSB375.Withadditionalfunding,theCompassBlueprintDemonstrationProjectProgramcouldfundtheSCSimplementationandensurethatgrowthhappensinanequitablewaywithminimaldisplacement,inadditiontoupdatingplans.SCAGshouldalsoworkwiththeotherMPOstoadvocateforastatewide“infillfirst”packageofincentivestopromotedevelopmentneartransit.SCAGshouldalsoconsiderworkingwiththeCTCstofindsourcesoffundingforlanduseplanninginHQTAs.strategies,andwillprioritizeprojectslocatedinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA).Inaddition,otherlocalandregionalfundingagencieshavebeguntoincorporateCompassBlueprintprinciplesintotheirdiscretionaryfundingprograms.SCAGwillcontinuetopursuededicatedanddiscretionaryfundingforthisworthyvoluntaryprogram.100‐08BethStecklerMoveLAExpandproposedfundingfortransit,Metrolink,busrapidtransit,bicycling,andpedestriantravelintotheRTPconstrainedplan.Weneedincreasedinvestmentforbusandrailtransit,bicycleandpedestriansystems.ThisisespeciallytrueintheInlandEmpirewhereover‐dependenceonaspreadinghighwayinfrastructureanddispersedlandusepatternhasmaderesidentsinthesecountiesveryvulnerabletojustthekindofeconomiccalamitywitnessedinthe2008–2012GreatRecession.Inaddition,residentsofagriculturalareas,especiallyintheeasternCoachellaValley,theNorthShoreoftheSaltonSeaandsimilarcommunities,remaindisproportionatelyunderservedbytransit,whichmakesitverydifficultforresidentswithoutacartoaccesshealthcare,groceries,orgoodjobs.Improvementstobusheadways,especiallyintheseareas,couldcreatenewHQTAs.Buildingtransitinfrastructureisoneofthebestwaystocreategood,“green”jobsthatenhancethehealthandwealthoftheregionanditsresidents.Constructionworkcanprovideacareerpathtomiddle‐incomejobsthroughapprenticeshipprogramsthatprovideyoungworkerswithformaltraining.Agenciesthatadoptprojectlaboragreementsandrequirementsensuringthatjobswillgotolocalworkers—and/orthosewholiveinareaswithhighunemployment—helpmakethelocaleconomymorerobustbecauseworkers’earningswillbespentatlocalbusinesses,creatingadditionaljobsandlocaltaxrevenues.Commentnoted.Project#7120009,#7120008,and#7120007represent$3.0billioninadditionalrapid,express,andlocalbusserviceoverthelifeoftheplan.Thefiguresforbusserviceavailabilityreferredtointhecommentarebaseyeardata,anddonotreflectthe2035plan.100‐09BethStecklerMoveLAMoveenhancedMetrolinkinvestmentsintotheConstrainedCommentnoted.Commuterandpassengerrailcapital266IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePlan.TheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystemisaregionalgemthatcouldbecomeamajorsourceofVMTreduction,congestionreliefandeconomicdevelopment.Itlinksmanycommunitiesineverycountyintheregion.WerecommendmovingintotheFinalPlan(theConstrainedPlan)theupgradingoftheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystemregion‐widetomakeaplannedtransitiontoanall‐electricsystemcapableofprovidingzero‐emissionhigh‐speedservice(upto110mph)andenablingexpandedexpressserviceinselectcorridorswithdoubletracking,gradeseparationsandothermodificationsneeded.Suchanupgrademaycosttheregionasmuchas$8to$10billion,butwouldbewellworththeinvestmentintermsofcongestionrelief,emissionreductionsandeconomicopportunitycreated.ThisRTPConstrainedPlanenhancementcouldbefundedbynewresources,suchastheregionalsalestaxproposedabove.Specifically,wewanttohighlightopportunitiesforenhancedinvestmentsonseveralkeylinesthatwebelievewillcreateexceptionalregionalconnectivity.TheAntelopeValleyLine,whichisthefocusofcurrentplanningeffortstodramaticallyreducethetimeittakestotravelover76milesfromLancastertoUnionStationbymorethanfiftypercent‐fromnearlytwo‐hourstoaboutone‐hour.TheSanBernardinoLine’ssuccesswithlimitedexpressservicefromdowntownSanBernardinotoUnionStationindicateexpressserviceonaregularbasisispossible,especiallyifadirectlinkintoOntarioAirportiscreated.TheVenturaCountyLineandtheOrangeCountyLinepresentthepossibilityofacontinuous,highspeed,electricexpresssystemfromVenturatoUnionStationtoOrangeCountytoSanDiego.LAUnionStationRun‐ThroughTracksprojectwouldsignificantlyenhanceregionaltrippotentialofallMetrolinkcorridorsservingUnionStationbyimprovingefficiencyandthroughputcapacity.WerecommendadditionalcorridorinfrastructureenhancementsandimprovementsinAppendixA.EachoftheseMetrolinkcorridorsandprojects,iffundedandenhanced,willcreateopportunitiesfornewBRTandenhancedbusservice,aswellassmartgrowthinfillwithfirst‐mile‐last‐milebicycleandpedestrianinfrastructureinmultiplecommunitiesandwillcreateenhancedaccesstothejobsinvestmentstotal$51.8billioninthe2012RTP/SCS,andtransitinvestmentstotal$55.0billion,eventhoughincurrentyearfigurescommuterandpassengerrailtotalroughly2%ofalltransitridership.Thecommuterandpassengerrailstrategieslaidoutinthe2012RTP/SCSrepresentaggressivecapitaldevelopmentstrategiesintheLOSSANandAntelopeValleycorridors,thatwillberefinedastheLOSSANStrategicImprovementPlanandtheAntelopeValleyInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlanstudyprocessesevolve.Project#7001210includesearlyactioncapacity,safety,andspeedimprovementsalongthesecorridors.Someoftheimprovementsoutlinedinthiscomment,includingtheLAUnionStationRunThroughTracks,maybeincludedastheMemorandumofUnderstandingforearlyactionprojectfundingprocessevolves.Theelectrificationofshareduserailfacilitieswillbeadiscussionthatoccursoverthelifeofthe2012RTP/SCS.Thesediscussionswillneedtooccurbetweenpassengercarriers,freightcarriers,andtheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority.The2012RTP/SCSisnotintendedtoprefigurethesediscussions,nortoprecludealocalplanningandanalysisprocessastohowallthreetypesofcarriersmightoperateinsharedusecorridors.267IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecorridorsthroughouttheregion.100‐10BethStecklerMoveLAExpandBusRapidTransitandprovidemorefrequentbusserviceonhigh‐performingrouteslinkedtoMetrolinktogivemorepeoplealternativestodrivingalone.Wellover80percentoftransitridershipintheregionnowusesbusservice.Whileourrailtransitsystemisexpandingdramatically,weshouldexpectthatheavyrelianceonbusserviceislikelytocontinueasfaroutas2035.However,whilethereisalotofgrowthprojectedfortheInlandEmpire,muchofitwillnotbenearexistingorplannedbusorrailservice.Forexample,inRiversideCounty,about40%ofresidentslivenearbuslineswithsomeservice(15‐30minuteheadways)butpresentlyonly10percentofthepopulationisservedbyhigh‐qualitytransit(with15‐minuteheadways).ByexpandingtheBusRapidTransit(BRT)systemintheInlandEmpire,especiallywhereproposedlineswouldconnectwiththepotentiallyenhancedMetrolinklinesandbybringingupserviceonselecthigherperforminglinesto15‐minuteheadwayswecouldincreasehigh‐qualitytransitatamuchlowercost.OurrecommendationsinAppendixAarelimitedtoimprovementstoinvestmentinBusRapidTransitinfrastructure(BRT)andenhancedbusservicewithconnectionstotheMetrolinkRegionalRailnetworkorregionalairports.EachoftheseMetrolinkcorridorsandprojects,ifenhanced,willcreateopportunitiesfornewsmartgrowthinfillandTODinvestmentinmultiplecommunities.Thesecorridorscouldbeservedaswellasbyfirst‐mile‐last‐milebicycleandpedestrianinfrastructureopportunities,andwillhelpcreateenhancedaccesstojobsthroughouttheregion.SeeAppendixAbelow.Commentnoted.Project#7120009,#7120008,and#7120007represent$3.0billioninadditionalrapid,express,andlocalbusserviceoverthelifeoftheplan.Thefiguresforbusserviceavailabilityreferredtointhecommentarebaseyeardata,anddonotreflectthe2035plan.100‐11BethStecklerMoveLAc.Increasefundingforactivetransportationtoatleast$12billionforbicyclingandpedestrianimprovements.SCAGhasreceivedanoutpouringofsupportforincreasedinvestmentinbicycleandpedestrianinfrastructureandprojectsatworkshopsandhearingsacrosstheregion,aswellfrommembersofSCAG’sRegionalCouncil.Aswasoftenrepeatedatthehearings,accordingtothe2009NationalHouseholdTravelSurveyofCalifornia,14percentofalltripsintheregionarepedestrianwhile6percentareonbikes,and25percentofallroadwayinjuriesandfatalitiesaffectpedestriansandbicyclists,yetonly1Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocal268IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepercentoftheregionalinvestmentisidentifiedasgoingtonon‐motorizedmodes.ApollofSouthernCaliforniavoterssponsoredbyMoveLA,NRDCandtheAmericanLungAssociationlatelastyearfoundthatvoterswouldmakebicycleandpedestrianinvestmentsamuchhigherpriority.WhileweapplaudtheSCAGstaffforrecommendingthatfundingforactivetransportationbeincreasedfrom$1.8billionto$6billion,webelievefundingshouldbeatleast$12billion.Webelieveinvestmentsshouldprioritizefirst‐mile/last‐mileconnectionstotransitstations,whichwillhelpsupporttheincreasedinvestmentinthetransitsystem.Investmentsshouldalsobeprioritizedforareasofdisproportionatehighinjuryandfatalityratesandinareaswithlowercarownershiprates.SafeRoutestoSchoolstrategiesandinvestmentstoimprovethesafetyofstudentsastheywalkandbiketoschoolshouldalsobepromotedbecausestatewidecutsinschooltransportationbudgetsmakegettingtoandfromschoolmoredifficultforK‐12kids—especiallyinruralareaswheretherearenosidewalksorsafebikeroutes.WerecommendSCAGworkwiththeCTCstoidentifyfundingsourcesthatareflexibleandthatcouldbeusedtoprioritizeacceleratedtransit,bike,pedestrianandothertraffic‐reducingprojects.Itisourjudgmentthatoneappropriatesourceoffundingforthisprogramcouldbetheregionalsales(orparcel)taxwehavesuggestedearlier.jurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.100‐12BethStecklerMoveLAd.EncourageCTCsandlocaljurisdictionstoadopt“completestreets”policies.WebelievethatSCAGshouldencourageCTCsandlocaljurisdictionseachtoadoptacompletestreetspolicysothatbikeandpedestrianimprovementscanbemaderoutinelyandmoreeconomicallywhenstreetsareimprovedorbuilt.Forexample,countiesintheSCAGregion,especiallyoutsideofLACounty,oftenincludefundingforarterialcapacityenhancementsforstreetswhichlargelyrunbetweenandthroughcommunitycenters.Thesestretchesofboulevardsseemverygoodopportunitiesforimplementationof“CompleteStreets”programs.WerecommendthatSCAGidentifysuchopportunitiesandcallthemoutforspecialprogrammingefforts.Commentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopment,implementation,andmaintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplans,whichincludestheadoptionofCompleteStreetspolicies.100‐13BethStecklerMoveLAe.WorkwithCTCstodevelopamethodologyforquantifyingtheunmetneedforbicycleandpedestrianinvestmentstoimproveCommentnoted.SCAGiscommittedtoworkingwithlocaljurisdictionsinthedevelopment,implementation,and269IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesafetyandincreaseactivetransportation.SCAGshouldworkwiththeCTCstodevelopamethodologyforquantifyingtheunmetneeds,particularlysafetyneeds,forcyclistsandwalkers.Becauseconcernsaboutsafetymaydiscouragepeoplefromwalkingandbikingentirely,surveysmayberequired,especiallyinruralareas,toaccuratelyassesstheneedsofresidents.WerecommendthatSCAGworkwiththeCTCstodevelopactivetransportationbudgetsandtoidentifyexistingandpotentiallocalandregionalfundingsources.Oneidea,forexample,wouldbetocreateguidancethatwouldbeusedtoallocatefundingineachCTC’sCallforProjects.maintenanceoflocalactivetransportationplans.SCAGwillworkwiththeCTCsandlocaljurisdictionstodevelopamethodologytoquantifytheneedsofactivetransportationusers.100‐14BethStecklerMoveLAf.WorkwithCTCstoensurefullparticipationofallcountiesinthefundingandimplementationofregionallysignificanttransitandgoodsmovementssystemsthatachieveregionalobjectiveslikecleanerair,reducedgreenhousegases,expandedaccesstohighqualitytransit,andmodeshiftawayfromdrivingalone.SCAGshouldencouragecountytransportationcommissionstoplaceahigherpriorityoninvestmentintransitservicesandactivetransportationprojectsandseektoensureafairshareinvestmentintheseprojectsamongcountieseitherbyidentifyingnewrevenueslocally,shiftingfundsoutofotherprogrammedprojects,orparticipatinginthecreationofregionalrevenuesources,andencouraginginfilldevelopmentstrategiesthatkeepourmomentumtowardahigherregionalsustainabilitystrong.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.WerecognizetheneedforadditionalinvestmentsintransitandactivetransportationandwillconsideryourrequestindevelopingthefinalRTP.100‐15BethStecklerMoveLA3.Createatighterlinkbetweentransitandlandusethroughouttheregion.ThedraftSCStakesintoaccountchangesunderwayintheregionalrealestatemarketincludingtheshiftinnewhousingdevelopmentawayfromtheconstructionofsinglefamilyhomesonlargelotsandtowardthedevelopmentofmultifamilyhousing‐‐apartments,townhomesandcondominiums‐‐inmoreurbanenvironmentswitheasieraccesstojobs,serviceandtransitsystems.Thefactthathalfofallnewhomesandnewjobswillbelocatedneartransitundertheplanwillbeaboontotheregion’sefficiency,economyandsustainability.Thedemographicandrealestatetrends,moretransitopportunitiesandhealthier,activelifestyles,portendanew,andbetter,versionoftheAmericanDreaminSouthernCalifornia.ByfocusingdevelopmentintransitareasandCommentnoted.270IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedowntowns,thedraftSCSplanwouldconsume408squaremilesless“greenfield”landthaninthe2035Baseline,whichassumescurrentlandusetrends.100‐16BethStecklerMoveLAa.SCAGshouldidentifytolocaljurisdictionsadjustmentsinlandusepolicythatwouldensureeachcountyiscontributingitsfairsharetomeetingregionalgoalsofcleanerair,reducedgreenhousegasemissions,expandedaccesstohighqualitytransit,andmodeshiftawayfromdrivingalone.Althoughtheregionasawholewillachievereductionsinvehiclemilestraveledsufficienttomeetthetargetsforreducinggreenhousegasemissions,thereductionsarenotevenlydistributedacrosstheregion.TheseoutcomesaretheresultofbothpastdecisionsandfutureactionsreflectedinthisdraftSCSandRTP.ThemapsintheRTP/SCSsuggestthatinsomeareas,especiallyRiversideCounty,significantgrowthisprojectedinareaswithlittleornotransitinvestment.Commentnoted.SCAGcurrentlyhasanumberofmechanismsformonitoringimplementationoftheRTP/SCSattheregionalscale.ThoseincludeperiodicreportsonStateoftheRegion,localprofiles,PerformanceMonitoringandAssessmentProgram,periodichouseholdtravelsurveyandbi‐annualFTIPupdate.SCAGwillconsiderfurtherupdatingourmonitoringprogramfortheRTP/SCSincomingyears.PleasenotethatSCAGpromotesnotonlytransit‐orienteddevelopment,butalsotransit‐readydevelopments,particularlyintheoutlyingareasoftheregion.100‐17BethStecklerMoveLAb.LimitHighQualityTransitAreas,especiallyalongfreewaysinlow‐densityareas,towithina1/2mileofthestopwithfrequentservices,asopposedtoincludingtheentirecorridor.ItisunclearhowSCAGdefineshigh‐qualitytransitareas.UnderSB375,aHQTAisaplacethathasbusservicewithheadwaysof15minutesorlessduringcommutehours.SeveralfreewaycorridorsaredesignatedasHQTAspresumablybecausetheyhaveexpressbusservice.But,thereisnotcurrentlyfrequentbusservicealongtheI‐10eastofI‐215,I‐15northofI‐10,I‐15southofthe61,andthe33(VenturaCounty)whicharealldesignatedasHQTAs.Onlytheareawithin1⁄2mileofthestopshouldberegardedasanHQTA.Commentnoted.“CaliforniaPublicResourcesCodedefinesa“highqualitytransitcorridor”asonehavingfixedroutebusservicewithserviceintervalsnolongerthan15minutesduringpeakcommutehours,or,asperCaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21064.3,a“majortransitstop”issitecontaininganexistingrailtransitstation,aferryterminalservedbyeitherabusorrailtransitservice,ortheintersectionoftwoormoremajorbusrouteswithafrequencyofserviceintervalof15minutesorlessduringthemorningandafternooncommuteperiods.SCAGhasastatutorymandatetofollowthesedefinitions.TransitservicesintheI‐10,I‐15,andI‐215corridorshavebeenidentifiedinaseriesexpressserviceprojectsasexpressbusservicewithheadwaysnolongerthan15minutesduringthepeakcommutehours.SCAGhasnomandatetochallengethestatutorydefinitionofanHQTA.100‐18BethStecklerMoveLAIncludeasnapshotofthecurrentjobs‐housingfitanddevelopamethodologyforprojectingthejobs‐housingfitasaresultoftransportationinvestmentsandlandusechangesforthe2016RTP/SCS.Thecurrentmismatchbetweenthelocationofjobsandhousingisattherootofourtransportationproblems.SCAGshouldsetabaselineforajobs‐housingfitbytakinga“snapshot”of4‐to‐5‐milebufferzonesaroundmajorjobcenters,andthencomparingthewagesprovidedbythosejobstocostofhousingCommentnoted.AfterPlanadoption,wewillcontinuetoworkwithourstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatemetricsforanalyzingandmonitoringkeyassumptionsandoutcomes.271IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewithinthebufferzonetoseeifthereisagoodfit.UC‐DavisandtheSacramentoCouncilofGovernmentshavedevelopedarelativelysimplemethodologytodoajobs‐housingfit,andarenowdevelopingatooltoprojectthejobs‐housingfitintothefuture.Continuingtomonitorthejobs/housingfitoversuccessiveRTP/SCSswillbeanimportanttoolfortransportationplanninginrural,urbanandsuburbanareas.100‐19BethStecklerMoveLAStrengthenConservationPlanningPolicyWecommendSCAGforincludinganadvancedmitigationstrategyforlandconservation.Thisstrategyisanimportantstepforward.WerecommendthefollowingchangestostrengthentheConservationPlanningPolicysection:§change“criticalhabitat”toimportantnaturallandsbecauseofitslimitationtothefederaldesignationanditsrelationshiptoendangeredandthreatenedspecies;§createaninclusiveprocessforagencies,conservancies,andnon‐profitstohelpmapandprioritizepriorityconservationlands;§includeallunprotectedundevelopedlandsintheinventoryofpotentialmitigationlocationsitesinsteadoflimitingopportunitiestojustNaturalCommunitiesConservationPlanandHabitatConservationPlanareas;§expandtheconservationactivitiestoincludeexistingand/orfutureprogramsinsteadofsimplyalready‐establishedprograms;and§Advocatefortheadvancedmitigationpolicytoresultintheenvironmentendingupbetterthanitstartedasopposedtonogain(anetenvironmentalbenefit)fromthestandpointofnaturalresourcelandsafterconstructionactivities.Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.ItisSCAG’sintenttodefertotheCTCstodeterminethebestconservationmechanismforitsregionwithappropriatepublicinputandguidancefromtheresourceandpermittingagencies.100‐20BethStecklerMoveLA4.Takegreatermeasurestoreducegreenhousegasesandotheremissionsfromfreight.WearedeeplyconcernedthattheprojectedincreaseinfreightvolumesandtrafficwillunderminethegainsoftheRTPinotherareas.Inparticular,CO2emissionsfromtruckswouldincreaseatleast30%by2023andatleast60%by2035.Evenmoredramatically,CO2emissionsfromrailwouldincreaseatleast50%by2023andatleast123%by2035.Tomitigategoodsmovementrelatedemissions,werecommendthatSCAGtakethenecessarystepsto:a.EnsuretheportsaugmenttheCleanAirActionPlanbyCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatgoodsmovementisamajorsourceofemissionsthatcontributestoregionalairpollutionproblemsthatcanhaveadversehealthimpacts.Assuch,SCAG’srecentgoodsmovementplanninginitiativeshavefocusedonintegratingenvironmentalstrategiesasidentifiedinthe2012RTPGoodsMovementAppendix.SCAGalsorecognizesthatgoodsmovementisamajorsourceofgreenhousegasemissionsthatcontributetoglobalclimatechange.SCAG’seffortstofacilitatecleangoodsmovementactivities(applicationofnear‐zeroandzeroemissiontechnologies)canalsocontributetoGHGreductiongoals.Further,SCAG’sgoods272IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecreatingGHGreductionplans.b.Deviseasetofstrategiesthataccountforthedifferencesamonglocalfreightserviceandthatofportorigin/destination.Similarly,thesectorofmediumdutytrucksmaybetargetedfortechnologyimprovements,giventhatitisthesector’s2ndlargestemitterofNOx.c.SCAGshouldidentifyandpromoteasequenceofprojectsthatmaximizeson‐dockrailandthatreducesconstraintsontheexpansionofon‐dockcapacityinadvanceofprojectsthatexpandoff‐dockcapacity.Withoutappropriatesequencing,efficienciescouldbelost.d.Cleanupexistingfreightcorridors,notjusttheproposednewprojects.Whilewewelcomezeroemissiontechnologybytheyear2035,moreshorttermgainsshouldbeimplemented.SCAGshouldfurtheranalyzewhatcanbedoneuntilamajorityoftrucktrafficiszeroornearzeroemissionsandconsiderusingcurrentlyavailabletechnologywhileworkingtodemonstratefuturetechnologyapplications(suchasmaglevtechnology).movementenvironmentalstrategyisbasedonrecentanalysesofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsthatarecurrentlyavailableand/orunderdevelopment.SCAG’srecentstudiesalsoconsidertheapplicationofthesetechnologyoptionsforthevariousgoodsmovementmarketsegments(e.g.,drayage,domestictrade,local,etc.).FurtherclarificationwillbeprovidedinthetextoftheRTPregardingmorenear‐terminitiatives,includingdemonstrationprojects.100‐21BethStecklerMoveLAImprovepublichealthmonitoringandbenefits,especiallyinenvironmentaljusticecommunities.WeapplaudSCAGforadoptinganumberofperformance“outcomes”—inparticular,thosemeasuringpublichealthandaffordability—thatwillbemonitoredduringRTP/SCSplanimplementation.WebelievethattheseadditionalperformancemetricsshouldbereportedtotheRegionalCouncilasawaytohelpencourageimplementationoftheRTP/SCS.WhileweunderstandthatSCAGhasnoauthorityoverlocallanduseorcountytransportationplanningandfunding,wedobelievethatit’scriticalthatSCAGfindwaystoincentivizeRTP/SCSimplementation.Commentnoted.Theperformancemeasuresportionofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeendevelopedthroughextensiveparticipationandinputfromstakeholdersintheregion,aswellascollaborationwithotherlargeMPOsinthestate.Forexample,tofacilitatethedialogueanddevelopmentofperformancemeasuresforthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,aPerformanceMeasuresSubcommitteewasestablishedinMay2011.TheSubcommitteemetandgatheredextensiveinputfromvariousstakeholdersandprovidedrecommendationstothePlansandProgramsTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeforfurtherdiscussionspriortoforwardingtothePolicyCommittees.Asaresultoftheinputprocessanddeliberations,over20newperformancemeasureshavebeenaddedtotheRTP/SCSincludingnewcategoriessuchlocationefficiency.Inaddition,performancemeasuresarealsodevelopedintwotypesbasedontheirintendeduses:oneforalternativesevaluationandtheotherforon‐goingmonitoring.Buildingontheprogress,staffwillcontinueinvestigatingadditionalmeasuresforfutureplanupdates.100‐22BethStecklerMoveLAEvaluatetheimpactbygeographyofRTP/SCSinvestmentsonCommentnoted.InpreviousRegionalTransportationPlans273IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseenvironmentaljusticecommunitiesbyincreasing monitoringoversuccessiveRTP/SCSs.Thedisparateimpactsoftransportationinvestmentsandlanduseplanning—especiallynoiseandpollution—onlower‐incomecommunitiesislostinthecounty‐wideorregion‐wideaveragingthatSCAGuses.ItwouldalsobeinformativeifSCAGmonitoredanumberofgeographicareaswhereenvironmentaljusticepopulationsareoverrepresented.TheMetropolitanTransportationCommissionintheBayArea,forexample,does“snapshot”analysesof44geographiccommunitiestofocusonkeytransportation‐relatedindicatorssuchastransitservicefrequency,walkability,accesstoessentialdestinationsbya30‐minutetransittrip,housingandtransportationaffordability,bikeandpedestriancollisions,dieselPM2.5emissions,etc.Forexample,theEJappendixreportsthatairqualitywillbeworsefor23‐29%ofthepopulationwithnoindicationofwheretheylive,makingitdifficulttodesignandevaluatetheeffectivenessofmitigationmeasures.SCAGisplanningtotrackcharacteristicsin125transitstations.WerecommendinsteadthatSCAGanalyze125placeswhereenvironmentaljusticepopulationsareoverrepresented.TheanalysiscouldbeusedtomonitorprogressoversuccessiveRTP/SCSs,andgoalscouldbesetandstrategiesidentifiedtoreducedisparateimpacts.Wheretherearedisparities,SCAGshouldproposemitigationsandworkwiththeCTCstoimproveconditions.BecausetheEJanalysisalsosuggeststhatlow‐incomepeoplearebeingdisplacedfromstationareas,wealsorecommendthatrailandpossiblyBRTstationsbemonitoredfortheimpactsofgentrification—bycheckingincomelevels,housingcosts,transitusageandcarownership,etc.SCAGcouldalsodevelopatoolboxofpolicies,implementationmeasuresandfundingsourcesthatcouldbeusedtohelplow‐incomepeoplecontinuetolivenearstations.(RTP)aswellasforthisPlan,hotspotsofemissionsandnoiseconcernsareidentified,presented,andmappedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.SCAGwilltakethecommentandsuggestionintoconsiderationtoexpanditsexistingeffortsandestablisharegionwidemonitoringprogramtofocusonselectedenvironmentaljusticeareasandcommunitiesofconcern.WhiletheEJanalysisintheDraftRTPdidshowsomelocationswithemissionsincreases,thisanalysisdidnotaccountforplanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.Thesecorridorsintheplanareexclusivelyforzeroandnear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Iftheseemissionimprovementshadbeenaccountedforwebelievetheanalysiswouldshownohotspotsassociatedwiththeplan.Assuch,theemissionsandexposureanalysisshownintheDraftEJAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratingworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Evenintheeventthathotspotsremainafteraccountingforvehicletechnologyimprovements,thereisnoreliablewaytoconcludehotspotswouldoverlaywithEJcommunities.Neithertheavailabledataonemissionsnorondistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisatapreciseenoughlevelofgeographytoshowwheretheywouldintersect.100‐23BethStecklerMoveLAImprovethediscussionaroundperformanceoutcomesandalternativesanalyses.OneofthebestwaysthatSCAGcandothisistohelpmaketheoutcomesoflanduseplanningandtransportationinvestmentchoicesclearertoRegionalCouncilmembersandthegeneralpublic—throughreportingonperformanceoutcomes.WhileCommentnoted.274IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheAlternatives1,2,3&4presentedatthesummerworkshopsillustratedtheimpactsofparticularpolicychoices,theAlternativesA,B,C&Dweredifferentinwaysthatwerehardtounderstand.WerecommendthatinthenextRTP/SCS,SCAGshouldgivestakeholdersmoretimeandmoreinformationtoevaluatethedifferentscenarios.WealsorecommendthatSCAGsettargetsforperformancemeasuresandoutcomes,andtoevaluatethescenariosagainstthesetargetsearlyandcontinuouslyintheplanningprocess.100‐24BethStecklerMoveLADevelopnewtoolsformeasuringhealth&equityimpactsinfutureRTP/SCSs.WealsobelievethatSCAGshoulddevelopnewtoolsformeasuringhealthandequityimpactsinfutureRTP/SCSs.Inparticular:SCAGshouldenhanceeffortstomeasurethedailyamountsofwalkingandbikingrelatedtoworkandnon‐worktrips.SCAGshouldalsomeasurechronicdiseaseratechangesbasedontransportationdecisionsandresultingphysicalactivity(basedontheworkofNeilMaizlishoftheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sworkwiththeMTCintheBayAreaandongoingworkwithMPOsacrossthestate).SCAGwillmonitorprematuremortalityduetoPM2.5,whichisimportantsincetheregioncontributes53percentofprematuredeathsinthestateofCaliforniaduetoPM2.5.WerecommendSCAGreportimprovementseverytwoyears,anddevelopamoreprecisegoalincollaborationwiththeLACountyDepartmentofPublicHealthandtheAmericanLungAssociationinCalifornia.SCAGshouldmonitorasthmaincidenceandexacerbationsduetoNOx(anemissionthatisbeingmeasured)incollaborationwiththeCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth,theSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,academicinstitutions,andotherswhoarefocusingoncommunitiesmostimpactedbyairpollution,aswellascommunitieslocatednearhighvolumeroadways.Commentnoted.Commentsandsuggestionsnoted.SCAG’scurrentplanningandresearcheffortistoenhancetheSustainabilityTool(ST)byrefiningitsbasedataonthebuiltenvironment,andthroughcollectinginformationforthefollowingareas(1)healthoutcomes,(2)safety‐pedestrian&bikeaccidentsandinjuries,(3)emissions(PM,CO,CO2,NOx,Ozone)andairquality(dispersion),(4)energyusage(electricity&gas),(5)waterusage,(6)waterquality(totalmaximumdailyloads‐TMDL),(7)VehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)andaccessibility,(8)variousenvironmentalindicators(suchaspollutantinformationavailablefromtheUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sToxicsReleaseInventory(TRI)).Oncethisinformationisobtained,staffcanconductacorrelationandmodelinganalysistolinkthebuiltenvironmentanddeterminants(road,freeway,transit,school,hospitals,etc.,buildings,design,fastfoodandorhealthyfoodaccess,park,openspace,walk/bikeways)withtheenvironmentaloutcomeslistedabove.SCAGstaffhasobtainedhealthdatafromLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth,parcellevelgasandelectricityconsumptiondata,andwaterconsumptiondataforcertainlocalities.Weanticipatetherewillbemanycollaborationsandtechnicalexchangeswithstakeholdersinvariouspolicyareaswiththeaimofreachingconsensusonrecommendedapproachesinthiseffortandbestpracticesfortheuseofthetool.101‐01BethStecklerMoveLAIwanttotalkaboutthreethingsthatarereallyimportantthatcanusesomeseriousstudyandhopefullyrevisionbeforethefinalplanispresentedtotheRegionalCouncil.•HighQualityTransitArea–theseareareasthataredefinedinStatelawasbeingplaceswhereduringcommutehourswehavebusservicewithatleastfoureveryhourorfifteenminuteheadways.Commentnoted.DailytrainservicetotheCoachellaValleyisintheStrategicPlanoftheRTP,andexpressbusservicetotheCoachellaValleyfromtheInlandEmpireisintheConstrainedPlan.275IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseLookingatthegeneralmapsintheAppendix,IseeareaswhereIcan’tfindbusservice.Theytendtobetheareasthatextendalongahighqualitytransitareathatgoesalongthe10FreewayouttoPalmSpringsandIthinkalotofuswouldliketogettoPalmSpringsontransitandit’sreallyhardtodo.Amtrakonlyrunsthreedaysaweekandit’susuallynotontime.Let’ssayiftheAmtrakserviceweretoincrease,sinceitonlystopsthreeplacesbetweenL.A.andPalmSprings,weshouldbelookingatthehalfmileradiusaroundthosestationsratherthantakingintheentirecorridorbecauseforthosepeoplejustbecauseatraingoesbythemitdoesnotmeanthattheyhaveaccesstohighqualitytransit.Increasingthebusserviceinalotofareaswouldbeawaytocreateahighqualitytransitarea.Weneedtohavealotofthembecausetheassertionisthatfiftypercentofournewhomes,ourgrowingpopulation,andourgrowingjobswillbeinthesehighqualitytransitareas.101‐02BethStecklerMoveLA•JobsHousingFit–SCAGhasdonealotofworkinthisandit’snotaneasyfield,particularlywiththedemiseoftheCRAbutIwouldproposethatthejobshousingmismatchthatwehaveinthisregionisoneofmajorunderlyingcausesofourairpollutionandourtrafficcongestion.SCAGhasdescribedvariousthingsbuthasputnoprogramsin.Thelocalcitiesandcountiesneedhelpsolvingthisproblem.Alotofitisaboutaffordability.Gettingonhandleonwherethemismatchisandwhatwecanstartdoingtocorrectitisimportant.AtUCDavistheyhaveaverysimplemethodologythatcanbedonewiththisRTP,whichistolookatourjobcentersandtakea4‐5milebufferaroundthem.Checkourcurrently,notprojecting,whatarethewagesandhowmuchdoesthehousingcost.WewillseeforexampleintheWestsidethatthehousingisreallyexpensive.WewanttoworkwithSCAGtofigureouthowthisconceptofjobshousingfitreallybecomessomethingthatwe’reworkingtosolvejustlikeweareworkingtosolvethetrafficproblemsandtheairqualityproblems.Commentnoted.DuringimplementationoftheRTP,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithourstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatemetricsforanalyzingandmonitoringkeyassumptionsandoutcomes.101‐03BethStecklerMoveLA•EnvironmentalJusticeAnalysis–ThisisgreatlyimprovedoverthelastRTP,oneofthethingsthatcouldimproveitfurtherisintheEJanalysisisaproposalthatSCAGwillmonitorwhatisgoingonat125transitstationtoseeifwearereallypushingpoorpeopleoutandthingslikethataregoingon.Thatsortofideaoflookingataplace,becausemostoftheEJanalysisdealswithCommentnoted.SCAGiscontinuingtomonitorandtrackplace‐baseddevelopment/growthandanyassociatedenvironmentalandsafetyindicatorsforfutureEnvironmentalJusticestudies.276IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepopulationsowetalkaboutallofthepeoplewhodon’thavecars,ordon’thavehighschooleducations,ordon’tspeakEnglish,orwhoareSeniors.Totalkaboutthosepeopleasagroupacrossaregiongivesusonepicturebuttotalkaboutwhat’shappeninginWilmingtonalongthe710andwhethertheRTPmakesthatbetterorworseisacompletelydifferentpicture.That’spartofthepictureweneedtounderstand,weknowthatwehavelowerincomepopulationslivingintheplaceswiththedirtiestairandtheworsttraffic.ComingdowntoakindofplacebasedanalysiswithintheEJwouldreallystrengthenit.SCAGisstartingtogettherewiththe125trainstationsbutitwouldreallybestrengthenedifwealsodiditwithtwentythreeandtwentyeightpercentofthepopulationisgoingtohaveworsesituationsaroundsomeoftheairpollution,aroundsomeoftheparticulatematterandthecarbondioxide.102‐01JamesCampNAIOPThefundingfortheRTPisalsoofgreatconcern.Federallawdoesrequirethattheplansbefiscallyconstrainedsuchthatanyfundingisavailableorreasonableexpectedtobecomeavailable.Yet,thedraftRTPclaimstobeanapproximate$524billionprogram,buthasashortfallof$219billioninrevenues;nearlyhalf.Thereisareferencetoabout$127billionoftheshortfallbeingreliantonmajorStateand/orFederalactions,whichseemawfullyspeculative.NAIOPhasamajorconcernoverthenumerousreferencesinthedocumentstopushinglocaljurisdictionstoadoptnewfeesortaxes.Thecommercial/industrialdevelopmentindustryisalreadyheavilyburdenedwithfeesfrommany,manyregulatoryagenciesandjurisdictions.Weoftenhearthatsomenewfeeisnotthatbig,orisforagreatcause.Yet,theneteffectisamountainof"littlefees".Sortofadeathbyathousandfees.Tomakeupbillionsandbillionsofrevenueshortfallwouldnecessitateextensivenewfeesandtaxes.Thiswouldclearlybeahugehindrance,ifnotnotparalyze,anytypeofeconomicrecoveryintheregions.NAIOPdidnotseeanytypeofanalysisinthedocumentsthatwouldleadonetobelievesuchfeeandtaxincreasesarereasonablypossible,especiallyinlightofProposition22,norananalysisoftheeconomicimpacts.Suchanalysesareneededbeforeanyofthedocumentsarefinalized.Commentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesarelessthanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisof2012RTP/SCSAppendix.ThefinancialplanfortheRTPdoesnotrequirenorassumethatlocaljurisdictionsadoptanynewfeesortaxes.102‐02JamesCampNAIOP[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber50.277IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse103‐01AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilOnbehalfoftheNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilandtheCoalitionforCleanAir,wewriteregardingtheneedforanear‐termcleanfreightprojectsintheRegionalTransportationPlan(“RTP”).Specifically,weareconcernedthatthereisnotanemphasisintheRTPonneartermprojectsthatwillhelptheregionachieveitstechnologygoalsofcreatingazeroornearzeroemissionfreightmovementsystem.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTPasappropriate.103‐02AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilAccordingly,werespectfullyaskthattheRTPbeamendedtoincludeshorttermprojectsintheconstrainedplanthatwillhelpadvancecleanertechnologiesintheshort‐term.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTPasappropriate.103‐03AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilInthe2006CleanAirActionPlan(“CAAP”),adoptedunanimouslybybothBoardsofHarborCommissionersforthePortsofLosAngelesandLongBeach,theportscommittedtodevelopandimplementazeroemissionscontainermovementsystem.Inpertinentpart,thePortboardsdeclaredthat—Thiscomponentoftheprogramisfocusedonfindingthenextgenerationoftransportsolutionsforgoodsmovement.Theultimategoalisa21stcenturyelectricpoweredsystemthatwillmovecargofromourdockstothedestinationswithin200milesthattodayaremovedbytruck.Itmaytake20yearstocompletesuchasystembutitwillalwaysbe20yearsawayunlessinthenextfiveyearswebuildandtestademonstrationprototypeandperfectadetailedplanforwidespreadconstruction.Commentnoted.Coomentnoted.103‐04AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilHerewearesixyearslater,andwearenoclosertoactualimplementationofazeroemissionssystem.Commentnoted.103‐05AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilWhiletherearealotofdiscussionsaboutthesetechnologies,thereisanimperativeneedforSCAGtobeleadersonthisissue.Inthatvein,SCAGneedstoprovidemoresupportforthisconceptinthenear‐term.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTPasappropriate.103‐06AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilTheRTPshouldbeamendedtoincludeaprojectorprojectsthatwillhelpspurtechnology.AcatenarysystemalongtheTerminalIslandFreewayservingtoconnectthePortofLongBeachtotheUnionPacificIntermodalContainerTransferFacility(“ICTF”)meritsinclusionintheconstrainedportionsintheplan.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTPasappropriate.103‐07AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesInthesamevein,theRTPcouldalsoincludeothersimilarprojects,includingacatenarysystemalongAlamedaStreetinCommentnoted.278IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseDefenseCounciltheharborarea.103‐08AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilAtleastoneoftheseprojectsmustbepushedforwardinthenear‐term(e.g.nexttwoyears).Commentnoted.103‐09AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilThecostofsuchasystemisestimatedtobebetween5and6milliondollarspermileonthehighend.Commentnoted.103‐10AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilFurthermore,dollarsshouldbeallocatedtoprocuretrucksthatcanusethissystem.Accordingly,werecommendaninitialallocationof35millionfortheentireprojectwiththecreationofaplantoincreasethepercentageoftrucksthatusethisfacility.Commentnoted.103‐11AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilFundingforthisprojectcouldcomefromsomecombinationoftheports,agenciesresponsibleforcleanairlocallyandstatewide,andprivateindustry.Commentnoted.103‐12AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilThekeyistodevelopandimplementthecatenarysystemintheshorttermtohelpprogressinactuallyachievingzeroemissionsgoals.Commentnoted.103‐13AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilFinally,thecatenarysystemshouldbeincorporatedasanenforceablemeasureintheStateImplementationPlan.Commentnoted.103‐14AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilThistypeofstrategyprovidesanidealTransportationControlMeasure.See42U.S.C.§7408(f)(v),(vi);seealso42U.S.C.§7511A(e)(4).Commentnoted.103‐15AdrianoMartinezNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilWewouldbedelightedtocollaboratewithstaffindetermininghowtheseprojectsshouldbeincludedinboththeconstrainedplanandtheStateImplementationPlanasanenforceablemeasuretopushprogresstowardsatruezeroemissionssystem.Commentnoted.104‐01AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseI.CommittotheCreationofaSustainableTransportationNetworkWhileSCAGhasreceivedmuchpraiseforthelanduseassumptionsinitsSustainableCommunitiesStrategy,itisCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSencouragesanenhancednexusbetweenlanduse,transit,andactivetransportation.Muchofthetransitandactivetransportationfacilitiesincluded279IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCouncilunclearwhetherthetransportationsystemhasbeenadjustedtosupportthislandusepattern.WhilewerecognizethatSCAGmustuseinputfromitssixCountyTransportationCommissions(CTCs)asthestartingpointforSB375scenarioplanning,wehadhopedthattheevaluationprocesswouldnotendthere.Theproblem,inourview,withthelimitedapproachSCAGhasadoptedistheinconsistencybetweenthevariedlanduseprojectedacrossseveralscenariosandatransportationsystemthathasbeenkeptrelativelyconstant.Suchanapproachignorestheevidencethatlandusepatternsandtransportationsystemsarefrequentlymutuallyreinforcing.ThewalkablecompactdevelopmentpatternsSCAGcallsforarelesslikelytomaterializewithoutadjustmentstoitstransportationnetwork,particularlyintheInlandEmpire.Similarly,compactlandusepatternsneedtobeservicedwithrealtransportationchoicesiftheyaretobeviable.WeseekacommitmentfromSCAG,throughitsnextSCSprocessinfouryears,toevaluatescenarioswhichconsiderwhatenvironmentalachievementsmaybepossiblewithatransportationsystemthatismorevariedacrossthosescenarios.intheplanwillimprovethisnexusbyincreasingTOD,reducingSOVtravel,andreducingVMTs.104‐02AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilInparticular,wefindtheemphasisonarterialwideningstobeofconcern.SCAG’sEIRclaimsthatitwillspend$22billionon“localarterialimprovements”.AreviewoftheSCAGprojectlistindicatesthatbyimprove,theclearintentistowiden,orassomeengineersdescribeit,to“rationalize”thesystem.ThroughouttheRTPprojectlist,theverbwidenisoneofthemostcommonlyfound.Andyet,theempiricalliteratureoninduceddemandandinducedgrowthmakesclearthatwideningroadsdoesnotsolvetrafficcongestion,and,asarecentpolldemonstrates,thevotersagreeii.iiiThefutilityofattemptingtoremedycongestionthrougharterialwideningaloneisperhapsbestelucidatedinRiversideCounty,where,despiteaninvestmentofmorethansixbillioninarterialimprovements,theCounty’sresidentscanexpectnomarkedimprovementinhoursofdelay.Instead,theCountyprojectsanincreaseinhoursofdelay.Whilesomeofthesearterialwideningsmayberepresentedinsalestaxmeasures,CountyTransportationCommissionshavesignificantlatitudewithrespecttothephasingandprioritizationofinvestmentsintheirregions.Commentnoted.ItisimportanttonotethatwithouttheRTP/SCSinvestments,RiversideCountyisprojectedtoexperienceagreaterthanfour‐foldincreaseindelayovercurrentconditions.ThebenefitsexpectedfromalloftheRTP/SCSinvestments,includingarterialinvestments,shouldnotbediscounted.Also,itistruethatthecountycommissionshaveauthorityoverthephasingandprioritizingofinvestments,andtheRTP/SCSreflectstheprioritiesasidentifiedbythecommissionstoSCAG.104‐03AmandaEakenNaturalBeforecontinuingtoourspecificrecommendations,wewouldCommentnoted.WeappreciateNRDC’sunderstandingthatthe280IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseResourcesDefenseCouncilliketonotetheabsenceofcertaindatawhichwouldhavebeenvaluableinfurtherscenarioanalysis.Thetransitandactivetransportappendicesoftheplancontainawealthofdata,categorizedbycounty,concerningthecurrentavailabilityoftransitandactivetransportationelements.Whatislacking,however,areprojectionsofhowthecurrentplanimproves(ordoesnot,asthecasemaybe)accesstotransitandactivetransportationfacilitiesfortheresidentsofthevariousSCAGcountiesby2035.WehavesubmittedarequestforthedatatoSCAGstaff.WenotethatSCAGstaffhasbeenbothhelpfulandresponsive,but,aswewereinformedbystaff,thedatacouldnotbemadeavailableintimeforanalysisinthiscommentletter.Ourrecommendationsforimprovingthetransportationnetworkareasfollows:1.AcceleratefundingforMetrolinktoprovidebadlyneededregionalcommutingoptionsTheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystem,whichlinksnumerouscommunitiesinallSCAGareacounties,isalreadyacriticalcomponentofSCAG’stransportationsystem,and,withimprovements,couldbecomeamajorsourceofVMTreduction,congestionreliefandeconomicdevelopment.TheDraftPlanincludesaStrategicPlansectionwithprojectsdeemedimportantbytheregion,butforwhichfundingdoesnotcurrentlyexist.WestronglyrecommendmovingtheupgradingoftheMetrolinkcommuterrailsystemintotheConstrainedPlan.Theupgradeprojectwouldprovidedoubletracking,gradeseparationsandothermodificationswhereneededtoenableexpandedexpressservice,whilemakingaplannedtransitiontoanall‐electricsystemcapableofprovidingzero‐emissionhigh‐speedservice(upto110mph)inselectcorridors.Suchanupgradecouldprovidesignificantreturnsintheformofcongestionrelief,emissionreductions,andeconomicopportunitycreated,aswellascreateenhancedopportunitiesfortransit‐orienteddevelopment.requesteddatawouldhaverequiredextensiveanalysisthatcouldnothavebeenperformedbytheendoftheRTP/SCSpubliccommentperiod.RegardingthecommentregardingMetrolink,improvementstotheMetrolinksystemareincludedintheConstrainedPlan,withadditionalimprovementsincludedintheStrategicPlanshouldadditionalfundingbecomeavailable.104‐04AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil2.Explorebusandbusrapidtransitexpansionstoprovidehighquality,cost‐effectivetransittoamajorityofresidentsEightypercentoftransitridershipintheregiontakestheformofbustravel.Consideringthelongleadtimesinvolvedwithcapitalexpansionprojects,expandedbusservicemaypresentthemostimmediateandcost‐effectivestrategytoprovidealternativestodrivingformillionsofSCAGresidents.AndyetinRiversideCommentnoted.TheConstrainedPlanoftheRTPincludesanincreaseinbusservicefrequencyandnewExpressandBRTservicesintheregion,includingRiversideCounty.281IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCounty,projectedtohouseanother1.1millionresidentsoverthelifeoftheRTP(secondonlytoLosAngelesCountyingrowthprojections),only10%ofthepopulationiscurrentlyservedbyhighqualitybusservice(lessthan15minuteheadways).Currently40%ofresidentshaveaccessto15‐30minuteheadwayservice.SCAGshouldidentifypotentialservicefrequencyupgradeswhichcouldprovideasignificantlyhigherproportionofthepopulationaccesstohighqualitytransitservice.SCAGshouldidentifystrategicinvestmentstoincreaseridershipinlightofthenewrevenueswhichmaybeavailablethroughtheAB32capandtraderevenue.Infact,wewouldliketourgeSCAG’sRegionalCounciltoadoptapolicycommitmentthatanynewrevenuesreceivedthroughthecapandtradeprogrambeprioritizedforefficienttransitoperations.Thepublictransportationliteratureindicatesthatforevery1percentincreaseintransitservicefrequency,ridershipincreasesupto0.5percentandasimilarincreaseinvehiclemilesorvehiclehoursofservicecanincreaseridershipuptoarangeof0.6to1%(Evans,2004)iv.Thehighest‐performinglinescouldbecandidatesforupgradetoBusRapidTransit,whichcould,inturn,servetoanchordevelopmentalongnowlow‐densitytransportationcorridors.SCAGanditsCTCsshouldexaminethehighest‐performinglines,andpotentiallyrecommendthemforupgradetofixedguidewaysystemsinthisRTP.104‐05AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil3.CommitfundsforbicyclingandwalkingcommensuratetotheshareoftripsthesemodesaccommodateSCAGhasincreasedbicycleandpedestrianfundingfrom$1.8billionto$6billioninthisplan.Whilethisismorethana200%increase,forwhichstaffshouldbecommended,itstillaccountsforjustover1%oftheplan’stotalfunds.Thisishardlycommensuratewiththe20%oftotaltripstakenonfootorbybike.TherecentpollofSCAGregionvotersconductedbyNRDC,MoveLAandALACfoundthat,bystrongcontrast,votersbelieve14%ofRTPfundsshouldgotomakingwalkingandbikingsafer.SCAGshouldcontinuetoexaminethebalanceoffundswhichconstitutethe$524billionregionaltransportationplan,andinvestigatewhethertherearewaystofreeupadditionalfundingforthesemostsustainableformsoftransportation.Forexample,SCAGproposestospend$22billionwideningarterialsinthesixcountyregion.IfsomeofthesefundswereinsteaddirectedtoCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.282IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseensuringthattheseroadsare“completestreets”–safeforwalkingandbicycling,theregionwouldbetakingrealstepstowardsencouragingsustainabletransportation.SCAGshouldencourageCTCsandlocaljurisdictionstoadoptcompletestreetspoliciessothatbicycleandpedestrianimprovementscanbemaderoutinelyandmoreeconomicallywhenstreetsareimprovedorbuilt.Wideningarterialswillneitherencourageothermodesnorsolvetrafficcongestion.Webelievecommitting$6billiontobicycleinfrastructureand$6billiontopedestriansafetyimprovementsisactuallyaveryreasonablerequest,andwouldstillrepresentjust2.3%oftotalplanrevenuesforthesemodes.104‐06AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil4.CommittocollaboratingwithCountyTransportationCommissionstoPrioritizeProjectswhichhelptoreduceVMTandGHGEmissionsWhileSCAGdoesnotmakefinaldecisionsabouttransportationprojects–itsCTCsdo—SCAGdoesplayanimportantroleanalyzingthesocialandenvironmentalimpactsofalternativeinvestmentdecisions.InitsupcomingTIPprocess,aswellasthenextSCS/RTP,werecommendthatSCAGadoptaprocesssimilartotheBayAreaMetropolitanTransportationCommission’stoevaluatewhetherindividualprojectshelptoachieveregionalgoalsv.InpartnershipwithitsCountyTransportationCommissions,SCAGshouldengageinaprojectperformanceanalysistodeterminewhetheritsproposedinvestmentshelptheregionachieveitsintendedoutcomesofimprovedairqualityandhealth,locationefficiency,improvedmobilityforitsresidentsandreducedhouseholdtransportationcosts.SuchananalysisassistsdecisionmakersindeterminingwhichprojectsareconsistentwithSCSgoals.TherecentlyconductedpollofSouthernCaliforniavotersfoundthatvotersthinkbuildingnewroadsandwideningexistingroadsarebyfartheleasteffectivestrategiestoreducecongestionandimproveairquality.Instead,voterswouldratherseetheregionfocusonsmarterlanduseandprioritizeinvestmentsintransit,bicycle,andpedestrianinfrastructure.ItiswellknownthatSCAGisfacingasignificantfundingshortfallforthisRTPandmakessomefairlyambitiousassumptionsabouttheavailabilityofnewrevenues.PerhapsaprojectperformanceassessmentprocesscouldhelptoencourageSCAG’sCTCstoadjustprojectprioritiestocontributetooverallSCSgoals1.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwiththecountytransportationcommissionsandstakeholderstodevelopandrefineperformancemeasuresand,totheextentpracticalandpossible,conductproject‐levelperformanceassessmentsasappropriateandnecessary.283IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse104‐07AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilII.TheRTPMustIncludeMoreDetailonMakingCleanFreightMovementaRealityintheSCAGRegionAstheRTPhighlights,themovementoffreightcreatessignificanteconomicproductivityintheSCAGregion,butthesefinancialbenefitscomeatimmensecoststothehealthandwelfareofresidentsthroughouttheregion,includingtheprimarilylowincomecommunitiesofcolornearestourfreighthubs.Accordingly,anyworktoexpandthefreightmovementsystemmustconcurrentlypushthecleanesttechnologies.Inaddition,resourcesmustbeallocatedtocleaningupthealreadyunacceptablehighlevelsofpollutionfromtheexistinginfrastructure.ThereisconsensusamongstallregulatoryairqualityagenciesthatinorderfortheSCAGregiontomeetfederalandstatecleanairstandardsontime,itmustshiftthefreightmovementsystemfromadiesel‐dominatedindustrytoanearzeroorzeroemissionssystems.ToturntherhetoricofmovingtoacleanerfreightsystemintoarealitytheRTPmustbemodifiedtoincludemoredetail.Inordertoachievethelong‐term,speculativeprojectsofelectricfreightcorridorsontheI‐710andI‐60,weneedshort‐termprojects.Thenotionwaseloquentlyputinthe2006CleanAirActionPlan(“CAAP”),adoptedunanimouslybybothBoardsofHarborCommissionersforthePortsofLosAngelesandLongBeach,inwhichthecommitmentwasmadetothedevelopandimplementazeroemissionscontainermovementsystem.Inpertinentpartitreads:Thiscomponentoftheprogramisfocusedonfindingthenextgenerationoftransportsolutionsforgoodsmovement.Theultimategoalisa21stcenturyelectricpoweredsystemthatwillmovecargofromourdockstothedestinationswithin200milesthattodayaremovedbytruck.Itmay(sic)take20yearstocompletesuchasystem,butitwillalwaysbe20yearsawayunlessinthenextfiveyearswebuildandtestademonstrationprototypeandperfectadetailedplanforwidespreadconstruction.viThisprototypeprojectwillserveasthepathtowardsactualachievementoftheprojectsalongtheI‐710andI‐60.OtherforwardlookingprojectsshouldalsobeincludedintheRTP.AcatenarysystemalongtheTerminalIslandFreewayservingtoconnectthePortofLongBeachtotheUnionPacificIntermodalContainerTransferFacility(“ICTF”)meritsinclusion.Inthesamevein,theRTPshouldalsoincludeacatenarysystemCommentnoted.SCAGhasincludedclarifyingtextinthefinalRTP/SCSasappropriate.Furtherdiscussionanddetailwillbeincludedaboutnear‐termdemonstrationinitiatives.284IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsealongAlamedaStreet.104‐08AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilTheseprojectsmustbepushedforwardinthenear‐term(e.g.nexttwoyears).Finally,thecatenarysystemshouldbeincorporatedasanenforceablemeasureintheStateImplementationPlan.ThistypeofstrategyprovidesanidealTransportationControlMeasure.See42U.S.C.§7408(f)(v),(vi);seealso42U.S.C.§7511A(e)(4).WewouldbedelightedtocollaboratewithstaffindetermininghowtheseprojectsshouldbeincludedinboththeconstrainedplanandtheStateImplementationPlanasenforceablemeasurestopushprogresstowardsatruezeroemissionssystem.1GiventherecentAssociationofIrritatedResidentsvs.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencycase,theregionneedstoadoptenforceableTransportationControlMeasures(TCMs).ThemeasuresidentifiedinthissectionandothersareprimecandidatesforinclusioninalistofTCMs.Commentnoted.104‐09AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilIII.EnsureProjectsMeetaRobustDefinitionofSCSConsistencyinordertoQualifyforSB375CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityActStreamliningSCAG’sEIRsetstoolowabarforcompliancewiththeSCSinordertoachieveSB375’scontemplatedCEQA.Specifically,theEIRstatesthat:“Inotherwords,theSCSwasnotdevelopedwiththeintentthateachprojecttobelocatedwithinanygivenTAZmustexactlyequalthedensityandrelativeusedesignationsthatareindicatedbytheSCSDevelopmentTypeinorderfortheprojecttobefoundconsistentwiththeSCS’susedesignation,density,buildingintensityandapplicablepolicies.Instead,anygivenproject,havingsatisfiedallofthestatutoryrequirementsofeitheraresidential/mixed‐useprojectorTPPasdescribedabove,maybedeemedbytheleadagencytobeconsistentwiththeSCSsolongastheprojectdoesnotpreventachievingtheestimatedaverageusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensitiesindicatedbytheDevelopmentTypewithintheTAZ,assumingthattheTAZwillbebuilt‐outunderreasonablelocalplanningandzoningassumptions.”WeareparticularlyconcernedthatthestandardestablishedbythisEIR‐‐specificallythemeagerrequirementthataprojectmerelynotpreventtheachievementofadesignateddensityforacertaindevelopmenttype‐‐leavesitopentoeasymanipulation.Itwouldseemtobequiteeasyforanindividualproject,ofsubstantiallylowerdensitythanthatwhichisenvisionedintheCommentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCShasbeeneditedtostatethatleadagencies(includinglocaljurisdictions)maintainthediscretionandwillbesolelyresponsiblefordeterminingconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.SCAGstaffmayprovidealeadagencyatthetimeofitsrequestreadilyavailabledataanddocumentationtohelpsupportitsfindinguponrequest.285IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSCS,tojustifyitsconsistencywiththeSCSsimplyonthegroundsthathigherdensityprojectsareimaginedinthefuture.WestronglyrecommendthatSCAGadoptamorestringentstandardforconsistencywiththeSCSinordertoachievetheSB375CEQAbenefits.Ataminimum,wesuggestthefollowinglanguageasanalternatestandard:solongastheprojectpromotesachievingtheestimatedaverageusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensitiesindicatedbytheDevelopmentTypewithintheTAZ,assumingthattheTAZwillbebuilt‐outunderreasonablelocalplanningandzoningassumptions.104‐10AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilIV.CommittoincreasedCompassBlueprintfundingtoensureLocalGovernmentshaveadequateresourcestoimplementtheSustainableCommunitiesStrategyWorkinginclosepartnershipwithitslocaljurisdictions,SCAGhasidentifiedafuturegrowthpatternwhichmanagestosave400squaremilesofopenspacefromdevelopment.Thisisahighlyimpressiveaccomplishment,anditwilltakethesustainedpartnershipofSCAG’slocalgovernmentstofollowthroughonthepromiseofthisplan.Torecognizetheircriticalroleasessentialpartnersinimplementation,SCAGshouldcommit—inthisplan—toanincreasedfundinglevelfortheCompassBlueprintprogram.SCAGmaywanttoconsiderfuturerevenuesfromtheAB32capandtradeprogramasapotentialfundingsourceforthisinvestment.FundsshouldbeprioritizedtolocalgovernmentswhoplanandzoneforgrowthconsistentwiththeSCS.Commentnoted.ThroughtheCompassBlueprintProgram,SCAGhasworkedwithandprovideddirecttechnicalassistanceto94separatejurisdictionsincludinglocalcities,counties,non‐profits,andtransportationagencies.FuturecallsforapplicationswillfocusonlocalimplementationofSCSstrategies,andwillprioritizeprojectslocatedinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA).Inaddition,otherlocalandregionalfundingagencieshavebeguntoincorporateCompassBlueprintprinciplesintotheirdiscretionaryfundingprograms.SCAGwillcontinuetopursuededicatedanddiscretionaryfundingstreams.104‐11AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilConformityWehavereviewedSCAG’sconformitydemonstrationforthe2012RTP,andhaveidentifiedtheconformityfindingforPM2.5inthe2014milestoneyearaspotentiallyproblematic.Accordingtothereport,thePM2.5budgetforthatyearis35tons,whileestimatedemissionsarecalculatedat34.5tonsadifferenceofjustonehalfton.(TransportationConformityReportatp.20.)Thismeansthattheintegrityoftheconformityfindingwillbefatallycompromisedbyevensmallerrorsinfutureestimatesofemissions.Thereisanevenchancethatthishalf‐tondifferenceisillusory.AccordingtoARB’sJune20,2011revisionstothePM2.5transportationconformitybudget,includedwiththisletter,the35ton2014PM2.5budgetisroundeduptothenearestton.vii(SeeTableC‐3atp.C‐10.)Becauseestimatedemissionsforthatyearare34.5tons,thereisa50%chancethattheCommentnoted.AsrequiredbytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardandstatedintheTransportationConformityReport(page16),theRTPemissionsvaluesinthesummarytablesfollowthesameroundingconventionusedbyARBtosetthebudgets(i.e.,anyfractionroundeduptothenearestton).PursuanttotheTransportationConformityRegulations,todemonstratetransportationconformity,theRTPemissionsmustbenogreaterthanthecorrespondingemissionbudgets.286IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseroundingerrorexceedsthedifferencebetweenthe2014budgetandestimatedemissions.Useofa“roundinguptothenearestton”methodofestablishingtheemissionsbudgets,whenthedifferencebetweenemissionsandthebudgetishalfaton,meansthattheconformityfindingisrandom;thereisa50%chancethatemissionsexceedthebudget.Thisislogicallyindefensibleandmanifestlyarbitraryandcapricious.Webelievethattheaforementionedimprovementstotheregionaltransportationsystemworktowardameliorationofthisproblem.WealsourgestafftocommittomodelingalternativetransitscenariosinthenextSCS/RTPprocessinordertofullyascertainthepotentialenvironmentalbenefits.104‐12AmandaEakenNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncilVI.ConclusionSCAGstaffhastakensignificantstrideswiththisSCStosettheregiononamoredirectpathtosustainability.Inparticular,thelandusepatternshowsasubstantialdeviationfromyearspastinitsattempttoprovideopportunitiesforSouthernCaliforniaresidentstoliveinwalkablecommunitieswithaffordable,convenienttransportationoptions.WefeelmoreworkisnecessarytoadjusttheprioritiesinthetransportationsystemtoensureitisworthyoftheambitiouschangestothelandusepatternSCAGenvisions.Wehavebeenhonoredtoworksocloselywithyourexcellentstaffthroughtheprocessofcreatingthisplan,andwelookforwardtothecriticalimplementationphaseintheyearstocome.Commentnoted.105‐01BillShermanNO710ActionCommitteeOurgroupisagrassrootsorganizationwithmembersinnortheastareaofLosAngelesandsurroundingcommunities,cities,neighborhoodcouncils,andgroupsthathavetakenofficialpositionsagainsttheSR‐710extensionthatrepresentover500thousandpeople.Atthistime,wesuggestandrequestthatSCAGremovefromtheRTPalllineitemsassociatedwithexpansionandextensionoftheSR‐710freeway.Itisunreasonabletoconsiderthe22billiondollarsfromtolls,theFastForwardAmericanFunding,andthePPFundingMethodasrealpossibility.Theprobabilitiesofthesebeingavailableisveryprecarious,thisfundingismoreofahopethanaplan.WeareawarethattherearesignificantdifferencesbetweenthetrafficmodelingofSCAGandMetro.ThesedifferencesneedtoberesolvedbeforetheSCAGRTPcanreallybeconsideredasavalidstudy.ImentionedspecificallytheLightTruckStudy,whichwasperformedin2008,whichconcernedthetrucktrafficwithCommentnoted.SCAG’s2012RTPisconsistentwithfiscalconstraintrequirementssetforthunderapplicablefederalregulationsandguidance,includingtherequirementthatstrategiesforensuringavailabilityofnewfundingsourcesbeidentified.See23CFR450.322(f)(1).“Fiscalconstraint”means,inpart,thattheRTPincludessufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheRTPcanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources.See23CFR450.104.TheSR‐710projectisproposedtobefundedbybothcore(MeasureR)andnew,reasonablyavailablerevenues.SCAGdocumentedthatthenewfundingsourcesidentifiedfortheSR‐710projectarereasonablyavailable.Assuch,strategiesdelineatingrequiredimplementationstepsforensuringtheavailabilityofproposednewrevenuesarediscussedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.TheSCAGregionaltraveldemandmodelutilizesthe287IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheproposed2035trafficanalysisofthe710tunnel.TheMetroRFPoutlinesastudyareaof150squaremilestoresolvetheGapClosureissuesanddoesnotspecificallyspeakofamode,route,orextensionoftheSR‐710.YourRTPisinconflictwiththeEIR/EISandunderminestheentireon‐goingprocessofbothSCAGandMetro.Asaphysician,Icannotleavewithoutcommentingonhealthissue.ExcellentstudiesfromUSCandotherwellrespectedhealthinstitutionsrepeatedlyhaveidentifiedthehealthrisksoffreewayandtunnels,thesecannotbemitigated.WhilejobsforLAworkersaredesirable,thedesertionofdecreasedairpollutionandimprovedtrafficmobilityisunproven.PresidentObamaspokespecificallyonthisissueintheStateoftheUnionAddressoflastmonth,jobsdonotoutweighhealth.IwasdisappointedintheRTPinthatitsotwentiethcentury.InacountrythatsentamantotheMoon,can’twefindmoreinnovativesolutionstothesesameoldproblems?mostcurrentinformationandinputs,includingprojectdescriptions,growthforecast,andmethodology.TheRTP/SCSisaregionalanalysisandproject‐levelmodeling(e.g.,forCEQA/NEPA,corridorstudies,etc.)wouldbeexpectedtobedifferent.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodelinganalysis.106‐01MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeWeurgeSCAGpolicymakerstoremovefromtheRTPalllineitemsassociatedwithexpandingandextendingthe710freeway,andremovefromtheRTPallitemsassociatedwithexpandingandincreasingexistinginfrastructureandtechnologyforgoodsmovementintheregion.Commentnoted.106‐02MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeInaddition,theNo710ActionCommitteenotesthatSCAGmustmovetheproposedSR‐710ExtensionTollTunnelsfromtheConstrainedPlantotheStrategicUnfundedPlaninthe2012RTPbecausetherearenocommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablefundsasrequiredbyfederallawtoincludethemintheConstrainedPlan.Commentnoted.SCAG’s2012RTPisconsistentwithfiscalconstraintrequirementssetforthunderapplicablefederalregulationsandguidance,includingtherequirementthatstrategiesforensuringavailabilityofnewfundingsourcesbeidentified.See23CFR450.322(f)(1).“Fiscalconstraint”means,inpart,thattheRTPincludessufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheRTPcanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources.See23CFR450.104.TheSR‐710projectisproposedtobefundedbybothcore(MeasureR)andnew,reasonablyavailablerevenues.SCAGdocumentedthatthenewfundingsourcesidentifiedfortheSR‐710projectarereasonablyavailable.Assuch,strategiesdelineatingrequiredimplementationstepsforensuringtheavailabilityofproposednewrevenuesarediscussedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.106‐03MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeWeopposeSCAGRTPitemsassociatedwithproposedSR‐710TollTunnelsbecausetheywillincreasepollution,trucktraffic,Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSisaperformancebasedmulti‐modalplanthatincorporatestransit,highway,goods288IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecongestion,accidents,healthimpactsandenvironmentalrisksinourcommunitiesandthroughouttheregion.Weopposerelatedplanitemswhichhavethegoalsofincreasingconventionalroadwayandrailyardcapacityforthesamereasons.TheProgrammaticDraftEnvironmentalReportforthePlanisinadequate,asisstatedinanaddendumtothisletter.Theseapproachesareoutdated,inefficient,andharmfultotheregion.Better,zero‐emissionproposalsforgoodsmovementareavailablenow–weshouldnotwaitanother20years.movement,andactivetransportationstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformance.Thisincludesstrategiesforaregionalzero‐emissiongoodsmovementsystem.106‐04MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeGoodsmovementproposalsintheDraftPlanareinconsistentwithregional,state,andfederalairqualityandcongestiontargetsstatedintheplan.Theplanstatesthattoattainfederalozonestandards,theregionwillneedbroaddeploymentofzeroandnear‐zeroemissiontransportationtechnologiesinthe2023to2035timeframe(p.74).Italsoacknowledgesthatconventionalgoodsmovementpracticescontributetoexcessozoneandpoorairquality(p.68),yetallocatesbillionsofdollarstoexpandingexistingsystems,withnorequirementthatnewtechnologybeimplemented.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Accordingly,SCAG’sproposedgoodsmovementstrategyincludesanenvironmentalactionplanfocusedonthedeploymentofzero‐emissiontechnologies.PleaserefertotheGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategysectionoftheRTPGoodsMovementAppendixforfurtherclarification.PleasenotethatSCAGdoesnothavetheauthoritytomandatesuchpolicies.106‐05MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheplansaysthat“truck‐onlyfreightcorridorsareeffectiveastheyaddcapacityincongestedcorridors,improvetruckoperationsandsafety..andprovideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.”However,theplandoesnotrequirezero‐emissiontechnology(whichtruckoperatorswillbereluctanttoinvestinbecauseoftheaddedexpense),assumesandaccommodatesmoretrucksontheroadenroutetoproposedfreightcorridors,andallocatesbillionstoconstructionofthesecorridorsinsteadofelectrifiedrailfreightmovementprojectswhichwouldeliminatemanytrucksfrominner‐citytrafficaltogether.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Further,SCAGcontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnerstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunitiessuchastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.Itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,whetherelectrifiedorconventionalrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.However,goodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.106‐06MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheplanacknowledgesenvironmentaljusticelegislationatthefederalandstatelevelindetailandpledgesSCAG’scompliancewiththespiritoftheselaws.ItproposestoaddressfreightCommentnoted.Yourcommenthasbeennoted.SCAG,however,maintainsthatSCIGisacriticalgoodsmovementinitiative.Werecognizethatgoodsmovementisamajorsource289IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemovementandrailemissions‐relatedimpacts,butitavoidsmentionofsignificantandsustainedcommunityoppositiontotheBNSFSCIG,whichisontheProjectList.TheNo710ActionCommitteeopposestheSCIGinsolidaritywiththeCoalitionforaSafeEnvironmentandothercommunitygroupsthathaverepeatedlypresentedtheircommentsandconcernsrelatedtoenvironmentaljustice.Thesecommunitiesexperiencefarhigherthanaveragefreighttrucktrafficandhostundesirableintermodalfreightfacilities.Theresultinghigherthanaveragehealth,qualityoflife,lifeexpectancyandsafetyproblemsarewelldocumented.However,theexistenceoftheirconcernsandspecificobjectionstotheSCIGarecompletelyignoredandnotmentionedinthisDraftPlanoritsappendixonEnvironmentalJustice.TheNo710ActionCommitteerepeatsthatSCIGandrelatedDraftPlancomponentsarepartofanoverallframeworkwhichfavorsconventionalgoodsmovementactivitiesthatcausesignificantpollutionandnegativeimpactsinneighboringcommunitiesandthroughouttheregion.ofemissionsthatcontributestoregionalairpollutionproblems.Assuch,SCAG’srecentgoodsmovementplanninginitiativeshavefocusedonintegratingenvironmentalstrategiesasidentifiedinthe2012RTPGoodsMovementAppendix.Weemphasizetheneedtodeploycleantechnologies(near‐zeroandzeroemissions)andincludeanactionplanforcoordinatingwithkeyregionalstakeholderstorealizesuchanobjective.106‐07MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeJobcreationandretentiongoalsinthisDraftPlanrepresent“missioncreep”andtilttowardsrequiringmoretrucks,morefreeways,moretraditionalrailinfrastructure,andmoreconventionalporttransferandloading.WeopposethisdirectionbecauseitispartofaconceptualframeworkthatincludestheproposedSR‐710TollTunnelsandtheassociatednegativeimpactsmentionedabove:pollution,trucktraffic,congestion,accidents,healthandenvironmentalrisks.ThePortWorkingGroup,acommunitycoalition,hasnotedthattheSCIGplanclaimstoadd400permanentjobs,butexistingbusinessesattheproposedsiteprovidemorethan1,200permanentjobs,resultinginanoverallreduction.Further,manyoftheconstructionjobsarenotpermanent,andnotguaranteedtobeawardedlocally.Commentnoted.Considerableresearchandanalysisindicatesthatsignificantvolumesofgoodswillmovethroughtheregionalsystemby2035.Thesegoodsmovementactivitiesprovidesignificanteconomicbenefitstotheregionandnation.SCAGcontinuestoworkcloselywithstakeholderstoidentifymechanismstosupportthecontinuedgrowthofregionalfreightactivitywhileaddressingthemyriadofassociatedchallengesincludingairquality,environmental,andcommunityconcerns.106‐08MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheNo710ActionCommitteeurgesregionalmobilizationfocusingonmulti‐modaltransitandgoodsmovementprojectsusingelectrifiedrailandzeroemissiontechnology.Thesewillalsocreatejobs,buttheapproachisforward‐lookingintermsofjobandskillstrainingandfutureinfrastructureneeds.Inaddition,moreefficient,lower‐costgoodsmovementtechnologywillallowtheSouthernCaliforniaregiontoattractjobsandnewinvestment,competingeffectivelywithotherCommentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,whetherelectrifiedorconventionalrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBay290IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseinternationalandeasternseaboardports’expansionandmodernization.Portstotheirfinaldestination.However,goodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.106‐09MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheplanreferstozeroemissionelectrifiedrailtechnologyasalong‐termgoalinsectionsofthereportcoveringgoodsmovement,congestion,airquality,transportationinvestments,andtrucktransport.Itproposesalong‐term,bureaucraticstudy.Itdoesnotacknowledgethatspecificpatents,plansandtechnologiesarecurrentlybeingproposedanddiscussedbyseveralparties.TheDraftPlanindirectlyandincorrectlyimpliesthatsuchtechnologycannotbeimplementedonanacceleratedtimetable.Thisisamatterofpoliticalwillandprivateinvestment,notfeasibility.TheNo710ActionCommitteeobjectstothePlan’stime‐delayinfundingandimplementingzeroemissionstrategies,becausethenear‐termalternativesproposedintheDraftPlanincludeextensionandexpansionoffreeways(suchasthe710)andtraditionalrailyardsandgoodsmovementinfrastructurewhichwillresultinaddedpollution,trucktraffic,congestion,accidents,healthandenvironmentalrisksintheregion.Commentnoted.SCAG’srecentstudyinitiativeshaveincludedanassessmentofelectrifiedrailtechnologies.Analysestodatesuggestthatadditionalevaluationwouldbeneededduetoaddressoperational,reliability,andsafetyconcernsamongotherfactors.SCAGhasworkedcloselywithregionalstakeholdersandwillcontinuetoinvestigatezero‐emissionoptionsforrail.106‐10MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeWequestiontherevenueprojectionsintheDraftRTP.Theprofitabilityofregionaltollwayshasn’tbeendemonstrated,andtheexactusesoftheproposedSR‐710TollTunnelshaven’tbeendetermined(caronly,truckonly,both?)yettheSCAGRTPassumesacombined$22.3billioninrevenuesforthetunnelsandothertollways.Commentnoted.TheRTPassumesrevenuesgeneratedfromtollfacilitiesarerestrictedtotheconstruction(includingpayingdebtserviceassociatedwithconstruction),aswellasoperationandmaintenanceofthosesamefacilitiesandarenoteligibleforanyotherfacility,projectorprogram.106‐11MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeOntheexpenseside,fundingshouldbereallocated.Thebillionsofdollarsforfreewayexpansion,near‐termdedicatedtrucklanes,theEast‐WestCorridor,andconventionalrailyard/truckloadingshouldbespentonacceleratedimplementationofzeroemissionelectrifiedrailfreightmovementandothermulti‐modalandactivetransportationprojects.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuesources,andotherpreviouscommitments.106‐12MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheplangiveslipservicetoamodernized,zeroemissionfreightmovementsystemfromportstoelectrifiedrail,butallocatesnofundingforthisimportantstepthatwilldramaticallyreducetrucktrafficandcongestion,improveairqualityandCommentnoted.Furtherclarificationoffundingandnear‐termdemonstrationinitiativeshavebeenprovidedinthetextoftheRTP.291IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehealth/environmentalimpacts,andpositionthisregionasanefficient,low‐cost,high‐techgoodsmovementmagnet.106‐13MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheplanalsoadmitsthatincreasedpopulation,andagrowingagingpopulation,willneedalternativeformsoftransportationasroadsbecomemorecrowdedintheregion.Morefundingshouldbedirectedproportionallytoactivetransportation:walking,biking,transit,andmulti‐modalplanning.TheNo710ActionCommitteeproposesthattheSCAGRTPallocateashareoffundingproportionaltotheanticipatedusersofandestablishedneedsforactivetransportationtofosterlivable,sustainableneighborhoodsthroughouttheregionandmeetAB32andSB375greenhousegasemissiongoals.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.106‐14MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeSCAGRTPmodelingisseriouslyoutofdate.MostoftheSCAGregionisclassifiedasanon‐attainmentareaforsomecriteriapollutantsandanextremenon‐attainmentareaforOzone.SCAQMD,astheregionalairregulator,has36airqualitysensorsacrossSouthernCalifornia(Map3.2‐1)buttheydon'tmonitorpollutionnexttobusyfreeways.Whilethesensorsmaygiveabigpictureviewinaccordancewithfederallaw,"withoutthe(freeway)monitors,there'sa"glaringhole"inairpollutionplanningthatignoresthehealthofmorethanamillionpeoplewholivewithin1000feetoffreewaysintheAQMD'sregion,accordingtoAdrianMartinez,anattorneyfortheNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil."1Baselinedatacompiledfromfreewaymonitorswouldallowustostopthecurrentmodelingimpulseto"average"pollutionthroughouttheregion,tolookathealthrisksmoreaccuratelyinnearbypopulations,andnotclaimunfoundedbenefitsfrombasicallyshiftingthepollutionelsewherewithouteliminatingit.Currenttrafficmodelingappearstobeoutofdateandinadequate,aswitnessedbythedelayofreleaseofthepreliminaryDEIRonthelowerI‐710duetoinaccuratetrucknumbers.Withoutconsideringinduceddemand,thetruecostsofbuilding,andmaintenanceandoperationsofhighwaysthemodeldoesn'tbuildadequateandaccurateevidencefordecisionmaking.ItleavesopentounsupportedspeculationthatmorefreewaysortunnelswillCommentnoted.Airqualitymonitoringistheresponsibilityofthelocalairdistricts.SCAGwillconveythecommentsregardingairqualitymonitoringtoSCAQMD.TheSCAGTravelDemandModelisacomplexanalyticaltoolthat,likethemodelsusedbyourcounterpartmetropolitanplanningagenciesinSanDiego,Sacramento,andtheSanFranciscoBayArea,representsthecurrentstate‐of‐the‐practicewithrespecttoregionaltraveldemandmodeling.TheSCAGTravelDemandModelhasundergoneaseriesofexpertpanelreviewsandconcludedwithaPeerPanelReviewinvolvingfederalagencies,academicsandexpertpractitionersfromaroundthenation.ThePeerReviewPanelconcludedthattheSCAGModelmeetsandinmanycasesexceedsthestate‐ofthe‐practice.292IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselessencongestionandimproveairquality.ThereisnouncongestedfreewayinLAandcarandtruckvolumesareprojectedtoincreaseastheinbornpopulationincreases.Thevolumeoftrafficandtheirattendantpollutantswillinevitableincreaseandmoveustowardsaprogressivelyunhealthyplacetolive.106‐15MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeSincetheARBidentifieddieselemissionsastoxicaircontaminantsthatarecarcinogenic(TACs)inAugust,1998and14years(3RTPs)havepassed,itwouldseemunlikelythattheaboveconjecturewillcometrueanytimesoon,especiallywithAmerica'soildependency.MobileSourcesContributetoSeriousHealthImpacts.Mobilesourcessuchastrucks,locomotivesandautomobilescreatethevastmajorityofairpollutionintheSouthCoastAirBasin.Onetypeofpollutant,fineparticulates,isestimatedtocause6,200prematuredeathsintheBasineveryyear.TheaveragereductioninlifespanforsuchpersonsisestimatedbytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencytobe14years.(CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard,2008(meanestimate)2HealthRisksNearTransportationFacilities.TheAQMDMultipleAirToxicsExposureStudy(MATESIII)showsthatdieselparticulatematteristheoverwhelmingcontributortoregionalcancerrisksfromairpollutionwhichaverage1,200inamillion.ThisishundredsoftimeshigherthanrisklevelsallowedforstationarysourcesunderAQMDrules(between1and25inamillion).ThehighestrisksfromairpollutionarefoundnearhighwaysandothertransportationfacilitiessuchastheI‐710,becauseofheavyrelianceondiesel‐poweredmobilesources.Personsinhighlypollutedportionsofthebasin,andpersonsneartransportationfacilitiesanywhere,alsosuffergreaterrisksofreducedlungfunctionandmanyotherserioushealtheffects.(SCAGMatesIIIanalysis,2008)3Commentnoted.Pleasenote,SCAGisincorrectlycitedasthesourcefortheMatesIIIanalysis,2008.ThatisanAQMDanalysis.106‐16MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTheaboveisofparticularconcerntotheNo710ActionCommitteebecauseoftheoverwhelmingemphasisongoodsmovementandsingleoccupancyvehiclesintheRTP.ThelowerI‐710islistedontheprojectslistandproposes4trucklanesfromthePortsofLA‐LongBeachtotherailyardsand10generallanesfromthePortstoSR‐60.WhiletheupperI‐710islistedasastudy(EIR/EIS)atacostof$87,454million,(2‐27)theprojectsdonotstandalonewithoutconsiderationoftheimpactoftheCommentnoted.Whileweunderstandyourconcerns,routesusedbytrucksmovingthroughtheregionareprimarilydictatedbymarketsegmentationandeconomicconsiderations.Inotherwords,noteverytruckusingtheI‐710wouldchoosetousetheSR‐710giventheirdestinationpoints.Analysis,includingarecentportgatesurveyconductedbySCAG,indicatesthatamajorityoftrucksutilizingtheI‐710,generallystaywithincloseproximitytothePorts—withdestinations,forexample,tonear‐293IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseother,basicallyaconduitforporttrucktrafficintoresidentialareas.dockoroff‐dockfacilitiesintheLAbasin.Truckswithdestinationfartheroutaregenerallymovingeastwardviaoneoftheeast‐westcorridors(SR‐91,I‐10,andSR‐60).Moreover,themajorityoftrucksmovingthroughtheregionaredomesticanddonothaveanoriginattheSanPedroBayPorts.ThelocalizedimpactsoftrucksutilizingacompletedSR‐710wouldbedeterminedthroughtheEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)fortheproject.Additionally,truckroutesandmovementsinresidentialareasaredeterminedbylocalordinancesandmunicipalities.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkcollaborativelywithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersonthesetypesofprojectsofregionalsignificance.106‐17MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeThe1‐710NorthprojectisalsodescribedasanSlanetollfacilityinatunnel(2‐13).Whilenewschoolscannotbebuiltwithin500feetofamajorhighwayorfreeway,thereverseisnotregulated.Afreewayortunnelcanbebuiltwithinthatdistance,whichwouldresultinatleast37schoolsthatarewithin1000feetoftheextensionandthe210fromSouthPasadenaandPasadenatoSylmarbeingsubjectedtotoxinsfromanadditional30,000vehiclesand2,500moretrucksdaily.4Commentnoted.Project‐specificissuessuchasproximitytoschoolsorothersensitivereceptorswouldgenerallybeaddressedintheproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStatement.106‐18MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeTunnelsconcentratepollutionupto1000times.AnAustralianschooldistrictwillnotallowtheirschoolbussestotraversea2miletunnelthatisconsiderablyshorterthanthatplannedfortheI‐710extension.5Commentnoted.Project‐specificissuessuchaseffectsoftunnelsonpollutionlevelswouldgenerallybeaddressedintheproject‐levelEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStatement.106‐19MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeHealthRiskAssessments(HRA)andHealthImpactAssessments(IDA)TheRTPmustconsiderformalHealthRiskAssessmentandHealthImpactAssessmentsforallofthe1‐710corridorcommunitiesandHotSpotanalysisforsensitivereceptorcommunitysitessuchasschools,daycarecenters,hospitals,convalescentcenters,seniorcenters,parksandrecreationcenters,athleticfieldsandresidentialareas.Healthprofessionalsmustbeincludedintheanalyses.No710ActionCommitteeisattachingforyourreference:•Scopingcomments,•13pageBibliographyofHealth/PollutionImpactslinks,•ChartofSelectedHealthandEconomicImpactsofFreightinGlobalTradeImpacts:AddressingtheHealth,SocialandEnvironmentalConsequences...•NationalTransportationObjectivesandTargets•CoalitionforCleanAir‐Top10factsCaliforniansshouldknowaboutairpollutionandhealth•CoalitionforCleanAir‐PollutantsandHealthEffects•CoalitionCommentnoted.TheformalHealthRiskAssessmentsandHealthImpactAssessmentscitedarebeingconductedasaproject‐levelanalysisforaspecificproject.Considerationofthisanalysismayaffectlocaldecisionsonprojectalternatives.ShouldsuchlocaldecisionsresultinachangetoaprojectdescriptionintheRTP/SCS,SCAGwillworkwiththelocalimplementationagency(e.g.,countytransportationcommission)toamendtheRTPasnecessary.294IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseforCleanAir‐TransportationFacts106‐20MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteePortofLosAngeles,PortofLongBeachThePortsofLongBeachandLosAngelesarethesinglelargestsourceofairpollutionintheSouthCoastAirBasin.TheAQMDstatedinitsFebruary17,2009letterregarding1‐710ProjectAlternativesthat"Insum,thisregionneedseverypossibleemissionreductionfromgoodsmovementandothermobilesources.Thismustincludezero‐emissiontechnologieswhereverpossible."Theagencycontinuedbymentioningelectrifiedrail,maglev,theAlamedaCorridorElectrification,electrictrucks,fixed‐guidewaysystems,andzeroemissiontechnologiesthathavebeenavailablefordecadeswithphotosofelectrifiedfreighttransportsystemsinEngland,France,Russia,Italy,etc.Inconcluding,theagencystated''wewishtocautionagainstanyunnecessary"phasing"oftheevaluationofzero‐emissionalternativeswhichcouldresultinotherportionsofthe1‐710project(i.e.laneexpansion)proceedingtoprojectlevelanalysis,possibleapprovalandconstruction,priortofullevaluationandpotentialdecisionregardingthezero‐emissionalternative."6The12/6/2010"DevelopmentofaCaliforniaGeospatialIntermodalFreightTransportModelwithCargoFlowAnalysis"commissionedbyCARBandCEPAstatesinitsconclusionsection"First,theCaseStudyquantifiesport‐relatedintermodalgoodsmovementthroughthestateofCaliforniaandbeyond.Second,theidealizeduseofleastCO2routingconstraintsillustrateshowemissionssavingscanbeachievedthroughmodalshifts.Intermsofsavingsinemissions,itisestimatedthatatotalof60%reductioninC02emissionsisachievablebyamodalswitchfromroadtorail."7Weneednomorelong‐termgoalsorbureaucraticstudiesasstatedintheplan.Thetechnologyisavailablenow,thestudieshavebeendone,commercialprojectsandlowerpollutingalternativeshavebeensuggestedinthe1‐710DEIR,thebenefitsareregionwide.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithstakeholderstoevaluateandconsidertechnologiesasappropriate.106‐21MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeGoodsmovementversuspeoplemovement,bywayofformsofmasstransit.ForLosAngelestobecometrulyaworld‐classcitymoremasstransitbywayoflightrail,busses,subwaysorstreetcarconnectionsmustbeplannedandimplemented.LosAngeleshasbeenthelaboratoryforDetroitforthelast100yearsandhasonlybeencatchingupwithothermajorU.S.citiesforthelast20years.TheMoveL.A."surveycompletedbyCommentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPisaresultoflocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.295IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseFairbank,Maslin,Maullin,MetzandAssociates,showsthatvotersinthesixcountyregionservedbytheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)overwhelminglysupportexpandingandinvestingintransitoverinvestinginhighways.Evenwhenvotersbackedhighwayspending,therewasmoresupportfora"FixItFirst"approachthanfunnelingmoremoneyintomammothroadexpansionprojects.Votersprioritizedexpandingpublictransportationasthemosteffectivemeansofreducingtrafficcongestionandairpollution,saidDennyZane,executivedirectorofMoveL.A."8The1‐710NorthEIRScopinglettersranoverwhelminglyagainstexpansionofthefreeway/tunnel.Preferencesareformasstransitprojectsthatwouldrelievecongestion,cleartheair,makecommutesmoreagreeableandefficientandputmorepeopleintoonevehicleratherthansingleoccupancyvehicles.TheRTPis"frontloaded"withhighwayprojectsand"backloaded"withtransit.TomeetourStatemandates,itwouldmakesensetomovethetransitprojectsupinthetimelineandbuildthemsoonerthanlater.106‐22MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeHealthinallpublicpolicies.Healthandhealthequityissuesdonotappearprominentlyenoughinyouroverallplanning.Pleasereferencewww.sgc.ca.gov/workgroups/hiap.html.Communityengagementisnotdemandingyoubuildmoreandtheyaretheultimatestakeholdersandtheoneswhobearthecostsandhealthburdens.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSrecognizestheimportantrolethattransportationandthebuiltenvironmenthaveonpublichealth.InadditiontothepublichealthfactorsmeasuredintheEnvironmentalJusticeanalysis,manystrategiescontainedintheRTP/SCSwillprovidewidespreadbenefitswithintheregionforbothpublichealthandenvironmentalprotection.Forexample,betterplace‐makingwillallowpeopletousewalkingandbicyclingmoreregularlyintheirdailylives,andpromotethedevelopmentofurbanparksthusprovidingmoreopportunitiesforrecreationandexercise.Furthermore,usingresearch‐basedratesandvaluationsproducedbytheAmericanLungAssociation,theRTP/SCSresultsina24percentreductionintotalhealthincidences,andsavesover$1.5billionperyearintotalcosts.106‐23MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommitteeFundinganUndefinedProjectWearedistressedtoseetheenormousdollarsthatmightgotoanewinfrastructureprojectsuchasthe1‐710northtunnels(11.8billion,2007SCAGfigure).Noprojectisactuallydefinedyet.TheEIRIEISprocessisjustunderwayandisconsideringmultipleroutes,notjustone.Infact,theTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteehasonlyhad2meetingsandisdealingfirstwithapurposeandneedevaluation.OurscarcetransportationdollarscouldbemuchbetterusedinCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescription,cost,andassociatedmodelinganalysis.296IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransitprojectstomakeahealthierandsustainableregion.Thisshouldnotbeintheconstrainedlistofprojectsbutratherremovedtothestrategiclist.Thecostestimatesarewaybelowthebuildingcostsandtherearemanyspecializedissuesinconcentratingpollutionintunnels.Thetollrevenuesmaynotcometopass,asmanymunicipalitieshavefound.Itisnotrevenueyoucanreliablybuildintothecurrentplan.Duetonoforeseeablefundinginsighttocompleteanundefinedproject,theRTPmustreflectrealityandmovethepotentialprojectfromtheconstrainedtothestrategicunfundedlist.Weneedtomovetocongestionpricing,reducedparkingavailability,higherparkingcostsandotherincentivetaxestomoveusawayfromchoosingindividualmobilityoptions.106‐24MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommittee[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber53.106‐25MultipleSignersNo710ActionCommittee[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber53A.107‐01WillKemptonOrangeCounty(multipleagencies)Inducedgrowthdiscussionsincorrectlyimplyalackofcoordinationbetweenland‐useandtransportationplanningagenciesandarecontrarytothebalancedplansprovidedthroughtheLRTPandOCSCScollaborationprocess.Pleasestatethatland‐useplansandtransportationprojectsidentifiedintheOCSCSandLRTParebalancedand,ifnecessary,clarifyunderwhatcircumstances“inducedgrowth”mayoccur.Commentnoted.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.107‐02WillKemptonOrangeCounty(multipleagencies)Newrevenuesourcesandinnovativefinancingstrategiesusedtodemonstratefinancialconstraintcanhavesignificantimpactsonbusinessesandtheeconomythatmustbeclearlyunderstoodbeforeadvancing.Infact,theRTPvisionstatementrecognizesthelinkagesbetweeneconomyandtheregionaltransportationsystem.Specifically,detailsonhowanynewuserfeeswouldbefurtherdefined,evaluated,andadvancedmustbeevaluatedthroughafulleconomicanalysispriortofinaladoptionoftheRTP.Inaddition,thisanalysisshoulddemonstrate,bycounty,theneedfornewrevenues,howthenewrevenuesareproposedtobeinvested,andhowacounty‐levelreturntosourcemechanismcanbeensured.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixofthefinalRTP/SCS.Werecognizethatreturn‐to‐sourceisacriticalconsiderationforanynewrevenuesource.107‐03WillKemptonOrangeCounty(multipleagencies)[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber58.297IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse108‐01KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncilTherearerepeatedreferencesthroughouttheRTP/SCSthattransportationprojects“inducegrowth”whichincorrectlyimpliesalackofcoordinationbetweenland‐useandtransportationplanningagenciesandthattherewasinsufficienteffortintheplanningprocesstoaccommodateforanticipated,organic,populationgrowth.TheRTP/SCSandthePEIRshoulddifferentiatebetweenbalanced,plannedgrowthidentifiedbylocaljurisdictions,andgrowththatisinconsistentwithwhatisalreadybeingplannedforatthelocallevel.Commentnoted.SCAGaddressedtheseconcernswithinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSPEIRrevisionapproach,aspresentedattheJointRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeWorkshoponthePEIRonFebruary21,2012.Formoreinformation,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber55.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.108‐02KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncilSCAGshouldidentifyintheplantheeconomiccontributionofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomyandelevatetheimportanceoftheeast‐westcorridorascriticaltothefutureofCalifornia’spositionintheglobaleconomy.Commentnoted.TheeconomiccontributionofregionalgoodsmovementisarticulatedintheGoodsMovementAppendix.108‐03KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncilTheRTPshouldexplicitlystatehowanynewuserfeeswouldbefurtherdefined,evaluated(bothforeconomicandfeasibilityimpacts),andadvanced.Inparticular,theanalysisshoulddemonstratetheneedfornewrevenuesandhowthenewrevenuesareproposedtobeinvested,whilealsoprotectingexistingtransportationplansasidentifiedbylocaltransportationentities.Voter‐approvedprojectsfundedbylocalsalestaxmeasuresmustbeprotected.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesandsummarizesthetransportationexpendituresincludedintheRTP.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixlaysoutanimplementationplanforallnewrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WerecognizetheimportanceofprotectingexistingtransportationplansadoptedbycountytransportationcommissionsintheSCAGregionandthevoter‐approvedprojectsfundedinthoseplansthroughlocaloptionsalestaxmeasuresandwillcontinuetoworkcollaborativelytoensuretheyareprotected.108‐04KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncilWiththeeliminationofredevelopmentagencies,theabilityoflocaljurisdictionstomeetthedensificationofurbancentersintheneartermishighlyproblematicandignoresissuesrelatedtoagingorinadequateinfrastructurecapacityandhighdevelopmentcostsforhigherdensityprojects.Italsothreatenstheavailabilityofsufficienthousingoptionsnecessarytomeettheneedsofadynamicworkforce.Recommendationsregardingland‐useshouldtakeintoaccounttheregion’suniquecommunities,marketforces,andtakeaflexiblenotproscriptiveapproachtoprotectregionaldiversity.Commentnoted.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.108‐05KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncilFinally,sincepassageofSB375,theStateofCaliforniahasde‐fundedtransit,transportationandredevelopmentsupportforlocalgovernment.Thiscontinuesyearsofstatediversionofrevenuesfromgasoline,sales,incomeandothertaxesneededforlocalgovernmentprograms.Localgovernmentcannotachievethesemandatedchangeswithoutincreased,notdecreased,statesupport.SCAGshouldexplicitlystatetheCommentnoted.Weagree,andouracceptanceoftheSB375regionaltargetswasconditionedon11recommendationsaimedprimarilyatrestoringpreviouslevelsofstatefundingfortransportation.Wealsoincludedamileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxestodetailspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesources,whichwillhelpensurewehave298IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimperativeforstatesupportforplanning,transit,transportationandredevelopmentorothernecessaryfundingtopre‐SB375levelsinordertoachievemandatedgoals.adequateresourcestomeetstateandfederalmandates.108‐06KateKlimowOrangeCountyBusinessCouncil[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber55.109‐01DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsSCAG'sadoptionofthegrowthforecastnumbersshouldbeatthecountylevel,consistentwithpastRTPs,andnotatasmallerlevelofgeographysuchascity,censustract,ortrafficanalysislevel.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.109‐02DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsAlldocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,PEIRAlternatives(includingAlternativeC/3/Envision2)referencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecastsshouldbeupdatedwiththeOrangeCountyProjections‐2010ModifiedGrowthProjections,asadoptedbytheOCCOGBoardofDirectorsandconsistentwiththesubregionaldelegationMOUbetweenOCCOG,OCTAandSCAG.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010ModifieddatasetintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,Alternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).109‐03DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsTheRTP/SCSidentifiesstrategiestoreducegreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsfromcarsandlightdutytrucks.Becausecounties,jurisdictionsandagencieshavedifferentneedsandfeasibilityofimplementation,webelievethesestrategiesshouldbeclearlyidentifiedasamenuofoptionsthatcanbeusedtoachievethegoalofreducedGHGemissions.However,thedocumentcanbeconstruedtosuggestthateachofthestrategieslistedinthetableonpages150‐153arenecessarytosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS,manyofwhicharebeyondSCAG'spurvieworcontrol.Itisrequestedthatthelanguagebeclearthatitispermissive.(1)Reviselanguageonpage149:"Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernments,SCAG,andotherstakeholdersmayuseorconsiderwhilepreparingspecificprojectswhichthathelptosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS."(2)PleaseprovideSCAGanalysissupportingthestrategiesintheDraftRTP/SCSChapter4.(3)Pleasedescribewhatmunicipalobligationsareanticipatedasaresultofadoptingthesestrategiesasalisttobeaccomplishedratherthanamenuofoptions.Commentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregional2012RTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedareendorsedbytheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.Regionalstrategiesincludedinthe2012RTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment.109‐04DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyTherearestrategiesintheOCSCSthatarenotincludedintheCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedby299IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCouncilofGovernmentsregionalSCS.Similarly,therearesomestrategiesintheregionalSCSthatarenotconsistentwiththestrategiesintheOCSCS.Thiscreatesconfusionandclarificationisneeded.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCSCSinitsentiretyintotheregionalSCSasanappendixtotheregionalSCS,butitisunclearwhatthestandingisoftheOCSCS.TheOCSCScontainsasetofstrategiesthatwereagreeduponbylocalgovernments,agenciesandotherstakeholderswithinOrangeCountyandwasacceptedbySCAGandshouldrepresenttheSCSthatisapplicabletotheOrangeCountyregion.Pleaserevisethetextinthelastparagraphonpage106tostate:"ThesesubregionalSCSdocumentsareincorporatedintotheregionalSCSandrepresenttheSCSforeachofthesesubregions."GCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregional2012RTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedareendorsedbytheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.Regionalstrategiesincludedinthe2012RTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment.109‐05DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments1)RTPGeneral.AllchapterheadingsshouldincludetheChapternumberoneachpageforeaseofreference.Commentnoted.Chapternumbershavebeenadded,asrequested.109‐06DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments2)RTPp.1,leftcol–“The2012RTP/SCSincludesastrongcommitmenttoreduceemissionsfromtransportationsourcestocomplywithSB375,improvepublichealth,andmeettheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsassetforthbythefederalCleanAirAct.”Commentnoted.109‐07DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments3)RTPp.4,rightcol‐“Thisregionneedsalong‐term,sustainablefundingplanthatensurestheregionreceivesitsfairshareoffunding,supportsanefficientandeffectivetransportationsystemthatgrowstheeconomy,providesmobilitychoices,andimprovesourqualityoflife.”Commentnoted.Weagreethattheregionneedstoensureitreceivesitsfairshareoftransportationfunding.109‐08DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments4)RTPp.7,Table2andp.95,Table3.3‐Isadditional$0.15gastaxthesumtotalofbothstateandfederaltaxesor$0.15each?Commentnoted.Theadditional$0.15iseachstateandfederalexcisegastaxes.109‐09DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments5)RTPp.40,leftcol‐“Strategicinvestments,putforthbytheprivatesector,thatwouldremovebarriersassociatedwithtelecommutingareexpected...”Commentnoted.Thereferencedlanguagewasrevisedasfollows:"Strategicinvestmentsputforthbytheprivatesectorthatwouldremovebarriersassociatedwithtelecommutingareexpectedtoincreasethenumberoffull‐time(equivalent)telecommutersto5percentin2020,and10percentin2035."109‐10DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments6)RTPp.42,Table2.2‐241tollroadcompletionyearis2030Commentnoted.Table2.2wasrevisedwiththecorrectcompletionyearof2030.109‐11DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilof7)RTPp.50,leftcol–“scrip”,Pleasedefineintextandaddtoglossary.Commentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.300IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseGovernments109‐12DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments8)RTPp.54,rightcol‐“Despiteourconcertedefforttoreducetrafficcongestionthroughyearsofinfrastructureinvestment,theregion’ssystemdemandscontinuetoexceedavailablecapacityduringpeakperiods.”Commentnoted.Weagreethattheadditionof“peakperiods”isanappropriateadditiontothereferencedsentence.109‐13DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments9)RTPp.70,78‐SCAGseemstorelyonCEQAtoachievethe"maximumfeasible"reductionsinemissionsfromtransportation.However,thisisnotconsistentwiththeintentofSB375’sgoalofachievingspecificthresholdsof8%by2020and13%by2035throughasustainablecommunitiesstrategyplan.PleaseprovideclarificationtothissectionindicatingiftheairqualityandgreenhousegasCEQAmitigationmeasuresobligateregionalagenciesandprojectdeveloperstoundertakemorestrategies,programsandmandatesbeyondthoseincludedintheOCSCS.10)RTPp.78,rightcol‐Onroademissions(frompassengervehiclesandheavydutytrucks)constitute93percentofthetransportationsectortotal.Emissionsfrompassengervehicles,whicharethesubjectofSB375andthisRTP/SCS,constitute___%ofthetransportationsector’sgreenhousegasemissionstotal.”11)RTPp.80,leftcol‐Statementsaremade,suchas,"theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth"(inpopulationintheregion).ThesestatementscouldbeinterpretedtobecontrarytoSCAG'sobligationundertheMemorandumofUnderstandingwithOCCOGtorespectthestrategiesandlocallandusepoliciesintheOCSCS.PleaseclarifyhowitisinSCAG'sabilitytoaffectlocalchangewhentheOCSCSisconsistentwithacceptanceoflocallanduseplansandplannedpopulationandemploymentdistribution?Recommendedtextchange:“Transportationprojectsincludingnewandexpandedinfrastructurearenecessarytoimprovetraveltimeandcanenhancequalityoflifeforthosetravelingthroughouttheregion.However,theseprojectsalsohavethepotentialtoattractmoreoftheregionalpopulationgrowthincertainareasoftheregion.ThismeansthatalthoughSCAGdoesnotanticipatethattheRTPwouldaffectthetotalgrowthinpopulationintheregion,theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth.TransportationprojectsintheRTPalsohavethepotentialtodivideestablishedcommunities,primarilythroughacquisitionofrights‐of‐way.”Commentnoted.EditsregardingthepercentageofGHGemissionsfromthetransportationsectorweremadeinthefinalRTP/SCS.Inregardtothemitigationmeasures,SCAGdoesnotintendtodictatemitigationtojurisdictions.Assuch,SCAGaddressedtheseconcernswithinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSPEIRrevisionapproach,aspresentedattheJointRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeWorkshoponthePEIRonFebruary21,2012.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.301IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse109‐14DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsRTPp.82,rightcol‐TextindicatesthattheRTPandprojectsintheRTP/SCSas“inducing”growth.Itisnotedthatuseoftheterm“inducedgrowth”hasanegativeconnotationandimpliesgrowthaboveandbeyondwhatwouldoccurnaturally.However,itisstatedintheRTPthatthepopulation,housing,andemploymentgrowthtotalsarefixedandonlythedistributionsmaychangebasedontheplan.Thismeanstherewillnotbe“new”growthandthattheRTPandSCSmaysimplyinfluenceandshiftthegrowthanticipatedfortheregion.Thismovingofgrowthistheresultofchangesindistributionthatareduetochangesinlanduseordensities.Becauseofthis,itisrequestedthatreferencesto“inducedgrowth”berewordedtoreflecttheshiftingofgrowthintheregion.Recommendedtextchange:“Cumulativeimpactsfromtheprojectedgrowthincludeincreasedimpervioussurfaces;...”Commentnoted.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.109‐15DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments12)RTPCh.3‐SCAG’sFinancialPlanincludesasignificantportionof“NewRevenueSourcesandInnovativeFinancingStrategies”thatarenotcurrentlyinplaceoravailable.WhilesomeoftheproposedrevenuesarewithinthecontrolofSCAGorMPOsandCountyTransportationCommissions,themajorityoftherevenues(intermsofdollars)requireeitherstateorfederalactiontoimplement.Pleaseexplainwhattheimplicationsareifthesenewrevenuesourcesandinnovativefinancingstrategiesdonotbecomeavailable?13)RTPp.95,Table3.3–Delete“Mileage‐baseduserfeeswouldbeimplementedtoreplacegastaxandaugment—estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permileandindexedtomaintainpurchasingpowerstarting2025.”Suggestedlanguageisfrompage31ofGrowthForecastAppendix:“Currentgasolinetax,estimatedatabout$0.05(2011$)permilewillincreasethrough2025,thenin2026itwouldbereplacedwithamileage‐baseduserfeeindexedtomaintainpurchasingpower.”Commentnoted.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraint,aspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirements,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.TheGrowthForecastAppendixhasbeenupdatedtoaccuratelyreflectthemileage‐baseduserfeeproposal.109‐16DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments14)RTPp.105,rightcol‐“Whiletheregionwasonceknownworldwideasthe“capitalofsprawl,”theregiontodayisprojectinggrowthononlyasmallfractionoftherawlandavailableintheregion.”16)p.106‐SCAGindicatesthattheOCSCShasbeenincorporatedintotheregionalSCS.OCCOGwasoneoftwosubregionsthatundertookthearduoustaskandobligationofpreparinganSCS.PleaseaddclarifyingtextthatthesesubregionalSCSs,includingtheOCSCS,representtheCommentnoted.ThefinalRTP/SCSincludesclarifyinglanguageandaddssscomment.302IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesapplicabletothosesubregions.17)p.110,rightcol‐“Municipalwaterandsewersystems,forexample,ensurecleanwater.Atthesametime,asareasbecomemoreurbanizedandthepercentageofimpervioussurfaceisincreased,thehydrologicregimeisdramaticallyaltered.Drainageconveyancesthatoncewerenaturalandriparianarerequiredtobeengineeredashardenedfloodcontrolchannelstoprovideadequateprotectionofprivatepropertyandpublicinfrastructurefromtheincreasedfrequency,duration,peakflow,andoverallvolumeofstormwaterrunoff.Withthisarmoringofoncenaturalchannels,waterqualitybenefitsfrombiofiltrationarelostalongwithopportunitiesforinfiltrationandevapotranspiration,whichcanleadtohydromodifcationdownstreaminsectionswhicharenotyetengineeredandhardened.Manystrategies...”18)p.112,117‐TheSCSdocumentsthedevelopmentoffourscenariostoexplorebasicaspectsoffuturegrowth.ThesescenarioswereusedinpublicoutreachandtheSCSandtheassociatedAppendixstatesthat“UsingthepublicdialogueandfeedbackfromtheanalysisoftheSCSScenarios,SCAGdevelopedthe2012RTP/SCSPlanalternatives.”(SimilarreferencesarealsoincludeatRTP/SCSp.117,andSCSBackgroundDocumentationp.71).TheRTP/SCSandAppendixthendescribesaprocessthatledtothePlanalternatives.NeithertheRTP/SCS,AppendixorPEIRexpresslystateorillustratethefundamentallanduseandsocioeconomicfoundationfortheSCS.InordertoconfirmconsistencywiththeOCSCS,itisrequestedthatSCAGincludeappropriatetables,graphicsandmapsthatprovidethedetailthatconfirmthisconsistency.109‐17DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments19)p.113,122‐TheregionalSCSstatesthatthescenarios/alternativesweredevelopedusingtheLocalSustainabilityPlanningTool(LSPT).TheLSPTisasketchplanningtoolthatflattensgeographicalareastoa5‐acregridcell.TheOCSCSlandusedatawasprovidedatmuchgreaterlevelofdetailinthatspecificparceldataanddetailwereprovidedbyeachjurisdiction.AcursoryreviewofsomeLSPTdatarevealsinconsistenciesregardinginterpretationofOrangeCountylanduses.ItisacknowledgedthattheregionalSCSstates,"LanduseinputsforOCCOGSCSwereunchanged".YetuseoftheLSPTandSCAGDevelopmentandCommunityTypespresentedintheCommentnoted.ThesubregionalSCSdocumentssubmittedbyGCCOGandOCCOGareincorporatedintotheregionalRTP/SCSintheirentirety,andassuch,thepoliciesincludedarepartoftheregionalplanforimplementationinthesub‐region.RegionalstrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCS,suchasfinancingstrategies,applyregion‐wide.ThefinalRTP/SCSandSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixwasupdatedtoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddressreflectthecomment.303IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSCSleaveopenthequestionastowhethertheOCSCSwasaltered,asnotedabove.PleaseprovideconfirmationthattheunderlyingOCSCSlandusedatawasusedwithoutsignificantalterationandLSPTflatteningandinterpretationinthedevelopmentoftheregionalSCSPlanandalternatives.20)p.127,rightcol–“Gentrification”,addtoglossary21)p.128,leftcol‐“Thus,thisadjustmentallowedthelandusepatterntoconformmorecloselytolocalgeneralplans,whilereducingtheamountofvehiclemilestraveled.”Whose/Whatare“localexpectations?”22)p.149,rightcol‐ReviselanguagetoclarifythatSCAGintendspolicies,strategies,andmeasuresareamenuofoptions.“Thefollowingtableslistspecificimplementationstrategiesthatlocalgovernments,SCAG,andotherstakeholdersmayuseorconsiderwhilepreparingspecificprojectswhichwouldhelptosuccessfullyimplementtheSCS.”23)p.150‐152‐TheOCSCSwasacceptedbySCAGandrepresentsthesetofstrategiesandthegrowthdistributionthatoutlinesthebestapproachforhowtherequirementsofSB375wouldbemetwithinthesubregion.Specifically,theOCSCSincluded15specificSustainabilityStrategies,reflectingamenuof222practicesandactionsthatOCagencieshaveagreedtopursue(orcontinuetopursue)toachieveGHGreductionsthatsupportSB375.Whydoesn’ttheregionalSCSspecificallyacknowledgethese15strategiesyetincludeotherstrategiesandperformancemeasuresnotincludedintheOCSCS(e.g.,LocationalEfficiency)?24)p.166,rightcol–“Greenfield”,addtoglossary109‐18DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments25)p.194,rightcol‐“Inadditiontothesetargetedoutreachefforts,allregularandspecialmeetingsoftheRTPtaskforces,theTransportationCommittee(TC),theCEHD,theEEC,andtheSCAGRegionalCouncilarepubliclynoticedand...”Commentnoted.ReferencedtextamendedtoreflectadditionalSCAGcommitteesthatarepubliclynoticed.109‐19DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments26)p.201‐Pleaseclarifywhetherthetextstating“Long‐termemissionreductionforrail,withagoalofzero‐emissionsrailsystem”isintendedtoreflectazero‐emissionsfreightrailsystem,orwhetherthisgoalalsoappliestopassengerrail.Commentnoted.Thistextrefersspecificallytogoodsmovement.However,anyplansforazero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionsfreightrailsystemcouldapplytotheregion’spassengerrailsysteminthecaseofsharedtracks.109‐20DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments27)p.202‐203,Table7.1‐Unfundedoperationalimprovements,ofwhichseveralarelistedonpage203,Table7.1,includetransitstationimprovementsinIrvine,Fullerton,andSantaAna,busrapidtransit(BRT)inOrangeCounty,andhighspeedrail(HSR)PhaseII.PleaseconfirmthattheseareCommentnoted.TheoperationalimprovementsareconsistentwiththeOrangeCountySCS.304IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconsistentwiththeOCSCS.109‐21DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments28)p.207‐StrategicFinance.Pleaseexplainwhatwillhappenifreasonablyforeseeablerevenuesourcesofapproximately$200milliondonotbecomeavailable?Commentnoted.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraintaspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirments,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.109‐22DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments29)p.205–“Activetransportation”,addtoglossaryCommentnoted.Thistermhasbeenaddedtotheglossary.109‐23DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsGrowthForecastAppendix,p.23,Table13‐InDecember2011,OrangeCountyprovidedSCAGwiththerevisedgrowthforecastdataset,OCP‐2010Modified,pertheOCSCSMOU(officialOCCOGBoardaction1/26/2012).PleaseincorporaterevisedOrangeCountynumbers(i.e.OCP‐2010Modified)intoallreports,tables,exhibits,alternatives,maps,andmodelingrunsforfinalRTP.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedtheOCP‐2010Modifieddatasetintothefinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCSandupdatedallrelateddocuments,tables,maps,narrative,modelingruns,andAlternatives(includingAlternateCreferencingtheOrangeCountygrowthforecasts).109‐24DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsFinanceAppendix‐Whataretheimplicationsifrevenuesotherthancorerevenuesdonotbecomeavailable?PleasedescribeanyimplicationstotheabilityoftheregiontomeetSB375GHGemissionreductiontargetsorthefederallyrequiredairqualityconformity?Commentnoted.Themajorityoffundsidentifiedasreasonableavailablerevenues(excludingcorerevenues),arenotassumedtobeavailableuntilthelatteryearsoftheRTP.ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraintaspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirements,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionoramendment.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.109‐25DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsPMAppendixp.1‐Thedocumentstates,“TheperformancemeasuresareusedtoevaluatehowwelltheRTP/SCSaddressestheadoptedgoalsandperformanceoutcomes.”IsthereanyCommentnoted.ThePerformanceMeasuresAppendixhasbeenrevisedtostatethattheRTP/SCSperformancemeasuresarenotrequiredforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specific305IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseformalrolefortheperformancemeasures?ARBwillevaluateforSB375compliancenotbasedonthesemeasuresbutbasedonARBprocess.PleaseincludelanguageclarifyingthatthisisarequirementtodemonstratecompliancewithfederalrequirementsandnotfortheobligationsunderSB375.PMAppendixp.1,endoffirstparagraph‐Addstatement:“PerformancemeasuresandexpectedoutcomeswillbeusedtomonitortheRTP/SCSattheregionallevel;thesemeasuresandoutcomesarenotproposedforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.”PMAppendixp.1,col2‐Thedocumentstates,“TheRegionalCouncilwillformallyadoptthegoalsandoutcomesaspartofthefinal2012RTP/SCS.”Doesthisbringanyformalobligationtomeetgoals?Goalsaregeneral,flexible,andaspirationalratherthanspecific,asonp.1.level.109‐26DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments[PMAppendix]p.13,Table8‐TheRTP/SCSclaimsanextra2%CO2eemissionsreductionin2035fromtheNHTSpost‐processinganalysis.WhiletheRTP/SCSmeetstheARBSB375goalwithouttheextra2%,wewouldliketonotethattheextra2%couldbeimportantiftheattorneygeneralraisesconcernsaboutbacksliding.Consequently,thereliabilityoftheextra2%reductionshouldbechecked.QuestionsontheNHTSmodelarebelow.Itwouldbeusefultoknowtheanswerstobetterjudgethequality,althoughwedonotethatthereportdoeslooklikeitmeetsthestandardsorbestpractice.p.9‐NHTSModelDocumentationReport.Aretheautoandbusaccessibilityvariablesincludedintheregressionmodelsfor30‐milerings?In“Numberoftrips”model–isnumberofcars,includedasanindependentvariable,theactualorpredictedvalue?Thesamequestionappliestoothermodels.p.23,Table10‐NHTSModelDocumentationReport.WeretheelasticitiesfortheSCAGNHTSstudycalculatedatsamplemeans,orforeachobservationandthenaveragedforthesample?p.24,Test3‐NHTSModelDocumentationReport.(CompareTrip‐BasedandNHTSModel):ThefinaltestwastocomparetheresultsoftheTrip‐BasedModelandtheNHTSModelforthesamescenarios.Pleasedescribethescenariostested.Commentnoted.Responsetothequestions:1)Aretheautoandbusaccessibilityvariablesincludedintheregressionmodelsfor30‐mileringsResponse:No.SCAGdidn’tuseconceptof30‐milering,instead,twogravity‐modeltypeofaccessibilityindicators,withtraveltimeasanimpedancevalue,arecalculated:autoaccessibilityisusedasanindependentvariableintheVMTmodel,andlocalbusaccessibilityisusedinthemodechoicemodel.Zone‐to‐zonetraveltimeusedintheaccessibilitycalculationreflectsthetrafficconditionofthetransportationnetwork,whichisveryusefultothisproduction‐basedmodelinganalysis.2)In“Numberoftrips”model–isnumberofcars,includedasanindependentvariable,theactualorpredictedvalue?Response:Toestimatemodelcoefficients,thenumberofhouseholdvehiclesisfromNHTSdata(actual).WhenusingthemodeltoestimatethenumberoftripsorVMT,thenumberofvehiclesisestimatedfromthe“AutoOwnershipModel”(predicted).3)WeretheelasticitiesfortheSCAGNHTSstudycalculatedatsamplemeans,orforeachobservationandthenaveragedforthesample?Response:Itiscalculatedforeachobservationandtheresultaveraged.4)ThefinaltestwastocomparetheresultsoftheTrip‐BasedModelandtheNHTSModelforthesamescenarios.Pleasedescribethescenariostested.Response:Itis2035PlanScenariofortheRTP/SCS.306IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse109‐27DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments[SCSBackgroundAppendix]p.53,rightcol‐HousingOptionsandMix:DefineLarger‐lotsinglefamilyintext.p.71‐74,80‐83‐Alternativesnaming:A,B,C.NamesofAlternativesdifferthanthoselistedinthePEIRonpagesES‐3and1‐4.Pleasebeconsistentwithnamingprotocolforalternativesbetweentwo/alldocuments.p.71,rightcol‐“PlanAlternative(B)...Thealternativemaintainscity‐levelforecastcontroltotalsforbothhouseholdsandjobs,however,withincityboundariesshiftsaremadetofocusamuchlargershareoffuturegrowthinamorecompactwayaroundHQTAs,exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements.Futurehousingmarketdemandisexpectedtoshiftsignificantlytosmalllotsingle‐family,townhomesandmulti‐familyhousing.”[“housing”misspelled]p.71,rightcol‐PlanAlternative(B).Definesmalllotsinglefamilyintext.p.71,rightcol‐PlanAlternative(C).“Asaresultverysuburbancommunitiesmayexperiencenonewhousingoremploymentgrowth,whilesomeurbanareaswithverygoodaccesstoregionaltransitmayexperiencesignificantincreasesinhousingoremploymentgrowth.”p.72,leftcol‐“Whileeachalternativeisdistinctive,anumberofparametersremainedconstantacrosseachalternative:theregionalRTP/SCSforecasttotalforpopulation,householdsandjobs;...”“Detailedforecast:thedetaileddistributionofpopulation,households,andjobsacrosstheregion...”p.72,TableD1‐AlternativesA&B:“ControlledtoTAZ‐basedRTP/SCSForecastfor2020;Controlledtocity‐levelRTP/SCSForecastfor2020‐2035,exceptinGatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregionspertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”Addstatementtotablenotes:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.p.74,TableD2–AlternativesA&B:Addstatement:GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.p.75,rightcol‐“DevelopmentTypes.Thealternativesarebuilton,andprovidesdataat,theleveloftheTAZ,whichincludeshousingunitsandemployment.”PleaseclarifyifTAZisTier1,Tier2,orboth.Commentnoted.ThefinalSCSBackgroundDocumentationandSubregionalSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesAppendiceshavebeenupdatedtoaddclarifyinglanguageandreflectthecomment,asappropriate.109‐28DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments[SCSBackgroundAppendix]p.79,rightcol‐“SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernmentsCommentnoted.TheSCSBackgroundDocumentationAppendixwasupdatedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCStoincludeclarifyinglanguageandaddresscomment.307IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(OCCOG)willbeunchangedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly).”p.79‐Thesectionincludesthefollowinglanguage:“SubregionalSCSssubmittedbytheGatewayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(GCCOG)andtheOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments(OCCOG)willberespectedandintegratedintothealternatives(withpossiblerevisionsforAlternativeConly).”Pleaseclearlyindicatewhatthe“possiblerevisions”areandwhatprocesswouldbeusedtocoordinatewithOrangeCountyshouldchangestothesocioeconomicdatacontainedintheOCSCSbeproposed?p.80‐AlternativeA.Addstatement:“GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”p.81‐AlternativeB.ItisnotclearwhetherAlternativeBistheSCSlanduseplan.Ifitis,statementsintheappendixleadonetobelievetheOCSCSfoundationhasbeenaltered.Forexample,adjustmentsmadetolandusestolocateproximatetoHighQualityTransportationAreas(HQTA)andintensificationofresidentialandemploymentdevelopmentinHQTAthatdivergefromlocalGeneralPlansaswellasimplementationofavehicleuserfeearenotpartoftheOCSCS.IsAlternativeBtheSCSlanduseplan?Addstatement:“GatewayandOrangeCountyCOGsubregions’localinputdatawillnotbechangedpertheirSCSdelegationagreements.”p.115,leftcol‐TransitZoningCodeSantaAna2011.Isthisaduplicateofthe2010SantaAnaproject?109‐29DaveSimpsonOrangeCountyCouncilofGovernments[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber56.110‐01MikeHarmanosOrangeCountyRenewableEnergySocietyWearealocalchapteroftheAmericanSolarEnergySociety.TheAssociationofGovernmentshadanEnergyWorkingGroupin2006andknowingthatthisprocesswasgoingtotakeplace,theplansofthatgroupwereputontemporaryhold.ThedraftplanthatwasreleasedinDecembermentionsrenewableenergyonetimeonPage82ofthereport.I’mhopingthattheenergyworkinggroupcangetreactivated,builtbackupagain,andgetthethoughtsandideasofgrassrootsorganizationsandelectedofficialsworkingtogether.TheorganizationthatIrepresenthasapproximately45membersinOrangeCounty.Wehavepeopleintheindustry,peoplewhoarescientists,wehaveindividualsCommentnoted.WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeOrangeCountyRenewableEnergySocietyinthefuture.308IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewhoarejustconcernedaboutrenewableenergyandareadvocatingitseffectiveandintelligentusegoingintothenext20years.Iwantedtothankyouforyourhardworkandalsooffermyorganization’shelpinaddressingsomeoftherenewableenergyinfrastructurerequirementsthatyouwillfacegoinginto2035andhowrenewableenergycanbeused,notincompetitionwithanoil‐basedenergysystem,butasaback‐upsystem,justasanydecentbusinessororganizationwouldbuildcontingencyplansforback‐upandconcerns.111‐01GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityThedraftRTPsuggeststhat$127.2billionoftheapproximately$219.5billionregionalshortfallcanbeaddressedthroughactionsateitherthestateorfederallevelwitha$0.15gastaxincreasebetween2017and2024.Afterthat,thedraftRTPassumesthatthestateorfederalgovernmentwouldeitherreplacethegastaxwithanindexedmileage‐baseduserfeeof$0.05permile,beginningin2025,orfurtherincreasefueltaxestogeneraterevenuesequivalenttothemileage‐baseduserfee.OCTAcannotsupportanincreaseinfees,includingtheintroductionofamileage‐baseduserfee,untilacomprehensiveeconomicimpactstudyiscompletedandpresentedtotheOCTABoardofDirectors(Board)fordiscussion.Inaddition,whenconsideringsupportforanykindofanewuser‐basedfeeprogram,anemphasismustbeplacedontheneedforareturn‐to‐sourcecriteriathatguaranteesfundsgeneratedwithinOrangeCountyarereinvestedinOrangeCounty.Finally,thereshouldalsobeaprocessforrecognizingandrewardingareasthatkeepthetransportationsysteminastateofgoodrepair.Commentnoted.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesarelessthanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.AnanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTPisprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisofthe2012RTP/SCSAppendix.Weagreethatreturn‐to‐sourceandrewardingareasthathavemadesubstantialstridestoobtainingastateofgoodrepairarecriticalitemsforanynewrevenuesources.111‐02GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityThedraftRTPidentifiesPhaseIoftheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailAuthority(CHSRA)Projectasapotentialsolutionforimprovinginterregionalandintercitygroundtransportation.AsdescribedintheRTP,theprojectisplannedtoconnectSanFranciscowithLosAngelesandAnaheim.ThisalsoassumesimprovementstoincreasespeedsalongtheLosAngeles‐SanDiego‐SanLouisObispo(LOSSAN)corridorandtheMetrolinkAntelopeValleyLine.ThisprojectdescriptionisconsistentwiththedraftCHSRABusinessPlan,whichOCTAhasreviewedandprovidedcommentson(attached).OCTAwouldlikeSCAGtotakethesecommentsintoconsiderationastheRTPisrefinedforadoptioninApril.Insummary,thesecommentsfocusedonthefollowing:OCTAsupportsthephaseddeliveryapproach,whichincludesCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSsupportsearlyinvestmentsintheregion'sexistingrailservicesandtheseinvestmentsareincludedintheConstrainedandStrategicPlans.SCAGwillberegularlyprovidinghigh‐speedandpassengerrailupdatesthroughtheTransportationCommitteeandRegionalCouncil.309IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseearlyinvestmentintheexistingLOSSANandMetrolinkinfrastructure;Ratherthaninitiallyinvestinginthecentralsegment,OCTAbelievesitismoreprudenttobeginimplementationatthe“bookends”ofthesystem;ExtendingtheimplementationofPhaseIby13yearsmayjeopardizeexistingfundingduetotimelyusecriteria;Theupdatedscheduleshouldaccountforpotentialcontingencies,andtheassociatedpotentialcostincreasesshouldbeaddressedthroughcontingencyplanning;Theproject’sdependencyonpublicfundscouldplaceCHSRAindirectcompetitionforfundingwithexistingtransitserviceprovidersandlocaltransportationagencies;ItisquestionablewhetherthefundingplantrulycomplieswiththerequirementssetoutinProposition1A,specificallySection2704.08(c)(2),itemsAthroughK;Theoperatingassumptionof“uptoninetrainsperhour”willlikelyresultinanunnecessarylevelofservice,andtheprojectedoperatingsurplusof$1billionperyearistoooptimistic;The$171billionalternativeinvestmentinairportsandroadwaysdoesnotaccountfortheairportandroadwayinvestmentsthatwillberequiredbothwithandwithoutthehigh‐speedrailproject.Inaddition,OCTArecommendsthatSCAGprovideregularupdatestotheTransportationCommitteeandRegionalCouncilregardingtheCHSRAbusinessplan,financialstatus,implementationprogress,andanychangesinassumptionsbytheCHSRA;particularlywithrespecttothestatusofthememorandumofunderstandingthatbetterdefinesCHSRA’scommitmentstonear‐termspeedimprovementsfortheLOSSANandMetrolinkservices.111‐03GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityThedraftRTPincludestheimplementationofaregionalhigh‐occupancytoll(HOT)lanenetwork.Thisnetworkappearstoutilizeexistingandplannedhigh‐occupancyvehiclelanestogeneratenewrevenuesbysellingexcesscapacitytosingle‐occupancydrivers.TheproposedregionalHOTlanenetworkassumesthatOrangeCountywouldincludeHOTlanesonInterstate5(I‐5)betweentheSanDiegoCountyborderandthesouthernendofStateRoute73(SR‐73);alongI‐405betweenthenorthernendofSR‐73andtheLosAngelesCountyborder;andalongStateRoute91(SR‐91)extendingtheExpressLaneswesttotheLosAngelesCountyborder.OnDecember12,2011,theOCTABoardapprovedtheExpressLanePlanningandCommentnoted.TheOCTAExpressLanePlanningandImplementationPrincipleswillbeincorporatedintotheassumptionsfortheapplicablesegmentsoftheregionalHOTlanenetwork.TheproposedregionalHOTlanenetworkisaproductoftheExpressTravelChoicesstudyofwhichOCTAstaffplaysanactiverole.Inaddition,onDecember12,2011,theOCTABoardhasdirectedstafftoparticipateoftheExpressTravelChoicesPhaseIIstudyandapprovedOCTA’sshareoflocalmatchforthestudy,whichwillfurtherevaluateimplementationissues.WealsorecognizethatSCAGisnottheimplementingagencyfortheproposedHOTlanesandwillcontinuetoworkinacollaborativemannerwithourpartners.310IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseImplementationPrinciples(attached).OCTArequeststhattheseprinciplesbeincorporatedintotheassumptionsforsegmentsoftheregionalHOTlanenetworkthatarewithinOrangeCounty.Furthemore,theproposedHOTlaneimprovementstoI‐5,andSR‐91shouldbesubjecttofurtherstudytoevaluateright‐of‐wayimpacts,communityissues,andoverallfeasibility,priortoinclusionintheconstrainedplan.111‐04GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityDuetocontinuinggrowthattheportsofLongBeachandLosAngeles,andincreasingcongestiononfreewaysthroughouttheSCAGregion,thedraftRTPhighlightstheneedforazeroemissionEast‐WestFreightCorridor.Thecorridorwouldaidthemovementofgoodsbetweentheportsandwarehousingfacilitieslocatedinland.ThisreflectsthefindingsfromtheComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategy.Severalothercorridorswereexamined,includingtheSR‐91,throughOrangeCountyandInterstate10.Afterconsiderablestudy,theStateRoute60corridorwasselectedforfurtherstudybasedonitsproximitytocurrentandfuturemarkets,feasibilityandright‐of‐wayconstraints,futuretruckvolumes,andpotentialforreducingtruck‐involvedaccidents.TheSR‐91wasnotselectedprimarilyduetoright‐of‐wayconstraintsthroughoutthecorridor,andlackofgoodaccesstowarehousinglocations.OCTAsupportstheEast‐WestCorridorasitappearsintheDraft2012RTP.OCTAbelievesthatthefindingsfromtheComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategyareaccurate,andOCTAencouragesSCAGtobuildontheprogressoftheEast‐WestCorridorbasedonthesefindings.Commentnoted.111‐05GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthoritySCAGproposesanumberofotherinvestmentswithinthedraftRTPthataffectOrangeCounty,andgobeyondtheLong‐RangeTransportationPlan(LRTP).OCTArecognizesthatitiswithinSCAG’spurviewtoplanforregionalstrategiesthatenhancetransportation,suchastheonesdiscussedbelow.ItshouldbenotedthatOCTAiscommittedtodeliveringtheprojectswithintheLRTP.OCTAwillonlyconsideradditionalinvestmentsafterrevenuesareidentifiedtoaccountforthesecommitments.TheregionalstrategiesidentifiedbySCAGdonothaveclearfundingmechanisms,anditmustbemadeclearthattheirinclusionintheRTPdoesnotconstituteacommitmenttofundand/orimplementtheimprovements.ExamplesofregionalstrategiesCommentnoted.311IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincludethecongestionmanagementprojectsidentifiedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation.InOrangeCounty,thesecorridorsincludeStateRoute57,StateRoute22,Interstate605,SR‐91,andI‐405.Theimprovementsconsistofrelativelylow‐costoperationalimprovementssuchasrampmetering,auxilarylanes,andotherrampandinterchangeenhancements.TheseareinadditiontowhatwasalreadysubmittedtoSCAGbythecountytransportationcommissions(CTCs)suchasOCTA,andrelyonfundingsourcesbeyondthoseidentifiedintheLRTP.ThedraftRTPalsoproposesadditionaltransitenhancementsthroughouttheregion.ThekeytransitinvestmentsthatgobeyondwhattheCTCshavecommittedincludeexpandinglocalbusservice,additionalbusrapidtransit,andnewexpressbusservice.TheseimprovementsarenotspecifiedinthedraftRTP,buttheadditionalcosttotheregionfortheseservicesisestimatedatabout$2.6billion.TheseadditionalcostsarecoveredbySCAG’sassumedtransportationfundinglevels,whicharebeyondtheavailableandcommittedresourcesidentifiedintheLRTP.Anadditionalemphasisisalsoplacedonwalkingandbicycling,whichisreferredtoas“activetransportation.”ThedraftRTPproposestoincreasetheregionalinvestmentinactivetransportationbyabout$4.5billion.WhenthecommittedinvestmentssubmittedbytheCTCsareaccountedfor,thetotalactivetransportationinvestmentisapproximately$6billionfortheSCAGregion.Again,thisadditionalinvestmentisoverandaboveresourcesidentifiedintheLRTP,andtheimprovementsareaddressedonlyattheregionallevel.111‐06GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityThroughoutthedraftRTPandPEIR,therearereferencestotransportationprojectsinducinggrowthandinfluencingland‐usedevelopmentanddemand.Onesuchinstanceisonpage80ofthedraftRTP,whichstatesthefollowing:“Transportationprojectsincludingnewandexpandedinfrastructurearenecessarytoimprovetraveltimeandcanenhancequalityoflifeforthosetravelingthroughouttheregion.However,theseprojectsalsohavethepotentialtoinducepopulationgrowthincertainareasoftheregion.AlthoughSCAGdoesnotanticipatethattheRTPwouldaffectthetotalgrowthinpopulationintheregion,theRTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofthatgrowth.”ThesetypesofstatementsaremisleadingforaCommentnoted.ThereferencetoinducedgrowthhasbeenremovedintheFinalRTP/SCS.312IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsenumberofreasons.Forexample,theexcerptquotedabovestatesthatthe“RTPhastheabilitytoaffectthedistributionofgrowth.”ThiscanbeunderstoodtoimplythatSCAGhastheabilitytoinfluencegrowththroughthedevelopmentoftheRTP.OCTAtruststhatthisisnotSCAG’sintent.OCTArecommendsthatsuchreferencesbeclarified,aslandusedecisionsarewithinthepurviewoflocalagencies.Moreover,andmoreimportantly,statementssuchastheaboveexcerptimplyalackofcoordinationbetweenland‐useandtransportationagencies,especiallyinthelightoftherecenteffortstodeveloptheSustainableCommunitiesStrategiesatthesubregionalandregionallevels.ThereshouldbeanemphasisintheRTPonthefactthatland‐useandtransportationagenciesarecoordinatingbetternowthaneverbefore.OCTArecommendsthatSCAGclarifythenegativeimplicationofthestatementsregardinginducedgrowth,andhighlighttheelevatedlevelofcoordinationoccurringtoday.111‐07GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthority[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber59.112‐01GregNordOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityOCTAwouldliketorequestmodificationstotheprojectlistthathavebeensubmittedtoSCAGstaffthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.Majorprojectmodificationsinclude:ORA55241ORA0201152A07052H011432M07302H07032H07062T0113521200102TR07012L2062TR1001Majorprojectadditionsinclude:ORA030605Additionalcommentshavealsobeensubmittedviaemailregardingthefollowingprojects:2M0733(extendthelimitstoSR‐91)550(onlymodeltheHOVrampintheStrategicPlan)Furthermore,thecommentssubmittedontheOrangeCountyfactsheet,whichwasusedforSCAG'sRTPworkshops/outreach,shouldalsobereflectedintheFinalRTPandPEIR.Finally,pleasemodifytheprojectdesriptionforHSRT0701toreadasfollows:ENVIRONMENTALCLEARANCEANDADVANCEDCONCEPTUALDESIGNOFTHECALIFORNIAHIGHSPEEDRAILAUTHORITY,HIGHSPEEDRAILPROJECTFROMSANFRANCISCOTOLOSANGELESANDANAHEIM.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.113‐01CarolynMamaradloOrangeCountyTransportationAuthorityWithregardtoPage6oftheDraftRTPActiveTransportationchapter:PleasenotethatthelatestOCTAbikewaysplanisthe2009CommuterBikewaysStrategicPlan.ThisplanisexpectedCommentnoted.ThetitleoftheOCTAbikewayplanhasbeencorrectedandtheaddeddescriptionoftheOrangeCountyBikewaysprogramhasbeenadded.313IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetobeupdatedfor2014.OnJan.23,2012,theOCTABoardofDirectorsdirectedstafftomoveforwardwiththeOrangeCountyBikewaysprogram,acoordinatedeffortbetweenlocalagenciesandOCTAentailing(1)strategiccorridorplanning,(2)thedevelopmentofdetailedimplementationplans,and(3)constructionofhigh‐priorityprojects.Thegoalofthisprogramistotakeadvantageofgrantfundingopportunitiesbydevelopingshelf‐readyprojectsalongregionalbikewaycorridors.114‐01MichaelKodamaOrangelineDevelopmentAuthorityOnJanuary11,2012,theOrangelineDevelopmentAuthorityBoardofDirectorsvotedtocommunicatetoyouitssupportforincludingtheOLDANorthernCorridorintheConstrainedProjectsListforthe2012RegionalTransportationPlan.ThisadditionprovidesconnectivityncessaryforthesuccessoftheOLDASouthernCorridor(WestSantaAnabranch),whichisintheconstrainedlist.TheOLDANorthernCorridorcoincideswithmuchofthelistofimprovementsbeingstudiedbyMetroastheAntelopeValleyLineInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlanandthecurrentlyplannedalignmentoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailproject.ThelikelihoodthatfundswouldbeavailableforthesesetofImprovementsareenhancedbytheMemorandumofUnderstandingbeingnegotiatedforuseoftheProposition1A(HighSpeedRail)funds.Commentnoted.114‐02MichaelKodamaOrangelineDevelopmentAuthorityRecenteventsandplanningeffortshavefocusedattentionontheOLDANorthernCorridorfromDowntownLosAngelestoSantaClarita.Basedupontheseefforts,OLDAwouldliketosuggestthattheOLDANorthernCorridorbeincludedintheconstrainedplan(AntelopeValleyLine).Specificplanningeffortsinthecorridorinclude;BobHopeAirport‐TheBurbankGlendalePasadenaAirportAuthorityandOLDAareconductinga$5.4millionGroundAccessStudy.ThegrantprovidesplanningandconstructionfundsforimprovementsontheAntelopeValleyLineandhasbecomeacatalystforOLDANorthernCorridorimprovements.Thestudyfocusesonmultimodaltransportationimprovementslinkingtotheregionalsystem,includingthefeasibilityofanewNorthStationontheAntelopeValleyLineatHollywoodWayandSanFernandoRoad.ThestudyhasledtoadditionalplanningeffortsthatcanleadtosignificantimprovementslinkingSantaClaritatoDowntownLosAngeles.Further,theAirportisgoingtobreakgroundonaCommentnoted.ForaprojecttobeconsideredforinclusionintheconstrainedRTP,theprojectmustbeclearlydefined,itmusthavereasonablyavailablefundingforimplementation,includingconstructionandrightofwayacquisition,anditmusthavetheconcurrenceoftherelevantcountytransportationcommission/s.AsdiscussedwiththeOrangelineDevelopmentAuthority,theNorthernCorridorcouldbeconsideredforinclusionintothefutureRTPamendmentsoncetheseconditionsaresatisfactorilymet.However,theOrangelinesectionofthePassengerRailAppendixwillreflectthedevelopmentsbroughtupinthiscomment.314IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseRegionalIntermodalTransportationCenter.MoredetailsareintheSCAGRTPappendixentitled"AviationandAirportGroundAccess."114‐03MichaelKodamaOrangelineDevelopmentAuthorityAntelopeValleyLineInfrastructureImprovementStrategicPlan‐MetroisconductingastudytoupgradetheAntelopeValleyLine.The75milecorridorrunsat‐gradefromLosAngelesUnionStationtoLancasterandincludesplansforseveralcapitalimprovements.TheAntelopeValleyLineStudyisprovidingtheplantocreateasharedcorridorinvolvingnotonlycurrentMetrolinkservicebutalsopartoftheHighSpeedTrainsystem.ResultsofthisstudyshouldbeavailableinMarch2012andareexpectedtoincluderecommendationsthatmeetmanyoftheOLDAgoalsandobjectives.Commentnoted.TheRTPdiscussestheAntelopeValleyLineStudyandincludescapitalimprovementstoitintheConstrainedPlan.114‐04MichaelKodamaOrangelineDevelopmentAuthorityMemorandumofUnderstanding‐InJanuary,2012,aMOUhasbeendevelopedbetweentheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority,SCAG,Metro,SCRRAandmanyotherlocaltransportationagencies.TheMOUaddressesadvanceinvestmentofupto$1billioninSouthernCaliforniaaspartoftheCHSRA'scommitmenttoa"BlendedApproach"totheconstructionofthehighspeedtrainsysteminCalifornia.Asyouareaware,thisMOUisasignificantdocumentthatallowsforthisworktonowbeincludedintheConstrainedportionoftheDraftRTP.ThiscanleadtotheplanningandfundingnecessarytoincludeOLDA'sNorthernCorridorintheConstrainedportionoftheRTP.Again,onbehalfoftheOLDABoard,wewouldlikeyoutoworkwithusonhowwecanincludetheOLDANorthernCorridorintheConstrainedProjectlistforthe2012RTP.Commentnoted.115‐01PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceWhileweappreciatethataregionalapproachtotrafficmanagement,transportationandgoodsmovementwealsowanttobesurethatplansandimplementationsaretrulyregionalandeconomicsandimpactstolocaleconomiesaregivendueconsideration.Commentnoted.SCAGengagedateamofhighlyregardedeconomicexpertsandtheyhaveconcludedthe2012‐2035RTPprovidesasignificanteconomicbenefittotheregion’seconomy.PleaseseeEconomicandJobCreationAppendixaspartoftheFinalRTP/SCSformoreinformation.115‐02PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceForexample,wewouldbeveryconcernedaboutuser‐basedfeeproposalstofundtransportationprojects.Forus,wecouldnotsupportanyprogramorplanthatwouldputthePasadenaareaatacompetitivedisadvantageeconomically.Traffic,transportation,goodsmovementandcustomersneedtobeabletoaccessPasadenaaseasily,simplyandcost‐effectivelyasourneighborsintheregion.Commentnoted.Weagreethatallfundingproposalsshouldcriticallyconsiderassociatedimpacts,includingwhetheritwouldresultintheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesbeingataneconomicdisadvantage.Themileage‐baseduserfeeincludedintheRTPfinancialplanassumesstatewideandnationalimplementation.115‐03PaulLittlePasadenaPlansforprogramsthatwillchargedriversafeetogettoCommentnoted.Weagree.Thefinancialplandoesnotassume315IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseChamberofCommercePasadenashouldbeimplementedregion‐wide,notpiecemeal,andcertainlynotintheSanGabrielValleyfirst.If,forexample,congestionpricingschemesortollroadsareproposed,wewouldwantthoseimplementedregion‐wide,notinawaythatputsourareaatadisadvantageeconomicallyasincreasedcoststotravelto,throughorpastPasadenathatdonotexistinotherplaces,putPasadenaatacompetitivedisadvantagecomparedtothoseplacesintheareathatwouldnotseethosesameprogramsimplementedandthoseadditionalcostsimposed.anyfeeimposedexclusivelytotheCityofPasadenanorlimitedtoSanGabrielValleyresidentsorbusinesses.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionanditsmemberentitiesarenotataneconomicdisadvantagearecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.115‐04PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceLikewise,andprogramorplantoassessfeestomitigatedevelopmentimpactsneedtobeapprovedbythelocalgovernmentandfundsgeneratedneedtobeusedbythoselocalgovernmentstoreduceimpactsintheirareaandexistinglocalfeesshouldexemptbusinesseswithinthosejurisdictionsfromanyadditionalcosts.Commentnoted.ThefinancialplandoesnotincludeanyrevenuesnorassumetheimplementationofdevelopmentimpactsfeesfortheCityofPasadena.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadetailedexplanationofallrevenuesourcesandsummarizedthetransportationexpendituresincludedintheRTP.115‐05PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceWearealsoconcernedthatanagencywithlittleunderstandingofthePasadenaeconomy,ourlocalbusinesscommunityorcommunityneedsisproscribingprograms,mitigationandmeasuresthatmaybeinappropriateorunworkableinourlocaljurisdictions.ItiscertainlyprudentforSCAG,throughtheRTP,tosetgoalsforeverythingfrompollutantsintheairtothetimeitshouldtaketotravelbetweencitiesintheregion,butSCAGshouldnotbedeterminingwhatprogramswillachievethosegoals,notwhatlocalcostswillbeabletoachievethem.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSisnotintendedtoproscribeanyprograms,mitigationorothermeasuresfortheCityofPasadena.LocalagenciesretainfulldiscretionwhethertoimplementanyoftheprogramsandmeasurescontainedintheRTP/SCS.115‐06PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceWealsoappreciatethelinkingoflandusepolicieswithtransportationplanning,howeverwedonotseehowmanylocaljurisdictionscouldachievethegoals,especiallygiventheeliminationofredevelopmentagenciesbytheStateofCalifornia.Quitesimply,thereisnomechanismforlocalitiestosupportdevelopmentofanykind,especiallynotmoredensedevelopmentinourdowntownsthatwouldlikerequireconsolidationofproperties.Howisthattobeaccomplishedwhenthereisnomechanismtocapitalizesuchendeavors?Commentnoted.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.115‐07PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceInfact,weareveryconcernedthatthefundingmechanismsidentifiedtofinanceprojectswillbeveryshortofanticipatedlevels,andthatsomeofthesemechanismsmayneverbeavailableastheyarenotcurrentlyimplementedinCalifornia.Commentnoted.SCAGisworkingtosecureincentivesforlocalgovernmentsforSCSimplementationincludingadditionalfundingforSCAG’sLocalSustainabilityPlanningAssistanceProgram(e.g.,CompassBlueprint,GreenRegion)andStrategicGrowthCouncilgrants.WerecognizethattheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojects316IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.115‐08PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceWearealsoconcernedthat,whileitisimportanttomovegoods,vehiclesandpersonseasilythroughtheregion,weshouldbeverymindfulofimpactstolocalstreetsandlocaleconomies.Puttinginafreewaydoesnogoodiftheresultingoverflowtrafficstifleslocalstreetsandstrangleslocalbusinessdistricts.Commentnoted.115‐09PaulLittlePasadenaChamberofCommerceFinally,thePasadenaChamberofCommercecannotstressenoughtheimportanceofourlocaleconomies.Transportationplanning,likeeveryothergovernmentendeavor,needstofully,accuratelyandappropriatelytakeimpactstothelocal,regionalandstateeconomyintoconsideration.Thebesttransportationplanimaginableisworthlessifitstiflesjobandeconomicgrowthandputsourregion,anditscitiesatacompetitivedisadvantage.Commentnoted.SCAGengagedateamofhighlyregardedeconomicexpertsandtheyhaveconcludedthatthe2012‐2035RTPprovidesasignificanteconomicbenefittotheregion’seconomy.PleaseseeEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixformoreinformation.116‐01PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)DearPresidentO’ConnorandSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernmentsRegionalCouncilMembers:TheundersignedappreciatethededicationandeffortsofthestaffatSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)incompletingtheDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(2012RTP/SCS).Weareencouragedbytherecommendationsintheplanthatmovestheregiontowardsanimprovedtransportationsystemwhileimprovingpublichealthandairquality.The2012RTP/SCSincludesmanysmartgrowthstrategiesthatwillincreasemobility,publichealthandenvironmentalhealthstandards.Asadvocatesforimprovingpublichealthandequity,weareencouragedtoseeSCAG’srecommendationsto:∙Increaseinvestmentinactivetransportationstrategies.∙Acknowledgethataregionalzeroemissionfreightsystemisneededintheregion.∙DiscussgentrificationissuesaspartofEnvironmentalJustice.∙MonitorprematuremortalityduetoPM2.5.ThoughSCAGhasshowncommitmenttoimprovingtheregion’smobility,economyandsustainabilitybyincludingpublichealthanalysisintransportationplanningpolicies,morecanstillbedonetoimproveairquality,increaseequityandimproveourgoodsmovementsystem.TheSCAGregionfacesimmensepublichealthandenvironmentalchallenges,andtheRTP/SCSmustbeCommentnoted.TheRTPgoodsmovementstrategyensuresthatinvestmentsintransportationinfrastructureandassociatedtransportationprogramscontributetoachievementoftheregion’sairqualitygoals.Effortsarealreadyunderway,astheSanPedroBayPortshaveinvestedheavilyindeployingcleantrucksoverthelastseveralyears.Additionally,planningeffortsareunderwaytoestablisharegionalzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionfreightsystem.ThestrategicRTP/SCSincludesarecommendationtocontinueongoingworkwithrailroads,airqualitymanagementagenciesandotherstakeholderstoreachourgoalofazeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionsrailsystem.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigationmeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshowninthisAppendixis317IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseenhancedtoaddresstheseissues.TheSCAGregioncontinuestohavetheworstairqualityinthenationandcontains“14non‐attainmentandmaintenanceareasinfourairbasins”.Additionally,SCAGrecognizesthat25%to27%ofthepopulation“withinthefreewayadjacentareasareprojectedtoseeincreasesintheiremissionexposurestoCOandPM”.AccordingtoFigure46intheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,closeto60%ofthepopulationresidingwithin500feetfromthebufferareaareHispanicandinQuintile1(TheLowestIncomeHousehold).TheissuesofairpollutionareevenmoreacuteintheSCAGregiongiventherampantprevalenceofdieselequipmentusedinthefreightindustry.Residentsincloseproximitytohighways,particularlythosewithhighlevelsofdieseltrucks,willexperienceincreasedratesofcardiovascularandrespiratorydisease,prematuremortality,increasedlungcancerincidence,decreasedlifeexpectancy,reproductivehealthproblems,andincreasedasthmasymptomsabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.116‐02PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter).Asadvocatesforimprovingpublichealthandequity,weareencouragedtoseeSCAG’srecommendationsto:∙Acknowledgethataregionalzeroemissionfreightsystemisneededintheregion.∙Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.The2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.116‐03PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Asadvocatesforimprovingpublichealthandequity,weareencouragedtoseeSCAG’srecommendationsto:DiscussgentrificationissuesaspartofEnvironmentalJustice.Commentnoted.WhiletheEJanalysisintheDraftRTPdidshowsomelocationswithemissionsincreases,thisanalysisdidnotaccountforplanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.Thesecorridorsintheplanareexclusivelyforzeroandnear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Iftheseemissionimprovementshadbeenaccountedforwebelievetheanalysiswouldshownohotspotsassociatedwiththeplan.Assuch,theemissionsandexposureanalysisshownintheDraftEJAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratingworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Eveninthe318IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseeventthathotspotsremainafteraccountingforvehicletechnologyimprovements,thereisnoreliablewaytoconcludehotspotswouldoverlaywithEJcommunities.Neithertheavailabledataonemissionsnorondistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisatapreciseenoughlevelofgeographytoshowwheretheywouldintersect.Givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwithmitigationidentifiedintheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.SCAGwillalsoincludepotentialresourcesrelatedtogentrificationanddisplacementinthefinalEJanalysis.116‐04PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Asadvocatesforimprovingpublichealthandequity,weareencouragedtoseeSCAG’srecommendationsto:∙MonitorprematuremortalityduetoPM2.5.ThoughSCAGhasshowncommitmenttoimprovingtheregion’smobility,economyandsustainabilitybyincludingpublichealthanalysisintransportationplanningpolicies,morecanstillbedonetoimproveairquality,increaseequityandimproveourgoodsmovementsystem.TheSCAGregionfacesimmensepublichealthandenvironmentalchallenges,andtheRTP/SCSmustbeenhancedtoaddresstheseissues.TheSCAGregioncontinuestohavetheworstairqualityinthenationandcontains“14non‐attainmentandmaintenanceareasinfourairbasins”.Additionally,SCAGrecognizesthat25%to27%ofthepopulation“withinthefreewayadjacentareasareprojectedtoseeincreasesintheiremissionexposurestoCOandPM”.AccordingtoFigure46intheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,closeto60%ofthepopulationresidingwithin500feetfromthebufferareaareHispanicandinQuintile1(TheLowestIncomeHousehold).TheissuesofairpollutionareevenmoreacuteinCommentnoted.TheRTPgoodsmovementstrategyensuresthatinvestmentsintransportationinfrastructureandassociatedtransportationprogramscontributetoachievementoftheregion’sairqualitygoals.Effortsarealreadyunderway,astheSanPedroBayPortshaveinvestedheavilyindeployingcleantrucksoverthelastseveralyears.Additionally,planningeffortsareunderwaytoestablisharegionalzeroemission/nearaero‐emissionfreightsystem.ThestrategicRTP/SCSincludesarecommendationtocontinueongoingworkwithrailroads,airqualitymanagementagenciesandotherstakeholderstoreachourgoalofazeroornear‐zeroemissionsrailsystem.319IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheSCAGregiongiventherampantprevalenceofdieselequipmentusedinthefreightindustry.Residentsincloseproximitytohighways,particularlythosewithhighlevelsofdieseltrucks,willexperienceincreasedratesofcardiovascularandrespiratorydisease,prematuremortality,increasedlungcancerincidence,decreasedlifeexpectancy,reproductivehealthproblems,andincreasedasthmasymptoms.116‐05PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Whilewerecognizethatthegoodsmovementsectorisaneconomicdrivingforceintheregion,wecannotsitbyidlyandallowtheimmensedamagetothehealthofourmostvulnerablecommunitiespersist.Giventhesechallenges,werecommendseveralimprovementsthatmustbemadetoimprovetheRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.116‐06PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TheRTP/SCSMustDoMoreToPromotePublicHealthProtections,ActiveTransportationandEquity.TheRTP/SCSistheblueprintforyearstocome.Assuch,itmustbedesignedtopromotepublichealththroughchoosingbettertransportationalternativesandmakingsurewespreadthebenefitsoftheseinvestmentstoallresidentsintheregion,regardlessofrace,income,orothersocialstatus.Moreover,wemustmakesureweminimizeexposuretoenvironmentalharms.Commentnoted.ItshouldbenotedfromtheEJanalysisresultsinthereportthatwhilesomelocationsareidentifiedwithemissionsincreases,thisanalysisdidnotaccountforplanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.Thesecorridorsintheplanareexclusivelyforzeroandnear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Iftheseemissionimprovementshadbeenaccountedforwebelievetheanalysiswouldshownohotspotsassociatedwiththeplan.Assuch,theemissionsandexposureanalysisshownintheEJAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratingworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Evenintheeventthathotspotsremainafteraccountingforvehicletechnologyimprovements,thereisnoreliablewaytoconcludehotspotswouldoverlaywithEJcommunities.Neithertheavailabledataonemissionsnorondistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisatapreciseenoughlevelofgeographytoshowwheretheywouldintersect.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksinprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwithmitigationidentifiedintheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.AstoexistingpopulationdistributionandfuturegrowthalongtheFreeway500feetbufferareas,Itshouldbenotedthatcurrentlythelevelofemissionsnearthesefacilitiesissubstantiallyhigherthanintheregionasawhole,320IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandin2035theseareasstillwillhavehigheremissionsthantheregionasawhole.SCAGisverymuchawareofthecompetinginterestsbetweennearroadwayexposuresandhealthbenefitsfromTODsasaresultofactivetransportationopportunity.SCAGencouragesresearchesandstudiestofurtherexplorefeasiblemitigationmeasures.However,regionwideairqualityisimprovingwiththeplancomparingtoeithertoday’sconditionorfutureyearwithouttheplan.Whileregionalemissionsoveralldecreasebetweennowand2035,therateofdecreasenearfreewaysandhighvolumeroadsisevengreater.TheRTP/SCSdoesresultinanincreaseinpopulationintheselocations,andassuchhealthriskishigherfortheseindividualsthaniftheywerenotinthebufferarea.Assuch,subsequentprojectlevelanalysisandmitigationshouldbecognizantofon‐goinghealthconcerns.Nevertheless,theplanasawholeshowsbenefitsforemissionsexposureanddecreasedlevelsofriskinareasnearfreeways.116‐07PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)II.TheRTP/SCSMustInvestandIncludeHealthyandEquitablePolicies.Implementingthisrecommendationrequiresaddressingthefollowingcriticalpublichealthissues:A.MitigatePMandCOexposureinhighqualitytransitareas.The2012RTP/SCSwillredirect51%ofnewhousingnearHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA)providinganopportunityforhealthycommunities.RedirectingthegrowthofnewhousingclosertobusyroadsandfreewayscouldviolatetheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard’srecommended500feetfreewaybuffer,andpotentiallyincreaseCOandPMexposureandnoiseimpacts.SCAGhasacknowledgedthat25%to27%householdslivingwithinfreewayadjacentareaswillseeincreasesintheiremissionexposuretoCOandPM.InadditiontomonitoringtheseareasforPMandCO,werecommendthatSCAGalsoprojectandmapouttheareasthatmaybeimpactedasaresultoftheredirectedgrowthuptotheyear2035.WealsorecommendforSCAGtoincludecurrentmitigationstrategiesintheEJToolkitandworkwiththelocalcommunities,healthadvocatesandstakeholderstocontinuedevelopingpoliciesthatwillbeincludedaspartofthemitigationstrategiesforHQTA.Commentnoted.DataandanalysisincludedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixdoesnotaccountforPlanimprovementsinvehicletechnologyparticularlyfortruckonlycorridors.ThesecorridorsinthePlanareexclusivelyforzeroand/ornear‐zeroemissionvehicles.Furthermore,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR)accompanyingtheRTP/SCSincludesmitigationmeasuresthatwouldreduceimpactsassociatedwithhealthriskwithin500feetoffreewaysandhigh‐trafficvolumeroadwaystolessthansignificant.AnalysisincludedintheAppendixalsodoesnotaccountforemissionsimprovementsthroughtheimplementationofthesemitigationmeasures.Assuch,emissionsandexposureanalysisshowninthisAppendixisabundantlyconservativeanddemonstratesworst‐casescenariooutcomes.Iftheseemissionsimprovementshadbeenaccountedfor,webelievetheanalysiswouldshowlittleornoareaswithworsenedemissions(“hotspots”)associatedwiththePlan.Moreover,thecurrentlyavailabledataonemissionsandonthedistributionofhouseholdsandpopulationisimprecisesuchthattheoverlaywithemissionsandEJpopulationswilltendtooverstateanypotentialimpacts.Nevertheless,givenon‐goingconcernsandevolvinginformationonhealthimpacts,SCAGencouragesprojectsponsorstobecognizantofanypotentialhealthrisksin321IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseprojectdesignanddelivery.ConsistentwiththemitigationidentifiedandtobeimplementedaspartoftheproposedfinalPEIR,SCAGwillassistindisseminatinginformationandidentifyingeffectivestrategiestoreduceriskattheprojectlevel.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.SCAGhasalsoincludedpotentialresourcesrelatedtogentrificationanddisplacementintheFinalEJAppendix.116‐08PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)B.Mitigatehighwaynoiseareasincommunitiesofconcern.Highwaynoiseareasarealsodisproportionatetoenvironmentaljusticecommunitieswith22%oftheaffectedpopulationresidingwithinroadwaynoiseareasand14%ofthehouseholdsbelowthepovertyline.Noiseimpactshavebeenassociatedwithhearingimpairment,hypertensionandischemicheartdiseaseannoyanceandsleepdisturbance.Furthernoiseimpactmitigationstudiesshouldbeutilizedinfuture2012RTP/SCSplans.Commentnoted.TheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxincludesrecommendedmitigationfornoiseimpactsinenvironmentaljusticecommunities.Weagreethatfurtherresearchisneededtobetterunderstandhighwaynoiseimpacts,particularlyincommunitiesofconcern.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticetoidentifymitigationstudiesthatwouldbeappropriateforfutureRTP/SCSplans.116‐09PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)C.MonitoranddeveloptoolstoavoidgentrificationanddisplacementinTODs.SCAG’scurrentanalysisof125HQTAaroundrailstationsfoundthatthedemographicsofHQTA/TOCarechanging.Povertyratesaredecliningintheseareaswhencomparedtotherestoftheregion.Theseresultsshowthatdisplacementandgentrificationmaybeoccurringintheseareas.Assuch,gentrificationshouldbeacknowledgedandpoliciesneedtobeputinplacetoavoidthisfromhappening.Inadditiontotrackingthe125railstations,SCAGshould:1.TrackcommutetimebyraceandincomeinCommunitiesofConcern(COCs)andcompareittotheregion.2.Setabaselineforjobs‐housingfitbytakinga“snapshot”of4‐to‐5‐milebufferzonearoundmajorjobcenters,andcomparethewagesprovidedbythosejobstocostofhousingwithinthebufferzonetoseeifthereisagoodjobs‐housingfit.Continuingtomonitorthejobs/housingfitoversuccessiveRTP/SCSswillbeanimportanttoolfortransportationplanninginrural,urbanandsuburbanCommentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.322IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseareas.3.UsetheCompassBlueprintProgramtoadvanceapolicytoolkitthathighlightsandrecommendsanti‐displacementandanti‐gentrificationpolicyoptionsinTODareas,asaneligiblesubjectforaCompassBlueprintgrantproposal.116‐10PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)III.TheRTP/SCSMustEnsureThattheRegionhasaCompleteNetworkofTransportationStrategiesthatConnectTravelerstoaWiderRangeofTransportationOptions.Thisentailsimplementationofthefollowingrecommendations:A.Increaseinvestmentinactivetransportation.InordertoachievetruewalkableandhealthycommunitieswerecommendforSCAGtoincreaseitsinvestmentsinActiveTransportationstrategiesbeyondthe$6billioncurrentlyrecommended.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.116‐11PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)B.Increaseinvestmentinpublictransportation.Prioritizeinvestmentinbusrapidtransitandtakingexistinginfrastructuretoincludebus‐onlylanesinsteadofexpandinghighwaytoaccommodateforadditionalcapacity.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCScontains$55.0billionfortransitcapital,$51.8billionforrailcapital,and$139.3intransitoperationsfunding.46.9%ofallinvestmentinthisplanisfortransitorrail.116‐12PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)C.Access,mobilityandsafety.Inordertobetterconnecttheregionthatdependsonnon‐motorizedmodesoftransportation,first‐mile/last‐milestrategiesshouldalsoincludeclose‐the‐gapstrategiesthatintegrateactivemodesoftransportationtoallowforaccessibilitytoemploymentandservices.Tobetterdothis,SCAGshouldidentifygeographicareaswithhighconcentrationsofcommunitiesofconcernandtracktheirtransportationaccess,cost,mobility,rent,andgentrificationanddisplacementpatterns(usingthesevenindicatorstotrackearlysignsofdisplacementorgentrification).ThedatacanbeusedinfutureRTP/SCSanddeterminewhereclose‐the‐gapstrategieswouldbestservetheregionandaddressanyadverseimpactsthattransportationprojectscancausetocommunitiesofconcern.SCAGshouldalsousethedatatodeterminewhatcommunitiesareunderservedbyCommentnoted.323IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationprojectsandconnectthoseunderservedcommunitiestohighopportunityareas.116‐13PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)IV.SCAGMustSupportFederalPoliciesThatBenefitActiveTransportation.GiventhecurrentstateofthefederaltransportationbillandeffortstostripdedicatedfundingfromMAP‐21intheSenateandtheHouseAmericanEnergyandInfrastructureJobsActintheHouse,weareconcernedthatexpectedfederalrevenuesforbicycleandpedestrianenhancementsmaynotmaterialize.Commentnoted.116‐14PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TothisendwerequestthatSCAGfullysupportanamendmentofferedbySenatorLautenbergintheEPWCommitteetoensurethattotalfundsavailableinthe“additionalactivities”reservefundinMAP‐21forRecreationalTrails,SafeRoutestoSchool,andbicycleandpedestrianinvestmentsareequaltothosecurrentlyinSAFETEA‐LU.Additionally,thisamendmentwouldensurethatregionswithinstatesareabletohavedirectandfirstaccesstothesefundssothatcitiesthroughouttheSCAGregionareabletodirectlyapplyforandreceivefundingforimportantbicycleandpedestrianprojects.AstheSenatebillprogressestothefloortherewillbeopportunitiesforSenatorBoxertoincorporatetheseprovisionsintothefinalbillanditisimportantforSCAGtomakeclearitsupportsthem.Commentnoted.116‐15PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)V.TheFreightStrategiesintheRTP/SCSMustBeImproved.WeremaindeeplyconcernedaboutthefreightelementsoftheRTP/SCS.Whiletheplanacknowledgestheneedtomovetozeroemissionstechnologies,itprovideslittlesubstanceonhowitwillactuallyhappen.Commentnoted.116‐16PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TheRTPmustbemorerigorous.Tosupportthis,wesuggestthefollowingimprovementstothefreightelementsoftheplan.A.TheRTP/SCSmustactuallyrequirecreationofazero‐emissiontruckandfreightgoodsmovementfortheregion.Severalissuesmustbeaddressedinthe2012RTP/SCSbeforeitisadoptedwithregardtohowfreightismovedthroughtheyear2035.GoodsmovementstrategiesmustensurethattheSouthCoastAirBasinmeetfederalairqualitystandardssetforthintheCleanAirAct.Commentnoted.SCAGdoesnothavetheauthoritytomandatesuchpolicies.However,theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGcontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpacts.116‐17PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialCurrently,theplanprovideslittledetailonthisissue,includinghowblackboxreductionswillbeachievedfromthesubstantialCommentnoted.324IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)portionofemissionsfromfreight.116‐18PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Whileweagreewiththemanyexpertswho“questionthelong‐termviabilityofcontinuedrelianceonfossilfuels,”theRTP/SCSlacksdetailsonhowbesttoactuallyachievethisgoalCommentnoted.116‐19PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)The“uncertaintyofapetroleum‐basedfuture”needstobeattheforefrontofthe2012RTP/SCSwhereanyexpansionplansthatincreaseapetroleum‐basedroadwaysystemandraiseVehicleMilesTravel(VMT)mustbecurtailed.Commentnoted.116‐20PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TheRTP/SCSneedstodomorethanjustputwordsonpaperabouttheneedforthissystem.Futureprojectsmustberequiredtoincorporatethesetechnologiesortheyshouldnotbebuilt.Commentnoted.SCAGdoesnothavetheauthoritytomandatesuchpolicies.However,theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGcontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpacts.116‐21PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)FinancingthesecleanertechnologiesisanimportantconsiderationforSCAG.Ensuringthatfundingmechanismsareinplacetoexpeditetheimplementationofthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightandtruckstrategiesshouldbeacentralcomponentofthestrategy.Forthesereasons,werecommendthatSCAGconsiderincludingthefollowingfundingstrategies:1.Developaclearassessmentofvariousfinancingoptionsincludingvariousmodelsofpublic‐privatepartnershipsthatcouldmakezero‐emissiontechnologyoptionspossible.Recommenda$30pertwenty‐footcontainerfeeformovingeitherintooroutoftheports.Thisstrategycouldgenerateasmuchas$441millioninrevenuefromloadedcontainersinitsfirstfullyearofimplementation,whenappliedequallytoCommentnoted.SCAGwillworkcloselywithregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoidentifypotentialfundingmechanismsasappropriate.325IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimportsandexports116‐22PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)UsecurrentlyavailablecleantrucktechnologyandincentivizeitthroughfundingandorbywayofpreferentialaccesslanesatterminalsCommentnoted.116‐23PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Reinstitutethedieseltruckfeetoincentivizeclean,alternativefueltrucks.Commentnoted.116‐24PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)B.TheRTP/SCSmustimplementnear‐termsolutionstoreducegreenhousegasemissionsfromfreight.Wearedeeplyconcernedthattheprojectedincreaseinfreightvolumesandtrafficwillunderminethegainsofthe2012RTP/SCSinotherareas.Inparticular,CO2emissionsfromtruckswouldincreaseatleast30%by2023andatleast60%by2035.Commentnoted.The2012RTPGMenvironmentalstrategyestablishesaplantoadvanceGMtechnologyintheregion.ManyofthesetechnologieswillhavetheabilitytoreduceGHG.116‐25PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Evenmoredramatically,CO2emissionsfromrailwouldincreaseatleast50%by2023andatleast123%by2035.Commentnoted.The2012RTPGMenvironmentalstrategyestablishesaplantoadvanceGMtechnologyintheregion.ManyofthesetechnologieswillhavetheabilitytoreduceGHG.116‐26PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Giventhat“ThisRTPGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategywasdevelopedtoaddresscommunityconcerns,federalattainmentrequirements,andclimatechangeissues,”itisproblematicthatnear‐termsolutionsarenotmorefullyarticulated.Commentnoted.The2012RTPdelineatesaseriesofstepsanddecisionpointstomovetheregiontotheobjectiveofazeroemissionsfreighttransportationsystem.Furtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedaboutnear‐termsolutionsasappropriate.116‐27PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,Near‐termstrategiestocleanupgoodsmovementmustbefullyintegratedintothe2012RTP/SCS.Commentnoted.Furtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedaboutnear‐termsolutionsasappropriate.326IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)116‐28PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Wewouldliketoworkwithyoubeforethefinalversionofthe2012RTP/SCStoresolvethisdeficiency.Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedsignificantopportunityforinputtothe2012RTP.Thisincluded,butwasnotlimitedto,theSCAGRTPwebsite,policyandcommitteemeetings,aseriesofeighteenpublicworkshopsheldduringSummer2011,andeighteenadditionalworkshopsandpublichearingsheldfollowingthereleaseoftheDraft2012RTP.Theseworkshopswereheldineverycountyintheregiontosolicitinputfromvariousinterestssuchasresidents,electedofficials,representativesofpublicagencies,communityorganizations,andenvironmental,housingandbusinessstakeholders.(PleaseseetheSCAG2012RTPPublicParticipationPlanathttp://www.scagrtp.net/content?c=06.)However,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithpartnersandstakeholdersfollowingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP.116‐29PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Indeedasstated“Fortrucks,anaggressiveprogramtobringmorecurrentlyavailable,cleanfueltrucksandhybridtrucksintoservicerepresentsthebestnear‐termstrategy.”Yetnosuchprogramisidentifiedforeithertrucksorrail.Commentnoted.116‐30PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TheportsofLosAngelesandLongBeachhave leftagapingholeincleanairplanningbynotestablishingtargetsandreductionplansforgreenhousegases(GHGs).Commentnoted.116‐31PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)SCAGandthe2012RTP/SCSshoulddemandthattheCleanAirActionPlanbeaugmentedwithGHGreductionplans.Bothportshaveinthepastpromisedtohavesuchplansbutneitherhasreleasedone.Commentnoted.116‐32PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSuchplansshouldcomplementandaccelerateSCAG’svisionforCommentnoted.327IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)increasedefficienciesandthedeploymentofcleanertechnologies.116‐33PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Whilewecommendthestepstoevaluateandseekfundingforlonger‐termzeroandnear‐zeroemissionstechnologies,theseverityofthepollutionandcongestionfromfreightactivitiesmeritsadditionalattentioninthenear‐term.Commentnoted.The2012RTPdelineatesaseriesofstepsanddecisionpointstomovetheregiontotheobjectiveofazeroemissions/near‐zero‐emissionsfreighttransportationsystem.Furtherclarificationhasbeenprovidedonnear‐termtechnologiesasappropriate.116‐34PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Andwhilethe2012RTP/SCSrightlyconsidersheavy‐dutytrucksandrailemissions,itwouldbeworthdevisingasetofstrategiesthataccountforthedifferencesamonglocalfreightserviceandthatofportorigin/destination.Commentnoted.SCAGconcurs.Ouranalysistodatelooksathowtheoperationalrequirementsoftruckandrailasappliedtodifferentmarketswouldimpacttheirtechnologyneeds.116‐35PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Similarly,thesectorofmediumdutytrucksmaybetargetedfortechnologyimprovements,giventhatitisthesector’s2ndlargestemitterofNOxCommentnoted.116‐36PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)InthesectionOn‐Dock/Near‐DockRailCapacityEnhancements,the2012RTP/SCSappropriatelyexpressespreferenceforon‐dockrail“Byallowingmoreon‐dockrail,trucktrafficbetweentheSanPedroBayPortsanddistantrailyardscanbereduced.Useofon‐dockraileliminatestruckvehiclemilesoftravel(VMT)andassociatedemissions”Commentnoted.116‐37PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeSCAGshoulddemandasequencingofprojectsthatmaximizeson‐dockrailandthatreducesconstraintsontheexpansionofon‐dockcapacityinadvanceofprojectsthatexpandoff‐dockcapacity.Withoutappropriatesequencing,efficienciescouldbelost.Commentnoted.SCAGworkscloselywithpartneragencies,includingtheSanPedroBayPorts,toidentifyandsupportimplementationofregionally‐beneficialprojectsasappropriate.However,SCAGdoesnotdeterminethesequencingoftheimplementationofprojectsattheSanPedroBayPorts.328IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseletter)116‐38PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)VI.TheRTP/SCSMustRemovetheEast‐WestCorridorRouteProject.Recommendingtobuildaneast‐westcorridorwithoutanalyzingthehealth,housinganddemographicimpactsoftheprojectontheneighboringcommunitiescanhavesevereenvironmental,healthandjusticeimplicationsfortheregionandparticularlyforlocalcommunitiesofconcern(COC).Commentnoted.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstrucks.Specifichousing,health,anddemographicimpactsfromtheEast‐WestFreightCorridoralignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTPwouldbeanalyzedinmoredetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.116‐39PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Additionally,iftheeast‐westcorridorprojectgoesforward,anincreaseintrucktrafficperday(from58,000‐78,000)couldincreasenoisepollutionandairpollutionCommentnoted.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstrucks.Further,specificnoiseandairqualityimpactsfromtheEast‐WestFreightCorridoralignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTPwouldbeanalyzedinmoredetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).116‐40PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)TheGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategyandActionPlanschedulesfulloperationaldeploymentofzeroandnearzero‐emissionsfortrucksin2018.Commentnoted.Forclarification,SCAG’sGoodsMovementEnvironmentalStrategyidentifiesdeploymentofzeroandnearzeroemissiontrucksbeginningin2016andcontinuingthrough2035.116‐41PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Thisplanprematurelypredictsthattheinfrastructure,marketandtechnologywillbeavailableforusewithouttakingintoconsiderationfundingshortfallsandwithoutputtinginplaceearlierinterventions.Inthemeantime,east‐westcorridoradjacentcommunitieswillbeadverselyimpactedbydisplacement,orover‐burdensufferingfromadversehealthandqualityoflifeimpactsassociatedwiththeconstructionoftheprojectandthetrucksthatwilleventuallyutilizetheroute.Commentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridorisanticipatedtoserveasaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissions/near‐zero‐emissionstechnologyforfreight.Whilethespecifictechnologyhasyettobedefinedfortheproject,somezero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstechnologiescurrentlyexist.SCAGwillworkcloselywithitspartnersandregionalstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatefundingmechanismsfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorproject.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridoroffersthepossibilityofreducingcongestionandairqualityimpactstothosecommunitiesadjacenttohightruckvolumecorridors.116‐42PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizationsSCAGmustgobeyondinvestinginresearchandguaranteethatalllanesclassifiedaszero‐emissiontruck‐onlylanesonlybeusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Commentnoted.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstrucks.Thissystemofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstechnologiesforregionalfreight329IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(collaborativeletter)movement.SCAGcontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsandencouragetheuseofzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstechnologiesasappropriate.116‐43PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Beforeconsideringaddingthisproject[EastWestCorridor]totheRTP/SCS,SCAGmustaddressthefollowing:1.Providehealthandcommunitydemographicdataonimpactontheeast‐westcorridorproject.Specificallydatathatshowspotentialneighborhoodswhichmaybedisplaced,noiseandairqualityimpactsonsurroundingcommunities,race,class,socio‐economicstatusofthecommunitiesthatwillbeimpactedandhowmanyofthemareCOCs.Commentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridorisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emission/near‐zero‐emissionstrucksandanticipatedtoreduceharmfulemissions,particularlyforadjacentcommunities.ThespecificalignmentandpotentialalternativeswouldbeanalyzedinmoredetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).SpecificairqualityandnoiseimpactswouldalsobeanalyzedinmoredetailthroughtheEIR.116‐44PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)2.Developananalysisofthelocalroadwaysystemsthattruckswillutilizeoncetheyhavereachedtheirdestination.Commentnoted.Specificroutesutilizedbytrucksareofteninfluencedbynumerousvariables(origin/destination,tradevolumes,seasonality,land‐usedecisions,facilityregulations,etc.).Modelsareusedtodeterminevolumesonmajorroutesusedbytrucksincludingfreewaysandmajorarterials.AnalysisofthespecificimpactsuponlocalroadwayswouldbeaddressedinmoredetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).116‐45PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)3.Developananalysisofthetotalnumberofon‐rampsandoff‐rampsplannedfortheeast‐westcorridor,anapproximationofwheretheywillbe(i.e.whichstreetswillbeusedforenteringandexitingtheeast‐westcorridor),andtheconfiguration/styleofeachon‐rampandoff‐ramp.Commentnoted.Specificingress/egresspointsfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorwouldbeidentifiedingreaterdetailthroughanEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).116‐46PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)4.Definetheperformancemeasuresthatwouldoutlinehowsuccesswouldbemeasuredfortheproposedeast‐westcorridor,includinganticipatedtrucktrafficcounts.Commentnoted.Specificmeasuresofeffectiveness(MOEs)wereutilizedforpreliminaryscreeningofalternativealignments.Furtherworkwouldbeconductedincludingdefiningspecificperformancemeasures/criteriafortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorunderfuturestudyinitiatives.116‐47PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)5.Setoutreachandcommunicationguidelinesthatallowforgreaterpublicparticipationfromthegeneralpublicandpertinentpartnersandtimelyfeedbacktoquestionsasked.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoconductoutreachwithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersontheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.AnEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)wouldalsorequiresignificantoutreachandcollaborationwithstakeholdersandthepublic.330IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse116‐48PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)6.IncludeanoutreachandengagementplanthatincludesimpactedCOCs,stakeholdersandhealthadvocates,aspartoftheGoodsMovementandEnvironmentalStrategyActionPlan.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoconductoutreachwithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersontheEast‐WestFreightCorridor.AnEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)wouldalsorequiresignificantoutreachandcollaborationwithstakeholdersandthepublic.116‐49PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)VII.SCAGMustSupportNationalEffortstoCreateaStrategicPlanfortheFreightSystem.Giventhelimitationswithfundingourgoodsmovementandparticularlythezeroemissionsandnearzeroemissionsfreightstrategy,weencourageSCAGtoincludelanguagethatclarifiesthecurrentfederalfundingconstraintsandalterthe2012RTP/SCStoreflectthattheserevenuesareassumedbutnotassuredandarecontingentuponpassageoftheMAP‐21programonpage95and100.Commentnoted.116‐50PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)AsarevenuesourcetheinclusionofthisfundingisstillindoubtasthecurrentiterationoftheHouseAmericanEnergyandInfrastructureJobsActdoesnotincludeanationalfreightprogramoranydedicatedfreightfundingandtheestablishmentofthisprogramiscontingentuponafreightprogrammakingitswayintothefinalfederaltransportationreauthorizationandthatlegislationpassingthroughbothSenateandHouse.Commentnoted.116‐51PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)SCAGshouldactivelysupportthepassageofafederalfreightprogramthatwoulddelivertheserevenuesandclearlyestablishimprovingpublichealthonthefreightnetworkandadjacentcommunitiesasanoverarchingpriorityandgoalofthefederalfreightprogram,andsupporttheinclusionofSenatorLautenberg’sFreightActof2011inthefinalfederaltransportationreauthorizationwiththecompetitivegrantprogramandthegoalsandobjectivesaswritten.Commentnoted.SCAG,incoordinationwithourregionalpartners,continuestoactivelysupportthepassageofanationalfreightprogram.116‐52PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)WesupporttheadditionofthislanguageasofferedbySenatorLautenbergandtheinclusionofSenatorLautenberg’sFREIGHTActof2011(FocusingResources,EconomicInvestment,andGuidancetoHelpTransportation)intheCommerceCommitteebillS.1950theCommercialMotorVehicleSafetyEnhancementActof2011whichwouldcreateanationalstrategicplanforthefreightsystem,acompetitivegrantprogram,andestablishcleargoalsandobjectivesincludingreducingemissions,improvingsafetyandefficiency,enhancingeconomiccompetitiveness,useofinnovativetechnologies,andimprovingthestateofrepairofCommentnoted.SCAG,incoordinationwithourregionalpartners,continuestoactivelysupportthepassageofanationalfreightprogram.331IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseexistinginfrastructure.116‐53PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)VIII.TheRTP/SCSMustFocusAttentiononCleaningUpExistingFreightCorridors,NotJusttheProposedNewProjects.Whilewewelcomezeroemissiontechnologybytheyear2035,moreshorttermgainsmustbeimplemented.Commentnoted.Aspartofthe2012RTP,SCAGidentifiesandsupportsanumberofregionalprojects,bothexistingandnew,intendedtoaddressthemovementoffreightthroughoutSouthernCalifornia.TheseprojectshavebeenidentifiedthroughanalysisandcollaborationwithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersandcanbefoundintheRTPprojectlist.Additionally,followingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP,SCAGwillreleasethefinalversionoftheComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlanandImplementationStrategy,amulti‐yearefforttoidentifyafully‐integratedregionalgoodsmovementsystem.116‐54PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)SCAGshouldincorporatewhatcanbedoneuntilamajorityoftrucktrafficiszeroornearzeroemissionsandconsiderusingcurrentlyavailabletechnologywhileworkingtodemonstratefuturetechnologyapplications(suchasmaglevtechnology).Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareaconcernfortheSCAGregion.SCAGcontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunitiesthroughsuchinitiativesastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.116‐55PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Additionally,SCAGmembergovernmentsmustincludeazeroemissioncorridorfromtheportstotheICTForalongAlamedaStreetandstrengthenspecificrequirementsinnewprojectsbeyond“bareminimum”standardsusedincurrentprojects.Commentnoted.FurtherclarificationwillbeprovidedinthetextoftheRTP.116‐56PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)IX.TheRTP/SCSMustIncludePublicHealthasanOverarchingGoaloftheGoodsMovementElement.Moreandmoreresearchisassociatingairpollutionwithasthmaprevalence,poorlungfunctionandaseriesofotherhealthimpacts.TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardstatesthatthe“prevalenceofasthmaintheU.S.hasincreasedbymorethan75%since1980”.FurthermoreresultsfromtheUSCChildren’sHealthStudy,atenyearstudy,showthatchildreninSouthernCalifornia’smorepollutedcommunities“sufferreducedgrowthoflungfunction,asthmaexacerbations,moreschoolabsences,andnewonsetasthma”.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.NewtotheTitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisforthe2012RTP/SCS,SCAGhasmappedexposuretoozone,concentrationofparticulatematteremissions,cancerrisks,andrespiratoryhazardrisks.Inordertoassesstheimpactofemissionsonvariousdemographicgroupsthroughouttheregion,emissionsinformationwassummarizedtotheEnvironmentalJusticecommunities.Inaddition,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.PleasenotethattheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixhasbeenrevisedtoincludehealthimpactsonchildren5yearsandbelow,asfurtherrecognitionofthisimportantpublichealthissue.332IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse116‐57PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Thepublichealthevidenceisgrowing.Ourbuiltenvironmentplaysadirectimpacttoourhealthandthetransportationsectormusttakeintoconsiderationthepublichealthimplicationstotheregion,andnotjusttheregion’seconomicgrowth.Commentnoted.116‐58PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)SCAGmust:1.IncludepublichealthasanoverarchinggoalintheGoodsMovementElementandincludeperformancestandardstomeasureimprovements.Commentnoted.Publichealthisagoalofthe2012RTPGMEnvironmentalStrategyandisalsoidentifiedintheoverallperformancemeasuresectionoftheRTP.116‐59PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)2.Includepublichealthasanoverarchingandpriorityandgoalinthe$2.1billionannualfreightprogramincludedintheEnvironmentandPublicWorksCommittee.Commentnoted.116‐60PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)3.Prioritizespendingonprojectsthatdelivermaximumhealthbenefitsforresidentsoftheregion,especiallyinlowincomecommunitiesofcoloroverburdenedbyairpollutionandhigherratesofuninsuredresidents.Commentnoted.116‐61PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)X.PublicParticipationFailuresMustBeRemedied.Outreachandeducationtothepublic,especiallyontheonsetonthisprocess,wasnotsufficienttoensurethatanadequaterepresentationofmembersfromimpactedcommunitiesparticipateandgivemeaningfulinput.Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedsignificantopportunityforinputtothe2012RTP.Thisincluded,butwasnotlimitedto,theSCAGRTPwebsite,policyandcommitteemeetings,aseriesofeighteenpublicworkshopsheldduringSummer2011,andeighteenadditionalworkshopsandpublichearingsheldfollowingthereleaseoftheDraft2012RTP.Theseworkshopswereheldineverycountyintheregiontosolicitinputfromvariousinterestssuchasresidents,electedofficials,representativesofpublicagencies,communityorganizations,andenvironmental,housingandbusinessstakeholders.(PleaseseetheSCAG2012RTPPublicParticipationPlanathttp://www.scagrtp.net/content?c=06.)However,SCAGwill333IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecontinuetoworkwithpartnersandstakeholdersfollowingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP.116‐62PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Therewerenotenoughpublicmeetingsoranadequateoutreachstrategytoensurethattherewasmorecommunityinvolvementinthisimportantprocess.Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedsignificantopportunityforinputtothe2012RTP.Thisincluded,butwasnotlimitedto,theSCAGRTPwebsite,policyandcommitteemeetings,aseriesofeighteenpublicworkshopsheldduringSummer2011,andeighteenadditionalworkshopsandpublichearingsheldfollowingthereleaseoftheDraft2012RTP.Theseworkshopswereheldineverycountyintheregiontosolicitinputfromvariousinterestssuchasresidents,electedofficials,representativesofpublicagencies,communityorganizations,andenvironmental,housingandbusinessstakeholders.(PleaseseetheSCAG2012RTPPublicParticipationPlanathttp://www.scagrtp.net/content?c=06.)However,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithpartnersandstakeholderstoimprovepublicoutreacheffortsfollowingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP.116‐63PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)Furthermore,aGoodsMovementSteeringCommitteewasestablishedunderSCAGtoprovideguidanceandrecommendationstoSCAG’s2012RTP/SCS;however,noformalprocesswasestablishedtoreceiveformalrecommendationsfromthisgrouponthe2012RTP/SCS.Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedsignificantopportunityforinputtothe2012RTP.Thisincluded,butwasnotlimitedto,theSCAGRTPwebsite,policyandcommitteemeetings,aseriesofeighteenpublicworkshopsheldduringSummer2011,andeighteenadditionalworkshopsandpublichearingsheldfollowingthereleaseoftheDraft2012RTP.Theseworkshopswereheldineverycountyintheregiontosolicitinputfromvariousinterestssuchasresidents,electedofficials,representativesofpublicagencies,communityorganizations,andenvironmental,housingandbusinessstakeholders.(PleaseseetheSCAG2012RTPPublicParticipationPlanathttp://www.scagrtp.net/content?c=06.)However,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithpartnersandstakeholderstoimprovepublicoutreachfollowingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP.116‐64PattyOchoaPhysiciansforSocialResponsibility,andOtherOrganizations(collaborativeletter)WecommendSCAGforcompletingthefirstSustainableCommunityStrategyfortheregionandlookforwardtoworkingwithSCAGtoensurethatittrulyisasuccessfulSCSbyprioritizinghealthandequity.Commentnoted.117‐01EricShenPortofLongBeachOnbehalfofthePortofLongBeach,thankyoufortheopportunitytoreviewandcommentonthedraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategyCommentnoted.Thestatistichasbeenchangedasrequested.334IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(RTP/SCS),includingtheGoodsMovementReportcontainedwithintheRTP/SCSandthedraftProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport.Ingeneral,wefindthesereportsarewell‐writtenandaccuratewithrespecttomaritimeactivities.Wewouldliketoofferoneminorcorrection.MaritimePortsThestatisticforthePortsofLongBeachandLosAngelesinthesecondparagraph,secondsentenceofthePEIRonpage3.12‐15isincorrect.TheportsofLongBeachandLosAngelescombinedaretheworld'ssixth‐busiestportcomplexin2011(15.8milliontotalTEU),afterSingapore(23.2millionTEU),HongKong(22.4million),Shanghai(18.1million)andShenzhen,China(16.2million).AsnotedinthePEIR,34%ofthejobsintheregiondependonthegoodsmovementindustry.However,ourregion,withacombinedpopulationover18millionresidents,isbearingthebruntoftrafficcongestion,safetyandairqualityimpacts.ThePortofLongBeachiscommittedtodevelopingprogramsthatwillsupporttheanticipatedgrowthintradeactivitieswithminimumimpactontheregion’senvironment.ThePortcannotdoitalone–andwestandreadytoworkwithyouinimplementingprogramsenvisionedintheRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy.118‐01EricShenPortofLongBeachCaliforniaCoastalTrail:PleaserevisethemapshownasExhibit19toreflecttheCoastalTrailrouteconnectingSanPedroandLongBeachviaTerminalIsland.ThisisconsistentwithrecentplanstoincludeaClass1BikePathaspartoftheGeraldDesmondBridgeReplacementProject,includingCoastalCommission’sconditionofapprovalontheHarborDevelopmentPermitfortheproject.TheClass1BikePathisalsoconsistentwithboththecitiesofLosAngelesandLongBeachBicycleMasterPlans.Commentnoted.Exhibit19:CaliforniaCoastalTraildepictswhatisbeingproposedbytheCaliforniaCoastalCommission.SCAGisproposingtheCCTgoovertheVincentThomasBridge(Replacement)andtheGeraldDesmondBridge(Replacement)basedontheCaliforniaCoastalCommissionsqualifiedendorsementoftheGeraldDesmondBridgereplacement.TheActiveTransportationAppendixwillincorporatelanguagetoreflectthatproposal.119‐01EricJohnsonPuente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClubThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentontheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)andSustainableCommunityStrategy(SCS).ThePuente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClubisbasedinBreabutourmemberscomefromthefourcountiesthattouchthePuente‐ChinoHills.Weofferhikes,sponsoreducationaleventsandprovideinputonprojectsthatthreatenthebiologicalandrecreationalintegrityofthisimportantregion.WearewritingtoprovidecommentsontheDraft2012RTP/SCSandtheDraftProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR).WeCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.335IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsearesopleasedtoseeanadvancedmitigationcomponentintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.Thisisaremarkablefirststeptocreatingaprogramthatthoughtfullymitigatesimpactstoournaturalenvironmentfromtransportationprojects.Asyouknow,OrangeCountyandSanDiegohavesimilarprogramsthathavemetgreatsuccess.Byincorporatingthisstrategyintoyourpolicydocument,themanybenefitsofthislarge‐scaleconservationapproachwillberealized.Thankyouforyourleadership.UndertheEndangeredSpeciesAct,theUnitedStatesFishandWildlifeServicehavedefinedcriticalhabitatasareasthatsupportendangeredorthreatenedspeciesthatareessentialtothespecies’conservation.ThedescriptionintheConservationPlanningPolicysection(page76oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)states“large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitattomitigateimpactsrelatedtofuturetransportationprojects”[emphasisadded].WebelievethereareotherhabitatareasintheSCAGregionworthconsideringforacquisitionandmanagementandthereforeSCAGshouldnotlimitthemitigationopportunitiestoonlycriticalhabitat.Wesuggestexpandingthelanguagetoincorporateall“importanthabitatlands.”119‐02EricJohnsonPuente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClubOnpage79oftheDraft2012RTP/SCSwewereencouragedtoseeSCAGrecognizethebenefitsofreducingtransportationimpactstosensitivelandsandencouragingsmartlandusedecisions.Webelievelandscapeleveladvancedmitigationwillbecomeastatewideplanningpolicy.Planningfuturetransportationprojectswithacomprehensivemitigationprogramensuresouropenspaceinfrastructurecancontinuetofunctionandmaintainviablehabitats,linkages,andspeciespopulationsinperpetuity.Unfortunately,wenoticedthelackofinclusionofwildlifelinkagesinthissection.OrangeCounty’stransportationmeasurelanguageincludedwildlifelinkagesandwerecommendSCAGincludelinkagesaswell.Commentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.119‐03EricJohnsonPuente‐ChinoHillsTaskForceoftheSierraClubWeappreciateSCAG’sefforttocreateastrategicplanningprocessthatwoulddocumentimportantconservationlandsintheregion.WebelievethereisanimportantopportunitywiththisconcepttoalsocreateaSouthernCaliforniaGreenprint.BycompletingaGreenprintacomprehensiveviewofouropenspacelandattributeswouldbedocumented.Suchattributesinclude:recreationpriorities,agriculturallands,scenicvalues,Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.AGreenprintisonepossibleoptionforthemitigationprogramthatwillbediscussedwithawidevarietyofstakeholdersinthefuture.336IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehistoricpreservation,andmore.AGreenprintwouldgiveamorecompletepictureofbothopportunitiesandchallenges,whileatthesametimerespectingpropertyrights.120‐01CarolBannerRealtorsCommitteeonAirQualityCommentsontheDraftRTP/SCS.TheRCAQfindsthattheDraftPlandoesnotdiscussorquantifytheimpactofthePlanontheaffordabilityandavailabilityofhousingintheregion.Thisinformationisoftheutmostimportancetothepublicandtoelectedofficialsinordertounderstandtheconsequencesofincreasedinfilldevelopment,density,openspacepreservationandotherproposalsintheDraftPlanthatwillchangethesize,type,costanddistributionofhousingintheregion.Theimpactthatthesestrategieswillhaveonhousingaffordability,andhomeownershipratesmustbeexplained.Atpresent,theDraftPlandiscussesthechangingpopulationcompositionandashifttomultifamilyhousinginonlythemostgeneralterms.TheScenarioOutcomesonpage116lookatenergycostsandwatercost‐butfailtoexaminehousingcosts.TheEconomicImpactTechnicalReportissilentonthehousingcostandaffordabilityimpactsoftheproposedmajorshiftsinthehousingsupply.RecommendedRevision:WerequestthatthefinalPlanincludeadiscussionintheSCSchapterthatbothqualitativelyandquantitativelysummarizestheproposedplan'simpactonhousingcostandaffordability.Commentnoted.TheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixcontainsanalysisofkeyindicatorsandtheirtrendsintransit‐orienteddevelopmentareasthatconcernlikelydisplacementandgentrificationusing2000Censusdataand2005‐2009AmericanCommunitySurveydata.Theresultsareinconclusive,butSCAGwillcontinuetomonitorthesetrendsinthefuture.AlljurisdictionsinCaliforniamustupdatetheirrespectivegeneralplanhousingelements.ThehousingelementmustdemonstratethroughasitesandzoninganalysishowthejurisdictionwouldaccommodateprojectedhouseholdgrowthforallincomegroupsasdeterminedbytheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA).Thedraft2012RHNAallocationplanwasdevelopedusingthesameintegratedgrowthforecastforthe2012RTP/SCS.Toensurethateachjurisdictionprovideszoningforalltypesofhousing,particularlyaffordablehousing,theRHNAPlanappliesasocialequityadjustmenttomitigatethedisproportionaldistributionoflow‐incomehousingamongstjurisdictionsgroupsinordertoencourageplanningformoreaffordablehousing.120‐02CarolBannerRealtorsCommitteeonAirQuality[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber64.121‐01JeffreyDinkinRegentPropertiesTheSCSdoesnotappeartoaccountforprojectsalreadyinprocess.Regenthasseveralprojectswithpendingapplicationsthatrepresentasubstantialinvestmentofresourcestodesign,plan,andcommunicatewithresponsibleagencies.WhiletheSCSitselfstatesthatitwascreatedwithinputfromlocaljurisdictions,weareconcernedthatthegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSandLandUsePatternMapsdonotinfactreflectthelandusedecisionsmadebylocaljurisdictions.morespecifically,whilethedraftRTP/SCSindicatesthatitshiftedprojecteddensitiesfromlessdevelopedareastotheurbanizedcore,nowheredoestheSCSclearlystatethatthoseshiftsindensitytakeintoaccountdevelopmentprojectsthatareeitheralreadyapprovedorthatarereasonablyforeseeableprojectswhichlocaljurisdictionshavealreadyspentconsiderableCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.337IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseresourcesprocessing.121‐02JeffreyDinkinRegentPropertiesUnderlyingTAZdatamustbereleasedtoallowmeaningfulpubliccomment.Moreover,theSCS'streatmentofapprovedprojectsisimpossibletodeterminefromtheinformationthatSCAGhasmadeavailabletothepublic.The2035LandUsePatternMaps,whichareintendedtodepictprojecteddensityandlanduse,areatsuchalargescale,withsuchslightcolorgradations,thattheycannotbeinterpretedinanymeaningfulway.TheSCSitselfdoesnotseemtocontemplatethatthesemapswillbeimportanttofuturetransportationandlandusedecisions.Instead,theSCSfocusesontheprojecteddensitycontainedinthedatathatunderliesthemaps‐‐datathatSCAGhasnotreleasedtothepublic.TheSCSstatesthatthelanduseprojectionscontainedintheSCSarebasedonthedistributionofgrowthforecastdatatoTAZs(RTP/SCS,p122).AccordingtotheSCS,theTAZdatacontainsforecastedhousing,populationandemploymentdata,whichtheSCSusedtocreate"CommunityTypes"andmorerefined"developmenttypes"thatcontainaverageusedesignations,densitiesandbuildingintensities.TheSCSstatesthatadevelopmenttype,includinganaverageresidentialdensity,hasbeenassignedtoeachTAZforpurposesofcreatingtheSCS(DraftRTP/SCSp123).However,itcannotbedeterminedwhetherthisassignmentwasmadeinamannerthattakesexistingconditions(includingapprovedandreasonablyforeseeableprojects)asabaselinefortheseprojections,norcanitbedeterminedhowtheforecastingwasdoneorhowitwasdistributedacrosstheTAZ.DespitethecriticalroleoftheTAZdataindevelopingtheSCS,wearenotawarethatSCAGhasmadethisdataavailableforpublicreviewandcommentinanymeaningfulway.Wewereabletoobtainpartial[TAZ]datashowinghousingdensitiesonly,fromotheragenciesinvolvedintheSCSprocess.Thesedatadonotcontainemploymentorpopulationforecasts,anddonotcontainanycommunitytypeordevelopmenttypedesignationswhich,accordingtotheSCS,havebeenassignedtoeachTAZ.ItisnotpossibleforthepublictoprovidemeaningfulcommentontheSCSwithoutaccesstotheunderlyingdataonwhichdensityandlanduseprojectionsarebased.Intheabsenceoftheunderlyingdataandmodelingsupportingtheproposedplan,wearesubstantiallyimpairedinourabilitytoprovidemeaningfulCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetwasprovideduponrequestduringthecommentperiod.338IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepubliccommentonthetechnicalandlegaladequacyoftheplan.Inparticular,wecannotassesswhethertheunderlyingdataadequatelyreflectsalldevelopmentsasapproved.Underthefederal(5U.S.C.S500et.seq)andCaliforniaAdministrativeproceduresActs(Gov.CodeSS11340et.seq.,includingS11346.2(b)(6)),theopportunityforpubliccommentmustincludedisclosureofthedataandtechnicalstudiesintimetoprovidemeaningfulpubliccomment.Seee.g.SoliteCorpv.EPA952F.2d473,484(D.C.Cir.1991((perCuriam).Whilewearenotconfidentthatthedataiseitheraccurateorcomplete,wehavereviewedwhatdatawewereabletoobtain.Basedonourreview,weconcludethattheforecastedhousingdensitiesdoneedtobecorrected,asthenumbersclearlydonotreflecteitherexistingentitlementsorpending,reasonablyforeseeableprojects.121‐03JeffreyDinkinRegentPropertiesImplicationsofConsistencywithunderlyingTAZdata.TheimportanceofTAZdataisnotlimitedtounderstandinghowtheSCSwascreated.InadditiontobeingthebasisforcreationoftheSCSlanduseprojections,accordingtotheSCS,theTAZdataistobereliedoninfuturedeterminationsastowhetheraprojectisconsistentwiththeSCS...DespitetheseexplicitstatementsthattheexistingTAZdatawillbecriticallyimportanttofuturedecisionsaffectingprojects,SCAGhasnotprovidedthepublictheopportunitytoreviewandcommentontheTAZdatainanymeaningfulway.Significantly,aproject'sconsistencywiththeSCS‐‐whichistobedeterminedattheTAZlevelaccordingtotheSCS‐‐affectsnotonlytheavailabilityofCEQAstreamliningincentives,butcanhaveadverseconsequencesfortheavailabilityoffederalfundsfortransitimprovementsthatwouldservetheproject.TransitimprovementprojectsrelyingonfederalfundsmustbeconsistentwithanapprovedRTP,andwiththeadoptionofSB375,thatincludesconsistencywiththeSCSportionoftheRTPaswell.Thus,ifthedraftRTP/SCShasshifteddensityawayfromapprovedorpendingprojects,thoseprojectsstandtolosecriticaltransitimprovements.Thelossoftransitimprovementscouldimpairprojectfeasibility,orcreatenewunmitigatedimpactsiftrafficmitigationsbecomeunfunded,whichcouldresultinanunlawfultakingofprivatevestedpropertyrightsforthoseprojectsthathavealreadybeenapprovedbylocaljurisdictions.Inmanycases,approvedCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.339IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseprojectsalsoinvolveexecuteddevelopmentagreements,whichmeansthatviolationofcontractualrightscouldalsoresult,causingdifficultsituationsfordevelopersandlocaljurisdictions.Weareconcernedthataproject’sinconsistencywiththegrowthprojectionscontainedintheSCSmayhavebroaderimplicationsaswell.Localjurisdictionswillbeunderconsiderablepressuretoconformtheirgeneralplanstothedensity,intensity,andlandusescontainedintheSCS,orrisklosingtransportationfundingthroughouttheirjurisdictions.Whilealltheimplicationsofaproject’sinconsistencywiththeSCShaveyettobedetermined,weareconcernedthatbyshiftingdensityawayfromlocallyapprovedandpendingprojects,theSCSiscreatinglandusepolicyinviolationofSB375'smandatethattheSCSmustnotsupersedethelanduseauthorityofcitiesandcounties.121‐04JeffreyDinkinRegentPropertiesRTP/SCSconsistencyshouldbedeterminedatthejurisdictionallevel.TheTAZmapsareamodelingtoolforengaginginaregionalplanningandevaluationprocess.ThefeasibilityofachievingthepreciseresultsinanyparticularTAZareahasnotbeenevaluatedorconfirmedbyanycitycouncilorboardofsupervisors,andasexplainedaboveitappearsthattheTAZdataandmapsfor2035dodeviatefromgeneralplansandvestedentitlementsthathavebeenapprovedbythoseelectedofficials.Whileweunderstandelectedbodiesorsenioradministrativestaffsoflocaljurisdictionsmayhaveapprovedlocalinputfortheoverallpopulationandhouseholdnumberswithintheirrespectivejurisdictions,webelievetheyhavenotapprovedtheTAZdataormaps.Accordingly,requiringconsistencydeterminationsconcerningusedesignations,density,andbuildingintensityatsuchasmallscaleofeachTAZwouldbeinappropriateandoverlyprescriptive...ThereisnolegislativemandatethatSCAGidentifythelocationoflanduses,densities,andbuildingintensitieswithintheregionmorepreciselydowntoaTAZlevel.Instead,SCAGshouldappropriatelyidentifythesecharacteristicsatalevelconsistentwiththeneedforreasonableflexibilityandlocalcontrol.Atlowest,thelevelofcomparisonshouldbeatthejurisdictionallevel‐particularlygiventhattherearenearly200jurisdictionswithintheSCAGregion.Accordingly,weurgeSCAGtoidentifysuchcharacteristicsatnofinerascalethanatthelesseroftheCommentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.340IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse(i)jurisdiction,andthe(ii)sub‐region(i.e.,whereunincorporatedcountylandisdividedintosub‐regions).DespiteSB375’smandatethattheSCSnotregulatelanduse,thedraftRTP/SCS“shifts”households“fromtheperipheryintotheurbanizedcore”statingthatmuchofthisshift“willoccurnaturallyinthemarketplace,”andthatthis“shift”wasdone“perconsultationwiththelocaljurisdictions.”(DraftRTP/SCSp.128).However,thisshiftdoesnot“occurnaturally,”northrougha“consultation”processbetweenagencystaffthatexcludesthepublic.Instead,suchashiftcanonlyoccur,ifatall,aspartofaseparateandlengthydiscretionarydevelopmentapplicationprocessinvolvingrequeststolocallandusejurisdictionstoamendtheirgeneralplans,specificplans,areaplans,andzoning.Inshort,thereisno“shift”tohigh‐densityhousinginsomelocaljurisdictions,andawayfromhousingdensityalreadyapprovedbyotherjurisdictions,unlessanduntilthelocallandusejurisdictionsadopttherequesteddiscretionaryapprovals.122‐01SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceForthepastthreeyears,businessandindustryrepresentativesfromthroughoutSouthernCaliforniahaveparticipatedintheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernment’sextensiveprocessusedtodeveloptheregion’sDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),whichincludesaninauguralSustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS).Ourinterestinthisprocesshasbeenparticularlykeengivenboththesignificanteconomicchallengescurrentlyfacingourregion’seconomyandthefactthattheinauguralSCScould–ifnotconsideredfrommanyviewpoints–haveunforeseennegativeconsequences.Inlightofourongoingparticipationandunderstanding,weappreciatethetremendouseffortthatSCAG’sstaffandleadershaveputintotheprocessthatledtotheDraft2012RTP/SCS&PEIR.ThedevelopmentofthisRTP/SCSfollowedaninclusiveapproachwithSCAGholdinghundredsofmeetingswithSCAG’spublicandprivatestakeholders.WealsoappreciatetheextensiveeconomicanalysisthatSCAGhasperformedontheDraftRTP/SCSinordertoprovideallstakeholdersandSCAG’sRegionalCouncilmemberswithanunderstandingofthefinancialimpactsoftheplan.AsrepresentativesofSouthernCalifornia’sbroaderbusinesscommunity,werecognizethecrucialrolesthattransportationandinfrastructurehaveinCommentnoted.341IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemaintainingourregion’seconomyandqualityoflife.Accordingly,throughthisletter,wejointogethertoprovideSCAGwithgeneralcommentsregardingremainingsignificantconcernsaboutthecontentsofboth(i)theDraft2012RTP/SCS,and(ii)theDraftProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR).122‐02SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceFromthebeginning,representativesofbusinessesandindustrieshaveagreeduponthequalitiesofagoodRTP/SCS.Thosequalitiescanbesummarizedasfollows.TheRTP/SCSshould:Fostereconomicgrowthandjobcreationinabalancedandaccountablemannerandinrecognitionofforeseeableregionalpopulationgrowth;Commentnoted.PleaseseeRegionalGoalsonpage13ofChapter1,Vision.122‐03SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceUtilizeallrevenuesourcesveryefficiently,andutilizenewrevenuesourcesonlyiftheyareeconomicallysoundandequitableCommentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.122‐04SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceHonortheprerogativesthatlocalgovernments–asthelevelofgovernmentwiththegreatestunderstandingofandsensitivitytocommunityinterestsandcontext–shouldcontinuetoenjoyconcerninglanduseandcommunitydevelopmentCommentnoted.SCAG'sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction'slandusepoliciesandregulationsbeconsistentwiththeSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.342IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse122‐05SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceComplywiththeCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA)andfederalenvironmentallawsandregulations(e.g.,federalCleanAirActconformity);andAllowforexpeditiousreviewandapprovalofprojectsthatareconsistentwithasoundandreasonablyaccommodatingRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCScreatesopportunitiesforbusiness,investment,andemploymentinSouthernCalifornia.Thisplandoessobyproposingover$500billionofinvestmentinthenext25years.Thisconstitutesthelargestregional‐scaleinfrastructurejobsprograminSouthernCalifornia’shistory.ThiswillputthousandsofSouthernCaliforniansbacktoworkinmuchneededjobs,notonlyinconstruction,butalsoinabroadcross‐sectionofindustryclusters.Overthetwenty‐fiveyearperiod,theplanwillgenerate4.2millionjobsinthesixcountyregion.Thisrepresentsthedirecteconomiceffectofdesigning,buildingandmaintainingprojects,aswellastheindirectandinducedbenefitsoftheinvestments.122‐06SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceAllowforexpeditiousreviewandapprovalofprojectsthatareconsistentwithasoundandreasonablyaccommodatingRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCScreatesopportunitiesforbusiness,investment,andemploymentinSouthernCalifornia.Thisplandoessobyproposingover$500billionofinvestmentinthenext25years.Thisconstitutesthelargestregional‐scaleinfrastructurejobsprograminSouthernCalifornia’shistory.ThiswillputthousandsofSouthernCaliforniansbacktoworkinmuchneededjobs,notonlyinconstruction,butalsoinabroadcross‐sectionofindustryclusters.TheanalysisconductedbySCAGandconsultantteamidentified174,500asassociatedwithspendingapproximately$21billionperyearasoutlinedinthe2012RTP/SCSforcapitalprojectsandoperatingandmaintenanceexpenditures.The174,500isanannualaverageassociatedwiththeRTPspendingbutitisnotacumulativenumber.InadditionSCAGestimatedthatimplementationof2012RTP/SCSprojectsandstrategiescouldsupportasmanyasadditional354,000jobs(onaveragefor2010‐2035)asresultofproductivitybenefitsfromtraveltimeandcostsavingsandtheassociatedimpactonregionaleconomiccompetitiveness.122‐07SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerceDespiteouroverallappreciationfortheworkputinbySCAG’sstaff,thereareimportantaspectsoftheDraft2012RTP/SCSandDraftPEIRwhich,webelieve,requiremuchmoreconsiderationandcorrectionorclarificationbeforeSCAGapprovesthe2012RTP/SCSandtheFinalPEIR.Corrections–oratleastsubstantialclarifications–areneededinordertobringtheFinal2012RTP/SCSandPEIRbackintolinewiththeprinciplessetforthabove.Statedhereinthemostgeneralterms,SCAG’sstaffandultimatelyitsRegionalCouncilshouldaddressthefollowingconcernsandcorrectthefinal2012Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformanceonly,andthegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSaretobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.343IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseRTP/SCSandtheaccompanyingPEIR.4)TheRTP/SCSisundergirdedbyanalysiswhichshowsthedispersionofpopulationsandemploymentshownandcategorizedatthelevelofsub‐jurisdictional“transportationanalysiszones”(TAZs).TheTAZlevelofdetailis,webelieve,toosmallandprecisealevelatwhichtoprescribethespatialdispersionofdevelopmentandredevelopment,particularlyinlightoftheregionalnatureoftheRTP/SCS.Page148oftheSCSshouldthereforebeclarifiedtoindicatethatquestionsofconsistencywiththeRTP/SCSshouldbesubstantivelymeasuredanddeterminedatajurisdictionalorsub‐regionallevel,notataTAZlevel.122‐08SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce5)TheRTP/SCSshouldaimtoreflectandaccommodateboththeshort‐termfutureoftheSCAGregionanditslong‐termfuture.Forexample,theRTPshouldbetteranticipatetheneedforandreasonablelikelihoodofagradualtransitionintheregion’soverallvehiclefleet(e.g.,graduallytowardsalternativefuels)andtheongoingneedforenhancementstovehicularmobilityevenasmoremasstransitcomestofruition.Commentnoted.The2012RTPisalongrangeplanningdocumentthataccountsforvehiclefleetturnoverandpresentsbothnear‐termandlong‐termstrategiestoaddresstheon‐goingneedforenhancedmobilityinalltransportationmodes.122‐09SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce6)Moredetail,clarityandexplanationareneededconcerningthenewrevenuesourcesthatareoutlinedwithintheplandocument.Newrevenuesaccountfor$219.5billionoutofthetotal$524.7billionneededforthetransportationplan,yetthereisverylittledetailexplainingthesesignificantnewfeesandimpositions(seepage95&96oftheDraftRTP/SCS).Tofullyandfairlyevaluatetheseproposals,thebusinesscommunityandallstakeholdersneedthebenefitofadditionaldetailandexplanation.Inparticular,weneedclarityandassuranceregardingthefollowing:a.ThenewrevenueconceptsassumedwithintheRTP/SCSmustbefair,equitableandeconomicallysound,meaningthatanappropriatenexusexiststoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.b.ThenewrevenuesourceswithintheRTPmustbeeffectivelyallocated,meaningtheplanshouldclearlyarticulatehowresourceswillbeefficientlyandresponsiblyallocatedsothatthereisthebestpossiblereturnoninvestmentfortheexpenditureofthesenewtransportationfunds.SCAGneedstoshowthatitwillbearesponsible,accountableandinnovativestewardofthenewrevenuesthatitCommentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.344IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseisproposing.122‐10SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce7)NewrevenuesfromfeesonbusinessesoperatingintheSCAGregion–andparticularlythe“FreightFee/NationalFreightProgram”listedonpage96oftheDraftRTP–needtobedevelopedandimplementedatthefederallevel,notthelocalandregionallevel.Unlesssuchfeesareimposedonanationalscale,theregion’scompetivenesswillbecompromised.Commentnoted.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesarenotaneconomicdisadvantagewerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.122‐11SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce8)IntheRTP,SCAGshouldidentifyandhighlightthesignificanteconomiccontributionsofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Specifically,theRTPshouldacknowledgethat,asbusinessstakeholdersworkwithregulatoryagenciestofurtherreduceemissionsintheSCAGregion,anytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,orreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.ItwouldbehelpfulforSCAGtostateclearlyintheRTPthat,todate,stakeholdershavenotreachedconsensusontechnologies,timing,funding,oremissionsimpactsofthevariousoptionsthatSCAGexaminedintheRTP.Forexample,SCAGdiscusseslong‐termstepstowardsa"ZeroEmissionsContainerMovementSystem"(ZECMS).IfSCAGchoosestopursuesuchafundamentalshiftinnewtechnology,itwouldneedtoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholderstoclearlyestablishwhetherand,ifso,whenandwherewithinthetransportationinfrastructureaZECMSoptioncouldbedemonstratedandevaluatedwithoutnegativelyeffectingthevelocityandthroughputofthesystem.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthesignificantcontributionofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Weconcurthatanytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,andreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholdersinfurtherevaluatingtechnologyoptions.122‐12SandyCajasRegionalHispanicChamberofCommerce9)Withtherecenteliminationofredevelopmentagencies,theabilityoflocaljurisdictionstomeetthedensificationofurbancentersintheneartermischallenged,giventhecostsrelatedtoagingorinadequateinfrastructurecapacityandhighdevelopmentcostsforhigherdensityprojects.Theeliminationofredevelopmentagenciesalsothreatenstheavailabilityofsufficienthousingoptionsnecessarytomeettheneedsofadynamicworkforce.Infact,sincethepassageofSB375,theStateofCaliforniahasstrippedlocalgovernmentsoffundsthatwerepreviouslyavailablefortransit,transportationandredevelopment.Thisfollowsmanyyearsinwhichthestatedivertedrevenuesfromgasoline,sales,incomeandothertaxesneededforlocalgovernmentprograms.Localgovernmentscannothelptofulfillthe2012RTP/SCSwithoutincreased,notCommentnoted.345IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedecreased,statesupport.SCAGshouldemphasizetheneedforthestatetorestoresupportforplanning,transit,transportationandredevelopmentorothernecessaryfundingtopre‐SB375levelsinordertospeedtheattainmentofmandatedgoals.Whilewefindmanyverypositiveaspectsintheplan,especiallyrelatedtoprinciplesanddirection,thesesignificantissuesneedtobeaddressed.Theshortlistofgeneralconcernssetforthaboveisnotmeanttobeexhaustive.Manyoftheorganizationsthatsubscribetotheabove‐statedcommentswillbecommentingmorerobustlyinseparatewritings.Wejoinhere,however,toexpressourunityinfindingtheDraft2012RTP/SCSandPEIRtobeinneedofsignificantclarificationandcorrection.Wearealsojointlycommittedtocompletingthisprocessand,overtheremainingweeks,workingcloselywithSCAGtodevelopandadoptasmart,flexible,accountable,andeconomicallysoundRTP/SCS.123‐01TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthorityTheReservationTransportationAuthority(RTA)isaconsortiumofSouthernCaliforniaTribes,providingtransportationservicestotribeslocatedinSantaBarbara,SanBernardino,RiversideandSanDiegoCounties.Ourchargeistocontractforfundstoplan,designandconstructnewroadsonreservationsbutalsotoactasatransportationadvocateonbehalfoftheRTAMemberTribes.1‐StatesreceiveFederalHighwayfundingthatisintendedtoincludeTribalprojects.Butastribesattempttoparticipateandgainfundingfortribalroadimprovementprojects,thetribalprojectsreceivelittleornoconsiderationforfunding.Whiletribesarespecificallyincludedbylawtheyareexcludedbypractice.TheStatefundingprocessmustbeweightedinsuchamannerthatwouldallowtribaltransportationprojectsaccessandconsiderationtodeveloptransportationinfrastructureprojects.Withtheunderstandingthattribeshavenotbeenabletohistoricallyparticipateanddonothavetheabilitytostaffatribalprogram,incomparisontolocalgovernments.TribalGovernmentsenjoyaspecialanduniquedistinctionasgovernmentsdifferentthanalocalgovernmentandnotsubservienttoastateagency.2‐WithfewexceptionsReservationLandsarenotlocatedwithinmetropolitanareas.HoweverReservations,eventhoughlocatedinruralareascanproducegeneratehighvolumesoftrafficdependingonthetypesofdevelopmentthattheReservationsCommentnoted.Weagreethatgovernment,business,andstakeholderssuchastribesneedtoworktogethertoidentifyandadvancethebest,mostappropriatefundingoptionstoprovideneededfundingforRTPpriorities.SCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteesincluderepresentationfromthetribalgovernmentswithinSCAG.Wewillcontinuetoworkwithtribesinourfutureplanningefforts.346IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseareinvolvedin.StudiesneedtoreflectreservationdevelopmentandshowtheimpactsrelatedtoCompassBlueprintstrategies.3‐Understandingthattribaltransportationfacilitiesareoldandmayhavebeenconstructedwithscarcedollars,withoutconsiderationtotheneedforsidewalksandguttersanddrainageandlighting.Iftheseimprovementsareaconsiderationfor“Sustainability”thenitshouldbeagiventhattribesshouldareinneed.Whenmanyofthetribalimprovementsweremadeandeverydollarwasneededtocompleteanewroad,nobodywouldeverdaretoincludeanyamenitiesotherthanpavement.Historicallytribeswouldreceivefundingtobuildaroadandthenbecauseoflimitedfundingwouldnotreceiveroadconstructionfundsagain.123‐02TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthority4‐LocaltrafficcountsandCaltranstrafficcountsdonotpresenttribaltrafficdata,especiallyaccidentdataforreservations.WhileTribalReservationsareinruralareasthereareoftenhightrafficcounts,fromvisitors/tourist.JurisdictionforreservationtrafficcountsisthedomainoftheBIAandcorrelationofthedataneedstobereflectedaccordinglyaswellastribaldatathatiscapturedtosupportdevelopmentactivities.Commentnoted.FortheRTP/SCS,SCAGconductstrafficcountsatthescreen‐linelevel,ataregionalscale.Trafficcountsforlocalprojectsorplanningstudieswouldbeconductedbythelocalleadagency.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithstateandlocalagenciesandtribalrepresentativesasappropriatetofindwaystoimproveitstrafficdatabase.123‐03TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthority5‐VMTifcarriedoutwouldimpactruralreservationsdisproportionatelyjustbasedupontheadditionalmilesoftravelrequiredforruralreservationresidents.Thisseemsunfairincomparisontothefueltaxpermilecurrentlyinplace,whichisalsounfairsincetribedonotreceiveareturnshareofthetaxlikelocalandcountygovernmentsdo.Commentnoted.Theproposedmileage‐baseduserfee,liketheexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetaxes,isdirectlylinkedtotheamountoftransportationresourceused.Whilethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldchargedriversforeachmiletraveled,theexistinggasexcisetaxeschargedriversforeachgallonconsumed.Theamountofgallonsofgasconsumedisadirectproductofthetotalnumberofmilestraveled.Whiletheimplementationofthemileage‐baseduserfeewouldnotcauseanydriverstoincreasethenumberofmilestraveled,itwouldprovideadditionalrevenuetofundtransportationimprovementsthatcouldallowforeasier,faster,andsafertraveloptionsthroughouttheSCAGregion.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.123‐04TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthority6‐Howcantribaltransitsystemsbeefficientlyoperatedorevenprovidedandintegratedwithothertransitsystemswhenthetriballandsaresorural?Commentnoted.SCAGlooksforwardtocontinuingtowotkwithtribeswithinSCAGtoinvestigatetheefficientintegrationoftribaltransitnetworksintoothertransitnetworks.347IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse123‐05TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthority7–WhattribescurrentlysitonSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandpolicycommittees?TheRTAwantstobesupportiveofthecommentsthatmayhavebeensubmittedbyothertribesandwedonotwanttocontradicttheneedssubmittedbyothertribalrepresentatives.Commentnoted.MarkCalac,Chairman,PechangaBandofLuiseñoIndians,servesonSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandExecutive/AdministrativeCommittee.BrianMcDonald,Councilman,ChemehueviIndianTribe,servesonSCAG’sTransportationCommittee.CharlesMartin,Councilman,MorongoBandofMissionIndians,servesonSCAG’sCommunity,EconomicandHumanDevelopmentCommittee.JohnPalinkas,BoardMember.PechangaBandofLuiseñoIndians,andJimCohen,DeputyGeneralCounsel,PechangaBandofLuiseñoIndians,serveonSCAG’sEnergyandEnvironmentCommittee.123‐06TonyLargoReservationTransportationAuthority8–HowcanthetribesandSCAGbettercollaboratewitheachotherindevelopingandapplyingfortransportationgrantsthatbenefittribalareas?ThereappearstobehesitationattheStatelevel,perhapsbecausetheyareinexperiencedindealingwithgrantapplicationsfromtribalgroups.ThankYou,TonyLargo,RTACommentnoted.WhileSCAGdoespartnerforplanninggrants,thecountytransportationcommissionsareyourbestresourceforcollaborationonfundingfornon‐planningactivities.Forlanduseplanningassistance,pleasecontactSCAGCompassBlueprintstaff.SCAGalsoemploysRegionalAffairsOfficerswithineachcountyintheSCAGregionthatcanserveasasingle‐pointofcontactforSCAG.124‐01MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthImproveassessmentofhealthbenefitsthroughnewmodelingapproaches.UtilizethenewCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthI‐THIMscreeningtooltoanalyzethepotentialchronicdiseasereductionsthatcanbeachievedintheSCAGregionbasedonincreasedtransportation‐relatedactivitysuchaswalkingandbiking.ThismodelwasusedintheSanFranciscoBayArearegiontodeterminereductionsinheartandrespiratorydisease,breastcancerandotherhealtheffectslinkedtoactivetransportationscenarios.WeurgeSCAGtoincorporatethistoolinregionalplanninganddecisionmakingfortransportationinvestments.Commentnoted.124‐02MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthInadditiontomonitoringprematuremortality,SCAGshouldalsoassessreductionsinasthmaincidenceandexacerbationsduetotrafficrelatedpollution(NOX)andothertargetsthroughcollaborationwithlocalhealthdepartments,theSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,academicresearchersandcommunitybasedorganizations.Improvementstothetargetsshouldbemonitoredandreportedtothepubliceverytwoyears.Commentnoted.SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathatcorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.124‐03MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofFocusoninvestmentsoncompletingtransitsystemsandbuildingouttransitinfrastructure,ratherthanhighwayexpansion,includingthefollowing:DoublingMetrolinkridershipCommentnoted.TheRTPincludesasignificantexpansionoftransitserviceintheInlandEmpire,includingnewandimprovedrailservice,newBRTandexpressbusservice,andimproved348IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePublicHealthby2020anddoubleitagainby2035;ExpandingBusRapidTransitandregionalbusservice;EnhancingTODplanningand1st‐mile‐last‐mileinvestmentsnearMetrolinkstations;Doublingthebicyclenetworkto24,000milesandimprovingpedestrianenvironment.IncreasetransitandtransitorientedplanninginInlandEmpire.BecausesomuchoftheplannedgrowthintheInlandEmpireisrelativelylowdensityandremotefromtransit,SCAGshouldworkcloselywithInlandEmpiregovernmentstoaccelerateexpansionandfrequencyoftransitandrailtotheareaandfocusmoregrowtharoundtransitcorridors.frequenciesoflocalfixed‐routebusservices.124‐04MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthFrontloadactivetransportationfunding.SCAGshouldcommittoahigheramountoftransportationfundingforbikeandpedestrianinfrastructure,especiallyintheearlyyearsofthe25‐yearRTPprocess.SCAGshouldworkwithlocaltransportationagenciestoprioritizebicycleandpedestrianprojectsandensurethemajorityoffundsarespentpriorto2020.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.124‐05MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthIncreaseinvestmentsinzeroemissionfreighttransportationinordertoreducedieselemissionsandexposuresincommunitiesnearfreightcorridorsandrailyards.Ensurethatfundingmechanismsareinplacetoexpeditetheimplementationofthezeroandnear‐zeroemissionfreightandtruckstrategiesandinfrastructure.Prioritizespendingonprojectsthatdelivermaximumhealthbenefitsforresidentsoftheregion,especiallythoselivingalongthefreightcorridor.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemalsoofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsand349IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimpactsoncommunitiessuchastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.SCAGalsosupportstheimplementationofallfreightprojectslistedinthe2012RTPandcontinuestoworkcloselywithregionalimplementationagenciestoadvancetheircompletion.Further,the2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.124‐06MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthEvaluatethenumberandtypeofnewdevelopmentsthatcouldbelocatedincloseproximitytofreewaysandtrafficroadwaysintheSCAGregionunderthenewRTP.Workwiththeairdistrict,healthdepartmentsanduniversitiestodevelopandimplementbestpracticepoliciesfordevelopmentslocatednearheavytrafficareastoreduceexposurestoairpollution.Commentnoted.SCAGpreparedadditionalanalysistohighlighttheemissionsexposureinareaswithin500feetoffreewaysandhighvolumeroads.Itshouldbenotedthatthelevelofemissionsnearthesefacilitiesishigherthanintheregionasawhole.In2035,theseareasstillwillhavehigheremissionsthantheregionasawhole.However,whileregionalemissionsoveralldecreasebetweennowand2035,therateofdecreasenearfreewaysandhighvolumeroadsisevengreater.TheRTP/SCSdoesresultinanincreaseinpopulationintheselocations,andassuchhealthriskishigherfortheseindividualsthaniftheywerenotinthebufferarea.Assuch,subsequentprojectlevelanalysisandmitigationshouldbecognizantofon‐goinghealthconcerns.However,theplanasawholeshowsbenefitsforemissionsexposureanddecreasedlevelsofriskinareasnearfreeways.124‐07MochaelOsurRiversideCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber66.125‐01CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartment(Part1of2)OneofthebiggestchangesintheRTP/SCS2012isitsemphasisonhigherdensityresidentialdevelopmentanditsconcentrationwithintheHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA)toaccommodatethechangingdemandintypesofhousing.Toacertainextent,thisistrueonaregionallevel;however,thetrendisnotnecessarilymutualwheneachareaisseparatedoutoftheSCAGregion.Inlandcountiesstillseethedemandforsinglefamilyhousing,andwhentheeconomyrebounds,theCountyofRiversidestillplansonmanagingthegrowthofthesinglefamilyhousingmarketthroughitsGeneralPlan.SCAGshouldaddressthefactthatgrowthisstilloccurringintheInlandcountiesasevidencedbytherecentcensus.Table4,8,10,and11oftheRTPGrowthForecastshowsthepast,currentCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.Basedontheagreed‐uponforecastedgrowthofpopulation,householdandemploymentatthejurisdictionallevelforRiversideCounty,SCAGshiftedsomeofthegrowthtoHQTAswhilemaintainingjurisdictionlevelforecastcontroltotalsforthePlanAlternative.350IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandforecastedtrendsforeachcountyintheregion.Example:RiversideCounty’sshareofregionalpopulationin1990was8%,in2000itgrewtobe9.4%,andthen12.1%in2010.EvenwithSCAGassumptionsshowninTable8oftheGrowthForecast,theshareofthepopulationforRiversideCountygrowsto15%by2035equalingthatofOrangeCounty.Incontrast,theshareofpopulationinLosAngelesCountydiminishesto51%from54%andemploymentto51%from57%by2035.RiversideCountywouldliketocomparetheprojectionnumbersof2020and2035withSCAG’sgrowthforecasts.RiversideCountypopulationprojectionsof2010is2,153,189and2035is3,396,287.Usingtheexampleabove,aninferredconclusioncanbemadethatSCAG’sHQTAdesignationsfor2035(Exhibit4.13to4.19)donotaccuratelyreflectthepopulationandemploymenttrendsshowninTable8.ItappearsthatHQTAsweredesignatedbasedonexistingTransitorTransportationcorridorswithoutconsideringtheactualexistingandproposedpopulationcentersofeachjurisdictioninRiversideCounty.WhenHQTAsarecomparedtogetheramongstallsixcounties,asinExhibit4.13,theshareofHQTAsclearlydonotshowthe15%populationsharethatRiversideCountyrepresentsin2035.Also,questionscanberaisedastowhyRiversideCountyHQTAsdonotconnecttoanyofthesurroundingcountiessuchasSanDiegoCounty.125‐02CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartment(Part2of2)Inaddition,whencityboundariesareoverlaidontopofExhibit4.18(seehandout1),theunincorporatedsectionoftheCountycontainsonlyonecorridorwithanHQTAonI‐15inTemescalCanyon.Currently,theunincorporatedCountyhas355,718people(excludingJurupaValleyandEastvale)andexpectsapopulationgrowthof704,253peopleby2035,almostdoublingthecurrentnumber.ConsideringtheCountyforecastandthehistoricalgrowthtrendofRiversideCounty,SCAG’splacementsofHQTAsbecomemorequestionable.HowwasSCAGabletoredistribute51percentofthenewresidentialgrowthintheunincorporatedRiversideCounty?FromRiversideCounty’sperspective,theplacementsoftheHQTAsareperceivedtojustberelocationofgrowthratherthanmanaginggrowth.RiversideCountywouldbenefitgreatlyifthedetailsofthelanduseandprojectiondataanalysisweresharedwiththelocaljurisdictions.Currently,basedontheplanandthePEIR,thelanduseanalysisandlocalinputsonthedataincorporationsCommentnoted.HQTAsaregeographicareaswithinahalfmileradiusofanexistingorplannedmajortransitstoporhigh‐qualitytransitcorridorwithafrequencyofserviceintervalof15minutesorlessduringthemorningandafternoonpeakcommuteperiod.DevelopmentprojectsproposedintheseareasmaybeconsideredforpotentialCEQAstreamliningiftheymeetcertaincriteriasetforthunderCEQA.HQTAsaredefinedbylegislation;however,wehaveconsideredandincorporatedlandusestrategiestobeconsideredbylocaljurisdictionsforareasthatmayeventuallybecomeHQTAs.TocalculatethegrowthinHQTAs,SCAGdistributedthegrowthforecastdatatotransportationanalysiszones(TAZs),selectedTAZsthathad25%orgreateroftheirlandwithinHQTAs,andthencomputedthesumoftheselectedTAZs’households.351IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsearenotclearlyoutlined.Example:PEIR2.25states,“TheSCSfocusesthemajorityofnewhousingandjobgrowthinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA)andotheropportunityareasinexistingmainstreets,downtowns,andcommercialcorridors,resultinginanimprovedjobs‐housingbalanceandmoreopportunityforTOD.”Again,lookingattheHQTAsonamacrolevel,thejobs‐housingbalancegoalmayhavebeenachievedbasedontheprovidedlocationsoftheHQTAs,butiftheHQTAsareseparatedoutbycounties,jobs‐housingbalancecannotbeachievedintheInlandEmpireregion.Asstated,“The2012‐2035RTP/SCSassumesthat51percentofnewhousingdevelopedbetween2008and2035willbewithinHQTAs,alongwith53percentofnewemploymentgrowth(comparedwith39and48percent,respectivelyin2008).”(PEIRp.2‐31).Asindicatedabove,ifmostofthegrowthisstillprojectedtooccurintheInlandEmpireregion,achievingthegoaloflocating51percentofthenewgrowthsinthelimitedHQTAsintheInlandEmpireisnotfeasible.Creatingmoreurbancenterswithinsuburbancountiesachievefargreaterjobs‐housingbalancethanhavingtheemploymentconcentrationheavilydependonOrangeandLosAngelesCounties.125‐03CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartmentBothoftheSCAGdocumentshavestatedthattheoutreacheffortshaveallowedtheorganizationtocollectlandusedatafromthelocaljurisdictionsindevelopingtheSCS,especiallyinOrangeCountyandLosAngelesCounty(GatewayCitiesCOG).RiversideCountyalsoappreciatesmanyopportunitiesanddiscussionsonvariouslevelsofdatasharingwithSCAG.Inthepast,RiversideCountyhasprovidedSCAGwithGeneralPlanLandUsedata,Demographics/Socioeconomicdata,andGrowthProjectionsdatawithmapsandcommentlettersonaTAZlevelbasis.AllofthesegreateffortscannotberecognizedifSCAGdoesnotdetailhowtheyhaveincorporatedthelocaljurisdictioninputsintotheRTP/SCSandPEIR.SomeprojectiondatafromSCAGwasshared,butthediscrepanciesbetweenSCAGandRiversideCountydatawasnotexplained.(seeattachment)Example:SCAGRTP/SCSandPEIRstate,“SCAGshallencouragecitiesandcountiesintheregiontoprovideSCAGwithelectronicversionsoftheirmostrecentgeneralplan(andassociatedenvironmentaldocument)andanyupdatesastheyareproduced”(MM‐LU1),and“...LeadandresponsibleCommentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.ThegrowthandlanduseassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSareproposedtobeadoptedatthejurisdictionalgeographicscale.ForaresponseconcerningthespecificmitigationmeasuresinthePEIR,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsonthe352IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseagenciescanandshouldthenmakeanynecessaryadjustmentstotheapplicableGeneralPlan.AnysuchidentifiedadjustmentshallbecommunicatedtoSCAG”(MM‐PS11andPS56).“Asaresultofthiscomprehensiveandintegratedapproach,thetransportationprojectsandstrategiesincludedinthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSaregenerallyconsistentwiththecountyandregionallevelgeneralplandataavailabletoSCAG.”(PEIR3.8‐13)SCAGshouldworkwithlocaljurisdictionstoexplainhowthedataprovidedbyvariousagencieswereusedintheRTP/SCS,andSCAGalsoshouldasklocaljurisdictionsforinterpretationoftheprovidedlandusedata.DraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber67.125‐04CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartmentGrowthforecastsatthejurisdictionallevelwereapprovedbytheRiversideCountyBoardofSupervisors,theCVAGandWRCOGExecutiveCommitteesandweretransmittedtoSCAGin2010.Subsequenttothesepolicylevelactions,CountystaffprovidedSCAGstaffdetailedgrowthforecastattheTAZlevel.WRCOGdidapproverevisedforecastsforthejurisdictionswithinitssubregionandRTP/SCS2012‐CommentLetter02/14/2012SCAGstaffdidadjusttheforecastsfortheCitiesofHemet,Menifee,andSanJacinto.ThegrowthdistributionofhouseholdsandemploymentutilizedintheRTP/SCSarenotconsistentwiththeTAZleveldataprovidedtoSCAGstaff.ItisthereforerecommendedthatthegrowthforecastsarenotapprovedattheTAZlevel.Itisfurtherrecommendedthatnofindingsofconsistencyandconformity,recommendationsontheplacementofinfrastructure,orrecommendedfundingbebasedontheTAZlevelforecastusedintheRTP/SCSplan.Fromtheperspectiveoflocaljurisdiction,itisalarminganddisconcertingtofindthatthedataprovidedtoSCAGcanbemodifiedwithoutadequatemethodologiesorexplanations.Commentnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedthemostupdatedgrowthforecastsatthejurisdictionallevelwithinputfromRiversideCountyintotheSCAG'sfinalgrowthforecastdatasetforthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAG’scurrentproposalistoadoptthegrowthforecastsatthejurisdictionallevelaspartofthefinal2012RTP/SCS.125‐05CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartment“OneofthemostcriticalelementsoftheRTP/SCSisthefinancialplan.TheRTPisrequiredtobefinanciallyconstrained,meaningthatprojectcostsmustbematchedwith“reasonablyavailable”revenues.”RiversideCountyagreeswithotherCOGcommentsontheFinancialPlansoftheRTP/SCS.Therearesomeinnovativefundingmechanismsidentifiedintheplan(Table3.3and3.4.4),however,onceagain,thefeasibilityoftherevenueidentifiedintheRTPisquestionable.Infact,itisveryunlikelythatmuchofthenewsupplementalrevenuesidentifiedintheplanwillmaterialize.TherearenootheralternativesCommentnoted.FederalregulationsindicateaRTPmeetsthefinancialconstraintrequirementbyincludingsufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheplancanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources,withreasonableassurancethatthefederallysupportedtransportationsystemisbeingadequatelyoperatedandmaintained.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenue353IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseidentifiedintheplanthatwouldreplaceoraugmentthelossinrevenueifthenewfundingmeasuresfail.Implementationmeasuresonthefundingitemsshouldbemoreclearlyoutlinedandplannedforthelocaljurisdictions.Examples:15cpergalloninadditionto18cpergalloncurrentCaliforniaStategastaxisalmostdoublingthetaxrate.Amileage‐baseduserfeesarealsoidentifiedintheplanthatestimatesabout5cpermilestarting2025replacingcurrentgastax.Inaddition,theplanidentifiesE‐CommerceTax,HighwayTolls,andSpecialDistricts.thanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Wealsorecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintothefutureandthereasonablenessofourassumptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.125‐06CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartmentRTPp.54:CompleteStreetsDiscussion:“EncouragelocaljurisdictionstoadoptandimplementtheproposedSCAGRegionalBikewayNetwork.”RiversideCountycontinuouslyimplementsandupdatesitsowntrailsnetworktocreateconnectivityandaccessibility.WewouldliketofindouthowSCAG’sExhibit2.5RegionalBicycleNetworkwasdevelopedbeforerelyingonthemapprovidedintheregionalplan.Suchprocessshouldbea“bottom‐up”processandnota“top‐down”approach.Commentnoted.TheSCAGRegionalBikewayNetworkwithinRiversideCountywasdevelopedusingthebicycleplansoriginallydevelopedbytheWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments(WRCOG)andtheCoachellaValleyAssociationofGovernments(CVAG)fortheirmembercitiesandincludesthelocalplansincludedthereinaswellastheWRCOGbackboneandtheCVAGParkway1e11.SCAG’sRegionalBikewayNetworkwithinRiversideCountyillustratesgapclosuresbetweencitiesinordertopromotebicycleconnectivitybetweencitiesandcountiesandtodeveloparegionalroutestructure,recognizingthatdevelopmentofspecificadditionalfacilitiesandlocationsforthosefacilitiesliesatthelocallevel.WewillwelcometheCountyofRiverside’sparticipationinthecontinueddevelopmentoftheRegionalBikewayNetwork125‐07CarolynLunaRiversideCountyPlanningDepartment[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber67.126‐01AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationChapter2,TransportationInvestmentsPage41,CongestionManagementSystem‐The2012RTPSCSaddressfederalrequirementsfortheCongestionManagementSystem.Commentnoted.FederalCMPrequirementsdictatedby23CFR450.320requiresthatadequateconsiderationsbegiventoalternativestrategiestoSingleOccupancyVehicles(SOV)in354IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCommissionSpecifically,theRTPSCScomponentcontainsTransportationDemandManagementstrategies,whichisarequiredelementforCountyCongestionManagementProgramtomeetfederalCMSguidance.TheindividualcountyCMPs,CaltransCSMPs,andtheSCSgivetheentirepictureoftheregion'sTDMefforts.Therefore,RCTCrequeststhefollowingberemoved:"First,SCAGwillincorporatearequirementintheFTIPguidelinesthatcallsforsubmittalofdocumentationbythesponsoringagenciesassociatedwithsignificantroadwaycapacityprojects(greaterthan$50million)toensuredocumentationofallthealternativesconsideredindefiningtheprojectaswellasidentifyingappropriatemitigationthatwouldbeimplementedinconjunctionwiththeproject."ThisrequirementshouldalsoberemovedfromtheFTIPguidelinessinceacomprehensiveviewoftheregion'sTDMprojectsandprogramisclearlyhighlightedincountyCMPs,CaltransCSMPs,andtheRTPSCS.conjunctionwithregionallysignificantroadwaycapacityprojectsincludedintheRTPaspartoftheCMPprocess.SCAGwasspecificallyissuedacorrectiveactionbyFHWAatthelastMPOcertificationtoaddressthisissuebyenhancingdocumentationofsuchconsiderationsaspartofthedecisionmakingprocessinidentifyingsuchprojects.SCAGdoesnotbelievethisrequirementwouldaddsignificantnewburdentosponsoringagenciesotherthantoprovideapplicabledocumentationssuchastheprojectstudyreports,EIR/EISetc.thataregeneratedaspartoftheprojectplanninganddecisionmakingwork.126‐02AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage43,CompletingourSystem‐Table2.2MajorHighwayCompletionProjectsincludesonetotwoprojectspercountyemphasizing"criticalgapsinthenetworkthathinderaccesstocertainpartsoftheregion."TheprojectidentifiedinRiversideCoutnyis"CETAPIntercountyCorridorA."RCTCrequeststhatthisprojectberemovedfromthelistandbereplacedwiththeSR‐79realignment(RTPID#RIV62024),andtheI‐215wideningprojectfromScotttoNuevo(RTPID#RIV070309).Commentnoted.ThereferencedTable2.2isrevisedinthefinalRTPasrequestedbythecommentertoreplaceCETAPIntercountyCorridorAwiththeSR‐79realignmentandI‐215wideningfromScotttoNuevo.126‐03AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage44,CompletingOurSystem‐Table2.3identifiesMajorHOVProjectsforeachcounty.TheI‐215Bi‐countyprojectislistedunderSanBernardinoCountyfromSpruceStreettoOrangeShowRoad.ThisprojectisalsoinRiversideCounty.RCTCrequeststhatSCAGclarifythattheprojectisinSanBernardino,fromOrangeShowRoadtotheRiverside‐SanBernardinoCountyline,andinRiversideCountyfromtheRiverside‐SanBernardinoCountylinetoSpruceStreet.Table2.3doesnotincludetheSR‐91HOVlaneproject(RTPID#010212).RCTCrequeststhatSCAGaddthisprojecttothetableasitisamajorhighwayprojectthatwillbeginconstructionthisyearand,togetherwiththeI‐215Bi‐countyproject,willprovideacontinuousHOVsystemfromOrangeCountytoSanBernardinoCountyalongtheSR‐91/I‐215corridor.Commentnoted.TheSR‐91HOVlaneproject(RTPID#RIV010212)iscurrentlylistedinthereferencedTable2.3,asSR‐91fromAdamstoSR‐60/215.Table2.3hasbeenupdatedtocorrectlydepicttheRiversideCountysegmentlocationfortheI‐215Bi‐Countyproject.126‐04AnneMayerRiversideCountyPage46,StrategicallyExpandingOurSystem‐Exhibit2.1MajorHighwayProject‐ThismaphighlightshighwayimprovementCommentnoted.ThereferencedExhibit2.1hasbeenrevisedtoincludetheMidCountyParkwayandSR‐79Realignment.355IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseTransportationCommissionprojectstobeimplementedby2035.RCTCrequeststhattheMidCountyParkway(RTPID#RIV031218)andSR‐79realignment(RTPID#62024)beaddedtothemap.126‐05AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage76‐79,EnvironmentalMitigation‐ThissectiondiscussesConservationPlanning,BiologicalResourcesandOpenSpace,LocationsforMitigation,etc.RCTCrequeststhatSCAGincludeRiversideCounty'sMultipleSpeciesHabitatConservationPlaneffortsinWesternCountyandCoachellaValleyinthissectionasanexampleofwhatcountiesaredoingtomitigateenvironmentalimpacts.Commentnoted.TheMSHCPeffortinRiversideCountyisanexcellentexampleandhasbeenaddedtothereferencedEnvironmentalMitigationdiscussion.126‐06AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionChapter4,SustainableCommunitiesStrategyPage128,ResourcesAreasandFarmland‐Thissectiontalksaboutareastobeprotectedfromdevelopmentincludingparklands,openspace,naturalresourceareas,andfarmland.Itsaysthat"SCAGisalsodevelopinganaturallandsacquisitionandopenspaceconservationstrategytoencouragelarge‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitattomitigateimpacts..."RCTCalsorequeststhatSCAGmentionRiversideCounty'sMSHCPaccomplishmentsinsection.Commentnoted.TheMSHCPeffortinRiversideCountyisanexcellentexampleandhasbeenaddedtothereferencedEnvironmentalMitigationdiscussion.126‐07AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage151,Table4.4TransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies‐Anotheraction/strategylistedis"Cooperatewithstakeholders,particularlycountytransportationcommissionsandCaltrans,toprioritizefundingsourcesforpreservationandmaintenanceoftheexistingtransportationnetwork."RCTCagreesthatthereisinsufficientfundingforSystemPreservation.Eachcountytransportationcommissionestablishedprojectsandprogramswithvariouswaystofundandimplementthem.Fundingislimitedanditwouldbemorebeneficialtoworkwithstakeholdersinidentifyinganewfundingsourceorincreasedfundinglevelsinsteadofcompetingwithverylimitedexistingfundsources.RCTCsuggeststhatSCAGrevisethewordingto"...toidentifynewfundingsourcesand/orincreasedfundinglevelsforpreservationandmaintenance..."ThisrecommendedchangeshouldalsobereflectedinChapter2,Page39,underSystemPreservation.Commentnoted.TherequestededithasbeenmadeinthefinalRTP/SCS.126‐08AnneMayerRiversideCountyTransportationCommission[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber68.127‐01AndreaRiversidePage238AgencyRCTCRTPID3CR0702:ReviseprojectCommentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequests356IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseZureickCountyTransportationCommissiondescriptiontoremovePVLstationatHemetAirportandreplacewithstationnearnewSR‐79alignmentandStetsonRd.totheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.127‐02AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage239AgencyRTARTPID3TC04TR6:Changetheprojectdescriptionto“ConstructnewHemetTransitCenter(withapproximately4busbays)inthevicinityofStateStandDevonshireAvenearthefuturecourthouselocation.ChangetheprojectlocationfromMenifeetoHemet.Changethecompletionyearfrom2027to2015,andupdatethetotalprojectcostfrom$5,926to$1,442.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.127‐03AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage240AgencyRCTCRTPID3C01MA03:Changeprojectdescriptionto“CETAP–RiversideCountytoOrangeCounty–ConstructnewintercountytransportationCorridorA–2tolleachdironnewfacilityparalleltoSR‐91,fromfromSR‐241toI‐15,withICatSR‐241,SR‐71,I‐15”.Networkyearremains2035.Updatetotalprojectcostto$2,720,000.Movebalanceofprojectdescription“CETAP–CorridorB–2tolleachdironnewfacilityfromI‐15/Mid‐CountyPkwytoSR‐241/SR‐133”toStrategicProjectsSection.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.127‐04AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage266AgencyCoachellaRTPID3A07094:ThisiscurrentlyprogrammedasFTIPIDRIV071246.Networkyearshouldremain2018(previouslyrequestedtochangeto2020).Updatetotalprojectcostfrom$4,853to$22,290.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.127‐05AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionNewProject,RTA:RegionaltransitcenterformasstransitserviceincentralwesternRiversideCountyalongI‐215corridor.Networkyearis2030andthetotalprojectcostis$10M.Commentnoted.WehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.127‐06AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionWewouldliketorequestmodificationstotheprojectlistthatwehavesubmittedtoSCAGstaffthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses:MajorprojectmodificationshavebeensubmittedforthefollowingRTPprojects:3A072623A072053A072073A070243A070403A070693A0708831200083A01CV047A3A01CV047B3A01CV0493A01CV0483A070743A070313ITS083A01CV1233A01CV1113A07018A3A01CV1043A01CV1053A01CV10331200103A01CV0603A01CV059A3A01CV0613A01CV0633A04A253A072663A04WT1653A01CV0673A01CV0683A0700131200143A01CV0713A071013A072923A01CV0763A01CV0753A01WT2103A04WT1873A01WT0453A04WT0463A01WT2183A04A223A04WT1983A01CV085Commentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthe2011FTIPA24updateprocess.357IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse3A01CV0863A070973A072443A0707931200123A04WT0783M01CV013M07153M07023M01CV033M07163M07083M07223TL5043TR04C3TR04A,3TR04B3ITS093TL15073TL16073TL11073TC04TR13TC04TR103TC04TR63TC04TR83TC07023A01CV09831200073A01CV0023A04CV1133A01CV0043A01CV0143A070943A071643A071653A01CV0173A070113A01CV0183A01CV0163A01CV0233A04CV0273A070783A071373A070293120004127‐07AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionMajorprojectadditionshavebeensubmittedforthefollowingRTPprojects:3120015RIV1112013120016RIV1111313A04WT198B3120017312001831200193120020312002131200223120023312002431200253120026312002731200283120029312003031200313120032312003331200343120035RIV071250BRIV050531RIV071241Commentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthe2011FTIPA24updateprocess.127‐08AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionMajorprojectdeletionshavebeensubmittedforthefollowingRTPprojects:3A07109(projectcomplete)3A04WT0703A01WT036(projectcomplete)3A01WT035(projectcomplete)3A070763M01WT0213TK04MA13(programmedasRIV120201in2011FTIPA24)3M04WT009(programmedasRIV091012in2011FTIPA24)Commentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthe2011FTIPA24updateprocess.127‐09AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionMajorprojectchangesweresubmittedaspartof2011FTIPA24:RIV071247RIV031209RIV071253RIV071267RIV050532RIV071250RIV090902(3M0803)RIV520109RIV091007(removedfromA24)RIV090622RIV071252(3A07020)RIV071254(3A07022)RIV62034RIV120201(3TK04MA13)RIV62029RIV091008(3A07131)RIV060111RIV100107(3M10WT03)RIV091012(3M04WT009)RIV100104(3M0725)RIV060114RIV110825RIV031218RIV080917(3A07155)RIV080918(3A07156)RIV031209RIV050535RIV120202(replacedwithRIV090902)Commentnoted.Wehaveaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheprojectlistassubmittedbycountytransportationcommissionsthroughthe2011FTIPA24updateprocess.127‐10AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage83AgencyLakeElsinoreRTPIDRIV091007:ThisprojectisnotreflectedintheFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectslist–pleaseconfirmprojectismodeled.Commentnoted.FTIPIDRIV091007cannotbefoundintheFinancially‐ConstrainedProjectListbecauseitisprogrammedoffRTPID3A04WT047,whichisintheProjectList.However,RIV091007canbefoundintheModelList.127‐11AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage90AgencyPalmSpringsRTPIDRIV090402:ThisprojectisnotreflectedintheFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectslist–pleaseconfirmprojectismodeled.Commentnoted.RIV090402cannotbefoundintheFinancially‐ConstrainedProjectListbecauseitisprogrammedoffofREG0704,whichisintheProjectList.However,RIV090402canbefoundintheModelList.127‐12AndreaRiversidePage243AgencyRiversideCounty/Indo:ProgrammedasFTIPIDCommentnoted.358IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseZureickCountyTransportationCommission47520(I‐10/JeffersonIC).127‐13AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage250AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3M0712:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV080902.Commentnoted.127‐14AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage251AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3M0801:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV080904.Commentnoted.127‐15AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage252AgencyCoachellaRTPID3M0717:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV071274.Commentnoted.127‐16AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage255AgencyRCTCRTPID3M0738:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV110122.Commentnoted.127‐17AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage272AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3A10WT01:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV091004.Commentnoted.127‐18AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage272AgencyRiversideCountyRTPID3A04WT137A:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV090903.Verifythatprojectismodeled.Commentnoted.Thisprojectismodeled.127‐19AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage280AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3A01WT053:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV080908.Commentnoted.127‐20AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage286AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3A04WT056F:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV080915.Commentnoted.127‐21AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage287AgencyMorenoValleyRTPID3A0805:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV080917.Commentnoted.359IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse127‐22AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPage291/2AgencyRanchoMirageRTPID3A07116/3A07128:ProgrammedasFTIPIDRIV091010.Commentnoted.128‐01AndreaZureickRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionPleaseseeattachedcommentontheRiversideCountyprojectlist.Commentnoted.129‐01LarryRubioRiversideTransitAgencyChapter2,Pages49and50,underTransitPolicies,RTAsupportstheneedforincreasesinstateandfederalfundingforsustainingtheoperationoftransitservicesandinfrastructureincludingfutureBRTandexpressbusserviceprojectsasincludedintheDraftRTP/SCS.Inaddition,asourregion'spopulationcontinuestoage,increasedoperationalfundingsupporttoprovideparatransitserviceswillbeacontinuedneedmovingforward.Commentnoted.129‐02LarryRubioRiversideTransitAgencyTransportationInvestments,Chapter2,Pages50and51,underPassengerandHigh‐SpeedRail,theRTArequeststhatshorttermcommuterrailserviceimprovementsbemadeinRiversideCounty.AtthistimeofrecordridershipgrowthonRTA'sservices,theseneartermimprovementswouldpromotefurtherbusandrailintegrationresultinginregion‐widereductionsincongestionduetoreducedautomobiletraffic.Commentnoted.TheRiversideCountyTransportationCommissionisworkingtoincreaseserviceonthe91andIEOCMetrolinklines.129‐03LarryRubioRiversideTransitAgencyTransportationInvestments,Chapter2,Page41,underTransportationSystemsManagement,theRTAsuggeststhatmoreemphasisbeplacedondevelopingawidervarietyofcapitalfundingsourcestosupportandmaintainTransitAVLandATIS.Inthistimeofsocialmediaapplications,thisishighlyimportantinattractingandretainingrevenuetosupportthetransitsystem.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSrecommendsincreasedinvestmentinreal‐timepassengerinformationsystems,andisdiscussedintheTransitAppendix.129‐04LarryRubioRiversideTransitAgencyWithschooldistrictscontinuingtolosestatetransportationfunding,theRTAwillbeexpectedtoprovideadditionalservicestoschoolsthroughoutwesternRiversideCountywithouttheprovisionofadditionaloperatingfunds.TheRTAdesirestoworkcloselywithSCAGandotherregionalagenciestodevelopfundingsolutionstoaccommodatethisgrowingtrend.Commentnoted.TheRTPsupportsseekingincreasedfundingfortransitservices.SCAGwillseektoidentifyregionalandlocalfundingsolutionsandworkwithtransitoperatorsinitsregiontohelpfillthesepotentialgapsinthetransportationnetwork.129‐05LarryRubioRiversideTransitAgencyEnsuremodeledRTAtransitprojectsincludedintheDraftRTP/SCSareaccuratelydepictedbasedonsystem‐widehighridershipresultsin2011,continuedreductionsinunimploymentCommentnoted.360IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewithinwestenrRiversideCountyandforecastedgaspricechanges.130‐01PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipIncreasetheoverallpercentageofRTPfundsdedicatedtoactivetransportationfrom1.3percentofthe2012RTPto5‐8percentofthetotal2012plan.Therequestfor5‐8percentreflectstheregion’scurrentmodesplit,collisiontrends,communityinterestandsupport,aswellascurrentbicycleandpedestrianplanningandimplementationrequirements,basedonprojectionsbytheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth(LACDPH)Methodology(released12/2011).TheLACDPHdeterminedinarigorousstudythattheunmetregionalfundingneedforawalkableandbikeableSCAGRegionwascloseto$40billion.Thisrepresentsroughly8percentofthetotalRTPbudget,whichissignificantlylargerthanSCAG’sproposed$6Btoaddressregionalneeds.Aslocalgovernmentscontributeresourcestotheconstructionofactivetransportationprojects,allotherfundingsourcesforactivetransportation,suchastheamountofRTPlocal(countysalestaxesandotherlocalrevenuesincludedinthe2012RTP),state,andfederalprogramingdollars,shouldbeincreasedtoaidtheseefforts.Additionalstateandfederalfundingwillhelpcitiesdomorewiththeirlocaldollars,especiallysinceoftenlocalfundingistiedintofederalfunds.Asitstandsinthedraft2012RTP,eightypercentoftheSCAGfundsdedicatedtoactivetransportationinvestmentsinthe2012RTParenotprogrammeduntilafter2026.Between2016‐2025,thefundingforactivetransportationwillbeonlyone‐halfofthecurrentannual2012budget.WeencourageSCAGtoprioritizeactivetransportationfundinganddistributethesefundsevenlyoverthe25yearperiod,whichwillbringthebenefitsofactivetransportationtofruitionsoonerforallcommunities.WhileweencourageSCAGtoincreasefundstosupportActiveTransportation,werecognizetheconstraintsandimportanceofworkingwithCountyTransportationCommissions(CTC’s)tofast‐trackactivetransportationfunding.Werequestthe2012RTPincludedevelopmentofanActiveTransportationFinanceStrategicPlanby2014thatidentifieshoweachCTCisspendingfundsandtheopportunitiesavailableforincreasingfundingforactivetransportationineachcountyduringthenexttenyears.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.361IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseThisplanideallyisdevelopedbyconveningaRegionalActiveTransportationEarlyActionTransportationPrograminwhichSCAGbringstogethereachCountyTransportationCommission(CTC),electedofficialsandotherstakeholderstodiscussandprioritizewhateachCountyisdoingregardingactivetransportationandfundingareaswhichmaybeleveragedfortheneededfunding,forwalkingandbicyclingandfirstmile/lastmileprojects,intheearlierstagesofthe2012RTP.WerequestthatthisEarlyActionProgramhavebeadoptedandincludea2014implementationplan.Wehaveseentremendous‐andstillgrowing‐supportandactionfromthroughoutthesix‐countyregioncallingforpolicymakerstosupportandbuildwalkableandbikeableneighborhoods.WeencourageSCAGleaderstorespondbysupportingtheimpressiveeffortsunderwaythroughouttheregiontocreatehealthyandactivecommunitiesforall.130‐02PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipAllocateFundingforBicycleandPedestrianPlanningandUsageCounts:Improvingthewalkingandbikingenvironmentsinourregioncannotbedonewithoutadequateplanningatthelocallevel.Unfortunately,manySCAGcitiesdonothavebicycleorpedestrianmasterplansandprojectlists;inLosAngelesCounty,forexample,onlyapproximately11of88citieshavebicyclemasterplansandonly4citieshavepedestrianplans.Thislackofplanningisagrievousimpedimenttoimprovinginfrastructureforcyclistsandpedestrians.Inaddition,wemustincreasedocumentationofbicycleandpedestriantravelusageanddemandbyregularlyassessingnumbersofpeoplewalkingandbiking.Withoutsuchfigures,itisdifficulttoforecastmodeshareandusageormeasurethepositivebenefitsofinvestmentsinthesemodes.●IdenƟfyfundingsourcesinordertosetasideatleast$19Minthe2012RTPtosupportSCAGcitiesindevelopingbicycleandpedestrianmasterplans,saferoutestoschoolplansandrequired,butoverdueADAtransitionplans.Itisestimatedthatapproximately$200,000percityisrequiredtodeveloptheseplans(95citiesat$200,000).Establishagoalof50percentofSCAGcitieshavingcompletedatleastoneplanby2016inordertoprepareforthe2016RTP.●CreateandfundaregionalbicycleandpedestriancountprogramatSCAGestablishingyearlyusagecountsatkeyCommentnoted.362IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselocationsincitiesthroughouttheSCAGregion.Usethedatacollectedtoestablishtrends,setperformancegoals,evaluatefundrequestsforfacilityimprovements,prioritizeimprovements,andshowtheimpactsofrecentimprovements.SetasidefundsinSCAG’s2012/2013OWPtocreateprogramandmaintainthisprograminfutureyears.(Seelinks:NashvilleMetropolitanPlanningOrganization’sprogram,TechnicalMemorandumonRegionalPedestrianandBicycleCountProcedures)130‐03PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipAdoptaRegionalCompleteStreetsPlanby2014:Thisplanwillincorporateinputfromlocaljurisdictionstoprioritizecompletestreetsprojectsinprogramingeffortsanddedicateaportionofsystempreservationandmaintenancefundingforimprovingtheroadconditionsofallusers.Commentnoted.Goal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegion,Objective3.2AdoptionofaCompleteStreetsPolicyincludestwopolicies1)Encouragelocaljurisdictionstoprioritizeandimplementprojects/policiestocomplywithADArequirements;and2)EncouragelocaljurisdictionstodevelopandimplementCompleteStreetsPolicies.130‐04PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipAdoptaSafeRoutestoSchoolRegionalStrategicPlanby2014:SuchaplanwouldbesimilartotheplancurrentlybeingadoptedbySANDAG.Inourregion14percentofallmorningcongestioniscausedbyprivatecardropoffatschools(TrafficInjuryPrevention,August2011).Itiscriticalthattransportationagencieslookattheneedsoftheentirenetworkwhenplanningresourceinvestments.SANDAG’sRegionalSafeRoutestoSchoolStrategicPlanworkstoestablishacriticalneedsassessmentfortheirRegiononhowstudentsandtheirfamiliescurrentlygotoandfromschool,createsdatastandardsandguidelines,considersschoolsitingandclosuresaspossiblelandusestrategies,bridgesthegapbetweentransportationplanningagenciesandschooldistricts,andworkstoprovidemuchneededtechnicalassistancetolocaljurisdictions‐withskillsetssuchashowtoobligatefederalSafeRoutestoSchoolfundsinatimelymanner.Commentnoted.Goal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegion,Objective3.1AdoptionofaSafeRoutestoSchoolPolicyincludesthreepolicies1)Enableandencouragechildren;includingthosewithdisabilitiestowalkandbicycletoschool;2)Makebicyclingandwalkingtoschoolasaferandmoreappealingtransportationmethod,therebyencouragingahealthyandactivelifestylefromanearlyage;and3)Facilitatetheplanning,development,andimplementationofprojectandactivitiesthatwillimprovesafetyandreducetraffic,fuelconsumption,andairpollutioninthevicinity(approximately2miles)ofprimaryandmiddleschools(GradeK‐8).130‐05PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipSchoolSitingandJointUsePoliciesaslanduseelementsoftheSCS:Schoolsitingcanoftendeterminewhetherornotitispossibleforchildrentowalkandbicycletoschool.Whenschoolsareplacedontheoutskirtsofurbanareasitbecomesnecessaryforchildrentobedriventoschool.Asnotedabove,14percentofallmorningcongestioniscausedbyprivatecardropoffatschools(TrafficInjuryPrevention,August2011).ThereforeschoolsshouldbelocatedwithinresidentialCommentnoted.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment.SeeTable4.3LandUseActionsandStrategies.363IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseneighborhoodswheneverpossibleandequitabletoreducecongestionandincreaseopportunitiesforbicyclingandwalking.JointUsePoliciesallowschoolfacilitiessuchasplaygroundsandrecreationalfacilitiestobeusedbythecommunitywhenschoolsarenotinsession.Thiscanopenuprecreationalactivitiesinneighborhoodsthatlackparksandopenspaces.Whenschoolsarelocatedwithinneighborhoods,communitymemberscanaccesstheselocationswithouttheuseofaprivateautomobilewhichcanleadtofurtherreductionsincongestion.130‐06PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipSetmeasurablesafetyandhealthgoalsforallusers:Goalsaresetforthereductionofgreenhousegasesinthedraft2012RTP/SCS.Activetransportationplaysapivotalroleinthereductionofthesegreenhousegasses.Similarmeasurablegoalsshouldbesetforreducingcrashratesforactivetransportationandforreducingthehealthimpactsofobesity.Thesecouldincludeareportonthenumberofchildrenwalkingandbicyclingtoschoolacrosstheentireregionaswellasareportdetailingaccesstoparks,openspacesandqualityactivetransportationnetworks.Commentnoted.TheSafetyAppendixoftheRTP/SCSlistsvariousgoalsandstrategiesdesignedtoreducethenumberoftransportationfatalitiesintheregion.Othergoalsandstrategiesdesignedtoincreaseactivetransportationandimprovequalityoflifeareexpectedtoincreasetheoverallregionalhealthbenefit.130‐07PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipMonitoringdetailedpopulationdataandmetricsinenvironmentaljusticecommunities:TheanalysisconductedbySCAGintheEnvironmentalJusticeSupplementaryReport(“EJSupp.Report”)providesdetailonexistinginequitiesinallmodesoftransit,housing,employment,environmentalimpacts,andhealthrisks.ThehistoricalanalysisintheEnvironmentalJusticeSupplementaryReportconfirmsthechallengesfacedbytheenvironmentaljusticepopulation,asdefinedbySCAG:○longercommuteƟmesanddistancesthanaverage,○vulnerabilitytogentrificaƟonanddisplacementfromhighqualitytransitareas(HQTA)ortransitorientedcommunities(TOC),○higherproporƟonaluseofnon‐automobiletravel,suchasbus,rail,walk,andbicycle,andgrowthpatternsconcentratedwithingeographiesofpoorqualitytransit,lowerhousingcosts,andfeweremploymentopportunities.Concernsariseintheinconsistenciesoftheenvironmentaljusticeanalysis.SCAG’sanalysisoftraveltimeandtraveldistancesavingsshows“fairlysimilarandclose”ratesforallethnicgroups,includingnon‐whiteHispanics.Yet,theincreaseCommentnoted.(1)SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Trendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.(2)SCAGiscontinuingtomonitorandtrackplace‐baseddevelopment/growthandanyassociatedenvironmentalandsafetyindicatorsforfutureEnvironmentalJusticestudies.InpreviousRegionalTransportationPlans(RTP)aswellasforthisPlan,hotspotsofemissionsandnoiseconcernsareidentified,presented,andmappedintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix.SCAGwilltakethecommentandsuggestionintoconsiderationtoexpanditsexistingeffortsandestablisharegionwidemonitoringprogramtofocusonselectedenvironmentaljusticeareasandcommunitiesofconcern.(3)SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)bydevelopingparcelandCensustractbasedlanduseandbuiltenvironmentdatathat364IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseoftransportationandinfrastructureprojectsinHQTA/TOCwillincreasegentrificationanddisplacementofenvironmentaljusticepopulations.Theforecastedbenefitsforenvironmentaljusticepopulationsarelikelynegatedoroverriddenbypredictedgeographicalshifts.InorderforSCAGtoproperlymitigatedisparitiesintransportation,housing,andlanduseimpactsinlow‐incomeandminoritycommunities,itmustmonitorpopulationchangesbymoredetailedpopulationsegments(i.e.neighborhoods,censustract)becauserootfactorsofinequitiesplayoutatthesepopulationsegments.Itisdifficulttoillustrateshort‐termimpactsandlong‐termbenefitsontheenvironmentaljusticepopulationwithoutsuchdetails.Forexample,thecontinuedpoorjobhousingfitandbalanceintheSCAGregionleavelower‐incomepopulationswithnopublicoractivetransportationoptionsintheirdailycommute.Metricsneedtodemonstrateimmediatechangestotransportationusagefromticketpricing,placementofrapidbustransitstopsinhighconcentrationsoflower‐incomeandelderlygroups,andsafetyprogramsforwalkingandbicycling.(seelink:HealthEquityandPreventionPrimer,PreventionInstitute)Additionally,SCAGshouldprovidethetoolsandpoliciesforlocaljurisdictionstodevelopstrategiestoreducecommutedistancesandrelievesedentarylifestylesforlowerincomeandcommunitiesofcolor.Healthy,sustainable,andaccessibleplace‐makingiscrucialtotheenvironmentaljusticepopulationbecausegeographyandsocioeconomicstructureareinfluentialpredictorsofobesityintheUnitedStates.Environmentaljusticepopulationsmustbeensuredtheopportunitytogotoschool,live,work,andplayinallneighborhoodsthroughlandusestrategies,incentivesforbusinessesanddevelopers,infrastructureandnon‐infrastructureprogramming,suchasCompleteStreets,first/lastmiletotransit,densitybonus,parkingreductions,safeandsecurebicycleparkingandstreetcrossings,andaffordableandworkforcehousinginHQTA/TOC.(seelink:WhyPlace&RaceMatters,PolicyLink)SCAGdoesnotadequatelylinkRTP/SCSactivetransportationfundingtoitsenvironmentaljusticeobligations.Thelackofactivetransportationfundingdisproportionallyaffectsimmigrant,lower‐income,andminoritycorrelatetoconfidentialhealthsurveyinformationobtainedfromtheLosAngelesCounty,DepartmentofPublicHealth.SCAGanticipatescompletingthisworkfortheenhancedSTpriortothenextroundofRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)in2016.Inordertoenhanceoureffortsintabulatingthehealthimpactsforresidentsintheregionandtoassistlocaljurisdictionsinbetterunderstandingthelinkagesbetweenthebuiltenvironmentandcommunityhealth,SCAG’scurrentplanningandresearcheffortistoenhancetheSustainabilityTool(ST).Theprocesswillbeginbyrefiningthetool'sbasedataonthebuiltenvironment,andthroughcollectinginformationforthefollowingareas(1)healthoutcomes,(2)safety‐pedestrian&bikeaccidentsandinjuries,(3)emissions(PM,CO,CO2,NOx,Ozone)andairquality(dispersion),(4)energyusage(electricity&gas),(5)waterusage,(6)waterquality(totalmaximumdailyloads‐TMDL),(7)VehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)andaccessibility,(8)variousenvironmentalindicators(suchaspollutantinformationavailablefromtheUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sToxicsReleaseInventory(TRI)).Oncethisinformationisobtained,staffcanconductacorrelationandmodelinganalysistolinkthebuiltenvironmentanddeterminants(road,freeway,transit,school,hospitals,etc.,buildings,design,fastfoodandorhealthyfoodaccess,park,openspace,walk/bikeways)withtheenvironmentaloutcomeslistedabove.Sofar,SCAGstaffhasobtainedhealthdatafromLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth,parcellevelgasandelectricityconsumptiondata,andwaterconsumptiondataforcertainlocalities.Weanticipatetherewillbemanycollaborationsandtechnicalexchangeswithstakeholdersinvariouspolicyareaswiththeaimofreachingconsensusonrecommendedapproachesinthiseffortandbestpracticesfortheuseofthetool.365IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepopulationsbecausetheseneighborhoodshavegreaterbarrierstophysicalactivityandtransitaccess,highernumbersofbusyregionalarterial,poorpedestrianandbicycleinfrastructure,unsafeneighborhoods,andlackofsafestorageforbicyclesandsafecrossings.Thus,theseneighborhoodswouldbenefitfromanincreaseinfundingallocations(inorderforSCAGtomeetitsTitleVIobligations)andfromadetailedstrategicplan.(seelinks:DoAllChildrenHavePlacestoBeActive,ActiveLivingResearch;LowIncomeResourceGuide,SafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnership)131‐01RyeBaergSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipWhenwegettothe2016RTP,infouryears,Iwanttoseeushavestrong,solid,groundworkforactivetransportation.IwantSCAGtodosomereallystrongregionalplanning.IwantStafftoworkwiththeCTC’stomakesurethatweknowthenumbersthatareoutthere,wehavethestrongfundingsourcesavailablesothanwhenwegettothisprocessagainin2016weareadequatelypreparedforthat.Commentnoted.132‐01PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipPer2009NationalHouseholdTravelSurvey,21percentofalltripsintheSCAGregionarecurrentlybeingdoneviawalkingandbicycling.Commentnoted.132‐02PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipAndtragically,perSCAG2012DraftRTP,25percentofallroadwayfatalitiesintheSCAGregionarepedestriansandbicyclist.Commentnoted.132‐03PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipTheRTP/SCSprovides1.3%ofitsfundingtoactivetransportation.80%ofthe1.3%funding‐6billiondollar‐isnotfundeduntilafter2025.Communitieswillnotseethebenefitsofwalkingandbicyclingtoschool,work,andplayforatleast13years.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitments366IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsethatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.132‐04PaulineChowSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipIamaresidentofUpland,SanBernardinoCounty,CAandenjoyusingthePacificElectricTrailandBikelanes,wheretheyexist.However,safetyforpedestriansandbicyclistsinmycityisahugeproblem.ThelastcoupleofmiletomydestinationfromthePacificElectricTrialiswhereIfeelunsafeandatargetforinjury....orevendeath.Thisregionhasgreatresourcesandwithalittlemoreeffort,itcandeveloptheinfrastructureforadequateactivetransportation.Regards,PaulineChow,Esq.SouthernCaliforniaRegionalPolicyManagerSafeRoutestoSchoolNationalPartnershipCommentnoted.133‐01LarryMcCallonSanBernardinoAssociatedGovernmentsTheRTP/SCSgrowthforecastsshouldbeadoptedattheCounty‐level,notatthecityorTAZlevel.SANBAGneedstheabilitytoadapttheforecaststodevelopmenttrendsandnewinformationthatwillinevitablycometolightatthesmall‐arealeveloverthenext4‐yearRTP/SCScycle.ThisisconsistentwithSCAG'sapprovalsinthepast.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.133‐02LarryMcCallonSanBernardinoAssociatedGovernmentsThegrowthdistributionattheTAZlevelneedstobeadjustedtobeconsistentwiththedistributionofgrowthforhouseholdsandemploymentbeingsubmittedbySANBAGinparallelwiththecommentletter.ThegrowthdistributionisbasedonthedistributionofhouseholdsandemploymentpreviouslysubmittedbySANBAG,togetherwithadjustmentsforthePlanAlternativeoftheRTP/SCS.Nochangeisbeingsuggestedinthecity‐leveldistributionofgrowth.Commentnoted.Thecommentisnoted.SCAGhasincorporatedintothefinaldatasettheTAZ‐leveldistributionsubmittedbySANBAG.133‐03LarryMcCallonSanBernardinoAssociatedGovernmentsPleaseconfirmthattheEast‐WestFreightCorridor(dedicatedtrucklanes)willcontinuefromSR‐60northerlyontheI‐15andterminatejusttothenorthofI‐10,withappropriateconnectorrampstoandfromI‐10eastofI‐15.ThisisstatedinthetextofthedraftRTP/SCS,butsomeofthemapsandthetransportationmodelnetworksarenotyetconsistentwiththis.Commentnoted.TheproposedalignmentfortheEast‐WestFreightCorridorincludedinthe2012RTPenvisionsthatthefacilitywouldcontinuefromSR‐60northerlyontheI‐15andterminatejusttothenorthofI‐10.Finalmapsandmodelnetworkswillreflectconsistencywiththetext.133‐04LarryMcCallonSanBernardinoWewouldliketorequestmodificationstotheprojectlist,assubmittedtoSCAGstaffthroughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeCommentnoted.SCAGhasaddressedallmodificationrequeststotheRTPProjectListassubmittedbycountytransportation367IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAssociatedGovernmentsprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.ThesechangeshavebeenpreviouslycommunicatedtoSCAGstaffsubsequenttothereleaseoftheDraftRTPandarebeingconfirmedbelow[refertoletterfordetails].commissions,includingSANBAG,throughthestandardRTPlong‐rangeprojectlistmodificationandFTIPdatabaseupdateprocesses.133‐05LarryMcCallonSanBernardinoAssociatedGovernments[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber84.134‐01RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernmentsSCAGistobecongratulatedontheproductionofthisunprecedenteddraftdocumentthatdoeslaudablejobofcombiningaRegionalTransportationPlanandtheinaugural"SustainableCommunitiesStrategy."TheSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernmentsrepresentstheSanFernandoandSantaClaritavalleys,ametropolitanregionofovertwomillion—morepopulousthan15states,andoneofthelargestunifiedregionsintheUnitedStates.Untilnow,wehavenotalwayshadtheopportunitytofullyparticipateinSCAGplanningactivitiesasaregion.Wewelcomethisopportunity.Becauseoftheshortnessoftime,wewillbeunabletosubmitafullandsubstantivereplybytheendofthepubliccommentperiodonFebruary14,2012.WenotethatSCAG’sregionaltransportationmodelingareacoverstheCountiesofImperial,LosAngeles,Orange,Riverside,SanBernardino,andVentura.Thismodelingareaisdividedinto11,267TransportationAnalysisZones(TAZs).Unfortunately,theTAZmapswereonlymadeavailableonJanuary26thofthisyear.Therehasbeenverylittletimeformeaningfulanalysis.Commentnoted.134‐02RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernmentsTheCityofLosAngelesandotherrespondentshavenotedthattheplanstendtobeinconsistentwithexistingCommunityPlansandGeneralPlans.Thiscouldresultinconfusion,costandneedlesslitigation.Wewouldliketoreservetheopportunitytocommentfurtherastheprocesscontinuestounfold.Substantivepointshavebeenraisedbyseveralcrediblegroups.GiventhesignificanceoftheRTP/SCS,wemustapproachthistaskwithcare,andtheissuesraisedbySCLC,OCBCandtheCityofLosAngeles,interalia,certainlybearfurther,andmoredetaileddiscussion.Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.134‐03RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofFurtherconsiderationisneededon"PoliciesandPrinciplesofaSoundRTP/SCS"asstated:1.ProvidesPositiveEconomicImpacts...APlanthatisproeconomicgrowthandjobcreationCommentnoted.TheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixtothefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsof368IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseGovernmentsthe2012RTP/SCS.134‐04RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments2.ProvidesLocalControl...APlanthathonorslocalcontrolandflexibilityoverlanduseandtransportationCommentnoted.ThisRTP/SCSrecognizeslocalcontrolandflexibilityoverlanduseandtransportationdecisionsinthisregion.134‐05RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments3.AssuresNewRevenueSourcesareFair,EquitableandEconomicallySoundCommentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.134‐06RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments4.IsBalancedandAccountableCommentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,369IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserecognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.134‐07RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernmentsAsamatterofprocess,itisrecommendedasfollows:•Extendthepubliccommentperiodtoallowamorefullandfairdiscussionoftheissues.Commentnoted.WeapologizethatthecommentperiodcouldnotbeextendedprimarilyduetoscheduleconstraintsdictatedbydeadlinesforSCAGtomeetfederaltransportationconformityrequirements.134‐08RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•CreateanIssueMatrixofallrecommendationstoalloweasierreference,fordiscussionandresolution.•SharetheIssueMatrix,includingprosandconswithallsubregions,COGs,stakeholdersandtheRegionalCouncil.Commentnoted.SCAGhasutilizedthisRTPCommentsandResponsesmatrixaspartofthefinalRTP/SCSdocumentforthepurposeofdiscussingandresolvingcommentsreceived.134‐09RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•Highlightcontroversialissuesfordetaileddiscussionandconsensusbuilding.Commentnoted.134‐10RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•Seekstrategiesthatemphasizeempowermentandincentivesratherthancomplianceandregulation.Commentnoted.134‐11RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•Setforthoverarchingdisclaimers[localjurisdictions'reservationofrights]toclarifywhattheRTP/SCSisnot.FocusonthelegalimplicationsoftheRTP/SCSandPEIR.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSstatesthatunderSB375,ajurisdiction'slandusepoliciesandregulationsneednotbeconsistentwiththeRTPorSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochooseandgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.134‐12RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•Reconcilereductioningreenhousegases(GHG)withlossofgastaxrevenues.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP,includingsourcesbasedonconsumptionofgasoline.AsisnotedinthePlan,gastaxrevenueshavelostpurchasingpowerduetochangesinCAFEstandards,adoptionofhybridandelectricvehicles,andlackofupdatetothegasexciserates.Improvedvehiclefuelefficiencyisassociatedwithreducedgreenhousegasemissionspermiletraveled.134‐13RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments•Provideoutreachandpublicinformationthatcontainsstandardizedreferences,metricsandcommondenominators—materialsthatcanbereadilyunderstoodbylocalleaders,constituentsandtheconsumingpublic.Commentnoted.SCAGwillconsiderthiscommentinassessingitsoutreachactivitiestoensurethatinformationpresentedtolocalleadersandthepublicisbothinformativeandunderstandable.134‐14RobertScottSanFernando•EmphasizetheeconomicrealitiesofexistingtransportationCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSdescribestheeconomicrealities370IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseValleyCouncilofGovernmentssystems,andexplaintheneedfor,andalternativesforfutureimprovements.ofourexistingtransportationsystems,includingthelackofasustainablefundingsourceanduncertaintyinfuturefundingfromfederalandstatesourcesforboththehighwayandtransitsystem.ThestrategiesofthisRTP/SCSthenbuildonthisunderstoodrealitywithuserfee‐supportedtransportationsystemsandtheassumptionthatasustainabletransportationfundingsourcewillneedtobeimplementedinordertomaintainandimproveourexistingandproposedtransportationsystems.134‐15RobertScottSanFernandoValleyCouncilofGovernments[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber71.135‐01CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamItisapparentthatagreatdealoftimeandefforthavegoneintothepreparationoftheDraft2012‐2035RTP/SCSandtheinteractiveversionprovidedonthewebsiteprovidesanexcellentformatforthecommunitytoaccessandcommentontheplan.Thatbeingsaid,thisisthefirsttimethatweareseeingallofthisworkpulledtogetherandwebelievethatthepublicneedsmoretimetoeffectivelycommentontheplan.Westronglyrecommendextendingthecommentperiodby30‐60days.ThefollowingareourinitialcommentsregardingtheDraft2012‐2035RTP/SCS.Amorethoroughanalysisandresponsewillbepreparedifthecommentperiodisextended.Commentnoted.The55‐dayformalreviewandcommentperiodfortheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlanandSustainableCommunitiesStrategyconcludedonFebruary14,2012,andthisprocesscompliedwithapplicablefederalandstaterequirements.Duringthelasttwoyears,SCAGstaffengagedinextensiveoutreachactivitiesandconsultationwiththeregionalstakeholders,includingcities,counties,transportationcommissions,airdistricts,andotherrepresentativesfromtheprivateandpublicsectors,inthedevelopmentofthedraftRTP/SCSdocuments.SCAGapologizesthatthecommentperiodcouldnotbeextendedprimarilyduetoscheduleconstraintsdictatedbydeadlinesforSCAGtomeetfederaltransportationconformityrequirements.135‐02CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamIncreaseinvestmentinandgivehigherprioritytomasstransitprojects,especiallylocalprojectsthatimprovetheaccessibility,frequency,andconvenienceofpublictransportationforgettingaroundwithinandbetweenlocalcities.AscanbeseenfromtheOrangeandRedLines,peoplewillusepublictransportationthatmeetsthesestandards.Weneedmoreprojectsthatreachmorelocations.Weneedtoincreasethecapacityofexistingprojects,suchastheOrangeLine,tomeetgrowingdemand.AndweneedtoimproveaccesstootherprojectssuchastheRedLine.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludesanincreaseintransitcapitalandoperatingfunding.135‐03CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamFocusfundingforhighwaysandstreetsonmaintenanceratherthanexpansion.Itisbettertoreachourgoalsthroughreductionsinvehiclemilestraveled(VMT)thanthroughexpansionofvehicleaccess.Wedon’tevenhaveenoughmoneytomaintainourexistingstreetsandhighways.WhywouldweCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSidentifiesmorefundingforhighwaypreservationthaninpastRTPs,including$56.7billionforhighwayoperationsandmaintenancethrough2035,and$20.9billionforlocalstreetsandroads.371IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseaddmorelanemilestotheseconditions?Let’sfocusonimprovingwhatwehavebeforebuildingmore.135‐04CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamIntegratetransitstopsandbicycleracks/storagewithlocalcommunities.Considermulti‐useparkingfacilitiesthataccommodatecomplementaryparkingneeds,suchastransitandhighdensityresidential.Enhancelinkagesbetweentransitstopsandnearbycommercialdistricts.Consideredpreferredparkingatrailstationsforcarpooland/orvanpool.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSincludesasignificantinvestmentinActiveTransportationfacilities,includingfirst/lastmileprojects.135‐05CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamDeveloptourismandentertainmentorientedtransit.Providerailservicebetweencitiesandtourismdestinationswithweekendschedulesthatenabledayandweekendtrips(i.e.,earlymorningandeveningservice).ConfigurebusroutesandtransitschedulesonweekendstoconnectrestaurantandentertainmentdistrictsintheCityofLosAngelesandenhancetheselinkageswithshuttleandpedicabservicesbetweentransitstopsandentertainmentdistricts,suchasbetweentheNorthHollywoodtransitstationandthenearbyNorthHollywoodcommercialdistrict.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludesnewtransitservicesandanincreaseinexistingonesthatwillincreaseservicetotourismandentertainmentdestinations.135‐06CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamChangethemileagebasedfeeforvehiclestoaGHGbasedfeecollectedaspartofthevehicleregistrationprocess.Payingthisfeeaspartofregistrationratherthanasfueltaxes,raisesindividualawarenessofvehiclerelatedGHGemissionsandthefeecanbetieredtofurtherincentivizefuelefficiencyandreducedVMT.ThefeecanbebasedonvehiclemilestraveledtimesthemilespergallonratingofthevehicletodetermineGHGemissions.Formanyautomobilestheactualgasusageisalreadyavailableintheirnavigationsystems.Forothers,vehiclemileagecanbereportedannuallyandtruedupattimeofsale.Commentnoted.SCAGwillconsideryourrecommendationaspartofoursubsequentworkonpotentialimplementationissuesforthemileage‐baseduserfee.135‐07CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamIncreasefundingforActiveTransportation,FirstMile/LastMile,andTransportationSystemsManagement.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.Staff372IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.135‐08CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamDeterminethecosteffectivenessofhigh‐speedrailrelativetoGHGreduction,congestionreductionandnumberofpassengersservedandcomparetothecost‐effectivenessofothertransitprojects.Setastandardforcost‐effectivenessanddesignprojectstomeetthisstandardorwithholdfunding.Commentnoted.TheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedTrain2012BusinessPlancontainsacost/benefitanalysisoftheproject.135‐09CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamSetagoaltoreducevehiclemilestraveledwithintheregionratherthanfacilitatingdriving.Commentnoted.AreductioninVMTsisamajorgoaloftheRTP.135‐10CarolynCasavanSanFernandoValleyGreenTeamPlanfortheretentionandexpansionofmanufacturingcapabilitiesintheregion.Localmanufacturingisacriticalcomponentofsustainability.Itisessentialtoprovidinggoodpayingjobsforskilledworkersandsupportstheregionaleconomybyretainingcapitalinthecommunityandcontributingtoamorestabletaxbase,itreducesGHGemissionsresultingfromtransportationrelatedtoimportinggoodsfromoverseas,itshowcasestheresourcesandskillsoftheregion,anditstimulatesinnovationbyprovidinganoutletfornewideas.Thepurchaseofregionalmaterials/laborisgoodfortheeconomyandgoodfortheenvironment.Encouragethistypeofdevelopmentbyenhancingrailtransittoandfromlocalmanufacturingcenters,protectingindustrialareasfromencroachmentofincompatiblelandusesanddevelopingstrategiestofacilitatethegrowthofsustainablelocalmanufacturing.Commentnoted.SCAGhascollaboratedandworkedcloselywithbusinessleadersthroughoutthedevelopmentofthe2012RTP/SCS.Forexample,theGlobalLandUse&EconomicCouncilwithrepresentativesfromprivatesectorsincludingSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil,LAEDC,OrangeCountyBusinessCouncilandInlandEmpireEconomicPartnershipdevelopedanEconomicandJobCreationStrategyandwasadoptedbySCAG'sRegionalCouncilinJune2011.OneoftheStrategy'semphasesisonretainingandcreatingmanufacturingjobsandensuringthepoliciesandinvestmentlandusestrategiesrecommendedinthe2012RTP/SCSwillfacilitatethegrowthofmanufacturingjobsandservemanufacturingclusters/centersintheregion.136‐01AngelCarrilloSanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernmentsAsitsGoverningBoardmeetingonFebruary16th,theSanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernments(SGVCOG)GoverningBoardadoptedapositionof"support"fortheabovementionedalternativefortheSCAGDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS).ThedraftRTP/SCSincludesfouralternatives.TheSanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernmentssupportsAlternativeBasthisAlternativebestaddressesfuturetransportationneedsandanticipatedchangesassociatedwithfuturegrowth.Commentnoted.137‐01CynthiaKurtzSanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnershipThePartnershipsupportstheGoldLineFoothillExtensiontheMontclairasapartoftheRTPconstrainedplan.ThePartnershipsupportsthecompletionoftheAlamedaCorridorEastintheconstrainedplan.AmericaFastForward(30/10initiative)addressestheneedforimprovingtheLosAngelesCountyCommentnoted.RegardingtherecommendationtoincludecarpoollanesonI‐10fromSR‐57todowntownLosAngeles,pleasenotethatprojects#LA000548and#LA0B587areincludedintheRTPandwhencompleted,willprovidecontinuouscarpoollanesfromSR‐57todowntownLosAngeles.373IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransportationinfrastructurequickly.Specifically,projectsthatthePartnershipcontinuestosupportthatareincludedinthe30/10initiativearetheGoldlineEastsideExtensionSR60alignmentaswellastheGoldlineFoothillExtension,andtheRegionalConnector.WesupportleveragingthevoterapprovedMeasureRfundstocompletetheaboveprojectsinanexpeditedmanner.ThePartnershipsupportsSCAGevaluatingtheimpactofusingfundsearmarkedforHighSpeedRailtoimprovethecurrentregionalMetrolinkservice.Highway71inPomonaisabottleneckpointintheSanGabrielValley.ThePartnershipsupportsSCAGintheirplantochangethehighwayfromanexpresswaytoafullfreewaybetweenI‐10andSR‐60withtheadditionof1mixedflowlaneand1HOVlaneineachdirectionaspartoftheconstrainedplan.ThePartnershiprecommendstheRTPincludecarpoollanesontheI‐10FreewayfromRoute57todowntownLosAngeles.137‐02CynthiaKurtzSanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnership•AddingexpressbusserviceasapartoftheproposedHighOccupancyTollLanesnetworkisimperativeiftheprojectistobesuccessful.Additionally,weaskSCAGtoevaluatetheMetroExpressLanesProjectbeforecommittingtoaregionalHighOccupancyTollnetwork.Commentnoted.WeagreethattheregionalExpress/HOTlanenetworkcouldprovemuchmoresuccessfulwiththeintegrationofexpressbusservice.WelikewiseagreethatanevaluationoftheMetroExpressLanedemonstrationprojectshouldbeacriticalinputonsubsequentdevelopmentoftheregionalExpress/HOTlanenetwork.137‐03CynthiaKurtzSanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnership•AddressingincreasedeastwesttrucktrafficintheSanGabrielisimportant.However,theEastWestFreightCorridorproposedintheRPThasnothadsufficientpublicinput.Manyofourmembercitiesareopposedtotheprojectastheyunderstandittoday.WeaskthatSCAGtakethetimenecessarytoconsultwiththecommunitybeforemovingforward.Commentnoted.SCAGhasprovidedsignificantopportunitiesforinputtothe2012RTP/SCS.Thisincluded,butwasnotlimitedto,theSCAGRTP/SCSwebsite,policyandcommitteemeetings,aseriesofeighteenpublicworkshopsheldduringSummer2011,andeighteenadditionalworkshopsandpublichearingsheldfollowingthereleaseoftheDraft2012RTP.Theseworkshopswereheldineverycountyintheregiontosolicitinputfromvariousinterestssuchasresidents,electedofficials,representativesofpublicagencies,communityorganizations,andenvironmental,housingandbusinessstakeholders.(PleaseseetheSCAGRTPPublicParticipationPlanathttp://www.scagrtp.net/content?c=06.)However,SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithpartnersandstakeholdersfollowingtheadoptionofthe2012RTP/SCS.Additionally,SCAGpresentedinformationonthe2012RTP/SCSandtheEast‐WestFreightCorridortotheSanGabrielValleyCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationCommitteeandGoverningBoard,anditsmembership,onseveraloccasions.TheSanGabrielValley374IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCouncilofGovernmentshaverecentlytakenactiontosupportSCAGstaffrecommendationsforthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGalsoconductedconsiderableoutreachtocitiesintheSanGabrielValleyadjacenttotheproposedEast‐WestFreightCorridor.SCAGintendstocontinuetoworkwithregionalstakeholders,includingcitiesoftheSanGabrielValley,ontheproposedEast‐WestFreightCorridor.137‐04CynthiaKurtzSanGabrielValleyEconomicPartnershipThePartnershiprecognizesthatdeclininggastaxwillimpactthemaintenanceofourhighwaysystemunlessalternativerevenuesourcesareavailable.Wesupportstudyingevaluatingotherrevenueoptionsincludingonebasedonvehiclemilestraveledtoreplacegastax.However,weareawarethatotheragenciesareevaluatingnewtransportationfeesaswellsuchasthetrafficmitigationfeeproposedbyMETRO.Duringthesedifficulteconomictimes,anynewtaxorfeecouldresultinadditionaljobloss.Economicimpactsneedtobeconsideredbeforeaskingvotersforanyadditionaltransportationfunding.Commentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffectivewhichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementionwouldbeginafter2025.Theprojectedrevenuefromthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswhencombinedwiththecorerevenueforecastforstateandfederalsourcesgeneratelessrevenuethanthehistoricalaverageincreaseinstateandfederaltransportationrevenuessourcesoffivepercentannually.Ratherthansimplyassumeacontinuationofthehistoricalgrowthrate,whichisconsistentwithfederalrequirements,wedetailedspecificstepsnecessarytostabilizestateandfederaltransportationrevenuesourcesconsistentwithrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LU.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.ThefinancialplandoesnotassumeanyrevenuesassociatedwiththecongestionmitigationfeefeasibilitystudycurrentlybeingexploredbyMetroasapartofaproposedrestructuringofitsCongestionManagementProgram.138‐01KimFloydSanGorgonioSierraClubWearepleasedtoseeanadvancedmitigationcomponentintheDraft2012RTP/SCS.Thisisanexcellentfirststeptocreatingaprogramthatthoughtfullymitigatesimpactstoournaturalenvironmentfromtransportationprojects.Asyouknow,OrangeCountyandSanDiegohavesimilarprogramsthathavemetgreatsuccess.Byincorporatingthisstrategyintoyourpolicydocument,themanybenefitsofthislarge‐scaleconservationapproachwillberealized.Thankyouforyourleadership.Commentnoted.138‐02KimFloydSanGorgonioUndertheEndangeredSpeciesAct,theUnitedStatesFishandCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywill375IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseSierraClubWildlifeServicehavedefinedcriticalhabitatasareasthatsupportendangeredorthreatenedspeciesthatareessentialtothespecies’conservation.ThedescriptionintheConservationPlanningPolicysection(page76oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS)states“large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementofcriticalhabitattomitigateimpactsrelatedtofuturetransportationprojects”[emphasisadded].WebelievethereareotherhabitatareasintheSCAGregionworthconsideringforacquisitionandmanagementandthereforeSCAGshouldnotlimitthemitigationopportunitiestoonlycriticalhabitat.Wesuggestexpandingthelanguagetoincorporateall“importanthabitatlands.”pursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresourcesamongawidevarietyofstakeholders.Theintentistoincludeallapplicableprotectedareas.Languagehasbeenclarified.138‐03KimFloydSanGorgonioSierraClubOnpage78oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS,thedocumentmentionsthe2008RegionalComprehensivePlanthatinventoriedprotectedandunprotectedareasinrelationshiptowildlifelinkages,linkagedesignationareas,parkandrecreationareas.WewerepleasedthatSCAGcompletedthisPlanshowingwhatareasareprotectedandcriticaltomaintainingfunctioninghabitatreserves.WeagreethattheplanningeffortsSCAGundertakesinthefutureshouldinvolveupdatingthemaps,butrecommendexpandingthelanguageinthissectiontoincludeallformsofprotectedlands.BylimitingtheacquisitionandmanagementopportunitiesofconservationlandstojustNaturalCommunitiesConservationPlan(NCCP)orHabitatConservationPlan(HCP)areas,decisionsaboutpriorityconservationareaswillbemisinformed.Infact,itnolongerdemonstratesacomprehensiveplanbecauseofthelimitedscope(ofpre‐establishedmitigationsites,whicharelikelyunrelatedtotransportationprojects).Protectedareas(e.g.,NationalForests,StateParks,RegionalParks,etc.)notinanNCCP/HCPareexcludedfromthebigpicture,yettheyhaveextensivebenefitstotheentireopenspacesystemandoftentimeslinkimportanthabitatareasthroughouttheregion.Consequently,werecommendhavingthisupdatedmapandmitigationsitelocationsexpandedtoincludemorethanjustNCCP/HCPareasandinsteadincludealllevelsofprotectedlands(federal,state,regional,andlocal).Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,notjustNCCP/HCPareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.Languagehasbeenclarified.138‐04KimFloydSanGorgonioSierraClubOnpage79oftheDraft2012RTP/SCS,wewereencouragedtoseeSCAGrecognizethebenefitsofreducingtransportationimpactstosensitivelandsandencouragingsmartlanduseCommentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlife376IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedecisions.Webelievelandscapeleveladvancedmitigationwillbecomeastatewideplanningpolicy.Planningfuturetransportationprojectswithacomprehensivemitigationprogramensuresouropenspaceinfrastructurecancontinuetofunctionandmaintainviablehabitats,linkages,andspeciespopulationsinperpetuity.Unfortunately,wenoticedthelackofinclusionofwildlifelinkagesinthissection.OrangeCounty’stransportationmeasurelanguageincludedwildlifelinkagesandwerecommendSCAGincludelinkagesaswell.WeappreciateSCAG’sefforttocreateastrategicplanningprocessthatwoulddocumentimportantconservationlandsintheregion.WebelievethereisanimportantopportunitywiththisconcepttoalsocreateaSouthernCaliforniaGreenprint.BycompletingaGreenprintacomprehensiveviewofouropenspacelandattributeswouldbedocumented.Suchattributesinclude:recreationpriorities,agriculturallands,scenicvalues,historicpreservation,andmore.AGreenprintwouldgiveamorecompletepictureofbothopportunitiesandchallenges,whileatthesametimerespectingpropertyrights.crossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.AGreenprintisonepossibleoptionforthemitigationprogramthatwillbediscussedwithawidevarietyofstakeholders.139‐01JerryParesaSanManuelBandofMissionIndians[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber73.140‐01ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyAvoidanceofGrowthinResourceAreasTheRTP/SCSgenerallysteersgrowthtowardmorecompactformsinalreadyurbanizedareas,makingefficientuseofexistinginfrastructureandreducingimpactstoresourcelands.ThepolicydecisionscontainedwithintheSCSareprojectedtosave408squaremilesofnonurbanlandoverthelifeoftheplan.Ifrealized,thesegainsarecertainlyanachievement,althoughthereisnoprojectionofwherethisgrowthwillnotoccurandwhatmechanismswillpreservethelandinperpetuity.ThelackofspecificitymakesitdifficultfortheConservancytoevaluatetheimpactsoftheproposedplan.Whiletheprojectionsareintendedtobeameta‐analysisofregionaleconomictrendsratherthanalocation‐specificanalysisofgrowthpatterns,SCAGisclearlymakingassumptionsaboutwheredevelopmentonresourcelandsisandisnotappropriate.Thisprocessisnottransparent.Forexample,theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA)assignspopulationtargetsfordifferentCommentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.TheRTP/SCSisaregionalplanbasedonextensivecollaborationtoobtainlocalinput.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictions,alongwithvoluntarylocalactionstoincreasetransitorienteddevelopmentsSCAGhasmaximizedavailablediscretionaryresourcestoaugmenttheCompassProgram,whichprovidesgrantstomunicipalitieswhoseektovoluntarilyachievesustainablecommunities.SB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.Thegrowthandlanduseassumptionsforthe377IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesubareasoftheregion,whicharethenusedtojustifyadditionaldevelopmentwhetherornotitisconsistentwithstatedgoalstoencouragecompactdevelopmentwithinexistingurbanareas.NewhallRanchhasusedtheRHNAtargetsasthebasisforitsmassiveexpansionintoopenspaceareaswestofSantaClarita,resultinginunmitigablehabitatandconnectivityloss.AtleastNewhallRanchiscontiguouswiththeexistingSantaClaritaurbanarea.SCAGappearstoendorsetheproposedCentennialdevelopmentatTejonRanchbyprojectinghousingdemandinthearea‐‐nodoubtaself‐fulfillingprophecy‐‐despiteflagrantinconsistencywithSCSobjectives.Thesedecisionsserveasthebasisforurbanizationofresourcelands,yetarenotmadeinconsultationwithresourceagencies.Withtheunderstandingthatlanduseauthoritybelongstolocaljurisdictions,atrulycomprehensiveregionalplanwouldtransparentlysetgrowthparametersinconcertwithresourceconservationgoalstoeliminatetheseapparentcontradictions.Projectinggrowthinresourceareassetsinmotionpoliciesthatinducethatgrowth;thereforegreatcaremustbetakentoensuresuchgrowthmeetsregionalobjectives.RTP/SCSareproposedtobeadoptedatthejurisdictionallevel.140‐02ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyWildlifeCrossingsofTransportationFacilitiesTheConservancyappreciatesSCAG'srecognitionoftheimpactthatlineartransportationfacilitieshaveonnaturalareasandtheneedforwell‐designedwildlifecrossingstopartiallymitigatetheseeffects.Wildlifecrossingsservetwodistinctpurposes:reducingmortalityandpreservinggeneticconnectivity.Roadsaretheleadingdirectsourceofhuman‐causedmortalityformostspeciesinSouthernCaliforniaandtheentirecountry.Theycanbecomeapopulationsinkifasignificantfractionofalocalspeciesiskilled,affectingbroaderpopulationdistributionacrossthelandscape.Additionally,forhighlymobilepredators,individualscrossingroadsarefrequentlydispersingfromtheirhomerangeinsearchofnewterritoryandmates,avitalpopulationdynamicthatisdevastatingifinterrupted.NationalParkServiceresearchhasdocumentedsignificantgeneticdifferencesamongcarnivorepopulationsoneithersideofthe101FreewayintheSantaMonicaMountains.Wildlifecrossingsneedtobediscussedinthecontextofhabitatconnectivity,whichisthebroaderecologicalgoalforconservationareas.WildlifecrossingsarebutonecriticaltooltoensurethatCommentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.Aspartofconservationstrategy,SCAG,inconsultationwithregionalstakeholders,maypursueadditionalconnectivityresearch,whichcouldbeincorporatedintothe2016RTP.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyonfutureplanningefforts.378IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseindicatorspeciesareabletosafelymoveabouttheirenvironment.TheConservancyhaspartneredextensivelywiththeNationalParksService,U.S.GeologicalSurvey,andUCLAtoresearchmovementcorridorsinSouthernCalifornia,withanemphasisonourcorejurisdictionintheSantaMonicaMountains,SimiHills,SantaSusanaMountains,SanGabrielMountains,andVerdugoMountains.Whilemuchhasbeenlearnedaboutmovementpatternsintheseareasandthewayinwhichkeytransportationfacilitiescreategeneticbarrierstoconnectivity,themeasuresthatmightmitigatetheseimpactshavenotbeenthoroughlyresearched.Wildlifecorridordesignisafieldinitsinfancywithfewscientificallyverifiedbestpracticesforcrossingdimensionsandlandscapefeatures.Giventhatthisresearchisneededtoproperlymitigatetransportationimpacts,SCAGshouldinvestinconnectivityresearchwithaprogramspecificallydesignedtoestablishmeasuresthatcanbeincorporatedintothe2016RTPrevision.Suchaprogramwouldaggregateexistingresearch,proposenewstudyareas,anddevelopdesignbestpracticesspecificallytailoredtotheSouthernCaliforniaeco‐region.140‐03ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyEnvironmentalMitigationProgramSCAGhasidentifiedtheneedforaregionalNaturalLandsAcquisitionandOpenSpaceConservationStrategytoprotectremainingresourcelandsandmitigateforimpactsfromtransportationimprovements.TheConservancylooksforwardtoworkingwithSCAGonthedevelopmentofsuchastrategy.Inadditiontomitigationbanking,transferofdevelopmentrights,andpaymentofin‐lieufees,theConservancyrecognizesconservationeasementsasapowerfulpreservationtoolforhabitatareas.Conservationeasementsshouldbelistedintheplanalongsidetheotherpreservationmechanisms.TheConservancyhassupportedtheestablishmentoftransferofdevelopmentrights(TDR)programsinmultipleupdatedgeneralplansasapotentiallyusefulmarket‐basedpreservationmechanismthatsupportsregionaldensitygoals.SCAGshouldtakealeadershiproleinsettingguidelinesandbestpracticesforthesenewcountyandmunicipalprogramsaswellasexplorethecreationofaregionallyunifiedTDRprogram.Commentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeapplicableprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.ConservationeasementsandTDRprogramsarepossibleoptionsforthemitigationprogramthatwillbediscussedwiththestakeholders,includingmembersofSCAG'sRegionalCouncil.140‐04ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsRiverParkwaysandActiveTransportationAsmentionedpreviously,theConservancyisinterestedinurbanriverprojectsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportation379IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseConservancyfortheirmultiplerecreational,environmental,andtransportationbenefits.TheRTP/SCSshouldfullyfundbuild‐outoftheseactivetransportationcorridorsthroughouttheregion.Whenwelldesigned,thesefacilitiesserveas"bicyclefreeways"connectingvariouspartsoftheregionwithuninterruptedtravelfornonmotorizedusers.Forthisreason,theLosAngelesRivertrailfeaturedprominentlyinthe"Carmageddon"racebetweenJetBlueandagroupofelitebicyclistsfromBurbanktoLongBeach.Separatedfromtraffic,suchfacilitiesarealsoinvitingforbicyclistsofallagesandabilities,whichisnecessarytoattractsubstantialmodeshareawayfromautomobiles.ThedraftLosAngelesCountyBicycleMasterPlan,amongothers,callsforbuild‐outoftherivertrailsystemandincludespreliminarycostestimates.TheRTP/SCScallsfor$6billionoverthenexttwodecadesforactivetransportationinvestments,whichseemslowwhencomparedtotheidentifiedneedinlocalbikeandpedestrianplans.Giventhecentralroleactivetransportationplaysinmeetingregionalplanningobjectives,fundinglevelsshouldbesetbasedonfullbuild‐outoflocalbicycleandpedestrianplans,withanappropriateamountprojectedforthosejurisdictionsthathavenotyetcompletedsuchplans.Thecurrentlyproposedfundingleveldoesnotappeartoberootedinsuchaneed‐basedassessment.Itisnotadequatetosimplycomparetheproposedexpenditureswithpastlevelsindependentofaneedsassessment.Inadditiontothetotalfundinglevel,theproposedtimingofactivetransportationinvestmentisinadequate.Only20percentoftheproposedexpenditureswouldoccurduringthefirst15yearsofthe25‐yearplanningperiod,leavingthevastmajorityofexpendituresforthehighlyspeculativefutureandoflittleusetocurrentresidents.Transitandtransportationdemandmanagementaresimilarlyback‐loadedwithonlyhighway‐relatedinvestmentsreceivingfundingpriorityinthenearterm.Thesenonhighwayinvestmentsaretheonesmostlikelytogenerategreenhousegasemissionssavings,amongotherbenefits,andtheearliertheyaremadethelongerthebenefitscanaccumulate.TheproposedexpenditureplanrunsdirectlycountertothestatedemphasisoftheSCS.investments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.SCAGcannotunilaterallychangetheneartermcommitmentsthatarealreadyinplace.Significantincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationproposedinthe2012RTP/SCSislargelypredicatedonadditionalrevenuesfromnewsourcesthatwillrequirefutureactionsatthestateand/orfederallevels.Therefore,theplanrealisticallyassumesthatthesefundswillnotbeavailableinthenearterm.Theearliestthesefundsareexpectedtobeavailableis2026.140‐05ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsActivetransportationprojects,includingtheriverparkways,aresufferingforlackoffunding.Themostvisionaryplans,suchasCommentnoted.380IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseConservancytheCity'sLosAngelesRiverRevitalizationMasterPlan,requireextensivefundingtocometofruitionandprovidetheirmultiplebenefits.Planningiswellunderway,butcapitaldollarsareinshortsupplyfortheseprojects.Furthermore,achievinggreenhousegasreductionandairqualitygoalsrequiresearlymodeshifttomaximizecumulativebenefitsoverthelifeoftheplan.TheConservancysuggeststhattheplan'sfundingprioritiesbereversedtoimmediatelyfundactivetransportationinvestmentsatasufficientleveltoachievebuild‐outoftheregion'sbicycleandpedestriannetworksinthenearandmediumterm.SuchachangewouldmaketheRTPmoreconsistentwiththelanduseandmodeshareobjectivesoutlinedbytheSCS,theintentofSB375.140‐06ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyEnvironmentalJusticeandPublicHealthLikeSCAG,theConservancytakesitscommitmenttoenvironmentaljusticeseriouslyasaStateagency.TheConservancyisthereforedelightedtoseeequalaccesstoparks,oneofitscoremissions,consideredasaperformancemeasureforenvironmentaljustice.TheSCAGmodeldoesnotcurrentlyincludeprogramsintendedtoamelioratetheseaccessissues,suchastheMountainsRecreationandConservationAuthority's(MRCA)TransittoTrailsprogram.Giventheinherentremotenessofopenspaceparkland,itislikelyinfeasibletorunregulartransitservicetomostparks.ThehighlysuccessfulTransittoTrailsfillsthisgap,butisperpetuallyunderfundedincomparisontotheaccessdemand.FundingforsuchprogramsfromSCAGtransportationfundswouldbeappropriatemitigationforimpactstoenvironmentaljusticepopulations.Partofembracingenvironmentaljusticeasacoremissionincludeslookingholisticallyatissuesthataffectthecommunity.Poorairqualityisnottheonlyimpactfromatransportationsystemthatisoverlyreliantoncars.Obesityandrelatedillnessesareadirectresultfromcommunitydesignthatdoesnotallowforsafeopportunitiestowalkandbikeforeverydaytransportation.TheRTP/SCSshouldthereforeincludeobesity‐relatedhealthoutcomesasaperformancemeasurefortheregionaltransportationsystem.Thecurrentlyunequalhealthoutcomeswillrequiretargetedinvestmentsindisadvantagedcommunitiestocreateactivetransportationnetworksthatprovideaccesstoservices,jobs,schools,andparks.RiverparkwaysdirectlyCommentnoted.SCAGiscontinuouslyworkingtoimproveitsdataandtechnicalapproachestoanalyzingthebehaviorpatternsoftheregion’s18millionresidents.Inordertoimprovelocalknowledgeonthehealthimpactsassociatedwiththebuiltenvironment,SCAGiscurrentlyintheprocessofenhancingourSustainabilityTool(ST)byrefiningitsbasedataonthebuiltenvironment,andthroughcollectinginformationforthefollowingareas(1)healthoutcomes,(2)safety‐pedestrian&bikeaccidentsandinjuries,(3)emissions(PM,CO,CO2,NOx,Ozone)andairquality(dispersion),(4)energyusage(electricity&gas),(5)waterusage,(6)waterquality(totalmaximumdailyloads‐TMDL),(7)VehicleMilesTraveled(VMT)andaccessibility,(8)variousenvironmentalindicators(suchaspollutantinformationavailablefromtheUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sToxicsReleaseInventory(TRI)).Oncethisinformationisobtained,staffcanconductacorrelationandmodelinganalysistolinkthebuiltenvironmentanddeterminants(road,freeway,transit,school,hospitals,etc.,buildings,design,fastfoodandorhealthyfoodaccess,park,openspace,walk/bikeways)withtheenvironmentaloutcomeslistedabove.Sofar,SCAGstaffhasobtainedhealthdatafromLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth,parcellevelgasandelectricityconsumptiondata,andwaterconsumptiondataforcertainlocalities.Weanticipatetherewillbemanycollaborationsandtechnicalexchangeswithstakeholdersinvariouspolicyareaswiththeaimofreachingconsensusonrecommendedapproachesinthiseffortandbestpracticesfor381IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseaddressthisneedbyprovidingbikewaysthroughmanyofthepoorestcommunitiesintheregion.theuseofthetool.Asnotedinmoredetailbelow,thereareperformancemeasuresthathavebeensuggestedbystakeholdersformonitoringuse,suchasobesity‐relatedhealthoutcomes.However,thesemeasuresrequireadditionaleffortsfordatacollectionorfurtherresearchtodeterminetheirpotentialusesformonitoring.TheywillbeincludedinfutureRTP/SCSupdatesifadditionaldataandresearcharecompleted.AdditionalfundingforTransittoTrailscouldbediscussedingreaterdetailinpreparationforthe2016RTP,withinputfromtheRegion’sCountyTransportationCommissions.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyontheseimportantfutureefforts.140‐07ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyAdditionally,thesafetyperformancemeasureappearstodiscountthehealthbenefitsofactivetransportationwhileoverstatingrisks.SCAGmethodologyrewardsshiftsto"safer"modes,butusesdatasetsthatpenalizepedestriansandbicyclistsforbeinghitbycars.Thismethodologywoulddiscourageinvestmentsthatincreaseactivetransportationwhenitispreciselytheseinvestmentsthataddressthesafetyissuesfacedbythosebicyclingandwalkingonpublicstreets.Themethodologyfurtherdoesnotincludethewell‐documented"safetyinnumbers"phenomenonthatdecreasesriskforactivemodesthemorepeopleutilizethem.Likewise,itdoesnotconsiderimprovedpublichealthoutcomesthathavebeencalculatedtomorethanoffsetrisk.Thepoorsafetyperformanceofwalkingandbicyclingmodesisjustificationforincreasinginvestmentinactivetransportation,particularlyseparatedfacilitiesforbicyclists.Commentnoted.TheActiveTransportationAppendixnotesthatresearchperformedbyDr.JenniferDill(PortlandStateUniversity)indicatesthatincreasesindedicatedbicyclefacilities(bicyclelanesandbicyclepaths)inthosecitieshaveresultedingreaterbicycleusage.Inaddition,inNYC,whilebicyclingusehasdoubledalongwiththenumberofbicyclefacilities,bicyclefatalitieshavenotgrown,andinjurieshaveactuallydeclinedintotal.Whiletheanecdotalevidenceindicatesanincreaseinbicyclingalsoprovidesanincreaseinsafety,specificresearchonthecausesforthatsafetyincreasehasonlyrecentlystarted.ActiveTransportationSafetypoliciesincludeincorporatingcompletestreetspoliciesatthelocalleveltoprovidesafeaccessforallmodes–asfundamentalprinciplesoftransportationplans.SCAGisproposingtoincreasethenumberofbikewaysintheregionfromapproximately4,300milestoover10,000miles.SCAGisalsoproposingtoincreasethefundingforactivetransportationfrom$1.8billionto$6.7billion.Figure9ofthePerformanceMeasuresAppendixincludesthenumberofbicyclistandpedestrianfatalitiesper100millionvehiclemiles.ThePerformanceMeasuresAppendixnotesthatanRTPGoalisto"Protecttheenvironmentandhealthforourresidentsbyimprovingairqualityandencouragingactivetransportation(non‐motorizedtransportation,suchasbicyclingandwalking)."Thereareperformancemeasuresthathavebeensuggestedbystakeholdersformonitoringuse.However,thesemeasuresrequireadditionaleffortsfordatacollectionorfurtherresearchtodeterminetheirpotentialusesformonitoring.TheywillbeincludedinfutureRTP/SCSupdatesifadditionaldataand382IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseresearcharecompleted.140‐08ElizabethCheadleSantaMonicaMountainsConservancy[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber74.141‐01WallySiembabSiembabCorporationDespiteitsrelativelowcapitalcostandhighcost‐effectiveness,telecommutingremainsin2012amarginalstrategyforreducingGHGemissionsandcongestion.The2012RTPcouldlayoutthepathbywhichtelecommutingcouldreachitspotential,particularlyinanRTPwithsuchagiganticrevenueshortfall.Butitdoesn’t.Table4.5oftheSCSlistsonlyonespecifictelecommutingaction/strategy,anditwilldonothingtochangethemarginalroleoftelecommutingoverthenext4years.“Encouragethedevelopmentoftelecommutingprogramsbyemployersthroughreviewandrevisionofpoliciesthatmaydiscouragealternativeworkoptions.”ThediscussionofTelecommuting/Work‐at‐HomeintheTDMAppendixisequallyunhelpful,focusingonbarrierstotelecommutingandmentioningafewpoliciestoovercomethosebarriers,noneinnovativenorlikelytomakeadifference.Oneofthebasicproblemswithtelecommutinginthe2012RTP(andpreviousRTPs)isthatthestrategyistreatedasamemberoftheTDMfamilyofpolicies.However,amongalltheTDMoptions,onlytelecommutingmimicslanduse.Telecommuting,likeothernetworkapplicationsassociatedwith“distributedorganizations”(suchastele‐medicine,e‐retail,distanceeducation,etc),canaffectthelocationofdestinations.Forexample,portionsofauto‐orientedemploymentcenterscanbestrategicallyre‐locatedintowalkingneighborhoods.Inotherwords,telecommutingcanimpactthespatialdistributionoffunctionality.Itisreallyawayofimplementing“locationefficiency.”Beyondthatconceptualrevision,thereareanumberofstrategicoptionsthatshouldbeaddedtothe2012RTP.Goalshouldbeforeveryemployeeexceptforthoseinvolvingphysicalmaterials‐handlingorotherhands‐onactivity(liketruckdriving)toexpectsometobeofferedsometelecommutingoption;witheveryemployerexpectedtoauthorizeanalternativeworksitewithin4milesofeveryeligibleemployee’shome.ThisisconsistentwithexistingtravelpatternstootherCommentnoted.AccordingtotheAmericanCommunitySurvey,thepercentageofworkerstelecommutinghasbeengrowingsignificantlyoverthepast10years.SCAGasaregionalplanningagencyisrestrictedtopolicyrecommendationstolocaljurisdictionstoremovebarriersandincreaseincentivesfortelecommuniting.383IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedestinations;iscompatiblewithshort‐rangeelectricvehicles;andwillreinforcethe“neighborhoodorienteddevelopment”(NOD)strategy.141‐02WallySiembabSiembabCorporationFourinitiativesarerequiredtoreachthatgoal.1.RegionalTeleworkFacilitatorPublicagenciestryingtoencouragetheteleworkstrategytendtodosothroughcorporatedemonstrationprograms.TheAQMDrecentlyfundedsuchaprogramwhichisinprocesstoday.Demonstrationprogramshavebeenrepeatedlyfoundtoproduceshorttermbutnotlongtermresults.Whenthefundinggoesaway,theactiveteleworkersbegintodeclinebacktopre‐demonstrationlevels.Establishingtheinstitutionalinfrastructurethatwillsupportteleworkinthelongrunisthemosteffectivestepthatcouldbetaken.Similartotheold“Commuter‐Computer”forridesharing,thisregionalorganizationwouldmarkettheteleworkoption(inallofitsvarieties–homebased,satellite,sharedworkcenter,networkaccesscenter,etc.)toemployers.Othertasksincludemaintainingbestpractices,offeringfirstlinetechnicalassistance,andmakingreferralstoimplementationconsultants.Afiveyearpubliccommitmentwouldbebest,givingtheorganizationtheopportunitytodevelopabusinessplaninordertocontinueoperatingwithaminimalpublicsubsidy.Technologyfirmswithproductsusedinteleworkaregoodcandidatestoserveasprivatepartners.Commentnoted.141‐03WallySiembabSiembabCorporation2.OpinionLeadersElectedofficials,publicsectorexecutivesplusleadingprivateCEOscommittingtheirownorganizationstoanaggressiveteleworkprogramisalsoessential.Theorganizationsandtheircommitmentsshouldhaveahighprofile.Thepracticeshouldalsoincludethefullrangeofdistributedapplicationssuchasdistanceeducation,telemedicine,e‐retail,etc.TheRegionalTeleworkFacilitatorshouldorganizeandmaintainthispublic‐privateleadershipcouncil.Commentnoted.141‐04WallySiembabSiembabCorporation3.TeleworkFacilitiesExchangeTheTeleworkFacilitiesExchange(TFX)wasawork‐stationsharingprogramforgovernmentemployeesthatIdesignedandimplementinthemid‐1990s,sponsoredbytheLeagueofCaliforniaCitiesandfundedbytheSCAQMD.GovernmentCommentnoted.InnovativesolutionssimilartotheTeleworkFacilitiesExchangeareoccurring.SCAGusesasimilarprogramatitssatelliteoffices.Inaddition,shortandmediumTermofficerental(includingreceptionists,meetingroomsandcopymachines)arebeingadvertisedfortheprivatesectorhome384IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseemployees(city,county,state,federal)werematchedtoavacantworkstationinanothergovernmentbuildingneartheirresidence.Itwas,atthetime,thelargestmulti‐jurisdictionalteleworkprograminthenation.TheplanningandadvocacyfunctionoftheprojectwastheprototypeRegionalTeleworkFacilitator.basedbusinessesthatneedoccasionalofficeservices.Withthecostsofbandwidthdecreasing,teleworkingfromhomeisbecomingmorecosteffectiveandacceptedbysupervisors.Occasionaltelecommutersaregoingtomeetingsandworkingusingfreewi‐ficapabilities.141‐05WallySiembabSiembabCorporation4.NetworkAccessCentersNetworkAccessCenters(NAC)areanewtypeofpublicfacilitythatwillcontributetotransportationaccess,economicdevelopment,andeducation.ANACisamulti‐function,multi‐userfacilitythatprovidestechnicalassistance,fastnetworkconnections,informationtechnology,workstations,meetingspace,andspecialprogramsthatincludedistanceeducationclasses,tele‐medicineconsultationsandsoforth.ANACisessentiallyaprogrammablebuildingwhosefunctionalitycanbechangedhourbyhour,daybydaytosatisfycommunityneedfortravel.NACsshouldbeaddedtotransitstops(especiallymulti‐mobilityhubs),publicschools,publiclibraries,neighborhoodcenters,anddowntowndistricts.TheBlueLineTeleVillageinCompton,fundedbyMetrointhelate1990s,establishedproofofconceptinLACounty.Yetitwasnotreplicated.Commentnoted.Officespace(includingassociatedservices)arebeingadvertisedforshortandmediumtermleaseforhomebasedworkersandout‐of‐areaworkteamstohaveabaseofoperationsandtomeetclientsinamoreformalsetting.SCAGcanconsiderthefeasibilityofNetworkAccessCentersinfutureresearchonfirst/milesolutions.142‐01MikeBullockSierraClubIhavesavedthefileprovidedbyMark.Icontainssomeveryvaluableideas.Greatwork!Asaretiredsystemsengineer,Iviewourtop‐levelrequirementtobeclimatestabilization.Thefile"SDSC_toSANDAG_Re_CARB"showsthatweneeda35.1%reductioninper‐capitadriving,by2035,withrespectto2005.Itisalsoshownthatthisisa15%dropinnetdriving.Sowhyaddlanes?Buthowcanwegetsuchadecrease?Manyofyourstrategiesareimportant.However,themostimportantwouldbetounbundlethecostofdrivingandparking.Regardingparking,Ihaveattachedmypeer‐reviewedandpublishedreport,"Manuscript19c".Forroads,Ihaveattached"2011NevadaRoadUseDraft".Commentnoted.IntheTransportationDemandManagementAppendix,SCAGencouragesalljurisdictionstoconsidervariousparkingandparkingpricingstrategies.142‐02MikeBullockSierraClubFromtheparkingreport'sSection"AGLIMPSEINTOAPOSSIBLEFUTURE":Jasonisdrivingtoworkforthefirsttimeinseveralyears.Hehasdecidedtosavemoneybycarryinghomeanew3‐D,big‐screencomputer,whichheplanstopurchaseatastorenearhisofficeafterwork.HewantedtoavoidpayingdeliveryCommentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSincludesaninvestmenttoimproveandexpandreal‐timepassengerinformationsystemsfortransitservices.385IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecharges.Thingshavebeenchangingaroundhisofficedevelopmentsincetheyunbundledthecostofparkingatthenear‐bytrainstation.Manypeoplewhocaughttheearlytrainsandlivedclosetothestationstoppeddrivingandparkinginthebestparkingspaces;demandforhousingclosetothestationwentup;andwealthyriders,whoinsistedondriving,didso,confidantthattheycouldalwaysfindparkingasclosetotheplatformastheirschedulesrequired,duetocongestionpricing.Whowouldhaveguessedhowmuchthosepeoplewerewillingtopay?Itwasshocking.Parking‐lotearnings,paidtoround‐triptrainriders,meantthatthenetcosttoridethetrainwentsignificantlydown.Ridershipandneighborhoodvitalitybothwentsignificantlyup.AllJasonknewwasthatthepricetoparkathisofficehadbeengoingupyearlybecauseofincreasedlandvalues.Hisparking‐lotearningsfromhisofficehadbeenincreasingalmosteverymonth,duetotherippleeffectoftrainridersparkingoff‐siteatcheaperparking.Someofthemwereusinghisofficeparking.Ashepullsoutofhisdriveway,hetellshisGPSnavigationunithisworkhours(italreadyknewhisofficelocation),thelocationofthestorewhereheplanstobuythecomputer,andhisestimatedarrivalanddeparturetimesatthestore.HetellstheGPSunithewantstoparkonce,parknomorethan1blockfromthestore,walknomorethan1miletotal,andpaynomorethananaverageof$2perhourtopark.HeisnotsurprisedtoheartheGPStellhimthathisrequestisimpossible.HetellstheGPShewillpayanaverageof$3perhourandlearnsthattheGPShaslocatedparking.Itguideshimintoachurchparkinglot.Hehopesthechurchwillusehismoneywisely.TheGPStellshimthelocationofabusstophecouldusetogettoworkandthebus‟snextarrivaltimeatthestop.Withautomaticpassengeridentificationandbilling,thebushasbecomeeasytouse,exceptthatitisoftencrowded.Jasongetsoutofthecarandwalkstowork,withnoactionrequiredregardingtheparking.142‐03MikeBullockSierraClubThreeweekslater,whenJasongetshismonthlystatementforhischargesandincomeforautomotiveroaduse,transituse,parkingcharges,andparkingearnings,hefindsthattheday‟sparkingdidindeedcostabout$30forthe10totalhoursthatheparked.Henotesthattheparking‐lotearningsforhisofficeparkingaveragedabout$10perdaythatmonth.HethenCommentnoted.386IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsenoticestheparkinglotearningsfromthestore,wherehespentabout$1000dollars.Heseesthattheparking‐lotearningspercentforthestorethatmonthwas1.7%,givinghimabout$17.Sofortheday,Jasononlyspentanetofabout$3onparking.Thenherealizedthatheshouldhavehadthecomputerdeliveredafterall.Ifhewouldhavebicycledthatday,asheusuallydid,hewouldhavestillgottenthe$27earningsfromthetwoparkingfacilitiesandhewouldhavepaidnothingforparking.Sothechoicetodrivecosthim$30.Heremembersthatthedeliverywouldhaveonlybeen$25dollars.Ohwell.Heenjoyedhisbefore‐workandafter‐workwalks.143‐01EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTheSBCCOGlackstheresourcestocomprehensivelyreviewandcommentontheRTPandPEIR.WehavereviewedthecommentsbeingsubmittedbytheOrangeCountyandGatewayCitiesCouncilsofGovernmentsandareingeneralsupportthem.Commentnoted.143‐02EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsInparticular,wewanttoreinforcethefollowing:•GatewayCOG’squestionregardingtheFinancialPlan‐Table3.4.1whichpresentsCoreandReasonablyAvailablelocalsourcesofrevenueandincludesdevelopmentmitigationfeesforOrangeandRiversideCounties.DoestherevenueestimateincludeanyassumptionoffundsfromthepotentialadoptionofadevelopmentfeeinLosAngelesCounty?Commentnoted.TheRTPFinancialPlandoesnotassumeanyrevenuesassociatedwiththecongestionmitigationfeefeasibilitystudycurrentlybeingexploredbyMetroasapartofaproposedrestructuringofitsCongestionManagementProgram.143‐03EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments•OCCOG’srequestthatSCAGadoptgrowthforecastnumbersatthecountylevelratherthanlowergeographicallevelssuchascityorcensustract.Commentnoted.BasedonstatutoryrequirementsofSB375(GovernmentCodeSection65584.04(i),subparagraphs(1)and(3))theRegionalHousingNeedsAssessmentmustbeconsistentwiththeRTP/SCSlandusedevelopmentpattern.TheRHNAallocationbeingadoptedatthejurisdictionallevelnecessitatesthattheSCSbebasedonajurisdictionallevelgrowthdistribution.143‐04EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsOurfocuswasontheSCSportionoftheRTP.OurcommentsaddressstrategiesincludedinTables4.3and4.4andwerequestthefollowingchanges:Addthefollowingnewoptions:Updatelocalzoningcodes,GeneralPlansandotherregulatorypoliciesandpursueopportunitiestodevelopappropriatelyscaledmixedoffice‐retailcommercialcenterswithinwalkingdistanceofresidentialneighborhoodsResponsibleparties:LocaljurisdictionsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐05EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilLandUseActionsandStrategies,Table4.3Updatelocalzoningcodes,GeneralPlanandotherregulatorypoliciestoaccelerateCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.387IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseofGovernmentsadoptionoflandusestrategiesthatwillovertimeconvertautoorientedintersectionsofmajorarterialsintomixedoffice‐retailcommercialcenters.Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions143‐06EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsLandUseActionsandStrategies,Table4.3ExpandCompassBlueprintprioritiestosupportmembercitiesandsub‐regionalCOGsadoptingneighborhoodorienteddevelopmentasalandusestrategyandrange‐limitedelectricvehiclesasamobilitystrategy.Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAGCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐07EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsLandUseActionsandStrategies,Table4.3Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes]):Updatelocalzoningcodes,GeneralPlans,andotherregulatorypoliciestoaccelerateadoptionoflandusestrategiesincludedintheRTP/SCSAlternative,"orthathavebeenformallyadoptedbyanysub‐regionalCOGthatisconsistentwithregionalgoals."Responsibleparties:LocaljurisdictionsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐08EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsLandUseActionsandStrategies,Table4.3Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes]):Pursuejointdevelopmentopportunitiestoencouragethedevelopmentofhousingandmixed‐useprojectsaroundexistingandplannedrailstations,alonghigh‐frequencybuscorridors,intransitorienteddevelopment"andinneighborhoodorienteddevelopment."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,CTCsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐09EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsLandUseActionsandStrategies,Table4.3Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes]):Supportprojects,programs,policiesandregulationstoprotectresourceareas,suchasnaturalhabitatsandfarmlandfromfuturedevelopment;and"supportproject,programs,policies,andregulationsthatleadtodevelopmentof“completecommunities”ongreenfields."(Adiversityofhousingchoicesandeducationalopportunities;jobsforavarietyofskillsandeducation;recreationandculture;afull‐rangeofshopping,entertainmentandservices;allwithinarelativelyshortdistance)Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,SCAGCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐10EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Addthefollowingnewoptions:Promotetheuseofrange‐limitedbatteryelectricvehiclesthroughlandusepoliciesthatbringoriginsanddestinationsclosertogethersuchastheneighborhoodorienteddevelopmentstrategy;andthroughtransportationinfrastructuresuchascompletestreets(designedtoaccommodateslowspeedelectricvehicles)andCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.388IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEVSEdeploymentinhomesandinpublicparkinglots.Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCs143‐11EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Addthefollowingnewoptions:Encouragethedevelopmentofnew,shorthaul,cost‐effectivetransitservicessuchasDASHanddemandresponsive(DRT)inordertobothserveandencouragedevelopmentofcompactneighborhoodcenters.Responsibleparties:CTCsandmunicipaltransitoperatorsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐12EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Addthefollowingnewoptions:Ensureeverysub‐regionhasmultipleaccesspointstotheregionalhighspeedtransitnetworkwithatleastoneofthembeingacandidatefordevelopmentintoamulti‐mobilityhub(MMH).Responsibleparties:CTCsandlocaljurisdictionsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐13EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Addthefollowingnewoptions:LobbythestatetoprovidefundingforcompletestreetsplanningandimplementationinsupportofreachingSB375goals.Responsibleparties:SCAG,StateCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐14EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes]):Exploreandimplementinnovativestrategiesandprojectsthatenhancemobilityandairquality,includingthosethatincreasethewalkabilityofcommunities,accessibilitytotransitvianon‐automodes"andZEVmodes,andaccessibilityviaZEVmodes."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐15EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Collaboratewithlocaljurisdictionstoplananddevelopresidentialandemploymentdevelopmentaroundcurrentandplannedtransitstations"andneighborhoodcommercialcenters."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,SCAGCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐16EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])CollaboratewithlocaljurisdictionstoprovideanetworkoflocalcommunitycirculatorsthatservenewTOD,HQTAs,"andneighborhoodcommercialcenters"providinganincentiveforresidentsandemployeestomaketripsontransitCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.389IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse"and/orstayinthelocalcommunities."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,SCAG,andCTCs143‐17EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Developfirstmile/lastmilestrategiesonalocalleveltoprovideanincentiveformakingtripsbytransit,bicycling,walking"ordrivingneighborhoodelectricvehiclesorotherZEVoptions."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCsCommentnoted.Table4.4hasbeenupdatedtoreflectthisrecommendation.143‐18EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])EncouragethedevelopmentofaCompleteStreetspolicy,"explicitlyaccommodatingslowspeedandotherZEVs."Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCsCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐19EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Developinfrastructureplansandeducationalprogramstopromoteactivetransportation"andZEV"options.Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCsCommentnoted.Table4.4ofthefinalRTP/SCShasbeenupdatedtoincludeaspecificaction/strategyforZEVoptions.143‐20EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Emphasizeactivetransportationprojects"andslowspeedZEVmodes"aspartofcomplyingwiththeCompleteStreetsActResponsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,andCTCsCommentnoted.Table4.4hasbeenupdatedtoaddresscomment,asappropriate.143‐21EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Collaboratewithlocaljurisdictions"andsub‐regionalCOGs"todevelopregionalpoliciesregardingTSMResponsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAG,Commentnoted.RevisedTable4.6to"CollaboratewiththeStateandFederalGovernmentandsub‐regionalCOGstoexaminepotentialinnovativeTDM/TSMstrategies.143‐22EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])Collaboratewithlocaljurisdictions"andsub‐regionalCOGs"toupdatetheITSinventory.Responsibleparties:Localjurisdictions,COGs,SCAGCommentnoted.Table4.6hasbeenupdatedtoreflectthisrecommendation.143‐23EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsTransportationNetworkActionsandStrategies,Table4.4Amendthefollowingexistingoptions(asindicatedinitalics[quotes])CollaboratewiththeStateandFederalGovernment"andsub‐regionalCOGs"toexaminepotentialinnovativeTDMCommentnoted.RevisedTable4.6to"CollaboratewiththeStateandFederalGovernmentandsub‐regionalCOGstoexaminepotentialinnovativeTDM/TSMstrategies.390IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsestrategiesResponsibleparties:SCAG,StateandCOGs143‐24EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernmentsInaddition,the2012RTPshouldincludeapreliminarycostestimateforimplementingtheRegionalPEVReadinessPlanandthesub‐regionalstrategiestodevelopinfrastructureandsupportivelandusesmentionedinTable4.7.ThecompletedPEVReadinessPlanwillprovidesuchanestimatehoweverthatwilloccurafterRTPadoptionsothatanestimateasplaceholdershouldbeaddedinthisplan.Commentnoted.SCAGreceivedtwograntsforPEVReadinessInfrastructurePlanning,withgeneroussupportfromtheSBCCOG.Thetotalofthegrantfundswas$500,000.ThisisanewareaofstudyforSCAGandthecostforimplementationisunknownatthistime.AstheRegionalPEVReadinessPlanprogressesoverthenext24months,SCAGanditssubregionswillhaveabetterestimateofthecostofsuchaplan.143‐25EllenPerkinsSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber75.144‐01ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictAQMDstaffappreciatesthattheleadagencyhasworkedwithourstaffandtheCARBstafftodevelopanaggressiveplancontainingtransportationpoliciesthatpromotezeroemissiontechnologies.AQMDstafflooksforwardtoourjointeffortswithSCAGstaffonfuturedemonstrationanddeploymentoftheseimportanttechnologies,includingazeroemissionon‐roaddemonstrationprojectwithinthenextonetothreeyears.FurtherinformationintheFinalEIRandRTPaboutthefollowingstrategieswouldbehelpfultoprovideclarityinhowtheseaspectsoftheplanimpactairquality.1)AlthoughzeroemissiontechnologiesaredescribedintheDraftRTP,itisnotcleartowhatextenttheemissionreductionsfromtheseprojectshavebeenincludedintheconstrainedplna(e.g.,RTPTable2.11).TheFinalRTP/SCSandPEIRshouldincludespecificdetailsabouthowmuchoftheemissionreductionbenefitsoftheI‐710corridorproject,East‐Westfreightcorridorproject,andzeroemissiondeploymentfromtheportstoneardockrailyardsareincludedinthe2035emissioncalculations.2)SCAGshouldworkwithlocaltransportationagencies,theports,andotherprivateandpublicstakeholderstoidentifyfundingintheconstrainedplanforzero‐emissiontechnologydemonstrations(orinitialdeployments)intheporttoneardockrailyardcorridor.Theseshouldinvolvemultipletechnologies,includingtechnologieswithpotentialforregionalapplication,andshouldinvolvemajortruckmanufacturers.Suchdemonstrationscanandshouldbeinitiatedbynolaterthan2013andshouldincludetestingandevaluationofwaysidepower(e.g.,catenarytrucks),batteryelectrictrucks,andfuelcelltrucks.AQMDwillpartnerinCommentnoted.Althoughzero‐emissiontechnologiesaredescribedintheDraftRTP,SCAGdidnotincludeemissionsreductionsfromtheseprojectsintheconstrainedplan.SCAGwillprovidefurtherclarificationonfundingandnear‐termdemonstrationinitiativesforzero‐emissiontechnologies.SCAGlooksforwardtoourjointeffortswithAQMDonfuturedemonstrationanddeploymentofthesecriticaltechnologies.391IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesupportingthismeasure(e.g.,funding,seekingfundingpartners,anddevelopingothersupport).3)TheDraftRTP/SCSincludesseveralkeyport‐relatedprojectssuchastheSCIGandICTFthatareconsideredcriticaltotheregionalgoodsmovementsystemandwillhaveseriousairqualityimplicationsforthebasinandsubstantialimpactontheheavydutytruckdistributionintheregion.Specifically,theDraftRTP/SCSindicatestheseprojectsareneededtoaddressanoverallgrowthvolumeattheSanPedroBayPortsofupto43millioncontainersby2035‐morethantriplingcurrentlevels.Inaddition,thissignificantgrowthinheavydutytrucktrafficcallsfortheneedtodevelopzeroandnear‐zeroemissiongoodsmovementtechnologies.144‐02ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictOneoftheprimarygoalsoftheSCSistodecreaseper‐capitagreenhousegasemissionsfrompassengervehiclesandlightdutytrucks.Thesegreenhousegasreductionswillhavetheco‐benefitofreducingemissionsofcriteriapollutants.BecausetheSCSisanintegralpartoftheRTPandthereforetheAQMP,timelyimplementationoftheSCSgoalsisreliedupontomeetairqualitystandards.Asaresult,theAQMDstaffrequeststhattheplanberevisedtoincludeaperiodictrackingandreportingelementfortheSCSthatwouldoccurmorefrequentlythantheregularRTPcycle.Specifically,staffrequeststhatthetrackingprocessnotbelimitedtopolicyreviewoftheSCS,butalsoincludeidentificationofrevenuesources(seefundingcomments)andothermetricsdeemedappropriatebySCAG.ThesereportedmetricsshouldbemadeavailabletothepublictoensurethatourbasinremainsontracktomeetAQMPgoals.Commentnoted.Asdoneinthepast,theRTPistypicallyamendedonceortwicewithinaregularfour‐yearRTPcycle.Inaddition,theFTIPisdevelopedeveryotheryear.ForeachRTPamendmentandFTIP,acompleteupdateoftransportationconformityanalysisincludingregionalemissionstestandfinancialconstrainttestareperformedtodemonstratethattheRTPandFTIPareconsistentwiththegoalsandobjectivesofSIPs/AQMPs.Inanticipationofadditionalneedstosupportandtracktheimplementationofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,SCAGstaffplanstofurtherenhanceitsregionalmonitoringprogramaspartofthepost‐RTPadoptionactivities.Staffwillcontinueseekinginputfrommemberjurisdictionsandotherpartnersandstakeholdersindevelopinganenhancedmonitoringprogram.144‐03ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictAsrequiredbyfederalregulation,SCAGhasincludedafinancialplantodemonstratehowtheRTPcanbeimplemented.Theplanincludesfinancialresourcesthatare"reasonablyexpectedtobeavailable"tocarryouttheplan.However,about$219.5billionoutofatotalof$524.7billionincostsoftheRTPareexpectedtobefundedby"new"sourcesoffundsthatarenotcurrentlyavailable("core"funds).Thismeansthatover40%ofthetotalcostoftheplanisdependentonfuturenewfunding.Federalregulationprovidesthatinthecaseofnewfundingsources,"strategiesforensuringtheiravailabilityshallbeincluded."Areviewofthe"new"fundingsourcesindicatesthatmostwouldrequirefurtheractionbythestatelegislature,Commentnoted.However,SCAG’sanalysisanddocumentationofreasonablyavailablesourcesdemonstratesconsistencywithfederalandstaterequirements.Under23CFR450.322,anRTPmeetsthefinancialconstraintrequirementbyincluding“sufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojects”intheplan“canbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources,withreasonableassurancethatthefederallysupportedtransportationsystemisbeingadequatelyoperatedandmaintained.”ThedeterminationoftheRTP’scompliancewithfiscalconstraint,aspartofmeetingairqualityconformityrequirements,aremadeatthetimeofplanadoptionor392IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCongress,and/oravoteofthepeople.Moreover,federalregulationsrequirethefinancialplanto"addressthespecificfinancialstrategiesrequiredtoensuretheimplementationofTCMsintheapplicableSIP."Weareconcernedthatthesestrategiesarenotsufficientlyidentifiedandassuredofimplementation.StatelawalsorequirestheRTPtoincludeafinancialelement,whichmustsummarize"thecostofplanimplementationconstrainedbyarealisticprojectionofavailablerevenues."Thefinancialelementmayrecommendthedevelopmentofspecifiednewsourcesofrevenue.However,indescribingtherequirementfor"financialconstraint,"thetreatiseCaliforniaTransportationLaw(SolanoPress,2000;March,Jeremy)providesatpage139thattheplanshould:"Explaintheconsequencesoflivingwithexistingrevenuesonly,includingwhatpartsoftheplanwouldnotbeachievable(withoutnewrevenues).Indicatealternativepolicydirectionsifproposedrevenuesarenotrealized,andthetimeframewhenthechangeinpolicydirectionshouldbeundertakenifproposedrevenuesarenotforthcoming."TheRTPdoesnotcurrentlypresentsufficientinformationtodemonstratewhythe"new"fundingsourcesmustactuallybecomeavailable.Moreover,itdoesnotidentifywhichmeasuresorprojectsaretobefundedby"core"revenues(thosealreadyavailableorcommitted)andwhicharetobefundedby"new"sources.Inorderforthepublicandpolicymakerstohaveaclearunderstandingofwhythe"new"fundingsourcesmustbecomeavailable,andthustoimplementtheneededstepsforthistooccur,theRTPshouldclearlyidentifytheconsequencesiftheplanwereforcedtodependonlyon"core"funding.amendment.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Themajorityoffundsidentifiedasreasonableavailablerevenues(excludingcorerevenues),arenotassumedtobeavailableuntilthelatteryearsoftheRTP.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.144‐04ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictAQMDstaffinitiallyrequestedthatSCAGprepareananalysisintheFinalRTP/SCSofwhattransportationcontrolmeasureswouldbeneededtooffsetgrowthinemissionsduetogrowthinVMT,ifthedecisioninAIRv.EPAweretobecomefinal[632F.3d584(9thCir.2011)].TheconformitysectionoftheDraftRTPacknowledgedinafootnotethattheRTPwouldnotbesufficient,butdidnotexplainwhatwouldberequired.OnJanuary27,2012,theNinthCircuitCourtofAppealsdeniedEPA'spetitionforrehearinginthatcase.Asaresult,AQMDstaffisnowrequestingascenarioanalysisthatincludestheincrementalemissionimpactintheSCABduetoVMTgrowth.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinueworkingwithEPA,ARBandSCAQMDtounderstandthefullimplicationsoftherecentNinthCircuitCourtRulingintheAssociationofIrritatedResidentsetal.v.EPAcase(Nos.09‐71383and09‐71404)relatedtotheTransportationControlMeasures(TCM's)forthenon‐attainmentareacontainedwithinthisplan.SCAGwillamendtheplan(ifrequired)oncetheEPAhasfinalizedtheiranalysisandpublishedapplicableguidance.393IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseThisscenarioanalysiswouldusethedifferencebetween2035VMTandtheVMTfromyears1997,2008,and2012,andapplicablevehicleemissionratesin2035.TheDraftEIRcomparestoday'semissionswithfutureemissions,andcomparesemissionswiththeprojectcomparedtoemissionswithouttheproject.WerequestthatSCAGanalyzetheemissionsimpactofgrowthinVMT.Forillustrationpurposes,staffreiteratesitsrequestthattheRTPalsoincludeananalysisofwhatadditionalTransportationControlMeasuresitwouldtaketocomplywiththisdecision.144‐05ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictInordertoprovidecertaintyandtransparencytothepublic,thedetailsregardingtheplanningassumptionsintheRTP/SCS(suchashousingdensity,distributionofemployment,etc.)shouldbemadepubliclyavailableuponapprovaloftheFinalRTP/SCS.BecausetheRTP/SCSwillbeusedtodeterminewhetherfutureprojectscanutilizenewCEQAstreamliningprocedures,stakeholdersneedtohaveareadilyavailabledatasourcethatdescribeswhatplanningassumptionsareincludedintheSCS.ThisfinalSCSplanningscenarioatthelocallevelshouldbepublishedandavailabletothepublic,andanyfuturechanges/amendmentsshouldalsobemadeavailableforreviewsothatallstakeholderscanevaluatetheconsistencyoffutureprojectswiththeSCS.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐leveldatasetandanydetailsregardingtheplanningassumptionsintheRTP/SCSareavailableuponrequest.144‐06ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictTheAQMDstaffappreciatesSCAG'sparticipationattheFebruary1,2012studysessionontheeconomicimpactoftheDraftRTP/SCS.AtthatmeetingSCAGacknowledgedandclarifiedthelimitationsoftheDraftRTP/SCSeconomicanalysisreleasedinDecemberof2011andpresentedtheresultsfromadditionalanalyses.Basedonourunderstandingoftheeconomicanalysisfromthatmeeting,werequestthatSCAGprovidefurtherclarificationonitsmethodsinassessingRTPemploymentimpacts.ThisinformationiscrucialbecausetheAQMPheavilyreliesuponemploymentfiguresgeneratedbytheRTPforemissionprojections.Forexample,theDraftRTPassumesthatemploymentwillbethesamewithandwithouttheplan(Table3.10‐10oftheDraftEIR).AnyadditionalanalysisconductedafterthedraftdocumentonjobimpactsshouldbereleasedpriortoapprovingtheFinalRTPandshouldprovidemoredetaileddescriptionontheanalysisassumptionsandproperinterpretationoftheresults.Also,theAQMDstaffCommentnoted.TheanalysisconductedbySCAGandconsultantteamidentified174,500asassociatedwithspendingapproximately$21billionperyearasoutlinedinthe2012RTP/SCSforcapitalprojectsandoperatingandmaintenanceexpenditures.The174,500isanannualaverageassociatedwiththeRTPspendingbutitisnotacumulativenumber.InadditionSCAGestimatedthatimplementationof2012RTP/SCSprojectsandstrategiescouldsupportasmanyasadditional354,000jobs(onaveragefor2010‐2035)asresultofproductivitybenefitsfromtraveltimeandcostsavingsandtheassociatedimpactonregionaleconomiccompetitiveness.Allofthesejoblevelsareincorporatedinthe2.2millionjobgrowthforecastdevelopedintheregionalgrowthforecastprocess.Thegrowthforecastassumesthatenablingpolicies,suchaseducation,laborforcetraining,AQMP,RTP,etc.,areinplaceorwillbeadoptedtosupporttheeconomiccompetitivenessassumptionsthatunderliethejobsforecast.SCAGdidnotanalyzetheimpactof394IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserecommendsinclusionofthefinancingcomponentofoperationandmaintenanceexpendituresinthejobimpactassessmentoftheRTP/SCS.thenoprojectalternativeonregionaljobgrowth.OnepointtonoteisthatthenoprojectalternativeprobablydoesnotmeanthatnothingintheRTPisimplemented.Muchofthefundingisalreadyinplaceandnotsubjecttochange.Twosetsofimpactsarelikelytooccur.ThefirstisthatifthemoneyisnotspentonalltheRTPprojects,itwillbespentinotherwaysbybusinesses,residentsandpublicagenciessotheRTPjobimpactswouldbereplacedbyjobimpactsfromotherwaysofspendingthemoney.ThesecondsetofimpactsisthatitislikelythatsomeoftheproductivitybenefitsfromtheRTP(jobsgainedthroughtimeandcostsavingsandcompetitiveness)woulddisappearinthenoprojectalternative.Asaresultarefinedanalysisislikelytoshowthatthenoprojectalternativewouldresultinalowerlevelofregionaljob,populationandhouseholdgrowthascomparedtotheproposedRTP.SCAGwillkeepAQMDupdatedasadditionaleconomicanalysesoftheRTParecompleted.SCAGstaffwelcomesfurtherface‐to‐facemeetingswithAQMDstafftoensurethatweareallinagreementabouttheeconomicandjobimpactsfrom2012RTP/SCSandtheirincorporationintotheforthcoming2012AQMP.144‐07ElaineChangSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber76.145‐01LisaPayneSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofNon‐ProfitHousingTheRTPisleavingoutoneveryimportantcomponentforasustainableregion.What’sdrivingthecongestiononthehighwaysispeoplebeingunabletoaffordtoliveclosetowheretheywork.HomeswithinreachofworkersintransitwereraisedatmanyofthecommunityhearingsthatSCAGhadinthedifferentcounties.ThereisnothingintheRTPthataddressthismismatchbetweenwhatpeoplemakeandwhathousingcosts.IurgeSCAGtodoarigorousstudyofajobs‐housingfitthroughouttheregion.Nationalstudieshaveshownthatwhatmostoftenhappensaroundrailtransitstopsisthatthecostofhousingaroundthestopsgoesup,carownershiparoundthestopgoesup,andtransitridershiprisesmoreslowlythanexpectedorevendeclinesmorerapidlythaninthesurroundingmetroarea.InonestudytherewasarecommendationthatwhattransitsystemsneedinordertohaveridershipisnottransitorienteddevelopmentbutneighborsthatwillusetheCommentnoted.AfterPlanadoption,wewillcontinuetoworkwithourstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatemetricsforanalyzingandmonitoringkeyassumptionsandoutcomes.395IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransitsystem,theSCANPHthinksweneedboth.TheRTPreallyfocusesonlyontheformofthetransitorienteddevelopmentandnotonwhoislivinginsidethemandwhethertheyarereallygoingtobeusingthetransitsystem.TheSCANPHfeelsstronglythatthesuccessofapushforsustainablegrowthdependsonhavingajobs‐housingfit.CityofLosAngelesasanexample,obviouslywheremostofthetransitrailstopsaregoingtobe,nearlyone‐halfofourworkersinLAmakeundertwenty‐fivethousandayearattheirjobs.Fiftypercentmakeunderfiftythousandperyear.Theaverageincomeofhouseholdscurrentlylivingaroundtherailtransitstopsisaboutthirtythousandperyear.WhatisbeingplannedintermsoftransitorienteddevelopmentaroundtransitinLAhowever,areapartmentsforsinglepeopleandcouplesthatmakeovereightythousandayear.Ifwedon’twatchoutthecosthomesaroundtransitwillbeexpensiveandmostoftheworkerswillbedrivenouttothesuburbs,totheperiphery,andwillbeshutoutfromlivingaroundthetransitstops.Weneedanon‐goingandrigorousstudytoseewhatwearegettingaroundthetransitstops.Weknowthatprovidingaffordablehomesforworkersandtransitridersrequiresresources.Oftenafirststepforgettingresourcesistolayoutwhereweareintermsofmeetingtheneedforaffordablehomestomatchthejobswehave.SCANPHandotherhousingorganizationsthroughouttheStatearealreadyadvocatingformoreresourcesandlandusepoliciestog146‐01MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunityTurningtothesubstanceoftheRTP/SCSasapolicymatter,wehavethefollowingadditionalgeneralcomments:4)TheRTP/SCSisundergirdedbyanalysiswhichshowsthedispersionofpopulationsandemploymentshownandcategorizedatthelevelofsub‐jurisdictional“transportationanalysiszones”(TAZs).TheTAZlevelofdetailis,webelieve,toosmallandprecisealevelatwhichtoprescribethespatialdispersionofdevelopmentandredevelopment,particularlyinlightoftheregionalnatureoftheRTP/SCS.Page148oftheSCSshouldthereforebeclarifiedtoindicatethatquestionsofconsistencywiththeRTP/SCSshouldbesubstantivelymeasuredanddeterminedatajurisdictionalorsub‐regionallevel,notataTAZlevel.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.ThegrowthandlanduseassumptionsaspartofthefinalRTP/SCSareproposedtobeadoptedatthejurisdictionlevel.146‐02MultipleSignersSouthernCalifornia5)TheRTP/SCSshouldaimtoreflectandaccommodateboththeshort‐termfutureoftheSCAGregionanditslongtermCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSisalong‐rangeplanningdocumentthataccountsforvehiclefleetturnoverandpresents396IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseBusinessCommunityfuture.Forexample,theRTPshouldbetteranticipatetheneedforandreasonablelikelihoodofagradualtransitionintheregion’soverallvehiclefleet(e.g.,graduallytowardsalternativefuels)andtheongoingneedforenhancementstovehicularmobilityevenasmoremasstransitcomestofruition.bothnear‐termandlong‐termstrategiestoaddresstheon‐goingneedforenhancedmobilityinalltransportationmodes.146‐03MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity6)Moredetail,clarityandexplanationareneededconcerningthenewrevenuesourcesthatareoutlinedwithintheplandocument.Newrevenuesaccountfor$219.5billionoutofthetotal$524.7billionneededforthetransportationplan,yetthereisverylittledetailexplainingthesesignificantnewfeesandimpositions(seepage95&96oftheDraftRTP/SCS).Tofullyandfairlyevaluatetheseproposals,thebusinesscommunityandallstakeholdersneedthebenefitofadditionaldetailandexplanation.Inparticular,weneedclarityandassuranceregardingthefollowing:a.ThenewrevenueconceptsassumedwithintheRTP/SCSmustbefair,equitableandeconomicallysound,meaningthatanappropriatenexusexiststoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.b.ThenewrevenuesourceswithintheRTPmustbeeffectivelyallocated,meaningtheplanshouldclearlyarticulatehowresourceswillbeefficientlyandresponsiblyallocatedsothatthereisthebestpossiblereturnoninvestmentfortheexpenditureofthesenewtransportationfunds.SCAGneedstoshowthatitwillbearesponsible,accountableandinnovativestewardofthenewrevenuesthatitisproposing.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.146‐04MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity7)NewrevenuesfromfeesonbusinessesoperatingintheSCAGregion‐andparticularlythe"FreightFee/NationalFreightProgram"listedonpage96oftheDraftRTP‐needtobedevelopedandimplementedatthefederallevel,notthelocalandregionallevel.Unlesssuchfeesareimposedonanationalscale,theregion'scompetitivenesswillbecompromised.Commentnoted.TheRTPdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesarenotataneconomicdisadvantagewerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.146‐05MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity8)IntheRTP,SCAGshouldidentifyandhighlightthesignificanteconomiccontributionsofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Specifically,theRTPshouldacknowledgethat,asbusinessstakeholdersworkwithregulatoryagenciestofurtherreduceemissionsintheSCAGregion,anytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthesignificantcontributionofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.SCAGconcursthatanytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,andreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholdersinfurtherevaluatingtechnologyoptions.397IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseorreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.ItwouldbehelpfulforSCAGtostateclearlyintheRTPthat,todate,stakeholdershavenotreachedconsensusontechnologies,timing,funding,oremissionsimpactsofthevariousoptionsthatSCAGexaminedintheRTP.Forexample,SCAGdiscusseslong‐termstepstowardsa"ZeroEmissionsContainerMovementSystem"(ZECMS).IfSCAGchoosestopursuesuchafundamentalshiftinnewtechnology,itwouldneedtoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholderstoclearlyestablishwhetherand,ifso,whenandwherewithinthetransportationinfrastructureaZECMSoptioncouldbedemonstratedandevaluatedwithoutnegativelyeffectingthevelocityandthroughputofthesystem.146‐06MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity9)Withtherecenteliminationofredevelopmentagencies,theabilityoflocaljurisdictionstomeetthedensificationofurbancentersintheneartermischallenged,giventhecostsrelatedtoagingorinadequateinfrastructurecapacityandhighdevelopmentcostsforhigherdensityprojects.Theeliminationofredevelopmentagenciesalsothreatenstheavailabilityofsufficienthousingoptionsnecessarytomeettheneedsofadynamicworkforce.Infact,sincethepassageofSB375,theStateofCaliforniahasstrippedlocalgovernmentsoffundsthatwerepreviouslyavailablefortransit,transportationandredevelopment.Thisfollowsmanyyearsinwhichthestatedivertedrevenuesfromgasoline,sales,incomeandothertaxesneededforlocalgovernmentprograms.Localgovernmentscannothelptofulfillthe2012RTP/SCSwithoutincreased,notdecreased,statesupport.SCAGshouldemphasizetheneedforthestatetorestoresupportforplanning,transit,transportationandredevelopmentorothernecessaryfundingtopre‐SB375levelsinordertospeedtheattainmentofmandatedgoals.Whilewefindmanyverypositiveaspectsintheplan,especiallyrelatedtoprinciplesanddirection,thesesignificantissuesneedtobeaddressed.Theshortlistofgeneralconcernssetforthaboveisnotmeanttobeexhaustive.Manyoftheorganizationsthatsubscribetotheabove‐statedcommentswillbecommentingmorerobustlyinseparatewritings.Wejoinhere,however,toexpressourunityinfindingtheDraft2012RTP/SCSandPEIRtobeinneedofsignificantclarificationandcorrection.Wearealsojointlycommittedtocompletingthisprocessand,overtheremainingweeks,workingcloselywithSCAGtoCommentnoted.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.398IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedevelopandadoptasmart,flexible,accountable,andeconomicallysoundRTP/SCS.146‐07MultipleSignersSouthernCaliforniaBusinessCommunity[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber77.147‐01LarryRussellSouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociationAccordingtotheConstructionIndustryResearchBoard,Burbank,totalconstructioninCaliforniahasdropped57%between2005‐2009.Constructionemploymenthasadirectcorrelationwithtotalconstructionactivity.AccordingtotheCaliforniaEmploymentDepartment,constructionemploymentoverthatsameperioddroppedfrom933,700peoplein2006to559,800IN2010.Thatrepresenta40%dropinconstructionemploymentoverafive‐yearperiod.Theconstructionindustryhasbeenhitveryhardbythisrecession.TheRTPcallsfor525billiondollarinvestmentwhichwillsignificantlyboostconstructionactivityinSouthernCalifornia.TheSCCAsupportsthisplanhoweverweechotheconcernsvoicesearlier,wewouldliketoseemoreclarityonthe219.5billiondollarsinnewrevenuesourcesoutlinedintheRTP.AccordingtotheAmericanRoadandTransportationBuildersAssociationinWashington,DC,GreenfieldInfrastructureProjectscannowtakeuptonineteenyearstocompletefromconcepttoconstructionduetoNEPAandCEQAprocesses.SCCAisalsoconcernedaboutthenumberofmitigationmeasurescontainedinthePEIR.WeencourageSCAGtofurtherexaminetheeconomicimpactsofthesemandatesonourlocalgovernmentsandcontractorsandthepotentialforprojectdelaysandforfuturelitigation.SCCAsupportsabalancedapproachinprovidingmulti‐modaltransportationalternativeinSouthernCalifornia.WeencourageSCAGtoensureatrulybalancedapproachthatbalancestransit,highway,freightrail,andbridgeandroadwayimprovementswithsmartlandusestrategiesandencouragewalking,biking,andothertransportationoptions.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesandsummarizesthetransportationexpendituresincludedintheRTP.148‐01LarryRussellSouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation,Inc.SCCAappreciatesSCAG’sgoalsofoptimizingsystemperformance(includingpreservationandmaintenance),investingincompletingtransportationsystemgapsandstrategicinvestmentstoexpandthesystemasthepopulationgrows.ProtectingourexistingtransportationinfrastructureandmakingstrategicinvestmentstoexpandinfrastructurewillbeCommentnoted.399IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsekeytosafelymovingpeopleandgoodsfordecadestocome.SCCAsupportsabalancedapproachtoprovidingmulti‐modaltransportationalternativestosouthernCalifornia.WeencourageSCAGtoensureatrulybalancedapproachthatbalancestransit,highway,freightrail,bridgeandroadwayimprovementswithsmartlandusestrategiesthatencouragewalking,bikingandothertransportationoptions.148‐02LarryRussellSouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation,Inc.TheRTPcallsfor$524.7BininfrastructureinvestmentwhichwillsignificantlyboostconstructionactivityinsouthernCalifornia.TheSCCAsupportsthisplan.However,weechotheconcernsvoicedattheFebruary2PublicInputHearingbytheSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilandwewouldliketoseemoreclarityonthe$219.5Binnewrevenuesourcesoutlinedintheplan.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.148‐03LarryRussellSouthernCaliforniaContractorsAssociation,Inc.[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber78.149‐01AlexanderPughSouthernCaliforniaEdisonGrowthintheuseofelectricvehicles:Assumptionsaboutthenumberofbatteryandhybridplug‐inelectricvehicles(PEV)inSouthernCaliforniabetweennowand2035maybehigherthanaccountedforwithintheRTP/SCSandPEIR.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSwasdevelopedwiththebestandmostrecentdataavailable.WithSCEasakeypartner,SCAGisengagedinamulti‐yearplanningRegionalPEVinfrastructureStudyaswellasdevelopingdetailedmarketforecasts.TheRTP/SCSisanevolvingdocumentandwillbeupdatedinfouryears.Atthattime,SCAGwillincludeanupdatedfleetmix,includingnewPEVassumptions.WelookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithSCEontheRegionalPEVInfrastructurePlan.149‐02AlexanderPughSouthernCaliforniaEdisonCurrentlySCEisplanningforthreescenariosforPEVgrowthwithinitsserviceterritoryby2020:low‐175,000;medium‐450,000;andhigh‐1,000,000.InJanuarytheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardpassedtheAdvancedCleanCarInitiativecallingformorethanonemillionPEVsinCaliforniaby2025.AdditionallyplannersandresearchersinSouthernCalifornia,includingSCAGandtheUCLALuskinCenterareconductingresearchtoguidethebuildoutofpubliclyaccessiblechargingstationsregion‐wide.ThistoomayfurthersupportthegrowthofthePEVmarket.Commentnoted.SCAGlooksforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithSCEontheRegionalPEVInfrastructurePlan.149‐03AlexanderPughSouthernCaliforniaEdisonInregardstocharginginfrastructure,greatstrideshavebeenmadeinsouthernCaliforniatoupdatetheolder1990spaddlechargerstothenewJ1772standard.Commentnoted.400IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse149‐04AlexanderPughSouthernCaliforniaEdisonMoreover,thereareanumberofchargingstationinstallersandequipmentmanufacturersinsouthernCalifornia,whichmeansbothadirectpositiveenvironmentalandeconomicimpactcomesfromelectricvehiclegrowth.Commentnoted.149‐05AlexanderPughSouthernCaliforniaEdison[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber79.150‐01RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompanySouthernCaliforniaGasCompany(SoCalGas)respectfullysubmitsthesecommentsregardingtheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments’(SCAG)2012‐2035DraftRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).SoCalGas,aregulatedutilityofSempraEnergyhasbeendeliveringclean,safeandreliablenaturalgastoitscustomersformorethan140years.Itisthenation'slargestnaturalgasdistributionutility,providingserviceto20.9millionconsumersconnectedthroughnearly5.8milliongasmetersinmorethan500communities.SoCalGas’sserviceterritoryencompassesapproximately20,000squaremilesthroughoutCentralandSouthernCalifornia,fromVisaliatotheMexicanborder.ThesecommentsaddressthoseportionsoftheRTP/SCSrelatedtouseofnaturalgasfuelinSCAG’sregion.OuroverarchingconcernandcommentisthattheRTP/SCSisnotbalancedintermsofoptionspresentedforalternativevehiclefuels.Thereisanobviousandinexplicablepredispositiontowardselectricandzero‐emissionvehicles(ZEVs)withoutapparentbackupdocumentationregardingthecost‐effectivenessandfeasibilityofsuchan“all”electricstrategy.WerespectfullyrequestthatSCAGproduceamorebalancedandpragmaticRTP/SCSthattrulyconsidersboththeshort‐termandlong‐termfutureoftheregion,byincorporatingoptionsforcost‐effective,practical,andimmediatelyavailable,alternative‐fuelmotorvehiclessuchasnaturalgas‐fueledvehicles(NGVs).Commentnoted.150‐02RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyHavingabroadarrayofclean‐fueloptionsmakessenseforyourmemberagenciesgiventhediversityofyoursixcountiesand191cities.ManyofyourmembershavealreadymadesignificantcommitmentstoNGVspoweredbyclean,compressednaturalgas(CNG),intermsofinfrastructure,trainingandvehiclepurchases.Forexample,asrecentlyaslastyear,theLACountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthorityretireditslastdieselbusandnowoperates2221CNG‐poweredbusesservingtheCommentnoted.SCAGwelcomestheopportunitytocontinueworkingwithSouthernCaliforniaGasCompanytocontinueincorporatingreasonablealternativeenergystrategiesinfutureupdates.401IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecommunitiescomprisingtheCountyofLosAngeles.Thisimportantdecisionwasmadewithinthecontextoffinanciallyconstrainedbudgets,especiallygiventheorderofmagnitudehighercostforpurchasing,operatingandmaintainingelectricandfuel‐celltransitbuses.Furthermore,sinceaffordablenear‐zerovehicletechnologyisdevelopingfasterthanfuel‐cellandelectricvehicletechnology,itisimperativethatmore‐effective,readilyavailable,alternative‐fueloptionsareincludedintheRTP/SCSaspossibilitiesforallofyourmemberagencies.SoCalGaswouldliketosharedatawithSCAGstaffoncost‐effective,readilyavailablenear‐zerovehicletechnologies,suchasNGVs.InthespiritofassistingSCAGindevelopingthemostcomprehensiveandlegallydefensibleRTP/SCS,thediscussionbelowprovidessupportforwhySCAGshouldincorporateoptionsforcost‐effective,practical,andimmediatelyavailablealternative‐fuelmotorvehiclessuchasNGVs,initsRTP/SCS.150‐03RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyInaddition,theRTP/SCS’scurrentlimitationofalternative‐fuelvehiclestojustfuel‐cellandelectricvehiclesbeliesanarrowfocussolelyontailpipeemissions.WhileitistruethatZEVshavezerotailpipeemissionscomparedtonear‐zeroorlow‐emissionvehicles(LEVs)suchasNGVs,itwouldnotbeaccuratetosaythatZEVsgeneratezeroemissionsoverallcomparedtolow‐emissionvehicles.Forexample,electricvehiclesreceivetheirpowerfromgeneratingfacilitiesthatalsogeneratecombustionemissions.Emissionsarealsogeneratedbytheprocessesusedtomanufacturethespecialbatteriesneededforsuchvehicles.Theseemissionscannotbeignorednordiscounted,particularlywithrespecttoattainmentoftheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardforozone,orcontributingtoanynew“orexistingviolationofanystandardinanyarea.”Furthermore,thereisefficiencylossusingelectricalpowerratherthandirectlyusingnaturalgastopowervehicles.Indeed,inthecourseofproducingusefulelectricenergyintheU.S.,“wewasteordiscardabout70percentoftheinitialrawenergyfoundincoalormostotherfuelsources.”Itismoreenergyefficient,therefore,lesswastefulandlesspollutingtodirectlyusenaturalgastopowervehiclesratherthangeneratingelectricitytransmittedlongdistancesoverpowerlinesandthenusedtopoweranelectricvehicle.Therefore,energyefficiencyshouldbetakenintoaccounttofulfilltheSB375requirementfor“aCommentnoted.WhiletheRTPisrequiredtobebasedonthevehiclefleetassumptionsinARB'sEMFACmodel,SCAGhassoughttofurthertheimplementationofalternativefuelsinanumberofplanningefforts,includingapplyingforandreceivingAB118funding.AsdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazeroemissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.Forexample,theSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedwiththreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,correspondingwiththedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,with402IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebalanced”and“pragmatic,”RTP/SCS.fuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhasshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeGasCompanyontheseandfutureplanningefforts.150‐04RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompany2.AB32(Núñez2006)‐GlobalWarmingSolutionsActTheRTP/SCSneedstobroadenitsscopebeyondelectricvehiclesandincorporatetheuseofalternative‐fuelmotorvehiclessuchasNGVsinordertobefullyconsistentwiththepolicyobjectivesofAB32,whichisanoverallreductionofCalifornia’sgreenhousegases(GHG)emissions.Asdiscussedabove,energyiswastedwhennaturalgasisusedtogenerateelectricityforelectricvehicles,comparedtonaturalgasuseddirectlytopowerNGVs.Inadditiontothis,usingnaturalgastogenerateelectricityforelectricvehiclescreatesmoreGHGemissionscomparedtonaturalgasuseddirectlytopowerNGVs.Thispointisillustratedinarecentstudywhichfoundthatifyoucomparedanelectric‐resistancewaterheatertoanatural‐gaswaterheateronafullfuel‐cyclebasis,thenatural‐gaswaterheateremitsover50percentlessCO2equivalentemissionsannually.Furthermore,theRTP/SCSalsoneedstobeconsistentwiththegoalsofAB32’slow‐carbonfuelstandard(LCFS).TheLCFSisdesignedtoensuretheuseoflow‐carbontransportationfuelsinordertoachievethelowerGHGlevelsintendedbyAB32.Thisisachievedthroughthedevelopmentofacarbon‐intensityindexwhichismeasureofatransportationfuel’sGHGemissionsgeneratedthroughitslifecycle,i.e.,GHGemissionsgeneratedfromobtainingthefuel’srawmaterials,manufacturingthefuel,transportingthefuelfromtheproducertotheultimateconsumer,andusingthefuel.Electricityasatransportationfuelhasacarbon‐intensityindex,aswellasCNG,hydrogen,gasoline,andothertransportationfuels.IftheRTP/SCSsolelyfocusesonfuel‐cellandelectricvehicles,andexcludesotheralternate‐fuelvehicles,suchasNGVsthathavelowercarbon‐intensityindexvalues,itwouldbeinconsistentwiththebroaderGHGreductiongoalsofAB32,whichisthelawthatformstheveryfoundationforSB375andtheSCSrequirement.Commentnoted.TheSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedwiththreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,correspondingwiththedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,withfuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhasshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.WelookforwardtoworkingwiththeSouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyonfutureendeavors.SCAG’spositionisneutraltowardszeroornear‐zeroemissionstechnology.SCAGsupportsanyandallsuchtechnologyandrelatedpolicies.150‐05RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompany3.AB118(Núñez2007),amendedbyAB109(Núñez2008)‐AlternativeandRenewableFuelandVehicleTechnologyProgramAssemblyBill118createdandauthorizedtheCaliforniaCommentnoted.WhiletheRTPisrequiredtobebasedonthevehiclefleetassumptionsinARB'sEMFACmodel,SCAGhassoughttofurthertheimplementationofalternativefuelsina403IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseEnergyCommission(CEC)to“developanddeployinnovativetechnologiesthattransformCalifornia’sfuelandvehicletypestohelpattainthestate’sclimatechangepolicies.”Withanannualbudgetof$100million,theCECmustaccomplishthisgoalby,amongotherthings,fundingprojectsthatprovidefor“ameasurabletransitionfromthenearlyexclusiveuseofpetroleumfuelstoadiverseportfolioofalternativefuels”(emphasisadded).Overthelastthreeyears,theCEChasallocatedAB118fundingtoavarietyofprojectsincluding,butnotlimitedto,installingelectricvehicle‐chargingstations,installingCNGdispensingfacilities,deployingtheuseofheavy‐dutynatural‐gasvehiclesandpromotingbiofuelssuchasbiomethane.For2012‐13,CECisplanningtospend$2.5milliononnewCNGrefuelingfacilities,$12millionforNGVincentivesand$20milliontowardstheproductionofbiomethane.InordernottounderminethegainsmadebyAB118anddevaluethesubstantialinvestmentsmadebytheCECinCNGrefuelinginfrastructure,NGVs,andbiomethane,SCAGshouldincorporateadiversityofalternative‐fuelmotorvehiclesintotheRTP/SCS,includingNGVs.ItwouldbeasadwasteofpublicfundsandresourcesiftheRTP/SCSdidnotbecomemorediverseandbetteralignitsgoalswiththoseofAB118.numberofplanningefforts,includingapplyingforandreceivingAB118funding.AsdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazero(ornearzero)emissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.Forexample,theSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedwiththreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,correspondingwiththedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,withfuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhasshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeGasCompanyontheseandfutureplanningefforts.150‐06RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompany[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber80.150‐07RobertCruzSouthernCaliforniaGasCompany1.SB375(Steinberg,2008)‐AddressingGreenhouseGasEmissionsfromtheTransportationSectorviaRegionalTransportationPlansTheRTP/SCSneedstoincorporatetheuseofotheralternative‐fuelvehicles,suchasNGVsinordertofullymeetallofSB375’srequirements.ThisisbecauseSB375requiresplanssuchastheRTP/SCStobe“balanced”and“pragmatic,”andtoconsider“boththeshort‐termandlong‐termfuture.”Consequently,theRTP/SCSshouldincorporatecost‐effective,practical,andimmediatelyaccessiblealternative‐fuelmotorvehiclessuchasNGVs.Theplanningandinfrastructurenecessaryfordeployingelectricandfuel‐cellCommentnoted.404IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsevehiclesisanextremelyresource‐intensiveandlong‐termprocess.Indeed,iftheRTP/SCSweretomandatesolelyelectricandfuel‐cellvehicles,thenSCAGwouldbemakingthesamemistakesthatCARBmadewhenitimplementeditsZeroEmissionBus(Z‐Bus)programtenyearsago.CARBadoptedtheZ‐Busprogramin2000aspartofitsTransitFleetRulewhichbasicallyrequirestransit‐busfleets(withover200buses)tohaveby2010,15%oftheirnewbuspurchasesbeZ‐Buses,suchasbattery‐electricorfuel‐cellbuses,orelectrictrolleys.Overthelasttenyears,however,anumberofdemonstrationprojectsconductedbyanumberoflargetransitagenciesshowedthattheseZ‐Buseswereveryexpensive,performedpoorly,wereunreliable,anditskeycomponents(batteries,fuel‐cells)wereextremelyexpensivetoreplacewithaveryshortlifespan,e.g.,afuel‐cellhasalifespanof5,000hoursandcostsover$1milliontoreplace.InSeptember2010,FoothillTransittookdeliveryofthreebattery‐electricpoweredZ‐Buses,costing$1millioneach.Eachbushada30‐milerangerequiringa10‐minuterechargeperiod.Worse,therechargingperiodsfortheseelectricbuseswouldoccurduringpeak‐electricperiodswhenelectricityisathighestcostandpotentiallyoverloadingalreadystrainedCaliforniapowergrids.Asaresult,CARBisintheprocessofrevisingtheZ‐Busruletoallowforgreaterflexibilityandtogivethebus‐transitagenciesmoretime.Therefore,inorderfortheRTP/SCStosucceedinmeetingtherequirementsofSB375,itmusttakenoteofwhatCARBlearnedfromitsZ‐Busprogramandbroadenitsscopebeyondjustfuel‐cellandelectricvehicles,toincludeotheralternative‐fuelvehiclessuchasNGVs.151‐01RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilOnbehalfoftheSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil(SCLC),wewouldliketoacknowledgetheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)andbothitsstaffandleadershipwhohaveworkeddiligentlytopreparetheDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(SCS)ProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR),andassociateddocuments.Thisfirstofitskindeffort,ascalledforunderSB375,hastakenoverthreeyearsandinvolvedanunprecedentedlevelofcollaborationbetweenSCAGanditspublicandprivatesectorstakeholdersfromthroughouttheregion.ThedegreeofoutreachandengagementCommentnoted.Pleaseseeresponsestospecificcomments.405IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseisexceptionalandSCAGshouldbeapplaudedforitsefforts.Asyouknow,theSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilisanon‐partisan,non‐profit,business‐ledpublicpolicypartnership.TheLeadershipCouncilexertsstrongleadershiponissuesofregionalsignificance,providingacommonvoiceonmajorpublicpoliciescriticaltoeconomicvitality,jobgrowthandqualityoflifeinSouthernCalifornia.TheLeadershipCouncilunitesbusinessandcommunityleadersfromthroughouttheseven‐countyregionintooneeffectiveleadershiporganizationwhosemembershipincludesthreeformerCaliforniagovernorsandtwodozenpresidentsandCEO’softopSouthernCaliforniacompanies.SCLCappreciatesitsstrongworkingrelationshipwithSCAGanditsabilitytoprovidebusinessandindustryinputintoSCAGpoliciesandinitiatives.Inparticular,SCLChasbeenanactiveparticipantintheoverthreeyearlongprocessofcraftinganddevelopingtheRTP/SCS.Basedonthisextensiveinvolvement,SCLCoffersthefollowinggeneralcommentsandrecommendationsonthedraftplanandrequeststhatthisletterbeincludedinpublicrecordasourcollectivecommentsontheDraftRTP/SCS,PEIRandassociateddocuments.151‐02RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilSCLC’sPosition–SCLCsupportsa2012RTP/SCSthatrecognizesthecriticalimportanceoftransportationandinfrastructuretoeconomicvitality,jobcreationandthequalityoflifeforallSouthernCalifornians.WealsosupportanRTP/SCSthathonorsmarketforces,localcontrolandflexibilityasitworkstosecureanintegratedapproachtolanduse,transportation,housingandenvironmentalplanninginordertoachieveGHGemissionreductionsundertheSCS.InevaluatingSCAG’sDraft2012RTP/SCStodetermineifitissuchaplan,fromearlyonSCLChasappliedaconsistentsetofpoliciesandprinciplesrelatedtogoodplanning,toassurethattheRTP/SCSisasmart,feasible,flexible,accountableplanthatisCEQAcompliant,economicallysoundandpreservesexistingemploymentandenhancesjobcreation.ThefollowingisthespecificsetofkeypoliciesandprinciplesthatSCLCandothersinthebusinesscommunityhaveappliedinevaluatingtheplan;andwebelievethattheyrepresentthequalitiesofagoodandsoundRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.151‐03RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipProvidesPositiveEconomicImpacts...APlanthatisProEconomicGrowthandJobCreation–TheRTP/SCSmustundergoatrueeconomiccost/benefitanalysissothateconomicCommentnoted.EconomicandJobCreationAnalysishasbeenupdatedtoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsofthe2012‐2035RTP.406IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCouncilimpactsareunderstoodandknownbybothSCAGRegionalCouncilmembersandstakeholderswellbeforemakingafinaldecisionontheRTP/SCS.151‐04RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilProvidesLocalControl:oAnynewtransportationrevenuesorfeescollectedmustbeunderthecontrolofthelocaltransportationagency/authority.oCities,countiesandlocaltransportationagenciesmustmaintainappropriatecontrolandflexibilityinmanagingdecisionsandresourcesrelatedtolanduse,transportationandcommunitydevelopment.Commentnoted.Weagreethataccountabilityisacriticalconsiderationforanynewrevenuesources.TheRTPdoesnotassumenorwoulditresultanychangesincontroloftransportationrevenuesthatwoulddiminishlocaltransportationagency/authoritypowersnorprovideanynewpowerstoSCAG.151‐05RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilAssuresNewRevenueSourcesareFair,EquitableandEconomicallySound–NewtransportationrevenueconceptswithintheRTP/SCSmustundergocost/benefitandotherappropriateanalysistoassurethattheyareeconomicallysound.Theymustalsobefairandequitable,meaningthatanappropriatenexusexiststoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.151‐06RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilIsBalancedandAccountable–Theplan’scallfornewrevenueisbalancedwithperformancemeasures,reformsandguaranteesthatassuretheRTP/SCSiseffective,efficientandresponsibletothecitizensandtaxpayersofSouthernCalifornia.Commentnoted.The2012RTPisaperformancebasedmulti‐modalplanthatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformance.151‐07RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilIsCEQACompliantandDefensible–TheRTP/SCSisprocessedcorrectlyfromanenvironmentalimpactperspectiveandbuilttowithstandaCEQAChallenge.Commentnoted.151‐08RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilProvidesforCEQAStreamliningandProtectsAgainstCEQAAbuse–TheplaniscraftedsoastocaptureandmakefeasibleallavailableCEQAbenefits,especiallystreamlining,whilealsoanticipatingandlimitingopportunitiesforCEQAabuse.Commentnoted.407IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse151‐09RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilSCLC’sCommentsandRecommendations–Inmeasuringthedraftplanagainstthesekeypoliciesandprinciples,wefindmanyverypositiveaspectsoftheRTP/SCS–especiallythoserelatedtotheplan’scoreprinciples,approachanddirection.Likewise,wefindanumberofotheraspectsoftheDraft2012RTP/SCSinneedofmuchmoreconsideration,correctionandclarificationbeforeSCAGfinalizesandapprovestheplan.MostnotableamongourconcernsistheDraftPEIR,whichwebelieveisinneedofsignificantamendmentinordertobemorein‐linewiththesamecoreprinciples,approachanddirectionreflectedintheDraftRTP/SCS.Outlinedbelow,inverygeneralterms,areSCLC’scommentsandrecommendationsrelatedtospecificaspectsoftheDraftRTP/SCSandPEIRthatwebelieveneedtobeaddressedandcorrectedinthefinalplandocuments.Commentnoted.SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber81.151‐10RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil2.TransportationAnalysisZones(TAZs)–TheDraftRTP/SCSsuggests(onpage148ofthedraftSCSparticularly)thatfuturepolicyconformitydeterminationsshouldbemadebycomparingprojectswithsomeundiscloseddatasetrelatedtotheprojecteddispersionofpopulationsandemployment,shownandcategorizedatthelevelofsub‐jurisdictional“transportationanalysiszones.”TheTAZlevelofdetailis,webelieve,toosmallandprecisealevelatwhichtoprescribepolicyoutcomesconcerningthespatialdispersionofdevelopmentandredevelopment,particularlyinlightoftheregionalnatureoftheRTP/SCS.TheSCSshould,therefore,beclarifiedtoindicatethatquestionsofconsistencywiththeRTP/SCSshouldbesubstantivelymeasuredanddeterminedatajurisdictionalorsubregionallevel,notataTAZlevel.Commentnoted.TheTAZ‐levelmapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofmodelingperformance.Leadagencies,includinglocaljurisdictions,maintaintheirowndiscretioninhowtodetermineconsistencyofanyfutureprojectwiththeSCS.ThegrowthassumptionsfortheRTP/SCSareproposedtobeadoptedatthejurisdictionlevel.151‐11RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil3.NewRevenueSources–TheDraftRTP/SCSneedstoprovidemoredetail,clarityandexplanationconcerningthenewrevenuesourcesthatareoutlinedwithintheplandocument.Newrevenuesaccountfor$219.5billionoutofthetotal$524.7billionneededforthetransportationplan,yetthereisverylittledetailexplainingthesesignificantnewfeesandimpositions(seepage95&96oftheDraftRTP/SCS).Toevaluatetheseproposalsfullyandfairly,thebusinesscommunityandallstakeholdersneedthebenefitofadditionaldetailandexplanation.Inparticular,weneedclarityandassuranceregardingthefollowing:a.ThenewrevenueconceptsassumedwithintheRTP/SCSmustbefair,equitableandeconomicallysound,Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailable408IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeaningthatanappropriatenexusexiststoassurethatnewrevenuesaredrawnfairlyandproportionallyfromthosewhobenefitfromtherelatedtransportationinfrastructureorimprovement.b.ThenewrevenuesourceswithintheRTP/SCSmustbeeffectivelyallocated,meaningtheplanshouldclearlyarticulatehowresourceswillbeefficientlyandresponsiblyallocatedsothatthereisthebestpossiblereturnoninvestmentfortheexpenditureofthesenewtransportationfunds.SCAGneedstoshowthatitwillbearesponsible,accountableandinnovativestewardofthenewrevenuesthatitisproposing.fundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.151‐12RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil4.FederalLevelFeeImposition–NewrevenuesfromfeesonbusinessesoperatingintheSCAGregion–andparticularlythe“FreightFee/NationalFreightProgram”listedonpage96oftheDraftRTP/SCS–needtobedevelopedandimplementedatthefederallevel,notthelocalandregionallevel.Unlesssuchfeesareimposedonanationalscale,theregion’scompetivenesswillbecompromised.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSdoesnotassumetheimplementationoflocal,regional,orstatewidefreightfees.EnsuringthattheSCAGregionoritsmemberentitiesarenotataneconomicdisadvantagewerecriticalconsiderationsusedinthedevelopmentofallfundingproposalsincludedintheRTP.151‐13RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil5.GoodsMovement–IntheRTP/SCS,SCAGshouldidentifyandhighlightthesignificanteconomiccontributionsofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.Specifically,theRTPshouldacknowledgethat,asbusinessstakeholdersworkwithregulatoryagenciestofurtherreduceemissionsintheSCAGregion,anytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,orreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthesignificantcontributionofthegoodsmovementsectortotheregionalandstateeconomy.SCAGconcursthatanytechnologyintroducedmustnotcompromisethesafety,velocity,cargothroughput,economiccompetitiveness,andreliabilityofthegoodsmovementsystem.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithallgoodsmovementstakeholdersinfurtherevaluatingtechnologyoptions.151‐14RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil6.EconomicAnalysisoftheDraftRTP/SCS–ThroughouttheprocessofdevelopingtheRTP/SCSandespeciallyinthelastfewmonthsleadinguptothereleaseoftheDraftPlan,SCLCregularlycalledforavalideconomicanalysisoftheplan–onewhichwouldprovideatruecostbenefitanalysis.ItshouldbenotedthatSCLCwasnottheonlyoneconcernedabouttheplan’spotentialeconomicimpact.Infact,thispastsummer,whenSCAGconductedaseriesof18RTP/SCSPublicOutreachWorkshops,amajorityofparticipantsindicatedthattheeconomywasthemostimportantpriorityfortheregion–finishingaheadoftransportationandtheenvironment.AsaresultofthisandtheclearlinkagebetweentheRTP/SCSandtheeconomy,SCAGdeployedateamofoutsideeconomiststodoacompleteeconomicimpactanalysisoftheDraftRTP/SCS.SCLCCommentnoted.TheEconomicandJobCreationAnalysisAppendixhasbeenupdatedaspartofthefinalRTP/SCStoprovideamorecomprehensiveassessmentofthebenefitsandimpactsofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS.409IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseapplaudsSCAG’scommitmenttoprovidingthorougheconomicanalysis,includinganevaluationoftheplansimpactonjobsandjobcreation.Withtheworkoftheeconomistsnowmostlycomplete,theirimpactanalysisoftheplanhasproducedsomeextremelypositivedata,showingthecostsoftheplantobefarexceededbythebenefitstheRTP/SCSwillprovideinthewayofjobcreationandeconomicgrowthinourregion.SCLCstronglyencouragesSCAGtowidelycommunicatethiseconomicdataandtobesureandincludeallappropriateneweconomicdatasetsandanalysisinthefinalRTP/SCS.151‐15RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncil7.PhaseIIEconomicRecoveryStrategy–SCLCagreeswithSCAG’sGLUECouncil,thatifSCAGutilizestheworkdonelastyeartodevelopandadoptSCAG’sfirsteverregionalEconomicRecoveryStrategyandcouplesthiswiththeoutstandingeconomicanalysisconductedbySCAGinsupportoftheRTP/SCS,SCAGiswellpositionedtodevelopaPhaseIIEconomicRecoveryStrategyasacompanionmeasureforadoptioninconjunctionwith(orshortlythereafter)thefinalRTP/SCS.ThePhaseIIEconomicStrategywouldbeawayforSCAG,itsGLUECouncil,localgovernmentthebusinesscommunityandotherstakeholderstocometogetherandsupportcriticallynecessaryregulatoryreformsandstrategiestohelpreinvigoratetheregion’seconomyandsupportthefullimplementationoftheRTP/SCS.ThePhaseIIStrategywouldalsogiveSCAGandGLUEavehicleforestablishingatrueRegionalEconomicPlantogoalongwithSCAG’sotherregionalplanssuchastheRTP,theSCSandRHNA.Commentnoted.151‐16RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilConclusion–WhileSCLCfindsanumberofverypositiveaspectsintheplan,especiallyrelatedtoprinciplesanddirection,thereisstillworktobedone,significantissuestobeaddressed,anddetailstobedeveloped.Withthisinmind,SCLCiscommittedtocompletingthisprocessandworkingcloselywithSCAG.Justasithasdoneoverthemulti‐yearprocessthathasleaduptotheDraftRTP/SCSandPEIR,SCLCwillremainveryactiveandengagedonthisissuethroughouttheremainderoftheprocessasweworktogethertofinalizeandapprovea2012RTP/SCSandPEIRforourregionthatisbusinessfriendly,economicallyviable,promotesjobcreationandenhancesthequalityoflifeforallSouthernCalifornians.Commentnoted.SCAGlooksforwardtocontinuingourpartnershipwithSCLC.151‐17RichardSouthern[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,Responsesto410IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseLambrosCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber81.152‐01RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilAstheSCLCevaluatestheRTPtherearesixcoreprinciplesthatwebelieveshouldbepresentinagoodRTP/SCS:•Needstorevivepositiveeconomicimpacts.SCAGhasdonesomeeconomicanalysisandtheSCLSwouldaskthatStaffcompletetheanalysisassoonaspossibleandmakeitwidelyavailablebothtostakeholdersandtoRegionalCouncilmemberssoeveryonecanhavethefullbenefitoftheeconomicimpacts.Howeveratthispointtheanalysisweareseeinglooksverypositive.•Needstoprovidelocalcontrol•Assurethatnewrevenuesourcesarefair,equitableandeconomicallysound•Needstobebalancedandaccountable•CEQAcompliantanddefensible,especiallygivensomerecentlawsuitsagainsttheSANDAGRTP•NeedstoprovideCEQAstreamliningandprotectagainstCEQAabuseCommentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadditionaldetailandexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.WeconsideredthefollowingkeyguidingprinciplesasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategies:•Establishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.•Promotenationalandstateprogramsthatincludereturn‐to‐sourceguaranteeswhilemaintainingflexibilitytorewardregionsthatcontinuetocommitsubstantiallocalresources.•Leveragelocallyavailablefundingwithinnovativefinancingtools(e.g.,taxcreditsandexpansionofTIFIA)toattractprivatecapitalandaccelerateprojectdelivery.•Promotefundingstrategiesthatstrengthenfederalcommitmenttothenation’sgoodsmovementsystem,recognizingthepivotalrolethatourregionplaysindomesticandinternationaltrade.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.152‐02RichardLambrosSouthernCaliforniaLeadershipCouncilIcalluponSCAGtolookcloselyatthelocalimpute,makesurethatlocalimputeactuallymatchesupwithapprovalsontheground.AsSCLClookedatthemapping,wenoticedalotofscenarioswherelocalapprovedplansfordevelopmentarenotreflectedinthemapping.Thatwillcreateasignificantproblemfurtheron.Commentnoted.SCAG’sSCSisbaseduponlocalinputfromlocaljurisdictionsandSB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingitsgeneralplan,beconsistentwiththeSCS.Insomecases,SCAGalteredsmallarealanduseassumptionstobetterreflectrecenttrendsoccurringinmanytransit‐richareasoftheregion.153‐01KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage5‐WeunderstandthatMetrolink'slistofconstrainedprojectsisincludedinthe$3.9billionTransportationInvestmentcostforcommuterrail,alongwithothercommuterrailprojectssubmittedbytheCountyTransportationAgencies.Commentnoted.153‐02KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage21‐InadditiontothefourroutesmentionedthatshareportionswiththeLOSSANcorridor,theAntelopeValleyLinesharesasegmentbetweenLosAngelesUnionStationandBurbankJunction.WealsorecommendremovingthereferencetotheDodgertrains,andreplacingtheteamnamewithamoregeneralreferencetotrainsforsportingevents,andotherspecialevents.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.153‐03KarenSakodaSouthernRTPPage51‐RecommendmodifyingwordingthatstatesCommentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.411IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityexistingrailservicewilleventuallymeet110mph.Speedswillvaryconsiderablydependingontrackconfigurationandgeography,and110mphmaybeattainedwheresafelypossible.153‐04KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityPageRTP53‐ImprovementstotheLOSSANCorridorsectioncontainsasentence"...AVLtraveltimebetweenPalmdaleandLAUScanbeshortenedby33%simplybyskippinglessusedstationstops."RecommendrevisingAVLexpresstrainwordingtostate,"traveltimecouldbeshortenedby25%byskippingselectedstationstops..."Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.153‐05KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage73‐GoodsMovementRialStrategy‐Wesupportexpansionoftherailsystemtoaccommodateanticipatedincreasestofreightandpassengerrailservices.Fundingcapacityexpansion,safetyimprovementsandgradeseparationprojectswillbecrucialtomeetingregionalgoals.Commentnoted.153‐06KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage84‐FornewprojectsthatresultfromimplementationoftheRTP,noisemitigationmeasuresshouldbeaddressedthroughassociatedprojectenvironmentalreviews.Commentnoted.Languagehasbeenclarifiedtoreflectintentthatthemitigationmeasuresmaybeconsideredbyprojectimplementingagencieswhenfeasibleandappropriate.153‐07KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage184‐EnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolbox‐RailRelatedImpactmitigationsposesomechallenges.Wecannotsupporttherecommendationthatrailoperatorsimprovetheacousticalinsulationofdwellingunitswheresetbacksandsoundbarriersdonotsufficientlyreducenoise.Also,recommendingspeedlimitsandlimitsonthehoursofoperationtomitigatenoiseinhibitsMetrolink'sabilitytooperateandexpand.Commentnoted.ThereferencednoisemitigationmeasuresinthefinalversionoftheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxhavebeendeleted.153‐08KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityRTPPage197‐GreaterVisionforourCommuterRailSystem‐TexstatesthatMetrolinkoperates164tripsonweekdays.Currently,Metrolinkoperates163tripsperweekday.Also,thedocumentstates,"WiththeinvestmentsproposedwithintheConstrainedPlan,weexcepttoachievemorethandoubletheridershipby2035."RecommendaddinginvestmentsproposedintheStrategicPlanwhicharealsonecessarytoachievethestatedridershipgrowth.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.153‐09KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityPassengerRail,Page5‐TextstatesthatMetrolinkoperates164tripsonweekdays.Currently,Metrolinkoperates163tripsperweekday.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.153‐10KarenSakodaSouthernPassengerRail,Page10‐RecommendclarifyingwhichCommentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.412IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthority"Authority"isbeingdiscussed.ItissometimesnotclearwhethertheAuthorityistheHSRAuthority,orSCRRA.153‐11KarenSakodaSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAuthorityPassengerRail,Page20‐RecommendaddingwordingtoincludeinvestmentsintheConstrainedPlanandtheStrategicPlantoachieveadoublingofridershipby2035.Commentnoted.TheFinalRTPincorporatesthiscomment.154‐01StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.ConsultingThankyouandSCAGforthisopportunitytoprovidewrittenpubliccommentspertainingtothesubjectDraftPEIRdocumentforthe2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS)document,datedDecember2011.ThefollowingadditionalmitigationmeasuresandsustainablecommunitystrategiesareproposedforSCAG’sconsiderationandinclusionintheFinalProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport(PEIR),asappropriate:1.TheFriendlyCommunitiesprogramisbeingdevelopedasaprivatepublicpartnership,tofocusontheneedsandqualityoflifeissuesuniquetoresidentsofunincorporatedareacommunities,andothercommunitiesofspecialinterest.Thisprogramcouldbereplicatedstatewide/nationwide.Commentnoted.SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber88.154‐02StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.Consulting2.ACountywideVehicleAssetManagementPlantProgram(VAMPP)shouldbeconsideredforstrategiclocationalongmajorrouteswithintheregionalhighwaynetwork,toimprovetheimplementationofstandardizedmaintenanceprogramsforgovernmental,transitandprivatefleetassetservicesmanagement.Thisprogramcouldbereplicatedstatewide/nationwide.Commentnoted.154‐03StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.Consulting3.Technologicaladvancesinvehicle,truckandheavyequipmentlubrication,translatingintosignificantemissionsreductionsandextendedoilservicedrainintervals,canberealizedbytheuseofSyntheticLubricantsandfleetconversiontobypassfiltration.Inarecentstudy,reportedDecember2011,AmsoilSyntheticLubricantsIncreasedFuelEconomy6.54%indieseltruckingapplicationsCommentnoted.154‐04StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.Consulting[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber88.155‐01StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.ThecommentsIwouldliketoexpressandsharewithregardtoqualityoflifeissuesthroughamoreefficienttransportationCommentnoted.413IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseConsultingsystemandamoresustainablesystemoverall.Housingplaysabigroleintransportation.Lately,therehasn’tbeenaninfluxintoSouthernCaliforniaastherehasbeeninthepastandsothesegrowthforecastsneedtobeexaminedandIknowthereissomeworkongoinginthatarea.Sinceithassuchagreatimpactontheneedsfortransportationsystemswhetheritbethehighways,airports,rail,anyofthat–weneedtomakesurewehavereasonablenumbers,reasonableforecasts,andIseethisleadingtothebigpicturewhichisthequalityoflifeforSouthernCalifornia.155‐02StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.ConsultingWeareallfinanciallystrappedrightnow,andthelastthingwelookforistopaymoretobeabletodriveonafreeway.IthinkitiscertainlysomethingthatshouldbeexaminedtoshowthatSANBAG,SCAG,andotheragenciesarespendingourtaxmoney,gastaxmoneyandfederalmoneyinanappropriateway.ThenIthinkwewouldbewillingtogoalongwiththisPlan.Butrightnow,Ithinkitisabigreachforanybodytosaywearewillingtostartpayingtodriveonfreeways.Commentnoted.Ourcurrentfreewaysystemwasfinancedandcontinuestobemaintainedbyrevenuescollectedthroughstateandfederalgastaxes,localsalestaxmeasures,andothersources.TheRTPwouldnotimposeanyfeesortollsonexistinggeneralpurposefreewaylanes.156‐01StephenRogersStephenWRogersP.E.ConsultingThankyouandSCAGforthisopportunitytoprovidewrittenpubliccommentspertainingtothesubjectDraftPEIRdocumentforthe2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS)document,datedDecember2011,andFederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP)ProposedAmendment#‘s11‐24,‐20:ThefollowinghighwayprojectsintheCityofRedlandsareaofSanBernardinoCounty,havebeenmistakenlyleftoutoftheidentifiedFTIPprojectslistsandassociatedRTP/SCSdocuments:1.RedlandsBoulevard/ColtonAve./AlabamaSt./RR‐X’s(SanBAG)Intersection(s)reconstruction2.SanBernardinoAvenue/I‐210FreewayInterchangeUpgrade(impactingproposedRedlandsCrossing(SuperWalMart)development(seecommentletterpertainingtoRedlandsCrossingDraftEnvironmentalImpactReport,attached.)3.AlabamaStreet/I‐10FreewayInterchangeUpgrade1)ThisprojectisprogrammedunderFTIPID#20081704andisincludedonthepostedProjectList.2)SANBAGhasnotyetprogrammedthisprojectintheFTIP.ItmaybeincludedinSR210/betweenHighlandandI‐10inthefutureasspecificdetailsoftheICatthislocationremaintobeworkedout.3)ThisprojectisincludedintheRTPandinthepostedProjectListunderRTPID#4M01025.However,SANBAGhasnotyetprogrammedthisprojectintheFTIP.157‐01SteveBennettSupervisor,FirstDistrict,CountyofVenturaDearSirs&Madams:WhiletheRTPgenerallydoesasoundjobofplanningforthefuturetransportationneedsofourregion,Imusttakeexceptiontotheproposedallocationofamere1.3%oftransportationfundingforsocalled“activetransportation.”Iwouldencouragethataminimumof5‐8%offundingbedevotedtopedestrianandbicyclefacilities.First,SB375Commentnoted.WhileachievingtheSB375mandatetoreducegreenhousegasemissionscanatleastpartiallybeachievedthroughautomobiletripreduction,SB375doesnotmandateautomobiletripreduction.Increasedinvestmentinactivetransportationmayresultinreducedautomobiletrips,whichinturncouldreducegreenhousegasemissions.Basedonpublic414IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemandatesthatthattheRTPaddresstripreduction.Withonly1.3%offundingdevotedtoactivetransportation,thismandateisnotbeingadequatelysatisfied.Second,publicsafetydemandsagreaterallocationforactivetransportation.With25%oftrafficfatalitiesinvolvingbicyclistsorpedestrians,clearlyfarmoremustbedonetoprotectthepublic.Lastly,theconvergenceofglobalwarming,increasingfuelcosts,decliningpersonalincomes,andtheobesityepidemicallpointtowardsanoverwhelmingneedtogreatlyexpandthenon‐motorizedtransportationinfrastructureinourregion.ExpandingtheSCAGregion’sbicycleandpedestriannetworkmustbeaccomplishedatthesametimeasothertransportationfacilityimprovements,andproceedinconcertwiththegrowthofourregioninaplannedandcoordinatedmanner.Forthesereasons,IencouragerevisionoftheRTPtoidentifymajornonmotorizedtransportationneeds,corridors,andlinkages,andtoallocateaminimumof5‐8%oftransportationfundingtoactivetransportation.Cordially,SteveBennettSupervisor,FirstDistrictCountyofVenturainputrequestingadditionalfundingforactivetransportation,the2012RTPincreasedfundingforactivetransportationfrom$1.8billioninthe2008RTPto$6.7billioninthe2012RTP.Muchofthisincreaseinfundingforactivetransportationistiedtothestateandfederalgasexcisetaxadjustmentstomaintainhistoricalpurchasingpowerandmileage‐baseduserfeesinceportionsofthoserevenuesourceswouldbeavailableforfundingactivetransportationinvestments.158‐01WillWrightTheAmericanInstituteofArchitectsOnbehalfoftheLosAngeleschapteroftheAmericanInstituteofArchitects(AIA|LA),Iamwritingtoexpressourthoughtsonthedraft2012–2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP).Withgreatrespectfortheprocesstodraftsuchacomprehensiveplan,wecommendyouontheprogressmadesofar.AsAIA|LAsupportssmartgrowthpoliciesthatfacilitateinfilldevelopmentprojectsandconcentrateourinvestmentsinareasthatsustainthevibrancyoftheurbancore,weencourageyoutoadoptAlternative3(Envision2Alternative)ofthedraftplan.Thisoptionwillfostersmartgrowthlanduseandhousingpatternstoachievesuperiorenvironmentalresultsinairquality,aesthetics,openspaceandfarmlandpreservation,waterconservation,greenhousegasemissionsreductions,mobility,andlanduse.Commentnoted.158‐02WillWrightTheAmericanInstituteofArchitectsTransitprojectsandactivetransportationinvestmentsshouldtakeprecedentoverhighwayexpansionprojects.Infilldevelopmentandtransit‐firstpoliciesarenaturalalliesofeachother.Acceleratingtransitinfrastructureandassociatedjoint‐use,mixed‐incomedevelopmentalsohelpsourregionachieveitssocial,economicandculturaldevelopmentgoals.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSdedicates$55.0billiontotransitcapitalprojects,$51.8billiontopassengerrailcapitalprojects,$6.7billiontoactivetransportationand$139.3intransitoperationsandmaintenancefunding.158‐03WillWrightTheAmericanAIA|LAisconcernedthatthecurrentdraftplanprovidesforaCommentnoted.TheDraftRTPprovides11.2percentoftotal415IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseInstituteofArchitectsdisproportionateshareoffundstowardshighwaycapacityimprovementthatwillfacilitategreenfielddevelopment.TheconsequenceofadditionalfreewaylaneswillbemoreVMTandmoresprawl,withtheassociatedairqualityandinfrastructuremaintenancerequirements.Environmentallyandeconomically,facilitatingmorecompacturbandevelopmentanddesignconservesournaturalresourcesandourtaxdollars.Inshort,adoptingtheEnvision2AlternativePlanwillhelpS.C.A.G.emphasizeitsleadershiproletoshapeemergingland‐useandtransportationplans.MovingforwardweinvitetheS.C.A.G.BoardofDirectorsandstafftoworkwithAIA|LAtoshapeanenvironmentallyhealthyandeconomicallycompellingvisionforthefutureofSouthernCalifornia.fundingtowardstraditionalhighwaycapacityimprovements,includingarterials,highoccupancyvehiclelanes,mixedflowlanes,andinterchangeimprovements.Bycontrast,transitcapacityexpansion(excludingoperationsandmaintenance)accountsfor20.4percentofthetotalRTPfunding.Thealternativeplanrecommendedinthecommentisnotfiscallyconstrained.159‐01WillWrightTheAmericanInstituteofArchitectsTheAIAstronglyencourageSCAGtoreprioritizethefundingallocationsawayfromhighwaysandintotransit.Commentnoted.159‐02WillWrightTheAmericanInstituteofArchitectsWeencourageyoutorecommenda10%allocationtoactivetransportationsomethingthatwillmaketheregionnotonlymoreeconomicallycompetitivebutwillalsomakeitahealthierplace.Commentnoted.159‐03WillWrightTheAmericanInstituteofArchitectsWithregardstotheprocess,isthisRTPanaccumulationofalltheplansthatarecurrentlyalreadyoutthereoristheretrulysomevisionbehindit?Ifwelookatourselvesintheyear2040,willwebeinaplacethatwereallywanttobeinorarejustinaplacethatwearegoingtowardsrightnowandnotreallytakingthemeasurestosortofshiftcourse.Withregardstothevision,thereisanopportunityforSCAGtoengagethearchitecturecommunityalittlemoreindepthandbringforwardsomeofthelivabilityandlifestyleissuesthatareatpresentbeingreducedtotheconversationabouttraffic.Thisisnotabouttraffic,thisisabouthumanconditions,thisaboutlifestyle,thisisaboutthetypeofplacewewanttolivein,bein,andtoexperienceasahuman.SomeofthequestionsIhavebeenreceivingfromthepeopleIrepresentinmyroleonAIAisquestioningwhatistheurbandesignintelligencethatiscurrentlyinherentintheRTP?Isthereurbandesignintelligence,isthereanyconcernwithwhatitisactuallyliketobestandingonyourowntwofeetaroundsomeofthesemajorinvestmentsthatwearemaking?IthinkthereisatrueopportunityperhapstolearnalittlebitthroughthisprocesswhenwerevisitanewplanforthefutureCommentnoted.AfterPlanadoption,wewillcontinuetoworkwithourstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatemetricsforanalyzingandmonitoringkeyassumptionsandoutcomes.416IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseoftheSouthernCaliforniaregiontoreallystarttothinkaboutwhatisthefuturelikeandhowdowecomebackandchangeourimplementationstrategiessothatwegettowherewewanttobeasopposedtosimplyfollowingthepathtowherewethinkweneedtobebasedonthefundingprioritiesthatwehavealreadyset.160‐01PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeThetechnologiesmentionedmustberequiredforfutureprojectsandincorporatethesetechnologiesortheyshouldnotbebuilt.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersandlocalcommunitiestoidentifyandadvanceappropriatestrategiestoreducetheemissionsandnegativeimpactsoffreightmovementonresidentsthroughouttheSCAGregion.160‐02PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeappreciatestheeffortsoftheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)incompletingtheDraft2012RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(2012RTP/SCS).WeareencouragedbytheconcertedeffortsputforthinthedrafttowardsimprovingthetransportationsystemwhichalsoincludessomemeasurestoaddressPublicHealthandAirQualityinourregion.Wehavejoinedwithotherconcernedorganizationstooutlinecommentsontheplanandincorporatethosecommentswithours,howeverwedohavesomespecificconcernswhichwefeelwilldirectlyimpactourcommunitiesintheCityofJurupaValley(formerlyknownasunincorporatedMiraLomacommunityinRiversideCounty)andtheCityofSanBernardinoWestsidecommunities.Commentnoted.160‐03PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeThecommunitiesintheJurupaareahaveformanyyearsseenaninfluxofwarehousingslowlyencroachingintoourneighborhoods.Manyoftheseprojectsareatthefencelineofhomesandschools.Residentsincloseproximitytohighways,andbusystreetswithhighlevelsofdieseltrucktraffic,willexperienceincreasedincidentsofasthma,cancerrisks,cardiovascularandrespiratorydisease,prematuremortality,decreasedlifeexpectancy,reproductivehealthproblems.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.NewtotheTitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisforthe2012RTP/SCS,SCAGhasmappedexposuretoozone,concentrationofparticulatematteremissions,cancerrisks,andrespiratoryhazardrisks.Inordertoassesstheimpactofemissionsonvariousdemographicgroupsthroughouttheregion,emissionsinformationwassummarizedtotheEnvironmentalJusticecommunities.PleasenotethattheRTP/SCSexposestheSCAGregiontofeweremissionscomparedtothenoplanalternativeandtoday’scurrentconditions.Inaddition,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.160‐04PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityComponentsoftheRegionalGoodsMovementSystemSCAGhasaddressedthefactthattheInlandValleyisalreadyhometoCommentnoted.Asnotedinpreviousresponses,theRTP/SCSevaluatesimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.Newtothe417IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseActionandEnvironmentalJustice(2008)about837millionsquarefeetofwarehousingspacewithanother185millionsquarefeetindevelopableland.Anestimated15percentoftheoccupiedwarehousespaceservedport‐relateduseswhiletheremaining85percentsupporteddomesticshippers.NationalandregionaldistributionfacilitiestendtobelocatedintheInlandValleyandconcentratedintheJurupaValley/Fontanaarea.Theimpactstothesurroundingcommunitiesfromthedieselspewingtrucksdrawntothesewarehousescreateseverehealthoutcomesanddisruptionofthequalityoflifeforlocalfamilies.SCAGmustaddresstheseimpactsinasignificantmannerastominimizetothefurthestextentpossibletheenvironmentalandhealthrisksposedfromexposuretodieselexhaust.TitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisforthe2012RTP/SCS,SCAGhasmappedexposuretoozone,concentrationofparticulatematteremissions,cancerrisks,andrespiratoryhazardrisks.Inordertoassesstheimpactofemissionsonvariousdemographicgroupsthroughouttheregion,emissionsinformationwassummarizedtotheEnvironmentalJusticecommunities.AdditionalanalysishasbeenincludedinSCAG’sFinalEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Appendixthatmeasuresthehealthandemissionsimpactsforpopulationslessthanfiveyearsofage.Includedinthissectionwillbetheexistingcancerandrespiratoryriskforareaswithhighconcentrationsofyoungchildren,alongwithprojectedemissionsimpactsfromtheRTPonyoungchildrenforthosewholivewithin500feetoftheregion’sfreewaysandhighlytraveledcorridors.Inaddition,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.160‐05PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeTheimplementationofspecifictruckroutestokeeptrucktrafficawayfromcommunitiesofconcernasprojectspecificstrategiestendnottoaddressspecificimpactstothesecommunities.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithregionalpartnersandstakeholdersandlocalcommunitiestoidentifyandadvanceappropriatestrategiestoreducetheemissionsandnegativeimpactsoffreightmovementonresidentsthroughouttheSCAGregion.160‐06PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeOthermeasuressuchasestablishmentofgreenzone/bufferareabetweendieselsourcesandresidentsofatleast1000feetarenecessarytobeprotectiveofresidentsincloseproximity.Commentnoted.TheEnvironmentalJusticemitigationtoolboxisnotanexhaustivelistofmeasures.Itprovidesasampleofpotentialmeasuresthatcouldbevoluntarilyselectedbyprojectsponsorswhereappropriateandfeasible.Thenoisemeasuresdoincludearecommendationtoconstructsoundreducingbarriersbetweennoisesourcesandnoise‐sensitivelanduses.160‐07PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeAdditionalmitigationmeasuresoftreesandfoliagethathelptotrapmanyoftheultrafineparticlestolessentheimpactstocommunitiesofconcern,soundwallstolessenthenoisepollutionfromresidentialareasthataretooclosetofreewaysandheavilytraveledthoroughfares.Commentnoted.ThenoisemeasureintheEnvironmentalJusticeMitigationToolboxpresentsanoptionalmitigationrecommendationtoconstructsoundreducingbarriersbetweennoisesourcesandnoise‐sensitivelanduses.Implementationofthissuggestedmeasure,includingifthebarriersinvolveoftreesandfoliage,isatthediscretionoftheprojectsponsor.160‐08PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeRegionalCleanFreightCorridorSystemThetruckcorridorthatSCAGhasproposedwillheavilyimpacttheinlandvalleycommunitiesasSCAGhasindicatedtheincreaseoftrucktraffictoourareawillgrowfrom58,000to70,000trucksperdayalthoughthesetruckswouldberemovedfromgeneralpurposelaneswhentheygettoInterstate15andStatehighway60.ThatCommentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemalsoofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.SCAGcontinuesto418IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetrafficwillthenbedumpedintoourcommunitiesataratethatwillcreateanevengreaterhealthcrisisforourcommunities.ThedisregardfortheimpactsoftheplanupontheInlandValleycommunitiessouthofthe15/60interchangemustbeaddressed.Theresidentscan’twaituntil2035forasolutiontothishugeimpact.GoodsmovementstrategiesmustensurethattheSouthCoastairbasinmeetfederalairqualitystandardssetforthintheCleanAirAct.workwithandsupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.160‐09PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeTheRTP/SCSmustremovetheEast‐WestCorridorRouteProject.Commentnoted.160‐10PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeRecommendingbuildinganeast‐westcorridorwithoutanalyzingthehealth,housinganddemographicimpactsoftheprojectontheneighboringcommunitiescanhavesevereenvironmental,healthandjusticeimplicationsfortheentireregion,andparticularlyforlocalcommunitiesofconcernaspreviouslystated.Commentnoted.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Specifichousing,health,anddemographicimpactsfromtheEast‐WestFreightCorridoralignmentidentifiedaspartofthe2012RTPwouldbeanalyzedinmoredetailthroughaprojectlevelEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR).160‐11PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeCommunitiesliketheCityofSanBernardinoWestsideareanexampleofoneoftheworstimpactedbytheBNSFIntermodalRailyardwhichafterahealthriskassessmentconductedin2008foundthatresidentslivingincloseproximityfacedanincreasedcancerriskfromdieselemissionsasmuchas15timeshigherthantheUnionPacificRailyardUPinColtonand3timeshigherthananyotherrailyardintheregion.Totheseresidentsthepointofmaximumimpactis3,300peopleinamillionareatgreatestrisk.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatsomeregionalcommunitiesaremoreacutelyaffectedbygoodsmovementemissionsthanothers.Asaresult,SCAGcontinuestoencourageandsupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.160‐12PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeTheRTP/SCSmustfocusattentiononcleaningupexistingfreightcorridors.RailcompaniesshouldnotexpanduntilrailyardslikeSanBernardino’sBNSFFacilityimplementzeroemissionstechnology.Thesecommunitieswiththehighesthealthriskcannotwaituntil2030forsolutions.Asfreighttransportincreases,SCAGmustencouragetheincorporationofevolvingtechnologiestospecifichighriskareasfirstandnotjustforproposednewprojects.Commentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthatsomeregionalcommunitiesaremoreacutelyaffectedbygoodsmovementemissionsthanothers.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridorisanexampleofgoodsmovementprojectanticipatedtoreduceharmfulemissionsthroughtheuseofzero‐emissiontrucks.SCAGcontinuestoencourageandsupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.160‐13PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalSCAGshouldusethehighestpollutingfacilitiesfortestingandevaluation,aswellasfortheuseofadvancedtechnologylocomotivedemonstrations.Commentnoted.Emissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheregion.SCAGcontinuestoworkwithandsupporteffortsbyregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpacts.419IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseJustice160‐14PennyNewmanTheCenterforCommunityActionandEnvironmentalJusticeThepublichealthevidenceisinsurmountabletodeny.Ourbuiltenvironmentplaysadirectimpacttoourhealthandthetransportationsectormusttakeintoconsiderationthepublichealthimplicationstotheregion,aswellasthosecommunitiesofconcernandnotjusttheregion’seconomicgrowth.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSrecognizestheimportantrolethattransportationandthebuiltenvironmenthaveonpublichealth.InadditiontothepublichealthfactorsmeasuredintheEnvironmentalJusticeanalysis,manystrategiescontainedintheRTP/SCSwillprovidewidespreadbenefitswithintheregionforbothpublichealthandenvironmentalprotection.Forexample,betterplacemakingwillallowpeopletousewalkingandbicyclingmoreregularlyintheirdailylives,andpromotethedevelopmentofurbanparksthusprovidingmoreopportunitiesforrecreationandexercise.Furthermore,usingresearch‐basedratesandvaluationsproducedbytheAmericanLungAssociation,theRTP/SCSresultsina24percentreductionintotalhealthincidences,andsavesover$1.5billionperyearintotalcosts.161‐01CesarCovarrubiasTheKennedyCommissionTheRTP/SCSidentifiedHigh‐QualityTransitAreas(HQTA)intheregionasopportunityplanningareasforthemajorityoffuturehousingandemploymentgrowth.Itisprojectedthatbytheyear2035,51percentofnewhomesand53percentofnewemploymentgrowthwillbedevelopedinHQTA.WhiletheHQTAencourageshigherdensityandcompactdevelopmentnearandaroundjobcentersandtransitamenities,thistypeofdevelopmentdoesnotnecessarilyfacilitatethedevelopmentofaffordablehomesthroughouttheSCAGregion.Whilethereareseveraljurisdictionsthathaveinitiatedurbaninfillortransit‐orienteddevelopments,manyofthesehousingdevelopmentshavebeenplannedordevelopedtoprovidehousingopportunitiesaffordabletohigherincomehouseholds.Thesedevelopmentslackmixed‐incomehousingopportunitiesthatwouldbeavailabletomanyworkingfamilies,especiallylowerincomefamilies,whowanttoliveandworkintheCity.WhilefuturegrowthinHQTAreflectstheemergingdemographictrendsandistherecommendedmajorlandusescenario,theRTP/SCSacknowledgesthattherearepotentialimpactsofdisplacementoflowerincomehouseholdsandgentrificationresultingfromnewtransitorienteddevelopmentsthatattractaffluentresidentsintheneighborhood.TheCommissionrecommendsthatSCAGcloselyanalyze,monitorandmitigateanypotentialimpactsorenvironmentaljusticeinequalitiesstemmingfromfuturedevelopment.Commentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentinanalyzinggentrificationintheregionthroughitsEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)Analysis.Thetrendsobservedindatafromthe2000Censusand2005‐09AmericanCommunitySurvey(ACS)inareaswithtransitorienteddevelopments(TODs)areinconclusive.SCAGwillcontinuetoevaluateandmonitortheinformationbasedontheframeworkpresentedintheEJanalysisinthefutureastheeconomyisrecovering.420IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse161‐02CesarCovarrubiasTheKennedyCommissionOntheJune30,2011SCAGEnvironmentalWorkshop,participantscommentedontheneedforaperformancemeasuresuchasajobs‐housingfitanalysisintheRTP/SCS.Thisanalysiswouldevaluatethetypesofjobsbeingcreatedinthecommunitytothehousingtypesandaffordabilitylevelsofhomesbeingdeveloped.TheRTP/SCShasinsteadprovidedaperformancemeasureonjobs‐housingimbalanceorjobs‐housingmismatchthatanalyzesthesocio‐economicprofilesoflongdistancecommuters.ThisisasmallsteptowardstherightdirectionbuttheCommissionrecommendsthereneedstobemoreresearchandthoroughanalysis,specificallyonthejobs‐housingfit,toprovideabetterunderstandingofhowwecanstrengthenthelinkbetweenjobsandhousingdevelopmentforalleconomicsegmentsofthecommunity.Commentnoted.Pleaseseethejobs/housingfitandbalanceanalysisfortheinter‐countycommutersintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix(pgs.59‐61).SCAGstaffusedthesameLongitudinalEmployer‐HouseholdDynamics(LEHD)dataasSACOG/UCDavistoconductthefollowinganalysis:(1)convertLEHDdatatoSCAGTAZgeographiesandconductacorrelationanalysisbetweentheratioofjobs(employment)toworkers(employableresidents)andtheratioofcommutingdistancetotime;(2)definebothdistanceandtravelbasedbuffersbymodestoinvestigaterelationshipsbetweenjob/workerratio,jobpay/workerearningmatchandcommutingdistance,traveltimeandmodeusage;(3)confirmtheobservationandconclusionforinter‐countycommutersusingtheLEHDdata.Theinitialresultfromtheitem#1inthemethodologydescribedaboveshowedthatthereisnocorrelationbetweenjob/workerratioandcommutingdistance.SCAGanticipatescompletionoftheentireanalysisbysummer2012andwillsharetheresultsandpolicyimplicationswithacademics,MPOsandallinterestedparties.161‐03CesarCovarrubiasTheKennedyCommission[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber90.162‐01BartReedTheTransitCoalitionIdentifytheMeasureRVanNuysandSepulvedaPasstransitprojectsascorridorsratherthandesignatingthemas'busways,'whichcouldimproperlypreemptandprejudicetheenvironmentalclearanceprocess.NotethatneitherMeasureRnorMetrohavechosenthemodeforeithercorridor;“Rapidways”describerapidtransitcorridorsregardlessofmode.Commentnoted.TextintheRTPhasbeenrevisedtoaddressthecomment.162‐02BartReedTheTransitCoalitionConvertingexistingHighOccupancyVehicle(HOV)carpoollanestoHighOccupancyToll(HOT)mustallowcarpoolstohaveaccesstotheselanesfreeofchargeandwithoutmandatorytransponders.Otherwise,theintentoftheRTP/SCSwillbeunderminedanditsoutcomewillunderperformthepotentialoftheselanesduetoareductioninboththenumberofcarpoolsandtheaveragenumberofpassengerspervehicle.Commentnoted.Ontheexisting91ExpressLanesinOrangeCounty,carpoolershavefreeaccessexceptforlimitedpeakperiods/directions.MetrohascommittedtokeepcarpoolsfreeforitsforthcomingdemonstrationprojectsonI‐110andI‐10.Phase2ofSCAG'sExpressTravelChoicescongestionpricingstudywilldirectlyaddressimplementationissuesfortheproposedregionalHOTlanenetworkandhowexistingpoliciescouldbeintegrated.162‐03BartReedTheTransitCoalitionConvertingloadingandunloadingactivitiesattheportstodirectshiptorail(excludinganyintermediatetrucksortingsteps)willenablegreatercapacityatlowercostandenvironmentalimpact.CreationofafreightpipelinefromthePortstotheCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallenges421IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseInlandEmpirewithanundergroundalternativetothe60TruckFreightwayshouldbeanalternative.Inadditiontoaregionalgastaxfortransportation,SCAGshouldimplementadieselfueltaxthataccountsforboththewearandtearonroadwaysaswellaspollution.Receiptsfrombothtaxesshouldbekepttogetherinaregionaltransportationmatchingfund.resultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.163‐01NumanParadaTransitCoalitionInlookingattheRTP,itseemslikeagoodstepintherightdirectioningettingeveryoneinthesameboatandhowtoproceedwithourissuesofaddingpeopleandjobs.ThewayIseeit,weneedtoaddhouses.Weneedtohavejobs,butwehavethisbalancingactofdoingitwithoutconsuminganymoreresourcesthanwhatwealreadyhave.Iagreewithmixedusedevelopmentthatisfocusedonresourcesthatwealreadyhave–infrastructurethatwealreadyhave.SowehopethisPlanproceeds.Commentnoted.163‐02NumanParadaTransitCoalitionWearelookingtowardstheveryrealpossibilitythatwewillhave$5.00agallongasbythissummerandit’sgoingtobeincreasingmoreintheforeseeablefuture.Ifthiscontinues,itwillconsumemoreofafamily’sincome.Becauseofthat,short‐haulflights,whichconsumethemostfuel,maybescuttledinthefuture.Evenifthereweremoreflights,weobviouslyaregoingtobeconstrainedbytheairports.Soweneedamuchbettertransportationsystemandinter‐citysystemmuchlikethehigh‐speedrailprogram.SoIwanttoremindeveryonethatwemustbefocusedandwemustkeepourvisiontoaddresstheseissues.Thisdocumentisagoodfirststep.Commentnoted.TheCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedTrainPhaseOneisintheConstrainedPlanandPhaseTwoisintheStrategicPlanoftheRTP.164‐01ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage23,Vision,TransportationDemandManagementTransportationpricingisnotidentifiedaspartoftheRTP/SCS“vision”eitherasatransportationdemandmanagementmethodorasafinancingtool,eventhoughitisclearlyacomponentofthetransportationplanandfinancialplanforCommentnoted.PricingisdiscussedaspartofspecificstrategiessuchastheExpress/HOTLaneNetworkandintheFinancialPlan.TheOrangeCountySCSisincorporatedinitsentiretyintotheSCAGRTP/SCS.422IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimplementation.TheOrangeCountySCSincludesadescriptionofthecurrentandplannedpricedtransportationnetworkthatshouldbeadaptedtoaddresstheentireregion.RecommendedClarification:AddinformationfromtheOrangeCountySCS(pages126and127oftheSubregionalSustainableCommunityStrategiesTechnicalAppendix)thatdescribestheexistingandplannedinter‐operablepricedtransportationnetworkintheregion,includingtollroads,expresslanesandhighoccupancytoll(HOT)lanes.ThetextcanbeexpandedtoaddressHOTlanes,toll2facilities,expresslanesandtolledtrucklanesintheregionasawhole,andshouldincludethefollowingpoints:Tolledcenterlinemilesintheregionwillincreasefrom61in2008,to408in2035,includingtollroads,expresslanes,HOTlanes,andtolledtrucklanes.PricedlanesprovideflexibilityandoptionsaspartofthecongestionrelieftoolboxofmeasuresdesignedtohelpmeetsustainabilityandemissionreductiongoalsrelatedtoSB375andotherstateandfederalmandates.“Pricedfacilitiesareanespeciallyimportanttoolforprovidingintra‐county,inter‐countyandinterregionalcapacity.”“Theexistingpricedtransportationnetworkservesthelocationswheremajoremploymentandhousinggrowthareprojectedtooccur.”“Tollroadsandexpresslaneschargeusersafeefortravel,buttypicallyofferlesscongestedtrafficlanesthannearbyfreewaysandroadways.Reducedcongestionprovidesimprovedandmoreefficientmobilitywithfewerairpollutantsandgreenhousegas(GHG)emissionscausedbycongestion.”“Thetollroadsystemisdesignedtointerrelatewithtransitservice.ThetollroadscanaccommodateBusRapidTransitandexpressbusservice,andtollroadmediansaresizedandreservedtoprovidetheflexibilityforfuturetransit,ifappropriate.”PricedfacilitiessuchastheOrangeCountytollroadsareprivatelyfunded.ThisinsuresthatthesefacilitiescanrelievecongestionandassociatedairpollutionandGHGemissionswithoutfurtherstressinglimitedstate,federalandlocaltransportationfundingresources.164‐02ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage42,MajorHighwayCompletionProjects,Table2.2SR‐241(ORA052)isidentifiedinTable2.2asamajorhighwaycompletionproject.However,thecompletionyearislistedas2020‐2030.Althoughwideningwilloccurinthe2020to2030timeframe,theofficialprojectdescriptionidentifiestheCommentnoted.Table2.2hasbeenrevisedwiththecorrectcompletionyearof2030.DiscussionoftransportationcontrolmeasuresisincludedintheTransportationConformityReportAppendix.423IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecompletiondateas2030.RecommendedClarification:InTable2.2,werequestthatthecompletiondateforSR241beclarifiedas2030,consistentwiththeprojectdescriptionforORA052.IntheinterestofestablishingthatsomemajorhighwayprojectsinTable2.2provideemissionsreductionbenefitswithoutburdeninglimitedfederal,stateandlocalfundingresources,werequestthefollowingclarifyingfootnote:SR241isaprivatelyfundedTransportationControlMeasure.164‐03ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage56,Express/HOTLaneNetworkThisappearstobetheonly“pricedtransportation”discussioninthetransportationinvestmentschapter.Itdoesnotidentifyhowmanymilesofpricedlanesexistnow,orhowmuchthatnetworkwillbeexpandedintheplan.Tollroadsareincludedinthepricedtransportationnetwork,alongwithexpresslanes,andHOTlanes,butarenotincludedinthediscussion.However,TCA’sTollRoadsaredepictedinExhibit2.6,RegionalHOTLaneNetwork.Theterminologyshouldbeclarified.RecommendedClarification:Re‐titlethissection,“ExpressLanes,HOTLanesandTollRoads:ThePricedTransportationNetwork.”Table2.6shouldberetitled“ExpressLanes,HOTLanesandTollRoads”Thetextshouldprovidebriefdefinitionsofeachtypeoffacilitythatmakesupthepricedtransportationnetwork,asExpressLanes,TollRoadsandHOTLaneseachoperatedifferently.Thediscussionshouldincludethatexpresslanes,HOTlanesandtollroadsgenerateuserfeesthatpayforconstructionandoperationoftheirfacilities.ThetextshoulddiscussthatallpricedfacilitiesintheSCAGregioninsureinter‐operabilitybyusingacommontechnology,FasTrak,tocollectuserfees.ThetextshoulddiscussthatallpricedfacilitiesintheSCAGregioninsureinter‐interoperabilitybyusingacommontechnology,FasTrak,tocollectuserfees.Thetextshouldestablishthecongestionreducinggoalofpricedtransportation,andtheassociatedcriteriapollutantsandGHGemissionsbenefitsofprovidingfreeflowcapacitythatavoidsemissionsgeneratedbyidling.Inaddition,userfeesprovideaneconomicincentiveforcost‐sharingthatpromotesride‐sharing,whichisbeneficialtoreducedcriteriapollutantsandGHGemissionsreductions.Commentnoted.ThepagereferencedintheRTP/SCSidentifiestheproposedExpress/HOTLaneNetwork,andisnotintendedtobeageneraldiscussionofpricedtransportation.TheTCAtollroadsareprovidedinthereferencedExhibit2.6aspartofthebackgroundlayerrepresentingmajorplannedhighwayprojects,includingmixed‐flowandHOVprojects.164‐04ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage76,ConservationPlanningPolicyThedescriptionofthispolicyrequiresclarificationtoexpresstheintentofSCAG’sEnergyandEnvironmentPolicyCommitteeandthecoalitionofCommentnoted.AreferencetoOCTA’sMeasureMMitigationProgramwillbeincludedintheFinalRTP/SCS.TheconservationpolicywasaspartofthefinalRTP/SCScraftedwithpoints424IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemorethan20public,non‐profitandprivatesectorinterests,includingTCAthaturgedSCAGtoincludeit.RecommendedClarification:AddaparagraphthatexplainswhytheconservationprogrambenefitsGHGemissionsandothercriteriapollutantsreductions.Specifically,inadditiontomeetingSafe,Accountable,Flexible,EfficientTransportationEquityAct:AlegacyforUsers(SAFETEA‐LU)requirements,theopenspacelandsconservationprogramwouldusenaturallandacquisitiontosequester(store)carbon,avoidGHGemissions,andreducevehiclemilestraveled(VMT).Thisproposedprogramallowsforearlyimplementationandmitigationopportunities.JurisdictionswouldhavetheoptiontoinvestearlyinthisopenspacestrategywhichoffersimmediateGHGemissionsavoidancebenefits,whilesimultaneouslyproceedingwiththelongertermandplanningintensiveprojectstobuildtransportationcentersnearexistingresidentialareas,oremploymentcentersneartransitstations,etc.SuggestedstepstodeveloparegionalconservationplanningpolicyshouldbeexpandedtoincludethefollowingkeypointssupportedbySCAG’sEnergyandEnvironmentCommitteeandthecoalitionthatrecommendedthisprogram:Builduponexistingopenspacelandacquisitionandopenspaceprogramsintheregion,tailoringprogramstoeachindividualcountyintheregion.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto,OCTA’sMeasureMMitigationProgram,andTCA’sopenspacemitigationprogram,whichhasprotected2,200acresinperpetuitytodate.Pursueopenspaceconservationinavoluntarymanner,workingwithwillingprivatesectorlandowners.identifiedinthecomment.Theairqualitybenefitsoftheconservationpolicyarecurrentlydescribedonpage78ofthefinalRTP/SCS.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeTransportationCorridorAgenciesinthefuture.164‐05ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage78,GreenhouseGasesThedraftdocumentstatesthat“Thetransportationsector,primarily,carsandtrucksthatmovegoodsandpeople,isthelargestcontributor[togreenhousegas(GHG)emissions]with36.5percentoftheState’stotalGHGemissionsin2008.Onroademissions(frompassengervehiclesandheavydutytrucks)constitute93percentofthetransportationsectortotal.”Thisstatementcoversonlypartofthetransportationsystem’sGHGemissionsrole.ThetextmustrecognizeprojectsthatreducetransportationnetworkGHGemissionsbyrelievingcongestionandinsuringfree‐flowconditions.BecauseGHGemissionsfromvehiclesincreaseinstop‐and‐gotraffic,congestionreliefprojectsthateliminateCommentnoted.EditsarereflectedintheTransportationandSafetysectionoftheFinalRTP/SCS.425IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebottlenecksandmaintainfree‐flowconditionsactuallyreducetransportationnetworkGHGemissions,muchasTransportationControlMeasuresaretransportationprojectsthatreducecriteriapollutants.Further,theSB375RegionalTargetsAdvisoryCommittee(RTAC)recommendstrackingtheperformanceofsuchstrategies“tosmoothextremecongestiontomorecarbon‐friendlyspeeds”initsfinalreporttotheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard.RecommendedClarification:Insertthefollowingstatementsonpage78:CongestionreliefprojectsreducetransportationnetworkGHGemissions,whichotherwiseresultfromidling.ConsistentwiththeSB375RTAC’srecommendationinitsfinalreporttotheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoard,theRTP/SCSincludesprojectsandstrategiesdesigned“tosmoothextremecongestiontomorecarbon‐friendlyspeeds.”AsubsetofprojectsincludedintheDraftRTP/SCSreduceGHGemissionsbyprovidingreliefofexistingandprojectedcongestion.Theseincludetollroads,expresslanes,HOTlanes,highoccupancyvehicle(HOV)lanes,anddedicatedtrucktolllanes.CongestionpricingisapowerfultransportationdemandmanagementtoolincorporatedintheDraftRTP/SCSforreducingGHGemissions.SCAGhaslaunchedatwo‐yearstudyofcongestionpricingstrategiesthatcanprovideneededtransportationfacilitieswhilereducingtheregion’sGHGemissionsassociatedwithvehicletrips.OrangeCounty’stollroadnetworkisaprimeexampleofpricedcongestionreliefprojects.Thetollroadshavevariablepricingincentivesthatspreadoutvehicleusetolimitpeak‐hourcongestionthatleadstoincreasedGHGemissions.OtherexamplesofprojectsthatreduceGHGemissionsontheregionaltransportationnetworkincludeexpresslanes,164‐06ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage79,AirQualityTransportationControlMeasures(TCMs)arementionedasmitigationmeasures,butarenotdefinedorillustrated.TheimportanceofTCMsneedstobeclarifiedandexpandedtoclearlycommunicatetheirairqualityroleintheRTP.RecommendedClarification:•ProvideabriefdescriptionofprojectsthatqualifyasTCMs.•ExplaintheroleofTCMsinreducingemissions.•ProvideareferencetothelistofTCMscontainedintheConformityTechnicalReport.Commentnoted.AppropriaterevisionsweremadeinthefinalRTP/SCS.164‐07ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorPage86,FinancialPlan,IntroductionThedraftdocumentstatesthat“WehavesuccessfullyimplementedtollsystemsinthepastCommentnoted.Weagreethatpricedtransportationfacilitiescanprovideforfinancialinnovation,especiallywhentheycan426IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAgencieswiththeTransportationCorridorAgencies’networkoftollroadsandtheSR‐91ExpressLanesinOrangeCounty.Thiskindofinnovationintransportationcontinuesasneighboringcountieswithinourregionconsiderabroadernetworkoftollsystems.”However,thestatementneedstoclarifythefinancialplanningimportanceofprivatelyfundedtollfacilities.RecommendedClarification:Pricedtransportationfacilitiesalsoprovidetheopportunityforfinancialinnovation.TheOrangeCountytollroads(SR73,SR133,SR241,andSR261)areprivatelyfunded.TheyprovidecongestionreliefandassociatedairpollutionandGHGemissionsreductionwithoutfurtherstressinglimitedfederal,state,andlocaltransportationfunding.facilitateprivatefinancingtobepaidbackwithtollrevenuesorotheruserfees/pledgedsourceofrevenues.164‐08ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage92,CoreRevenues,RegionalRevenuesTable3.6,RegionalRevenues,identifiedfederal,stateandlocalsourcesoftransportationfundingfortheplan.Nowhereinthedocumentistheprivatesectorfundingcontributionassumedfortheplandescribed,althoughtollroadwidenings,expansions,andnewtolledfacilitiesthatareprivatelyfundedareincludedintheplanandinthetotalcostoftheplan.Accuratelydescribingtheextentofprivatefundingisanimportantpublicdisclosure,andanimportantelementofthefinancialplanthatrelievestheburdenonlimitedfederal,stateandlocaltransportationfunding.RecommendedClarification:•Clarifyinthetextthepercentageoftotalfundingcontributedbyprivatesources.ThissumshouldincludetheprivatelyfundedOrangeCountytollroads(SR73,SR133,SR241,andSR261).•Acompanionpie‐chart,similartoTable3.6,showingthesplitbetweenpublicandprivatefundingwouldalsoclarifythispoint.Commentnoted.Privatefundingisspecificallydescribedundertheprivateequityparticipationportionofthereasonablyavailablerevenuesources.Whileprivatefinancingisanimportantinnovativefinancingtool,itshouldbenotedthattheassociateddebtmustbepaidbackthroughtollsorsomeformofreturnoninvestmenttofacilitateprivatesectorparticipantstotakeoninvestmentrisks.TheRTPdoesincludeprivatefunding(andnotjustfinancing),thoughitisasmallshareoftheoverallrevenuesources.164‐09ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage103,Table3.52012RTPRevenues(inNominalDollars,Billions)UntilsuchtimethattheTCABoardreviews,considers,and/orapprovesaVMT‐baseduserfee;TCAisnotinapositiontosupportanincreaseinfeesasproposedinthedraftPlan.Furthermore,thedraftdoesnotclarifyhowthecostofaproposednewVMTfee,increasedgastaxfee,tollsanduserfeeswouldlayerovereachother.Itappearsthattheywouldaccumulateforindividualdrivers,withapotentiallysignificanteconomicimpactondriversandhouseholds.Driverspayingtousetollroads,expresslanesandHOTlaneswouldbepayingtwiceforthesamemileage.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationsonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Thisreportalsoclearlystatesthatthemileage‐baseduserfeeandadjustmentstostateandfederalgasexcisestaxeswouldnotlayerovereachother.Thepotentialimplementationofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisnotassumedtostartuntil2025.Itisalsoassumedtoreplacetheexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetax.Weacknowledgethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective,whichisbasisforassumptionthatimplementationbeginsafter2025.Theinclusionofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisbasedonrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablished427IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LUtoestablishsustainabletransportationrevenuesources.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.Theproposedmileage‐baseduserfee,likeexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetaxes,isdirectlylinkedtotheamountoftransportationresourceused.Whilethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldchargedriversforeachmiletraveled,theexistinggasexcisetaxeschargedriversforeachgallonconsumed.Theamountofgallonsofgasconsumedisadirectproductofthetotalnumberofmilestraveled.AlldriverscurrentlyusingtheexistingTCAfacilitiespaytollsforuseofthetollroadsandthe91ExpressLanes(iftheyuseit):theypaystateandfederalgastaxes(whichfundsTCAfacilitiesoperationandmaintenance);andtheypaytheMeasureMsalestax(iftheypurchasegoodsinOrangeCounty).Theintroductionofthemileage‐baseduserfeedoesnotintroducealayerofcoststhatdonotalreadyexist.TheExpressTravelChoicesPhaseIIstudy,includedintheRTPwillspecificallyaddresscoordinatingpoliciesonpricingofexpress/HOTlanesandtollfacilitiesthroughouttheSCAGregion.164‐10ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage145,Exhibit4.17,LandUsePatternOrangeCounty(2035)ThesoutherlyportionofSR241(ORA052),fromOsoParkwaytotheSanDiegoCountyborder,hasbeeninadvertentlyleftoffthismap.RecommendedClarification:•PleaseshowtheSR241alignmentonExhibit4.17consistentwiththeprojectmodelinglistandothertransportationnetworkmapsintheDraftRTP/SCS.Commentnoted.SCAGwillupdateExhibit4.17.164‐11ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPage161,PerformanceOutcomesThistextshouldclearlystatethatperformancemeasuresandoutcomesarenotintendedtoapplytoindividualareasorprojects,butrathertotheregionasawhole.RecommendedClarification:Werecommendthatthefollowingclarificationbeinserted:PerformancemeasuresandexpectedoutcomeswillbeusedtomonitortheRTP/SCSattheregionallevel;thesemeasuresandoutcomesarenotproposedforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSperformancemeasuresareassessedattheregionallevel.ClarifyinglanguagewillbeaddedtoTable5.1statingthatthesemeasuresarenotrequiredforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.164‐12ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorPage207,StrategicPlanSCAGassumes$100billionwillbeavailablefromafutureVMTfeestartingin2025,butfundingforCommentnoted.Weagreethatadditionalworkisneededbeforethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldbecomeeffective.428IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAgenciesmileage‐baseduserfeedemonstrationprojectsandimplementationstrategiesarenotincludedintheconstrainedRTP/SCS;theyarelistedintheunfundedStrategicPlan.TheTCABoardhasmadenodecisionontheuseofVMTfeesanduntilsuchtimeisunabletosupportitsuseintheproposedinthedraftPlan.Thatiswhywedidnotassumeitwouldbeimplementedpriorto2025.Theinclusionofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisbasedonrecommendationsfromtwonationalcommissionsestablishedbyCongressthroughSAFETEA‐LUtoestablishsustainabletransportationrevenuesources.Inadditiontoeffortsunderwaythroughoutthecountry,wewilllay‐outanimplementationplanforthemileage‐baseduserfeeintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.Includedintheimplementationplanwillbestepstoevaluateandaddressanydisproportionateimpactstousers.Themileage‐baseduserfeedemonstrationprojectsandimplementationstrategies,includedintheStrategicPlan,areillustrativeprojectsthatcouldbefundedifadditionalresourcesbecomeavailable.164‐13ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesHighwaysandArterialsTechnicalReportPage15,Express/HighOccupancyToll(HOT)LaneNetwork.Aswiththecommentonpage57ofthemainRTP/SCSdocument,thetechnicalreportshouldclearlyincludetollfacilitiesinthedescriptionofprojectsincludedinthiscategory.OrangeCountytollroadsarenotcategorizedasexpressorHOTlanes,butcollecttollsasameansofinsuringlow‐emissionfree‐flowcapacityandfundingtheconstructionandoperationofthefacility.TollroadsintegratewithexpresslaneandHOTlanefacilitiesviathecommonFasTraktechnologythatallowsinter‐operabilityandconveniencefordrivers.Retitlethissection,“ExpressLanes,HOTLanesandTollRoads:ThePricedTransportationNetwork.”•Table2.6shouldberetitled“ExpressLanes,HOTLanesandTollRoads”•Thetextshouldprovidebriefdefinitionsofeachtypeoffacilitythatmakesupthepricedtransportationnetwork,asexpresslanes,tollroadsandHOTlaneseachoperatedifferently.RecommendedClarification:ThetextshoulddiscussthatallpricedfacilitiesintheSCAGregionensureinter‐operabilitybyusingacommontechnology,FasTrak,tocollectuserfees.•Thediscussionshouldincludethatexpresslanes,HOTlanesandtollroadsgenerateuserfeesthatpayforconstructionandoperationoftheirfacilities.•Thetextshouldestablishthecongestionreducinggoalofpricedtransportation,andtheassociatedcriteriapollutantsandGHGemissionsbenefitsofprovidingfreeflowcapacitythatavoidsemissionsgeneratedbyidling.Inaddition,userfeesprovideaneconomicincentiveforcost‐sharingthatpromotesridesharingwhichisCommentnoted.ThissectionofthereportidentifiestheproposedExpress/HOTLaneNetwork,andisnotintendedtobeageneraldiscussionofpricedtransportation.TheTCAtollroadsareprovidedinExhibit6aspartofthebackgroundlayerrepresentingmajorplannedhighwayprojects,includingmixed‐flowandHOVprojects.429IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebeneficialtoreducedcriteriaandGHGemissionsreductions.164‐14ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesSCSBackgroundDocumentationPages36and37,LandUsePatternMapsfor2020and2035.BothofthesemapsareinconsistentwithtransportationnetworkmapsinthedocumentanddonotincludeSR241(ORA052),specificallycalledoutintheRTPasaTCMandpricedtransportationprojectinsouthernOrangeCounty.RecommendedClarification:PleaseshowtheSR241alignmentontheLandUsePatternMapsfor2020and2035consistentwiththeprojectmodelinglistandothertransportationnetworkmapsintheDraftRTP/SCS.Page54,PricingandVehiclePolicyAssumptions.Thisdiscussiononlyreferstoa2‐centpermileVMTfee;thePlanproposesa5‐centpermilefee.Thisinconsistencyshouldbeeliminated.RecommendedClarification:•Amendthereferencetoa2‐centVMTfeetoa5‐centpermileVMTfeestartingin2025,consistentwiththeRTP/SCSmaindocument.Addthefollowingsentence:•Tollroads,expresslanesandHOTlaneschargevaryingtollspermileforuseoftheirfacilities.Tollsareproject‐specificandtypicallyvarybytimeofdayanddayoftheweek.TollscollectedforexistingtollroadsinOrangeCountyarededicatedtooperationalexpensesandretiringthebondsissuedforconstruction.Commentnoted.Theexisting,notplanned,highwaynetworkisusedforreferenceintheLandUsePatternMaps.RegardingPage54,thissectionofthereportsummarizesvariousplanningassumptionsusedinasketchscenariomodelingexercisetoinformpublicworkshops.Itisnotintendedtobeageneraldiscussionofpricedtransportation.164‐15ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesTransportationConformityTechnicalReportPage14,TollRoads:ThediscussionoftollroadassumptionsspecificallymentionsexpresslanesandHOTlanes,butnottolledfacilitiessuchasexistingtollroadsSR73,SR241,SR133andSR261inOrangeCounty.Recommendedclarification:SR241shouldbeaddedtoTable6asatolledfacilityandtheeffectofthetollchargesonitshouldbeincorporatedintothehighwayassignmentprocedure.Table6shouldberetitledappropriatelytoinclude"ExpressLane,HOTLaneandTollRoadNetworks."ThischangeshouldalsobemadeinthemainRTP/SCSdocument.Commentnoted.Alltollroadsareappropriatelyincludedinthe2012RTP/SCShighwaynetworksandmodeled(theeffectoftheTCAtollchargesonthosetollroadswasincorporatedintothehighwayassignmentProcedure),andthetextwillberevisedtoreflecttheTCAtollroadsarepartoftheexistingtollroadnetwork.TheintentionofTable6istoidentifytheExpressLanenetworknewtothe2012RTP.164‐16ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgencies[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber91.164‐17ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesTransportationConformityTechnicalReportGeneralThisreportaddressestheneedforthetransportationsystemtoenhanceemergencypreparedness,andtransportationsecurityandpreparedness.Projectsthatenhancetheregion’ssecurityareCommentnoted.MosttransportationprojectsidentifiedintheRTP/SCSwillhelpimprovetransportationsafetyandsecurityintheregiondirectlyorindirectly.SCAGconcursthattheredundancyprovidedbyprojectssuchasSR‐241couldassistin430IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsenotidentified.RecommendedClarification:ProvideillustrationsoftransportationprojectsneededintheRTP/SCStoimprovetransportationsecurity.Forexample,thesoutherlyextensionofSR241providesanalternativerouteconnectingtheSCAGandSanDiegoAssociationofGovernmentscoastalregions,whichhaveveryhighcurrentandprojectedtravelvolumes.Thisroutewilleasefutureprojectedcongestiontoensurecriticalcapacityforaccessandevacuationintimesofenvironmentalorotheremergencies,suchasearthquakes,wildfires,trafficaccidents,andpotentialnuclearthreatsattheSanOnofreplant.Theneedforanalternativeroutewasrecentlyillustratedbythelackofevacuationcapacityfromthe2007NorthSanDiegoCountywildfires.addressingmassevacuationduringcatastrophiceventsintheregion.Inaddition,SCAGhasthreeareaswhereitcanassistbothbeforeamajoremergencyandduringtherecoveryperiod:1.Provideapolicyforumtohelpdevelopregionalconsensusandeducationonsecuritypoliciesandemergencyresponse.2.Assistintheplanningandprogrammingoftransportationinfrastructurerepairs3.Leverageprojectsandplanningfunctions(includingIntelligentTransportationSystems,alsoknownasITS)thatcanenhanceorprovidebenefittotransportationsecurityeffortsandthoseresponsibleforplanningandrespondingtoemergencies.a.IntegratesecurityintotheregionalITSarchitectureb.Becomeacentralrepository/mirrorforregionalgeo‐datathatcanbeusedforplanning,training,responseandreliefeffortsoflawenforcementpersonnelandemergencyresponders.SCAGworkswithlocal,stateandfederalagenciesintheplanningfordisasterresponse.Asanexample,SCAGcollaboratedwithlocaljurisdictions,theStateofCaliforniaandtheFederalEmergencyManagementAgencyinthedevelopmentoftheSouthernCaliforniaCatastrophicEarthquakeResponsePlan.TheSouthernCaliforniaCatastrophicEarthquakeResponsePlan(OPLAN)providesacoordinatedstate/federalresponsetoacatastrophicearthquakeinSouthernCalifornia.SCAGhasalsoassistedlocaljurisdictionsbymodelingregionalimpactsoftransportationfailures,suchasaninterchangecollapse.SCAGregularlyupdatestheregionalITSArchitecturetoincorporatesecurity,mostrecentlyPositiveTrainControl.WhileSCAGhasaroleinplanningfortransportationinfrastructure,andtherepairoftransportationinfrastructureafteradisaster,CountyOfficesofEmergencyServicesandtheFederalEmergencyManagementAgencyareresponsibleforimmediateandsustaineddisasterresponseincludingtheidentificationofsafeaccess/evacuationroutesbasedonthenatureoftheemergency.164‐18ValarieMcFallTransportationCorridorAgenciesPerformanceMeasuresTechnicalReportPage2,discussionoftypesofperformancemeasures.Aswiththecommentonpage160ofthemainRTP/SCSdocument,thetextmustmakeclearthattheperformanceindicatorsareintendedtobeappliedtoCommentnoted.ThePerformanceMeasuresAppendixwasrevisedtostatethattheRTP/SCSperformancemeasuresarenotrequiredforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.431IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheRTP/SCSattheregionallevelandarenotproposedforproject‐specificapplication.RecommendedClarification:Werecommendthatthefollowingclarificationbeinserted:•PerformancemeasuresandexpectedoutcomeswillbeusedtomonitortheRTP/SCSattheregionallevel;thesemeasuresandoutcomesarenotproposedforuseatthesubregionalorproject‐specificlevel.165‐01JohnLongvilleTrustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrictAsapastpresidentofSCAG(1992‐1993)whohasbeenactiveinCaliforniatransportationpolicyformorethan35years,IamencouragedtoseeourMPOproposingtoaddressthedeclininginvestmentsourStatehasbeenmakinginneededconstructionandmaintenance.DecadesagoCaliforniawiselyspenttaxdollarstobuildandrepairthevitaltransportationinfrastructureonwhichourentireeconomydepends.Wemustresumethatlevelofinvestmentsothatourchildrenwillbeabletocompeteeffectivelyinthe21stcenturyworldeconomy.Commentnoted.166‐01JohnLongvilleTrustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrictAsapastpresidentofSCAG(1992‐1993)whohasbeenactiveinCaliforniatransportationpolicyformorethan35years,IhopethatwewillretaintheabilityinthisRTP/SCStoadoptnewtechnologicalsolutionstoourgoodsmovementproblems,aswellasthecurrentlyproposedtruckcorridorstrategy.Privatesectorinvestorsaredevelopinganalternativehighlymechanizedfreight‐movingsystemthathaswonthesupportoftheSierraClubforitsenvironmentalbenefitsandthatofferssomeremarkableenergyandtimeadvantagesaswell.SCAG’sfinallanguageintheRTPshouldbewrittenbroadlyenoughtoavoidneedlesslyplacingobstaclesinthewayofsuchtechnologicalprogressingoodsmovementabilities.Commentnoted.ThankyouforyourpastservicetoSCAG.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.167‐01JohnLongvilleTrustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrictOurgenerationhasbenefitedgreatlyfromthetransportationinvestmentsthatearlierCaliforniansmademanydecadesago.Wehavebeenlessforesightedinrecentyears,decliningtopayformuchoftheinfrastructuremaintenance,expansionsandimprovementsthatthosewhofollowuswillneed.“ReasonablyCommentnoted.432IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseavailablerevenues”shouldnotbediscountedtoaccommodatethosewhohavereapedtherewardsofearlierpublicexpendituresbutnowdonotwanttopayforwardafairsharefortheneedsofourchildrenandgrandchildren.168‐01JohnLongvilleTrustee,SanBernardinoCommunityCollegeDistrictMorethan20yearsagoIwasoneofthefoundersoftheSouthernCaliforniaRegionalRailAssociation,whichcreatedMetrolink.Unfortunately,manypeoplearestillunabletouseMetrolink,eitherbecauseofinadequatetrainfrequencyorbecausethesystemhastoomanyunservedareas.Improvementstothatexistingsystemwillmakeitusefulforalargerproportionofourpopulation,greatlyincreasingtheoverallefficiencyoftheregion'stotaltransportationsystem.Commentnoted.TheDraftRTPincludes$4.1billionforcapitalexpansionofthecommuterrailsystem,plusadditionalfundingforspeedimprovementsassociatedwiththeCaliforniaHighSpeedRailproject.169‐01FrankColcordUnitarianUniversalistLegislativeMinistryTheUULMwillbesubmittingdetailedcommentsinwritingthatwillemphasizethingslikeactivetransportation.IamheretodaymainlytovoicegeneralsupportfortheDraftRTP/SCS.Mydemonization’sprincipalsemphasizeinheritworthanddignityoftheindividualwhilerecognizinghumankindsinterconnecteddependenceonourenvironment.TheRTPreflectsthosevaluesbyhelpingensureaccesstotransportationandhousingforallthoseinourcommunityinwaythatemphasizesenvironmentalsustainability.TheRTPfillarealneedwhichistorideatangiblevisionforwhatourcommunitycanlooklikeinthistimeofclimatechange.Commentnoted.170‐01MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeWearepleasedthatthedraftRTPandSCShaveanumberofpositiveelementsexpandingcleantransportation,encouragingmoresustainablelanduses,andreducinggreenhousegasemissions:‐Theplanningprocesstookaccountoftherelationshipbetweentransportation,landuse,sustainability,environmentaljusticeandeconomicdevelopment.‐Thedraftplancallsforsignificantinvestmentsintransitconstruction,operationsandmaintenance,‐ThedraftplanincreasesinvestmentsinactivetransportationcomparedtopreviousRTPs.‐Thedraftplananticipatesthatvehiclemilestraveledwillincreaselessthanpopulationgrowth‐Thesustainablecommunitiesstrategyquantifieshowdifferentformsofgrowthwillhaveverydifferentimpactsonsprawl,energyandwateruseandothersustainabilityindicators.‐Thedraftplananticipatesadoptionofzeroemissiontechnologiestowardstheendoftheplantimeframe.‐Thedraftplansupportshighspeedrail.‐ThedraftplananticipatesareductioningreenhousegasCommentnoted.433IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseemissionsfromtransportationinlinewiththegoalsofSB375.‐Thesinglelargestanticipatedfundingsourceinthedraftplanisimplementationofafeeondrivingoranincreaseinthegastax,eitherofwhichwoulddiscouragedriving.‐Muchofthenewhighwayspaceproposedinthedraftplanistollroads,HOVlanes,orHOTlanes(opentoHOBorTolls)andthereforemayleadtolessnew,induceddrivingthantheprovisionoffree,multiuselanes.Wehowever,believethattheplanscandomoreandneedtodomoretoexpandalternativestodriving;pricecarandtrucktraffictoreflecttheirnegativeexternalities;reducetheamountofspacegiventocars,trucksandparking;creategoodplacesratherthansprawl;andcleanupthegoodsmovementindustry.170‐02MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeRapidlycreateamorebalancedtransportationsystem.TheSCAGregionhas21,638center‐linemilesofroad,4315milesofbikewaysofvariedquality(almostzeroifitprotectedlanesonstreets),and470milesofpassengertrains(only80milesofwhichislightrail/subway,therestmetrolink).Opportunitiesandinfrastructuretowalk,bike,andtaketransitshouldberapidlyexpandedsoresidentshavechoiceshowfartogetaround.1.Significantlyincreaseinvestmentsinactivetransportationfromthe$6billionbudgeted.TheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealthcalculatesthat$40billionisneededtofixsidewalks,implementjurisdictions'bikeplans;andinvestinlastmileinfrastructureneartransitstations.‐Streetsareourmostimportantpublicspacessoweshouldreconfigurethemtobevibrant,safe,healthyplacesratherthanspacesdesignedtomoveasmanycarsaspossiblewithoutregardsforimpactsonadjacentactivities.Activetransportationfundingshouldconvertexistingarterialsandlocalstreetstobeworldclasslivingandcompletestreets.SCAGshouldencouragejurisdictionstofollowthestreetdesignstandardscontainedintheModelDesignManualforLivingStreets.‐MostcitiesintheSCAGareahavenotdevelopedbikeorpedestrianplanssopartofthisfundingshouldgotowardsassistingthesecitiesindevelopingplansearlyintheimplementationyears.‐Mostpeoplewillnotridebicycleintraffic(orseparatedfromtrafficbyapaintedline).Inthedevelopedworld,everynationwithhighratesofcyclinghasseparatedbikefacilitieswhileeverynationwithlowcyclingrateslacksthisinfrastructure.Let'sstartCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.434IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecreatinganetworkofprotectedbikelanes/cycletracksinallurbanizedareasofSouthernCalifornia,liketheDutchdidbeginninginthemid1970's.Budgetatleast$1billionfortheconstructionof1000‐2000milesofprotectedbikelinestoincreaseratesofcyclingamongnontraditionalcyclistsconstructedinLongBeach.170‐03MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege2.ExpandandacceleratetransitinvestmentssoallplannedtransitprojectsintheRTPareconstructedby2022.Existingandnewtransitservicesshouldbefundedsoastobeaffordablewithfrequentservice.Rapidbusesshouldserveallmajorstreetsinurbanareassothatbusesbecomethedefaultmotorizedtransportationchoice.Commentnoted.SCAGsupportsanexpansionofBRTservicesandothertransitprojectswithfrequentandaffordableserviceassoonasfundingbecomesavailable.170‐04MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegePayforadditionalactivetransportationandtransitinvestmentsbydefundingharmfulhighwayprojectsandbyidentifyinglocalrevenuesourcesthattaxharmfultransportation.Movingpeoplebycarsandmaterialsbytrucksanddieseltrainsandseparatingwherewelivefromwhereweworkandshopproducesfatalcollisions,cancerandheartdisease,obesityanddiabetes,andclimatechangewithadisparateimpactonresidentsoflowincomeneighborhoodsbisectedbyhighwaysandlivingnearports,warehouses,railyardsandintermodalfacilitie.SCAGshouldprojectsthatincreaseharmfultransportationandtaxdrivingandfreighttransporttopayforcleantransportation.1.Chancelhighwayexpansionprojectstopayformoreactivetransportationandtransit.AmongthedozenmostexpensiveroadexpansionprojectsintheRTPare:eastwestfreightcorridor($15.2billion),RiversidetoOrangeCountyCETAP($13billion),highdesertcorridor($6.9billion),710corridorexpansion($6.1billion),710gapclosure($5.6billion),5northcapacityenhancements($5.3billion),241expansion($2.7billion),midcountyparkway($2.3billion),15widening($1.7billion),405wideninginOrangeCounty($1.7billion),5widening($1.6billion),and79expansion($1.4billion).Buildingthesehighwaysprojectswillexpanddriving(and,ifbuiltinareaswithpredominatelyruralorsuburbanlanduses,alsoexpandsprawl).Cancellingthemcanallowthe$63.5billionbudgetedfortheseprojectstobespentonactivetransportationandtransit.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuesources,andotherpreviouscommitments.170‐05MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmental2.Supportlocalrevenuesourcesthatpricedriving,parking,andfreighttransporttoreflecttheexternalitiesofmotorizedCommentnoted.Asnoted,theFinancialPlanincludesavarietyofrevenuesourcestiedtotransportationusers.Oneofthekey435IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegetransportation.Thereareavarietyofmethodsforincreasingthepriceofdriving,someofwhicharecontemplatedintheRTP'sfinancialplan.Highergastaxes,carbontaxes,chargesbasedonmilesdriven,appropriatelyanddynamicallypricedparking,andcongestionchargesaimedatcommutersenteringcentralcityareasareallusefulpolicies.principlesSCAGconsideredasafoundationforidentifyingregionallyappropriaterevenuesthatarereasonablyavailableindevelopingtheRTPfinancialstrategiesistoestablishauser‐basedsystemthatbetterreflectsthetruecostoftransportation,providesfirewallprotectionfortransportationfunds,andensuresanequitabledistributionofcostsandbenefits.170‐06MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeC.Reduceratherthanincreasethespacegrantedtocarsandtrucksinordertoreducedriving.Roadsandparkingcurrentlytakeuptoomuchofourland,whichencouragescar‐basedtransportationandalltheproblemsthataccompanyit.Drivingincreaseswhenroadsareconstructed,lengthenedorwidened.1.Donotaddanylanemilesofhighwaysormajorarterials.TheSCAGregioncurrently(baseyear2008)has21,638milesofroadand55,890lanemilesofroads.thedraftRTPanticipatesadding948centerlinemiles/7419lanesmileswhichwouldbea4.4%11.1%increase.AsDurantonandTurnerhaveshown,"Forinterstatehighwaysinthedensestmetropolitanareaswefindthatvktincreaseinexactproportiontohighways,confiningthe'fundamentallawofhighwaycongestion'suggestedbyDowns(1962,1992).Thisrelationshipalsoapproximatelyholdsforotherimportantroadsindenseareasandforinterstatehighwaysinlessdensepartofmetropolitanareas."Convertingmixedflowlanestotoll,HOVorHOTlanesorconvertingHOVlanestotollorHOTlaneswouldstillbeacceptable.Commentnoted.170‐07MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege2.Setatargettoreducevehiclemilestraveledfromthebaselineyearof2008.VehicleMilestraveledinthebaselineyear2008was445,844daily,approximatelyhalfoffreeways,halfofarterialroads.SCAGcalculatesthatthisnumberwillriseto546,806dailyby2035withoutanychangestoroads(a22.6%increase).Undertheirplan,VMTwillstillrise,to516,990(16%increase).TheyalsoanticipatethatVMTfortruckswillgrowevenfaster,expandingfrom30,201to53,431undertheir2035plan(a76.9%increase).Insteadofplanningforthisincrease,setatargetforareductioninVMT.Commentnoted.SCAGmayconsiderVMTreductiontargetsinfutureRTPs.170‐08MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege3.Planforhighwayremovalormodification.Learningfromcitiesremovinghighways,agenciesandmunicipalitiesshouldplantoremove,coveroralterandreclassifyasarterialshighwaysthatdividecommunities,negativelyimpactvaluablenaturalresourcessuchasriversandcoasts,orchannelexcessiveCommentnoted.Plansforhighwayremovalormodificationshouldalsoconsidercirculationimpactstosurroundingareasandtheregionalsystem.436IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsevaluabletrafficintoneighborhoods.Freewaystubssuchasthe710Nabovethe10orthe2asitapproachesSilverlakeareripeforremovalorconversionandthe101throughdowntownLosAngeleshasbeenthesubjectofadvocacyforcappingforapark.170‐09MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeD.Pursuestrongersustainablecommunitiesstrategiestocreategoodplacesratherthansprawl.Peoplearedrawntodiversityinthebuiltenvironment,somunicipalitiesshouldincreaseinteresting,mixed‐useneighborhoodsbyfocusinggrowthneartransitandalteringzoningrulesthatrestrictmixedusedevelopmenttoasmallfractionofcities'landarea.1.Adoptalternative3(theenvision2alternative)smartgrowthlanduseandhousingpatterns)ratherthantheplannedproject.Thisalternativeversionoftheplanreliesonsmartgrowthlanduseandhousingpatternstoachievesuperiorenvironmentalresultsinairquality,aesthetics,openspaceandfarmlandpreservation,waterconservation,greenhousegasemissionsreductions,mobility,andlanduse.Commentnoted.Formoreinformationonalternatives,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber54.170‐10MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeFundlocaljurisdictionstoallowthemtoupdatetheirgeneralplansandzoningcodestoreflectsustainablecommunityandsmartgrowthprincipals.Commentnoted.ThroughtheCompassBlueprintProgram,SCAGhasworkedwithandprovideddirecttechnicalassistanceto94separatejurisdictionsincludinglocalcities,counties,non‐profits,andtransportationagencies.FuturecallsforapplicationswillfocusonlocalimplementationofSCSstrategies,andwillprioritizeprojectslocatedinHighQualityTransitAreas(HQTA).Inaddition,otherlocalandregionalfundingagencieshavebeguntoincorporateCompassBlueprintprinciplesintotheirdiscretionaryfundingprograms.SCAGwillcontinuetopursuededicatedanddiscretionaryfundingforthisimportantprogram.170‐11MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeEncouragesensitivedensificationofexistingsinglefamilyzonedareasbyencouragingmunicipalitiestoallowcottagehousing,duplexes,accessorydwellings,andsmalllotsubdivisionsinR‐1zones.Commentnoted.Chapter4ofthe2012RTP/SCSincludesmultipleactionsandstrategiesthataddressthefuturedevelopmentofhousing.Theseactionsandstrategiesaddresstheuniquehousingneedsoflocaljurisdictionswithintheregion.170‐12MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege4.Encouragealljurisdictionstoeliminatemandatoryparkingminimumsforexistingandnewbuildings.Commentnoted.IntheTransportationDemandManagementAppendix,SCAGencouragescitiestoreconsiderminimumparkingrequirementsinzoningordinances.170‐13MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalE.Cleanupgoodsmovementindustrybeforeplanningtoexpandit.DonotinvestingoodsmovementroadsandrailCommentnoted.GoodsmovementactivitiesserveasamajoreconomicdriverfortheSCAGregionprovidingjobsand437IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsePolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeexpansioninthehopesthatzeroemissiontechnologieswillemergedecadeslater.Investmoreinzeroemissiontrucksandlocomotivesnowasareconditionbeforeexpandingfreightinfrastructure.Otherwiseimpactedcommunitieswillcontinuetosufferdisproportionatelyfrompollutionfromgoodmovement.1.Requirewidespreadadoptionofzeroemissiontrucksandrailintheregionasapreconditionforfundinganyexpansionofgoodsmovementinfrastructure.revenuesforSouthernCaliforniaresidentsandbusinesses.ForecastsindicatethattheamountofgoodsmovingthroughtheregionareexpectedtoincreasesignificantlyovertheRTPhorizon.SCAGworkscloselywithregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoidentifyappropriatesolutionstofreightchallengesthatmayincludeexpansionofregionalfacilitiesusedforgoodsmovementactivities.However,emissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero‐emissiontrucks.Thissystemalsoofferstheopportunitytoincentivizetheadoptionofclean,zero‐emissiontechnologiesforregionalfreightmovement.The2012RTPoffersaplantomaintaintheeconomicbenefitsoffreightmovementwhileaddressingthemyriadimpactsoffreight.Thetwoarelinkedandcannotbeapproachedasseparateconcerns.SCAGcontinuestoworkwith,andsupporttheeffortsof,regionalpartnersandstakeholderstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunities.170‐14MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollegeRecommenda$30pertwenty‐footcontainerfeeformovingeitherintooroutoftheportstohelppayformitigationofexistingenvironmentalimpactsandtohelppayforresearchintozeroemissionalternatives.Thisstrategycouldgenerateasmuchas$441millioninrevenuefromloadedcontainersinitsfirstfullyearofimplementation,whenappliedequallytoimportsandexports.Commentnoted.SCAGwillworkcloselywithregionalpartnersandstakeholderstoidentifypotentialfundingmechanismsasappropriate.170‐15MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege3.Requiremaximumdevelopmentofondockrailbeforefundinganyoffdockprojects.Commentnoted.SCAGworkscloselywithpartneragencies,includingtheSanPedroBayPorts,toidentifyandsupportimplementationofregionally‐beneficialprojectsasappropriate.However,SCAGdoesnotdeterminethesequencingoftheimplementationofprojectsattheSanPedroBayPorts.170‐16MarkVallianatosUrbanandEnvironmentalPolicyInstituteOccidentalCollege[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber54.171‐01StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationOnbehalfoftheValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociation(VICA),thankyouforyourcommitmenttothetransportationneedsofSouthernCalifornia.WhileweappreciatetheinclusionofahandfulofmajorSanFernandoValley‐centeredprojectsinCommentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportation438IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),wearedisappointedbytheinsufficientappropriationsfortheseprojectsandthelackofinvestmentoverallintheSanFernandoValley.plans,andotherpreviouscommitments.171‐02StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationSpecifically,nofundingisdirectedtorenovationsofI‐101betweendowntownLosAngelesandthecityofCalabasasorimprovementstoI‐405northoftheI‐101interchange.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuesources,andotherpreviouscommitments171‐03StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationFurthermore,I‐134,I‐170,andthemajorarterialsoftheValleyreceiveminimalinvestment.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuesources,andotherpreviouscommitments.171‐04StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationDespite$40billioninfinancingsecuredforMeasureRprojectsinthegreaterSanFernandoValley,theonlyValleyprojectsintheFederalTransportationImprovementPlan(FTIP)aretherenovationoftheInterstate‐101off‐rampatVanNuysBoulevard;thefreewayconnectorattheI‐101andI‐405interchange;theI‐405CorridorMassTransitprojectthroughtheSepulvedaPass;thestudiesoftheVanNuyscorridorandBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportintermodalgroundaccess;andexpansionoftransitcentersatPierceandMissionColleges.TheseprojectsareofvitalregionalsignificancetotheValley,buttheyareonlythetipoftheiceberg.Commentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPreflectslocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuesources,andotherpreviouscommitments.171‐05StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationKeysectionsoftheI‐101freewayneedtoberenovatedtorelievebottlenecksandincreaseroadwaysafetybetweentheValleyanddowntownLosAngeles.ThesesectionsincludetheI‐101interchangeswiththeI‐170andI‐134,whichconnectcommutersandclientswiththenorth,eastandwestSanFernandoValley.TheroadwaydegradationalongthisI‐101corridorrequiresimmediateattentionandshouldbeincludedintheRTP.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludes$56.7billionthrough2035forhighwaysystempreservation.171‐06StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationThenorthandwestValleyalsodependheavilyonI‐405.Commentnoted.171‐07StuartValleyIndustryToreducetrafficandenablequicker,moreefficientCommentnoted.TheRTPincludesanarrayofnewtransit439IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseWaldmanandCommerceAssociationtransportationbetweentheValleyandWestLosAngeles,masstransitsolutionsarenecessary.capitalinvestments.171‐08StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationTheI‐405MassTransitprojectthroughtheSepulvedaPassisthefirststep.Commentnoted.ThisisaMeasureRprojectincludedintheRTP.171‐09StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationAplanningprocessandfullfinancingmustbeputintoplacewithoutdelay.Commentnoted.171‐10StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationWhilerenovationofI‐101andI‐405arepressing,theireffectiveusewillnotbepossiblewithoutpropermaintenanceofthetransportationsystemthatservesthesefreewaysCommentnoted.TheRTPincludes$56.7billionthrough2035forhighwaysystempreservation.171‐11StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationWhiletheFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectsandStrategicPlanlistscontainafewprojectsalongmajorValleyarterials,thissystemrequiresimmediaterestorationandimprovement.VanNuysBoulevard,SepulvedaBoulevard,RiversideBoulevard,VenturaBoulevard,MulhollandDrive,LaurelCanyonBoulevard,VictoryBoulevard,ShermanWay,BurbankBoulevard,ResedaBoulevard,TopangaCanyonBoulevard,DeSotoAvenue,VinelandBoulevard,HollywoodWay,CanogaAvenue,VanowenStreet,NordhoffStreetandLankershimBoulevardarejustafewoftheseveralroadwayscriticalforemployeesandclientstoaccesstheValleyusingI‐101andI‐405.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludes$20.9billionthrough2035forlocalstreetsandroadssystempreservation.171‐12StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationTheCityofLosAngelesrecentlysubmittedalistofadditional“LocalHighway”projects,themajorityofwhichtargetmajorValleyarterials.Weaskthatyoureviewthislistandincludeseveral—ifnotall—oftheidentifiedprojectsintheStrategicPlan.Commentnoted.171‐13StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationThesectionsofI‐170,I‐134andI‐5freewaysconnectingtheeastSanFernandoValleycitiesofBurbankandGlendaletotherestofLosAngelesCountyalsoreceiveonlyminorattentionintheRTP.Commentnoted.171‐14StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationRoadwayrepairandmasstransitoptionsalongtheseroutesarenecessaryforBobHopeAirportaccessandmobilityintoandwithintheseeastValleycities.WeaskthatyouincreaseinvestmentintheBurbank‐Glendale‐PasadenaAirportCommentnoted.Someoftheseground‐accessprojectsareincludedintheStrategicPlan.SCAGwillcontinueworkingwithBobHopeAirport,CityofLosAngelesandLAMetrotofurtherexploreopportunitiestoconsidertheseprojectsinfutureRTP440IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseintermodalgroundaccessstudyandaddrenovationsoftheEastValleyarterialstotheStrategicPlan.updates.171‐15StuartWaldmanValleyIndustryandCommerceAssociationThankyouforconsideringourrecommendations.WelookforwardtofullfundingoftheSanFernandoValleyprojectsontheFederalTransportationInvestmentPlanandFinancially‐ConstrainedRTPProjectslists,aswellasexpansionoftheStrategicPlantoincludecriticalValleyprojects.Commentnoted.172‐01RachelMorrisVCCool+VenturaBicycleUnionYouwillfindour1,241signaturesforincreasedfundingforActiveTransportationinthe2012SCAGRTPinthesharedDropboxfolderasnotedinmye‐mail.ToseeVCCool’sonlinepetitionandvideopleasevisit:www.active‐transit.org.Commentnoted.173‐01BenCacatianVenturaCountyAirPollutionControlDistrictPg.26The2007ozoneAQMPwasapprovedbyVCAPCDandARBandsubmittedtoUSEPAastheVenturaCountyportionoftheSIPin2008.EPAhasnotformallyapprovedthe2007SIPsubmittal,thus,the1994/1995approvedSIPistheapplicableSIPforconformity.The2007submittedSIPdoesnotincludeTCMG–EmployeeCommuteOptions(ECO)thatwaspartofthe1994/1995approvedSIP.TCMGwasrepealedin1998asresultofthefederalremovaloftheECOmandateandStatelawthatprohibitednon‐mandatedfederalECOrules.Pg.27Youhavelistedthe“LandUseStrategyTransitStrategies”asoneTCM.ThesetwostrategiesareseparateTCMsandshouldbeshownseparatelyonthelist.Commentnoted.AppropriaterevisionshasbeenreflectedintheFinalRTP.173‐02BenCacatianVenturaCountyAirPollutionControlDistrictPROJECTLISTAPPENDIXTheprojectlistshouldincludethenameoftheleadagency/jurisdictiontocrossreferencetheprojectswithothersectionsoftheRTP/RTIPandlocatetheprojectdescriptionsfromtheagencies/jurisdictions.ThelistedprojectcostsforVenturaCountyappeartobeextremelylargeandappeartoneedupdates.ThefollowingVenturaCountyprojects,aslistedbytheirrespectivedescriptionandcompletiondate,appeartobeTCMsandshouldbelistedTransportationConformityReportappendix:VEN055410,VEN055413,VEN031203,5TC0701,VEN990310,VEN990319,VEN053403,VEN051401,VEN031229,VEN040502,5TPL04,VEN056403,VEN990341,5N011,5A0742,7120009,7120008.Commentnoted.SCAGattemptedtocollectleadagencyinformationforallRTPprojectsbutwasnotabletocollectthisforallprojects.InresponsetotheTCMcomment:VEN055410,VEN055413,VEN031203,VEN990310,VEN051401,andVEN031229havebeencorrectedtobenon‐reportableTCMs;VEN990319hasbeencorrectedtobenotaTCM;VEN990341isnotareportableTCM;5TPL04,5N011,5A0742,5TC0701,7120009,and7120008arenotcommittedTCMsandthusarenotincludedintheTransportationConformityReport;AppropriaterevisionswillbeincorporatedintofinalRTPregardingVEN040502,VEN053403,andVEN056403.174‐01RachelMorrisVenturaCountyClimateCareOptionsOrganized5‐8%of2012RTP/SCStotalinvestmentofshouldgotoactivetransportation.Petitionwith1241signatures.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActive441IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseLocallyTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.175‐01PattySenecalWesternStatesPetroleumAssociationTheRTP/SCSshouldconsiderarangeofpossiblegrowthfactorsforthegoodsmovementsector(e.g.,high,low).This“boundingexercise”wouldhelpdecisionmakersandthepublicbetterunderstandhowsensitiveeconomicandenvironmentalfactorsaretogoodsmovementsectorgrowth.Also,giventhatweareinformedthatshipemissionsaretemporallyvariable,the“boundingexercise”shouldalsoinformtheAQMPemissionsinventoryandconsequentairqualitymodeling.ItisespeciallyimportantthatSCAGvalidatetheemissionsbaseline(e.g.,the2009‐2011actualemissions)sothatthegrowthprojectionsarebasedon“real”emissionsratherthantheoreticalormodeledemissionsfrompastexercises.Thisismadeevenmoreimportantbecausetheinitial“in‐year”emissionsarethebasisforbuildingfuture‐yearemissionprojections.Commentnoted.SCAGdidusehistoricaldataandactualdataforthebaseyeartovalidatethegrowthtrendsandprojectedgrowthinthefuture.Assuchfutureemissionsarethereflectionofbothbaseyearandprojectionyearconditions.175‐02PattySenecalWesternStatesPetroleumAssociationSCAGshouldpublishthetechnicalassumptionsusedinthedraftRTP/SCSconcerningassumedratesofdeploymentfor:(a)zeroemissiontransportforcontainerdrayage;(b)zeroandnearzero‐emissiontrucksforregionaltransport;(c)electrifiedrailtechnologies;and(d)zeroornearzeroemissionrailtechnology.ThetimingfortheseassumptionsiscriticaltotheAQMPattainmentdemonstration.Inaddition,theRTPshouldprovideinformationondaily,monthly,orseasonalactivityassociatedwiththeseactions.Again,asstatedpreviously,thisinformationiscriticaltoinputintotheemissionsinventoryandtheairqualitymodeling.Commentnoted.175‐03PattySenecalWesternStatesPetroleumAssociationTheRTP/SCSneedstofullyconsidertheelectricitysectorinfrastructureneeds,implementationchallengesandemissionsimpactsthatwouldresultfromthepolicyrecommendationscontainedinthedraftplan.TheseemissionimpactswillbesignificantinscaleandmayimpactthefeasibilityofRTP/SCSmeasures,particularlytheschedules.ThesedataareessentialtoCommentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportincludesananalysisofelectricitydemandsinthePublicServicesandUtilitieschapter.SCAGcoordinatescloselywiththeSCAQMDinthedevelopmentoftheAQMPandwillensuretheyhavethenecessarydata.442IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseproperdevelopmentoftheAQMPandtheairqualitymodelingusedbytheSCAQMD.176‐01GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityWearepleasedtoseetheinclusionofanadvancedmitigationcomponent.WehavesuggestionsformodificationoftheConservationPolicy:(1)EnsuringStateconservanciesandjointpowersauthoritieswithaconservationfocusareincludedinthemapping&prioritizationofconservationlands.Specifically,werecommendincludingWCCA,PuenteHillsHabitatPreservationAuthority,SanGabriel&LowerLosAngelesRiversandMountainsConservancy,MountainsRecreationandConservationAuthority,andSantaMonicaMountainsConservancyamongtheentitiesuponwhoseexpertisecanbetapped;(2)Extendingtheinventoryofprotectedlandstoincludeallprotectedlands‐Federal,State,regionalandlocalnaturallands‐insteadofnarrowlylimitingtheinventorytosimplyNaturalCommunitiesConservationPlanandHabitatConservationPlanareas;(3)Ensuringexistingwildlifecorridorsandhabitatlinkagesandhighway/roadwayundercrossingsareprotectedandenhancedduringtheevaluationofhabitatlandsandduringconstructionofroadwayprojects;(4)Advocatingthattheadvancedmitigationpolicyresultinanetenvironmentalbenefitforthenaturalresourcelandsafterconstructionactivitiesarecompleted.Also,large‐scaleacquisitionandmanagementoflandsmustnotbelimitedto"criticalhabitat,"(p.76,128)asthiscanbeconfusedwiththelegaltermusedbyUSFish&WildlifeServiceforsomefederallyendangeredandthreatenedspecies.Toclarify,thisshouldbereplacedbytextreflectingtheintent,i.e.,thebestavailablenaturallandswithvaluableenvironmentalresourcesdeservingofconservation/preservation.WCCAlooksforwardtoworkingwithSCAGonthedevelopmentoftheNaturalLandsAcquisitionandOpenSpaceConservationStrategy.Thiswillprotectremainingresourcelandsandmitigateforimpactsfromtransportationimprovements.WCCArecognizesconservationeasementsasapowerfulpreservationtoolforhabitatareas.Conservationeasements,andfeetitletransferstoopenspaceparkagencies,shouldbelistedintheplanalongsideotherpreservationmechanisms.SCAGshouldtakealeadershiproleinsettingguidelinesandbestpracticesforthesenewcountyandmunicipalprogramsaswellasexplorethecreationofaCommentnoted.Theproposedconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresources.Theintentistoincludeinputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders,includingthegroupslisted.Referencedlanguageregarding“criticalhabitat”willbechangedto“importanthabitatlands.”443IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseregionallyunifiedtransferofdevelopmentrights(TDR)program.Thismethodshouldnotonlybelimitedtoagriculturallandsbutalsoincludeotheropensspacelands.176‐02GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityThepolicydecisionsintheSCSareprojectedtosave408sq.milesofnonurbanlandoverthelifeoftheplan.Thereisnoprojectionofwherethisgrowthwillnotoccurandwhatmechanismswillpreservethelandinperpetuity.ThelackofspecificitymakesitdifficultforWCCAtoevaluatetheimpactsoftheproposedplan.SCAGisclearlymakingassumptionsaboutwheredevelopmentonresourcelandsisandisnotappropriate.Thisprocessisnottransparent.Forexample,thelargeundevelopedprivately‐ownedpropertyknownastheAerapropertyinthemiddleofthePuentechinoHillswildlifecorridorhasbeenidentifiedonExhibit4.1aspopulationgrowthof2,001‐3,500personspersq.mile.Infact,muchofthispropertyhasbeenidentifiedasaproposedSignificantEcologicalAreainLACounty'smostrecentdraftGeneralPlan.Ironically,thisparticulardevelopmentproposal'spopulation,employmentandhousinggrowthareascontradictthegoalsofSB375anditsrequirementforreducedVMT.Thelocationofdevelopmentisnowherenearpublictransit,doesnotincludeamajoremploymentcenterbutinsteadfocusesonlargesinglefamilyresidentialunits,requiresdependencyontheautomobile,andwillincreaseVMTs,notreducethem.Withtheunderstandingthatlanduseauthoritybelongstolocaljurisdictions,atrulycomprehensiveregionalplanwouldtransparentlysetgrowthparametersinconcertwithresourceconservationgoalstoeliminatetheseapparentcontradictions.Projectinggrowthinresourceareassetsinmotionpoliciesthatinducethatgrowth;thereforegreatcaremustbetakentoensuresuchgrowthmeetsregionalobjectives.Commentnoted.ItistheintentoftheRTP/SCStoavoidsignificantecologicalareas.SCAGutilizesthefollowingadvisorylandusepolicyasafoundationfortheoverallregionallandusedevelopmentpattern:ensureaccesstoopenspaceandhabitatpreservationdespitecompetingquality‐of‐lifedemandsdrivenbygrowth,housingandemploymentneeds,andtraditionaldevelopmentpatterns.TheRTP/SCSalsoconsidersareasthataretobeprotectedfromdevelopment,asrequiredbyGovernmentCodeSection65080(b)(2)(B)(v).Furthermore,theconservationstrategywillpursueastrategicplanningprocessforidentifyingopenspaceresourcesbuildingoffofthelocalplans.Theintentistoincludeappropriateprotectedareas,basedoninputfromawidevarietyofstakeholders.TheExhibits4.1,4.2and4.3weredevelopedtofitthepapersize,butthehighresolutionGISmapinanelectronicformatisavailableuponrequest.Theresourcemapshavebeendevelopedforthepurposeofillustrationonly.ThegrowthfiguresallocatedtotheareawerebasedoninformationreceivedfromprojectssubmittedtoSCAGthroughInter‐governmentalReview(IGR).SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionsgoingforwardonsmallareagrowthdistributionstoensurethattheidentifiedAreapropertyiscorrectlyrepresented.176‐03GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityWCCAappreciatesSCAG'srecognitionoftheimpactthatlineartransportationfacilitieshaveonnaturalareasandtheneedforwell‐designedwildlifecrossingstopartiallymitigatetheseeffects.Wildlifecrossingsneedtobediscussedinthecontextofhabitatconnectivity,whichisthebroaderecologicalgoalforconservationareas.Wildlifecorridordesignisafieldinitsinfancywithfewscientificallyverifiedbestpracticesforcrossingdimensionsandlandscapefeatures.Giventhatthisresearchisneededtoproperlymitigatetransportationimpacts,SCAGCommentnoted.ThemitigationprogramforBiologicalResourcesandOpenSpaceincludestheimprovement/retentionofhabitatlinkages,preservationofwildlifecorridorsandwildlifecrossingstominimizetheimpactoftransportationprojectsonwildlifespeciesandhabitatfragmentation.SCAGwillconsiderwildlifecrossingsandhabitatconnectivityresearchaswedeveloptheproposedconservationstrategy.SCAGlooksforwardtoworkingwiththeWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityonfutureplanningefforts.444IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseshouldinvestinconnectivityresearchwithaprogramspecificallydesignedtoestablishmeasuresthatcanbeincorporatedintothe2016RTPrevision.Suchaprogramwouldaggregateexistingresearch,proposenewstudyareas,anddevelopdesignbestpracticesspecificallytailoredtotheSouthernCaliforniaeco‐region.176‐04GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityWCCAisinterestedinurbanriverprojectsfortheirmultiplerecreational,environmental,andtransportationbenefits.TheRTP/SCSshouldfullyfundbuild‐outoftheseactivetransportationcorridorsthroughouttheregion.Whenwelldesigned,thesefacilitiesserveas"bicyclefreeways"connectingvariouspartsoftheregionwithuninterruptedtravelfornon‐motorizedusers.TheRTP/SCScallsfor$6billionoverthenexttwodecadesforactivetransportationinvestments,whichseemslowwhencomparedtotheidentifiedneedinlocalbikeandpedestrianplans.Giventhecentralroleactivetransportationplaysinmeetingregionalplanningobjectives,fundinglevelsshouldbesetbasedonfullbuild‐outoflocalbicycleandpedestrianplans,withanappropriateamountprojectedforthosejurisdictionsthathavenotyetcompletedsuchplans.Thecurrentlyproposedfundingleveldoesnotappeartoberootedinsuchaneed‐basedassessment.Itisnotadequatetosimplycomparetheproposedexpenditureswithpastlevelsindependentofaneedsassessment.Inadditiontothetotalfundinglevel,theproposedtimingofactivetransportationinvestmentisinadequate.Only20%oftheproposedexpenditureswouldoccurduringthefirst15yearsofthe25‐yearplanningperiod,leavingthevastmajorityofexpendituresforthehighlyspeculativefutureandoflittleusetocurrentresidents.Transitandtransportationdemandmanagementaresimilarlyback‐loadedwithonlyhighway‐relatedinvestmentsreceivingfundingpriorityinthenearterm.Thesenon‐highwayinvestmentsaretheonesmostlikelytogenerategreenhousegasemissionssavings,amongotherbenefits,andtheearliertheyaremadethelongerthebenefitscanaccumulate.TheproposedexpenditureplanrunsdirectlycountertothestatedemphasisoftheSCS.WCCAsuggeststhattheplan'sfundingprioritiesbereversedtoimmediatelyfundactivetransportationinvestmentsatasufficientleveltoachievebuild‐outoftheregion'sbicycleandpedestriannetworksintheCommentnoted.SCAGhasdevelopedtheSCAGRegionalBikewayNetworktocloseregionalgapsintheexistingbicyclenetwork.Implementationofthe2,012.2milenetworkandthelocallyproposedbikewayprojectswouldincreaseaccesstobikewaysfrom42.6%to63.7%.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.445IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsenearandmediumterm.SuchachangewouldmaketheRTPmoreconsistentwiththelanduseandmodeshareobjectivesoutlinedbytheSCS,theintentofSB375.176‐05GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthorityWCCAencouragesSCAGtoevaluatethefeasibilityandtodevelopagreenwaycorridorthatcanbeusedforactivetransportation(e.g.,bicycletrail)alongSanJoseCreek,connectingtotheSanGabrielRiver(byWhittierNarrows)andfurtherwest.ThisSanJoseCreekbikewayisaneast‐westroutethatparallelstheSR‐60freeway.Itisanimportantcommuterroute,whereaviablebikewaycouldrelievesomefreewaytraffic.Maintainingandenhancinganopencreekchannelforwildlifeuse(e.g.,birds)andrecreationaluse(bicycles)wouldbeavaluableamenityinthisarea.Itwouldbebeneficialtoinvestigateandimplementotherbicycleroutesinthearea,includingaconnectionbetweentheLARIOtrailalongtheRioHondofromitsendatPeckRoadWaterConservationParktotheSanGabrielRiver.AnothervaluableconnectionwouldbebetweentheWhittierGreenwayTrailtotheSanGabrielRiveratitswestendandfromitseastendtoCoyoteCreek.Thesetrailsarepiecesinthelargerplannedbikewaytrailnetworkthroughouttheregion.Commentnoted.SCAGwillworkwithlocaljurisdictionstoconsidertheincorporationofagreenwaycorridorforactivetransportationalongthespecifiedrouteaspartofafutureupdateoftheSCAGRegionalBikewayNetwork.176‐06GlennParkerWildlifeCorridorConservationAuthority[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber94.177‐01SteveTwiningWRACIamveryhappytoseethatthereissomefundingfortheinitialphaseoftheFastTrain.WeneedtocompetewithEurope,Japan,andChina.Commentnoted.177‐02SteveTwiningWRACIhaveconcernovertheRTP’spopulationprojectionsandunderstandthatyoucanadjustthemeveryfouryears.Commentnoted.TheRTP,includingitspopulationgrowthprojectionsareupdatedeveryfouryearspursuanttofederalplanningrequirements.177‐03SteveTwiningWRACHOVLaneconstructioncanbeverydisruptivetocommunities.ThoseofusontheWestsideareliterallyalmostdyinginthetrafficbetweenWestwoodandBrentwood.AsforthePorts,yourprojectionsaboutcontainers,IamsureyouarewellawareaboutthePanamaCanalbeingwidenedsolargershipscangothrough.Asaresult,perhapstheregionwillhavealessofincreaseinusageatthetwoPortsinLongBeachandLosAngeles.Commentnoted.Mitigationofconstructionimpactsareaddressedintheproject‐levelEIR/EISandcarriedoutbytheimplementingagencies.446IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse177‐04SteveTwiningWRACAsforthePorts,yourprojectionsaboutcontainers,IamsureyouarewellawareaboutthePanamaCanalbeingwidenedsolargershipscangothrough.Asaresult,perhapstheregionwillhavealessofincreaseinusageatthetwoPortsinLongBeachandLosAngeles.Commentnoted.TheexpansionofthePanamaCanalprovidesthepotentialfordiversionofinternationalcargofromtheSanPedroBayPorts.Thisdiversioncouldhaveimpactsfortheregionalgoodsmovementsystemanditsvariouscomponents.However,thepotentiallevelofcargodiversionisunknownatthistime.SCAGcontinuestoworkwithitspartnersandregionalstakeholderstoaddresstheconcernsregardingcargodiversionasaresultoftheproject.177‐05SteveTwiningWRACOvertheyearstheinnercitytransportationplanninghasbeenveryweak.Recentlythesituationhasimprovedsomewhat.Weareconcernedaboutsomeofourstreetswhicharenotgoingtohaveoverpasses.TheExpoLineisdesignedtoreducetrafficbutonsomeofourstreettrafficwillbeslowedbecauseofthedelayingettingovertheExpoLine.Commentnoted.177‐06SteveTwiningWRACThejobshousingissueisamajorissuefortheWestsideofLosAngeles.Someofourneighboringcitieshaveexpandedtheirjoblocationsattheexpenseofhousing.Ourcommunitiessufferfromallthetrafficthatgoestoworkinadjacentcitiesinbothdirections.Inmanyoftheareasofthecity,inthehillsparticularly,weareconcernedthatseniorcitizenscannotbeingridingbicyclesdownhilltoconnecttotheeastwesttransportation.Commentnoted.SCAG'sActiveTransportationAppendixandTransportationSafetyAppendixhavebothinfrastructureandsafetypolicyrecommendationsthatcanassistinincreasingsafetyofbicyclists.Additionally,the2012‐2035RTP/SCSstrivestoexpandtraveloptionsforallusersofourtransportationsystembypromotingabalancedmultimodalinvestmentapproach.177‐07SteveTwiningWRACTheotherissuesthatconcernsmeisthelackofavailabilitytogoonrapidtransitdirectlyintotheairport.Commentnoted.TheAirportGroundAccessReportintheAviationTechnicalAppendicesoftheDraft2012RTP/SCScontainsanextensiveanalysisanddiscussionofpublictransitissuesandopportunitiesataircarrierairportsintheregion,andproposesanumberofnewtransit‐relatedairportgroundaccessprojects.178‐01A.K.BahlCamarilloresidentTheremustbeavoteofthewholepopulationofCamarillo–NOT84peopleshovingitdownourthroats!!EveryoneatourmeetingwasAGAINSTthisplanning.Ifyougot1millionnegativecommentsand10positiveyoustillwouldn’tstopit,wouldyou?!!!!Commentnoted.TheRegionalTransportationPlanisrevisedeveryfouryearstocomplywithFederalandStatelaw.TheproposedpoliciesandstrategiesincorporatedintheDraft2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategyweredevelopedbystaffwithinputfromthecitiesthroughouttheregion,inputfromnumerousworkshopsduringthelasttwoyears,andinputfromSCAG’s84‐memberRegionalCouncil,whichiscomprisedofdulyelectedMayors,CityCouncilMembersandCountySupervisorsfromjurisdictionsthroughouttheSCAGregion.TheseelectedofficialsmeetmonthlyasmembersofSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommittees,andtheyhavediscussedtheproposedpoliciesandstrategiesat447IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseregularandspecialmeetingsandwillconsidertheFinalPlanforadoptionattheirApril4,2012meeting.179‐01DavidReidColtonResidentSanBernardinoRTPPublicHearing‐1/18/2012DavidReid‐ColtonPleasefinishSantaAna[River?]BikeTrailCommentnoted.180‐01SusanLienLongvilleConcernedCitizenAsaformerSCAGRegionalCouncilMemberthatservedduringthetimeIwasamemberoftheSanBernardinoCityCouncilfrom1998‐2006,IhadtheopportunitytoworkcloselywithpreviousRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)implementationefforts.IcontinuetoremainengagedasaprivatecitizeninissuesofimportancetoSouthernCalifornia.Thankyoufortheopportunitytosubmitmypubliccommentbyemail.InthelastRTP,therewasaconceptsimilartothecurrentGRID(GreenRailIntelligentDevelopment)towhichtherewasnoprogressduringimplementation.IamwritingtoexpressmydesirethatthisSouthernCaliforniaalternativetoGoodsMovementbeonceagainincludedinthecurrentRTP.TheGRIDalternative,whichproposestheinstallationof15‐ft.water‐tightpipelineshousedinanunmannedelectrifiedrailguideway,hasanumberofadvantagesfortraversinggoodsfromthePortsofLosAngelesandLongBeachtotheinlandregionsofCalifornia.First,installationofanundergroundpipelinewouldemployinstallationthatisidenticaltotheinstallationofwaterpipelinesthatuseonlya“cutandcover”techniquewhichenvironmentallypresentsmuchlessadverseimpacts.Furthermore,thisprojectholdsthepotentialofcreatingmanyjobsinSouthernCaliforniaduringthemanufacturingandconstructionofthesystembecausematerialsproposedinGRIDarealreadymanufacturedlocally.Finally,IbelievethatincludinganalternativeGoodsMovementconceptthatwouldbepoweredbyelectricity,ratherthandiesel,isgoodpublicpolicy.AsaresidentofSanBernardino,theconceptofmovingPortfreightthroughanundergroundpipelinethatwouldultimatelyemergeatanInlandPortholdsthepromiseofsomedayreducingthetrucktrafficthatisaffectingsomanyofSouthernCalifornia’sDisadvantagedCommunitieswhererailandexistingroadwaystraverseandgravelyimpacttherespiratoryhealthofourchildrenandseniorswhohavebeenshowntobedisproportionatelyaffectedbygoodsmovement.Forthosereasons,IurgeSCAGtoincludetheGRIDalternativeinthecurrentRTPprovidingtheopportunitytofurtherexamineaCommentnoted.ThankyouforyourpastservicetoSCAG.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.448IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconceptwithoutanysignificantimpacttoairqualityasisfoundinexistingrailshipmentsorcontainermovementbydiesel‐poweredsemitrucks.Sincerely,SusanLienLonIlookforwardtohearingtheRegionalCouncilhasincludedGRIDasanalternativeGoodsMovementAlternative.SusanLienLongville,1833KenwoodAve.92404181‐01KevinOrangeCountybusinessownerWedon’thavemoney.WearebeingtoldthatWashingtonismandatingthisandthatandtheyareinsane.Sacramentoismandatingthisandthatandtheyareinsane.Wedon’thavethemoney.Ourmoneyisnotworththemoneyit’sprintedon.Wehavetobefiscallyconservativeandresponsible.Wecan’taffordthis,asprettyasitmaylook.Commentnoted.182‐01AliceEatonThousandOaksresidentIamopposedtoincurringanydebtonanytransportationplaninthiscurrenteconomicclimate.Ifeelthatanyplanthatenvisionsrezoningforgovernmenttocontrolourcommunity’sgrowthinthiscentralplanisaviolationofthe14thAmendment.Commentnoted.182‐02ErnestWurschumThousandOaksresidentThereshouldbeapublicmeetingduringtheeveningsothatworkingpeoplecanattend.Commentnoted.WhileSCAGprovidesmanyopportunitiesforthepublictolearnaboutandcommentonitsvariousprograms,plans,servicesandinitiatives,includingholdingworkshopsandpublichearingsinvariouslocationsthroughouttheregionatvarioustimes,SCAGrealizesthatnotalltimesandlocationswillbeconvenientforeveryone.SCAGwillconsiderholdingmorepublicmeetingsintheeveningsaspartofitspost‐RTP/SCSassessmentofoutreachactivities.182‐03MichelleGregoryThousandOaksresidentThisisICLEI,Agenda21.ThisisNOTwhatpeoplewant.TenstateshavepassedresolutionsexposingAgenda21,ICLEIandthefraudulent“greenagenda”.Commentnoted.ThegreenhousegasemissionreductiontargetsthatSCAGisrequiredtomeetviathe2012‐2035RTP/SCSisastatelawrequirementasaresultofSenateBill375.183‐01ABallWedon'tneedmoregov'tinterferenceinourcitiesandlocalplans.Wedon'twanttoliveinthesuperdensityskyscrapercitiesthathavebeenimposedinKoreaandthatyouaretryingtoshovedownourthroats.Ifthegov'twon'tlivethere,weshouldn'thavetoeither!!!!!Commentnoted.183‐02ABallAirqualityismuchimprovedinthelasttenyears.Wedon'tneedgov'tinterferenceinimposingmorecriplinggov'tlegislationandmandatesalreadyinhibitinganyUSgrowth.Letfreeenterpriseworktoimproveourtransportation.Itisalwayspreferrabletoanygov'trules!Commentnoted.184‐01ABallIopposetheRegionalTransportationplan!WhenareyougoingCommentnoted.449IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetopublishthecontentofthelettersdirectedagainstandforthisplan?Weneedtohaveavotefromthepublic.Wedon'tneedincreasedrailandbikelanes.Theyaretoounderutilizednow.Wedon'tneedmoretrafficlanes....justfixtheonesthatarethere.Iftheborderlawswereenforcedwewouldn'thavesomanypeople(illegal)reachingourstate.185‐01ABallIopposetheregionaltransportationplan.Thisissupposedtobea'free'countrywherewehavearighttodecideourfuture.Yourplantakesthisawayfromourdecisionandputsitinthehandsof84people.Ican'tbelieveyou,asanAmerican,cangoalongwiththisintrusionintoourlives.Commentnoted.SCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeMembersarevoter‐electedMayors,CityCouncilMembersandCountySupervisorsfromjurisdictionsthroughouttheSCAGregion.ThecitiesandcountiesdesignatetherespectiveelectedofficialtorepresentthematSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommittees.186‐01AnnaRahtzMycommentsregardingthedraftRTP/SCSencompasstwomainconcerns.1.Whyarehighwaycapitalprojectfundsbeingfrontloaded(i.e.,moreorthesameamountofmoneyisbeingspentonthemintheshorttermasinthelongterm)whilefundsfortransitandactivetransportationarebeingbackloaded(moreisbeingspentontheminthelongtermaftertheyear2020)?2.Thetextinthedraftdocumentdoesnotseemtomatchupwiththelistofprojectsthatareactuallybeingfunded.MuchofthetextintheRTP/SCSdocumentisdedicatedtoexplainingtheneedtopreservetheexistingsystembecauseitwillcostmoretoreconstructitlaterthantopreserveitnow.Thisistrue...sothenwhyisahigherpercentageoffundingforarterialandmixedflowcapitalprojectsbeingspentbefore2020thanforhighwayoperationsandmaintenance(Table3.6)?Icountedatleast82roadwideningprojectsjustinSanBernardinoCountyintheFTIP(whichwillbefundedinafiveyearperiod).Iwouldliketoseemorejustificationinthetextexplainingthebenefitsandneedfortheseroadwideningprojects,butwhenIlookinthetextinthedraftdocumentexplainingprojectapproach,Idon’tseemuchatallabouthighwaycapacityexpansion.Itseemstobebundledinwithprojectcategoriessuchas“MixedFlowandInterchangeImprovements”and“SystemCompletionandExpansion”thatarenotgivingatruedescriptionofwhattheseprojectsarereallyaccomplishing.Itappearstomethatthesecapacityexpansionprojectsarebeingsoldasmeasurestorelievecongestionandreducetraveltimes,recoveringproductivetimefortravelers.Onthecontrary,ithasbeenwidelyproventhatCommentnoted.ThedistributionoffundingfordifferenttransportationinvestmentsintheRTPisaresultoflocaloptionsalestaxmeasurecommitmentsapprovedbyvoters,countytransportationcommissionadoptedlong‐rangetransportationplans,limitationsassociatedwithspecificrevenuessources,andotherpreviouscommitments.450IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehighwaycapacityimprovementprojectsprovideonlytemporarycongestionrelief,ifanyatall,andthattheyinfactinduceadditionaltripsthatresultinevenheaviercongestioninthelongterm(References:MarkHansenandYuanlinHuang,“RoadSupplyandTrafficinCalifornianUrbanAreas,”TransportationResearchA,Volume31,No3,1997,pp.205‐218...MarkHansen,“DoNewHighwaysGenerateTraffic?”Access,No.7,Fall1995,pages20,22...W.WaytGibbs,“Transportation’sPerennialProblems,”ScientificAmerican,October1997.)187‐01CPThankyouforyourworkputtingtogetherthisplan,andforacceptingandconsideringcomments.Herearemyresponsestoreadingtheplan:1)Iwouldliketoseemoreinvestmentinandcommitmenttoprovidingalternativeformsoftransportation.Commentnoted.187‐02CPa)Ifthelowinvestmentin“activetransportation”infrastructureisaresultoftheanalysisconductedtoidentifythe“optimalmixofstrategiesandprojectsthatyieldsthehighestreturnoninvestment,”isitpossiblethatsomeofthecostshavebeenexternalizedfromtheanalysis?Whataboutthecostbenefitsofimprovedenvironmentalandhumanhealthfromactivetransportation?Hasthisbeenundervaluedintheanalysis?.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.187‐03CPb)Currently,Irelysolelyonsingle‐occupancyvehicletransportation.ThereasonIdon’tusealternativeformsoftransportationisbecauseitcostssignificantlymoretimeandmoneytodoso.Iwouldliketoseeouralternativetransportationinfrastructuregrowtothepointofdominatingourmobilitysystem.Onlythenwillitbecomeconvenienttouse.Commentnoted.187‐04CPc)Currentbicycleinfrastructureisseverelylacking;weneedmuchmoreinvestmentinit.Evendoublingitwouldnotbenearlyenough.Thankyou.Commentnoted.187‐05CPThemapsindicatingRailTransitSystemGrowthfrom1990to2035showasignificantslowdownofraildevelopmentinthe2012‐2035RTP.Theroutesandextensionsidentifiedareexcellent,butweshouldinvestmoreinthesystem.ThemapCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSdedicates$55.0billiontotransitcapitalprojects,$51.8billiontopassengerrailcapitalprojects,and$139.3intransitoperationsandmaintenancefunding.46.9%ofallinvestmentinthisplanisfor451IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsewouldbemoreusefulinshowingthisifitincludedbothtimeperiodsonthesamemap.Currently,Irelysolelyonsingle‐occupancyvehicletransportation.ThereasonIdon’tusealternativeformsoftransportationisbecauseitcostssignificantlymoretimeandmoneytodoso.Iwouldliketoseeouralternativetransportationinfrastructuregrowtothepointofdominatingourmobilitysystem.Onlythenwillitbecomeconvenienttouse.Thankyou.publictransitorpassengerrail.187‐06CPThankyouforyourworkputtingtogetherthisplan,andforacceptingandconsideringcomments.Herearemyresponsestoreadingtheplan:Iwouldliketoseeamorethoroughanalysisandpresentationofthelandusepattern.a)Thereisnomapthatshowsthebeforeandafterregionaldevelopmentfromnowto2035;thereisnowaytoseehowmuchsprawlwilloccur.b)Ican’ttellfromtheSCSchapterwhethertherewillreallybeanysignificantchangeinsprawlingdevelopmenthabits.Currently,itgivestheimpressiontherewon’t.Idon’tseethatthisSCShas“setforthafuturelandusepatterntomeetGHGemissionreductiontargets."Thankyou.Commentnoted.Appendix:SCSBackgroundDocumentationofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCScontainsmapsthatdepicttheoveralllandusedevelopmentpatternfortheentireregionin2008,2020and2035.ThesemapssetforthafuturelandusepatterntomeetSCAG'sGHGemissionreductiontargets.187‐07CPThankyouforyourworkputtingtogetherthisplan,andforacceptingandconsideringcomments.Herearemyresponsestoreadingtheplan:AlthoughtheRTPmeetstheCARBGHGreductiontargets,itwillstillresultinanoverallincreaseinGHGs(2005popof17MatoneunitofpercapitaGHGemissionsvs.2035popof22Mat.84(1‐16%)unitofpercapitaGHGemissionsequals18.48unitsofpercapitaGHGemissions,an8%increase!).TherealgoalistocounteractclimatechangeandtheonlywaytodothatistoreduceourtotalGHGemissions.Inmyopinion,weshouldbeinvestingasmuchaspossibleinthoseformsoftransportationthatreduceGHGs.I'mtalking90%ofallourinvestments.AndIsaythatasasingle‐occupancydriverwhoreliessolelyonautoinfrastructure(forlackofbetteroptions).IknowthisplanisonlyrequiredtocomplywithSCAG'stargets,butbecauseoftheimportanceandpowerofaddressingenvironmentalproblemsattheregionallevel,Iwishthisregionalplanwouldbemoreambitious.Thankyou.Commentnoted.188‐01CarolTeutschThankyouforthecomprehensiveSCAGRTPcurrentlyindraftformat.Ihaveviewedyourvideoandattendedoneofyourpublicmeetings.ManyofthecommentsofferedinthepublicforumreflectedinterestintheactivetransportationelementsCommentnoted.452IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseanddelayedfundingforimplementingtheseconceptswhichIamsureyoutooknoteofandwhichreflectmyownpriorities.Havingindividualmobilityonfreewaysasakeyobjectiveisnotsustainableandweshouldshiftawayfromthatasapriority.188‐02CarolTeutschIamaphysiciandeeplyinterestedintheenvironmentandintheimpactofourenvironment(builtandnatural)onourhealth.TRANSPORTATIONISHEALTH.IamdelightedwiththeHealthinAllPoliciesdocumentputinplaceforthestatebyourformergovernor,butfeelitscarefulrecommendationsarenotbeinggivenadequateprioritizationinyourthinking.www.sgc.ca.gov/workgroups/hiap.htmlCommentnoted.188‐03CarolTeutschIamnewtosouthernCalifornia,havingmovedherefromtheeastcoast.Theareaiscaptivatingandweneedtoprotectit—notpaveovermoreofitandnotcontinuetobuildingpollutingsolutions.Commentnoted.188‐04CarolTeutschIwouldliketoseetohealthriskandhealthimpactassessmentsaspartofyourstandardoperatingplandevelopment.Theexternalitiesofhealthandenvironmentalimpactmustbeknownbecausetheyaffectlongcostsandbenefits,whichisyourresponsibilityintheselongtermplans.AveryniceandrecentexampleofintegratingpublichealthobjectivesintransportationplanningcanbeseeninanindependentresearchreportfromtheVictoriaTransportPolicyInstitute(www.vtpi.org)(http://www.vtpi.org/health.pdfaccessedMarch27,2011).Commentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.188‐05CarolTeutschIknowthatcargomovementisanessentialpartofyourplan.Investingnowinbetteroptionsthatarezeroemissioniskeytotheregion’slongtermsuccess.Wecouldimplementthe“greenest”portintheworld,helpingourregion,ourcitizens’healthanddemonstratingleadershipfortheworld.Thereisconcernaboutwhethertruckingisanappropriatechoiceforcargotransportandinappropriatelysubsidizedbynotaccountingfullyforexternalities.ThenewGAOReportGAO‐11‐134showedthat“onaverage,additionalfreightserviceprovidedbytrucksgeneratedsignificantlymorecoststhatarenotpassedontoconsumersofthatservicethanthesameamountoffreightserviceprovidedbyeitherrailorwater.”ThisreportputsanadditionalburdenonSCAGtoconsideralternativessuchasrailandappropriatelyincludeconsiderationofallexternalities.(FullreportatCommentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzero(ornearzero)emissiontrucks.SCAGalsocontinuestosupporteffortsbyregionalpartnerstoaddressgoodsmovementemissionsandimpactsoncommunitiessuchastheSanPedroBayPortsCleanAirActionPlan.Itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,whetherelectrifiedorconventionalrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.However,goodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerail453IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11134.pdfasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.188‐06CarolTeutschThetunnelproposalisofspecialconcerntomesinceIliveinNortheastLA.Wewillbebringingacorridorofdamaginghealtheffectsupthiswayinsteadofsolvingtheprobleminthesouth710region.Weseeincreasingproofofadversehealtheffectsofultrafineparticlesandnomeanstoremovethemintunnelexhausting.Wealsoneedtoseearobustmodelofcostsofrunningtunnelventilationwhichisveryexpensive.Ihavemanyadditionalreferencesontunnelsandhowtheyconcentratepollutantsifyouneedthem.Thelargeventilationshaftsinresidentialareasarevisuallyandfromahealthperspectiveundesirable.Wealsoattracttruckstoourroadswhicharenotheldtothesamepollutionstandards‐‐‐fromMexicoandinconstruction.IwouldlikeyoutodirectlyaddresstheseissuesinyourRTP.Commentnoted.Issuesregardinguse,design,cost,andlocationofventilationshaftsarenotaddressedattheregional‐levelanalysisoftheRTP/SCSandwouldbeaddressedaspartofproject‐levelengineeringandenvironmentalstudiesthataredevelopedbyimplementingagenciesandnotSCAG.AllprojectsmustcomplywithCEQAandbeproperlymitigated.188‐07CarolTeutschWeareallconcernedaboutjobs.Thelinkprovidedisbyahighlyrespectedtransportationexpertanddealswithquestionsofjobshttp://www.uctc.net/access/38/access38_transportation_growth.shtml.Commentnoted.188‐08CarolTeutschYouhaveadifficultjob,butitisclearthatyoucanneverbuildyourwayoutoftheterminalcongestionwehaveonourfreeways.Thereisnouncongestedfreewayinthearea.Themodelsthatareoftenuseddonotconsideradequatelyinduceddemandsandchangingpatternsandmanysecondaryvariables.Weneedtoprovidealternativesandshiftincentivestoreducedemandonthefreewaysforindividualandtruckmobilitysoourcurrentfreewayscanfunctionefficientlymostofthetime.Weneedtocoordinatesmartlandusewithtransportation.Therearealotofcreativethinkersandvoices.Let’sworktogethertocomeupwiththebestsolutions!Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSidentifiesacomprehensive,multi‐modalsetoftransportationandlandusestrategiestoaddresstheregion'stransportationchallenges.Itisupdatedeveryfouryearstoregularlyreflectchangingtechnologiesandconditions.189‐01CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonIamtakingthisopportunitytowritetoyoutocommentonthe2012‐2035DraftRegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy(RTP/SCS).IamfromthesouthernareaofOrangeCounty,California.Ingeneral,wheretheRTPisplanningonexpandingthefreewaynetworksystemandlocalroads,Iaminagreement.Expandingtheuseoftransit(bus,Commentnoted.Allmajortransitcapitalprojectsgothroughanextensiveperiodofstudyandreview,tobeconductedbytheleadagency.TheseincludeanAlternativesAnalysisstudy,anEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStatementandpreliminaryengineeringdocumentswhichestimatetheneedforadditionaltransportationchoices.454IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecommuterrail)shouldonlybedonewherestudiesshowthereisagreaterneed,whichwouldminimizehavingtouseprecioustaxdollarstosubsidizethistransit.Bicyclepathsaregreat,buttheyshouldnotbeseenasanalternativetogeneraltransportationbutrathermainlyasrecreation.189‐02CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonHigh‐speedrailshouldbepostponeduntilCaliforniaisonceagainaboomingstateandunemploymentismaintainedorlowerthan5.5%.RecordnumberofbusinessesandpeopleareleavingCalifornia,whichisonereasonwhytherewillbeataxrevenueshortfallinthebillionsofdollars.InfactStateControllerJohnsentalettertotheCalifornialegislatorsannouncingthattheStatewillrunoutofcashonMarch8,2012.HestatedthatthelegislaturewillneedtoallowtheStateTreasurertodelay$2.4billioninpaymentstouniversities,countiesandMedi‐Cal,andwillneedtoborrowanother$3.3billionfromWallStreetbankers.Commentnoted.189‐03CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonIunderstandthatwearespending$700,000dailyjustontheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthoritystaffandconsultants.Thisisnotthebestuseoftaxpayerdollarsatthistime.Thecostofhigh‐speedrailcontinuestobeunderestimatedtimeandagain.Ridershipissuspectandwitheachyear,moreandmoretaxpayer’smonieswillhavetobeusedtosupporthigh‐speedrail.ItsreductiononGHGwillinnowaymatchtheseexorbitantcosts.Commentnoted.TheannualoperatingbudgetoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority(Authority)isdeterminedbythestatelegislatureinconjunctionwiththeGovernor.SCAGhasnocontroloverthosefundingmarks,butwillcontinuetoworkwiththeAuthoritytorefinethesecostestimates.189‐04CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonWhenyourreportstatesthattheregionwastesover3millionhourseachyearsittingintraffic,masstransitwouldwasteperhapscomparablehours,ifnotmore,havingtogettothetransitstations,thenwaitforabusorrail,andagainneedtogettoourfinaldestinations.Besides,transittravelinsouthernCaliforniaisnotconducivetoourlifestyle.Itiscertainlynotfriendlytofamilies.OurpreferredlifestyleinsouthernCaliforniaissingle‐familyhomesseparatedfromindustryandbusinesszones.Clumpingpeopleinhigh‐densitylivingjusttoreducetheuseofvehiclesisforcingpeopletochangetheirpreferredlifestyleandnotgivingthemachoice.Freewaysaroundthesehigh‐densityareaswilleventuallyimpedetrafficflowfromcitytocity.Commentnoted.189‐05CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonTheonlythingunsustainabletothispreferredlifestyleisthelimitandrestrictionsarbitrarilyplacedonourresourcesbygovernmenttoappeasetheradicalenvironmentalgroupsandCommentnoted.StatelawsrequiresSCAGtodemonstrateachievementofthegreenhousegasemissionreductionstargetsaspartofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCS.455IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseindividuals.ThereisalsodisagreementastowhetherGHGcauseglobalwarmingwhichourgovernmenthasrefusedtoquestion.189‐06CatherinePaquette‐RichardsonWhatismostimportantinCaliforniarightnowistostaywithinabalancebudget,tocutorpostponespendingandtorelaxregulationssowebecomemorebusinessfriendly.Ourtaxrevenueswouldthengrow.Unfortunately,iftherearenofundstopayforalloftheRTP,thenitsplanneedstobepostponedindefinitely.Iamnotbeinfavorofincreasingtaxes,feesorpenaltiesinanyformtotrytoobtainfundstopayfortheRTP.Iwillbevotingagainstalltaxincreasesorbonds.Commentnoted.190‐01CathyRichardsonI’magainstthisbasicallybecausewhenyoudotheresearch,thereisreasoning,there’seminentdomain,thingsthataregoingtohappenthatwearen’tevenimagining.SoIwanttoknowifthisissomethingthatisgoingtobeclearlylaidoutthatvoterscanunderstandandvoteon,orisitjustgoingtohappen?Dowehaveanysayandthingscanberedistrictedandeminentdomaincancomeinandtakeoutwholecommunities?IsitjustbecausethisonePropositionhaspassed,alltheseotherthingsareaddedtoitwithoutpeoplebeingabletoprotest?Commentnoted.SCAGismandatedbystatelegislationtodevelopa“SustainableCommunitiesStrategy.”Thisprocessdoesnotrequirelocaljurisdictionstorezonenordoesitinvolvetheuseofeminentdomain.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.191‐01CristiRitcheyWedonotwantanythingelsetobe"fixed"nor"sustainable?ThemajorityofvalidscientistsagreethatGlobalWarmingisutternonsense.Wedonotwantanyofourtaxdollarsgoingtoit.Commentnoted.192‐01CyrusHojjatyGreetingsSCAG,CyrusHojjatyhereandIarrivedatyourmeetingandvoicedmyconcernoverthe2035GeneralPlanandSB375.Despitethefactthatitistruethatsomepeopleenjoylivinginmixed‐usebuildings,takemasstransit,andwalktotheirdailyneeds,thisplannotonlydoesnotmeetthedesireseffectivelyofthoseindividuals,butdoesnotmeetthedemandsofothers.Manyoftheseplansarecostly,unnecessary,andinvadepeopleslifestyleswhethertheychoosetochangeornot.ItseemsunderstandablethatmanyofthepoliciesthatSCAGistryingtoimplementaretryingtoreversethepoliciesthatwerecreatedbythecodedcar‐dependentcitiessincethe1930s.Itistruethatmanyoftheseurbanpolicieshaveunderstandableconcerns,howeveratleastthemostimportantbenefitisthatmanypeopleareabletogetsingle‐familyhomesandsomefree‐flowingtraffic.Wemustpreservethesebenefitsinstead.WhatissodepressingthateventhoughSCAGcriticizesthecar‐Commentnoted.456IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedependentlifestylewecurrentlyhave,itwasheavyinterventionthatcreatedthesysteminthefirstplace!Asamatteroffact,manyoftheseareasinvolvingstripmalls,collectorroads,housingsubdivisions,etc...wereheavilymanipulatedbycodes,regulations,andsubsidies.Sobasicallytheassociationdoesnotwanttoadmitthatthesystemwascausedbyheavyinterventionandyettheyactlikeasthe“saviors”tothisproblemtobringevenmoreintervention.Sadly,manydonotunderstandbecauseofthedifferent“buzzwords”andlooksoftheproject.Givemeabreak!Wearenotmice!Wearehumans!Wearenotsupposedtobetreatedinlabexperimentswhetheritisacar‐dependentlandscapeorahigh‐densitypackedenvironment!192‐02CyrusHojjatyWhatisdeceptiveandproblematic,isthateventsareusedtomanipulatethedecisionsofthecitizens.Peoplearewrongfullybeingconcernedoverresource‐depletionandman‐madeclimatechange.Theseconceptshaveheavilybeendebunkedbymanyscientistsandyetthetemperatureshaveevenrisinginotherplanetsaswell!Dowereallyhavetotrampledownonpeopleoverabeliefthatisheavilyflawed?Thisdoesnotsoundlikeimprovingthelivesofthemanytome!Besides,wesomuchlandavailableleftinSouthernCalifornia.Withsomuchvastmilesvacantland,whycan’talternativetowncomplexgetbuiltinsteadthatCOMPETESwithwhatwehaveinsteadofmonopolizing?Imeanevenifthe2035wasawonderfulapproach,thereisnoneedformonopolies.Urbanplanningisnotanaturalmonopoly.Infact,duringthemeetingIdisplayanalternativeplanthatdoesinsteadcompete.SCAGshouldprobablylearnfroma19yearold,whohasnotevenbeentoschooltostudyurbanplanning!Commentnoted.192‐03CyrusHojjatyManyofyourprojectsinSCAGlistedforOrangeCountyarequiteconcerningyetsomenecessary.Forland‐use,letthedevelopersandthemarketplacedecideifthemixed‐usedesignsarenecessary.Allowflexiblezoningcodestoletpeopledecidewhetheritwillbestripmalls,attachedhomes,officestrips,ormixed‐use.Ofcourseyoudoinsomeareaswanttorestrictdevelopmentlikeindustry,toxicwastedumps,etc...Forgoodnesssake,donotaddanyregulations,codes,gethugesubsidies,andthreatpublicandprivateproperty.MysuggestionsforthehighwayimprovementsandupgradesareCommentnoted.SB375legislationdoesnotrequirethatajurisdiction’slandusepoliciesandregulationsbeconsistentwiththeSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicystrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.457IDNameAffiliationCommentResponselettingconstructionoccurwhentheREALunemploymentrate(NotCPIjunk)forOrangeCountydipsbelow8.5%.Idefiantlyopposedtounnecessaryprojectslikethehighspeedrails,roadtolling,smartstreets,rapidconnectors,andthehigh‐frequencyMetrolink(unlessiftheridershipishigh.)193‐01CyrusHojjatyIfyougoback,wedidmixeduseahundredyearsago,butwedidn’thavetheseGeneralPlans.Wedidn’thaveallthesebogusregulationsandlaws.Itwasreallythemarketthatdidthisandtheninthe1930sor1940s,youguysmadeitillegaltodothesethings.Yousaidit’sallaboutcardependencyandhousingsubdivisionsandstripmalls.Soyoutalkabouthowthingsaresodrivable,butyetit’sthecodesandregulationsthatthespecialinterestgroupshavelobbiedthatcausetheproblemswehavetoday.Sowhyshouldwehaveyouguysactlikethesaviorsandmakethingsevenworse.There’sahighchancethatI’mgoingtolivehereinOrangeCounty.Therearealotofdesirablefactorshereandsoit’samazinghowtheproblemswerecreatedbytheplannersandthecodesandregulations.That’swhywehavestripmallsbecausetheywerecreatedtobenefitthe“BigBox”corporations.Andnowyouwanttodoeminentdomainandaddalotoflawsandgetpeopleoutoftheircars.Wehavearighttomeetourownneeds.Ifyouguyswanttransitandyouwantmixeduse,orifyouwantlargelothomesandfreeflowingtraffic,thenpackyourbags–gooutintovastemptylandandbuildyourdreamcitythere.Commentnoted.SCAGismandatedbystatelegislationtodevelopa“SustainableCommunitiesStrategy”aspartoftheRTP.Thisprocessdoesnotrequirelocaljurisdictionstorezone,nordoesitinvolvetheuseofeminentdomain.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.194‐01DanCrainTheRegionalTransportationPlanwouldholdthatmuchmorestrengthifitincludedtheGreenRail/IntelligentDesign(G.R.I.D.)element.ThisG.R.I.D.proposalwouldreducedieseltruckemissionsandtrucktraffic‐plustheundergroundingoffreightmovementwouldmakeforsaferhighways.TheG.R.I.D.proposal,usinganundergroundautomatedfreightconveyancesystem,wouldalsoincludeundergroundautomobiletransportationcorridorsthatwouldhaveNOimpactontheabovegroundenvironment,afeaturewhichtheSierraClubfullyendorses.Inaddition,thousandsofgoodjobstoassistoursouthernandinlandCaliforniaeconomieswouldbecreatedincommittingthedesignfrompapertoreality,buildingadditionalportinfrastructureintheportsofLosAngelesandLongBeach,diggingthetunnelsandmanufacturingthelightrailsystemsfortheeffectiveconveyanceoffreight.Frankly,thisisanabsolutelyCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregional458IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseBRILLIANTproposalthatwouldenhancethequalityoflifeformillionsofresidentswhocallsouthernandinlandCaliforniatheirhome.AsaformerYucaipaMayorandCouncilmemberfrom1992‐2000(andSANBAGrepresentative),anInlandCaliforniacommunitywheretrucktrafficisexceedinglyprevalentonthe10freeway,Iheartilyendorsethisproposal.IaskthattheSCAGBoardofDirectorsincludetheGreenRail/IntelligentDesignProposalinallyourdeliberationsfortheRegionalTransportationPlan'sEIR.Thankyouforgivingeveryseriousconsiderationtothesecomments.stakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.195‐01DannyMorganWeneedtocomeupwithaundergroundrailsystemtomovecontainersfromtheportstotheinlandvalleys.Commentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.196‐01DarrylParkerWesupportthebuildingoftheHighgroveMetrolinkStation.ThankYouTheParkersCommentnoted.Station‐stopsiteselectionforlocalprojectsisalocalissue,andistheresponsibilityofaproject'sleadagencywithineachcounty.197‐01DeirdreHenningsIstronglysupportSenateBill375.Commentnoted.198‐01DeniseSavoieIbelieverevenueprojectionsareunrealisticandprogramcostsunsustainable.Expenditureprojectionsastronomicallysurpasswhatvoters,likemyself,supportedwhentheHSRmeasurewasapproved.Commentnoted.198‐02DeniseSavoieHSRneedstobetakenbacktothevoters.Costestimatesareinexcusable...especiallyinaneconomicclimatewithrevenuesCommentnoted.459IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedecreasingandwithcutstovitalsocialserviceprogramsandeducationlooming...theCHSRAuthorityneedstobeheldaccountableforbringingvoterstheprojecttheyapproved!199‐01DennisBaxterAsaformerSanBernardinoCityCouncilmember,Iamanxioustoseegreatertransitserviceavailabilityforlowincomeresidentsofourregion.Thoseofuswhoareeasilyabletoslightlyincreaseourfundingofthesenecessaryinvestmentsmuststepforwardandapprovesuchexpendituresasothersdidbeforeus.Commentnoted.200‐01EliseKalfayanSCAG’sdraft2012RTPanditsEIRarebothflawed,donotmeetAB32andSB375goals,andwillnotmovethisregiontowardbettermobility,animprovedeconomy,orsustainability.Theplanadvocatesexpandingandextendingurbanhighways,buildingadedicatedtruckrouteforfreightmovement,andcreatingmoreconventionalgoodsmovementplatformssuchastheBNSFSCIGproject.AccordingtotheEIR,thesehave“significantandunavoidableimpacts.”Theplan’sslateofprojectswillworsenairquality,increasecongestionandsafetyrisksonroadways,posethreatstopublichealth,anddegradetheenvironmentoverallandspecificallyofthosecommunitiesadjacenttosuchinfrastructure.Commentnoted.AsdiscussedinChapter5,the2012‐2035RTP/SCSisestimatedtoreducecongestion,improvetraveltimereliability,improveairquality,andreducegreenhousegasemissions.200‐02EliseKalfayan[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber35.201‐01ErinCornwellIwasbitsurprisedanddisappointedthat2012RegionalTransportationPlanconcludedthatthebestsolutionfortheGoodsMovementStrategywasmorelanesoftrucktraffic.ThevisionofSCAGissimplytobuildtruck‐onlycorridors,actuallyfreeways,thatmay“improvetruckoperationsandsafety....andprovideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.”IfSCAGreallyhadavisiontoaccomplishthesethings,thenabettergoalwouldbetoremovethetrucksfromthesystementirely.Whynotconsideranundergroundsystemthatwouldlimitlandsurfacedevelopment?TheGreenRailIntelligentDevelopment(GRID)systemmayjustbetheperfectsolution.Thissystemwouldmovecargocontainersthroughaseriesofunderground“subways”directlyfromtheporttothedistributioncity.Thissystemwouldbezero‐emissionondayone,notaftersomecostlyregulationskick‐in.Thetruckswouldstillberemovedfromroads,whichwouldbesaferandcosttaxpayerslessinCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewith460IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsehighwaymaintenance.Itwouldalsoreduceadditional“eye‐sore”freeways,reducesnoisepollutionandfreelandsurfacesforothermoreeconomicaldevelopments.IbelievethatitwouldbehooveSCAGtoconsiderthisasasolution.stakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.202‐01EzequielGutierrezPublicParticipationTheworkofSCAGischallengingandmustaddressextensivepolicies,programsandlawsonlocal,stateandfederallevels.OnerequirementthatwasnoticeablyabsentthroughouttheDraftRTP/SCSprocesswascompliancewiththerequirementsoftheEnvironmentalJusticeOrderoftheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation(DOT).Theordercanbefoundin62FederalRegisterat18380.ThepublicparticipationrequiredintheDOTOrderismuchmoreextensivethanwhatwasaffordedinSCAGpublicparticipationefforts,asdescribedintheDraftRTP/SCSandexperiencedbytheundersigned.TheOrderrequiredamarkedelevationofpublicparticipationbycommunitiesofconcernasstated“duringtheplanninganddevelopment”oftheDraftRTP/SCSratherthanprovidingforapassiveaudiencetooccasionalpresentationsbySCAGstaffwithlimitedtimegivenforcontemporaneouscomment.Thenon‐complianteffortswerenotwithoutadverseconsequenceinprovidingforenvironmentaljustice;agreatdealmoreworkremainstobedone,asmorefullysetforthincommentsbyClimatePlananditspartnercoalition.Itisfearedthatwithoutaddressingthoseconcerns,theenvironmentalimpactsontheSCAGregionwillbesignificantandwidespread.AdraftRTP/SCSthatisresponsivetoallresidentsoftheregionwouldaddresstheneedsoftheentireeconomicspectrumoftheregion,notforpoliticalacceptancebutasthebestpolicyfordealingwithgrowth,regionalmanagementandenvironmentalimpacts.Commentnoted.Fromcommentsrelatingtothe2008RTP,SCAGstaffidentifiedenvironmentalJusticeasakeyconcernforfurtherfollow‐up.Assuch,SCAGheldtwoenvironmentaljusticeworkshopsandconvenedfocusgroupsontheenvironmentaljusticeanalysisinanattempttoenablealargesegmentofthepublictoparticipatemeaningfullyintheplanningprocess.OnJune24,2010,SCAGheldaworkshoptoreviewtheplanningprocessandfamiliarizetheparticipantswiththeenvironmentaljusticeanalysisprocess.OnJune30,2011,SCAGheldafollow‐upworkshoptodiscusstheproposednewanalysisareaswithstakeholdersandseekfurtherinput.Inresponsetocommentsfromthefirstworkshop,SCAGalsoincludedasummaryofthemodelingprocess.Amajorityoftheregion’sEnvironmentalJusticeorganizationswererepresentedatbothworkshops.Aspartoftheworkshops,SCAGemphasizedthatparticipationbytheenvironmentaljusticecommunityintheplandevelopmentwasstronglyencouragedandwelcomed.SCAGfurtherofferedindividualmeetingsandpresentationstoenvironmentaljusticegroups,attheirconvenience.Alltheworkshopswereproperlynoticedandadvertisedtonearly250stakeholders.Inadditiontothespecialenvironmentaljusticeworkshops,SCAGheldaworkshopforResourceAgenciesduringdevelopmentoftheRTP/SCS,whereenvironmentaljusticewasaprimaryfocus.Furthermore,environmentaljusticestakeholdershavebeeninvolvedthroughouttheplanningprocessincludingregionalgoodsmovementefforts.Welookforwardtocontinuingtoworkwithenvironmentaljusticestakeholders.202‐02EzequielGutierrezEnvironmentalImpactsIftheeconomyoftheregioniswellservedbythisplanning,andsignificantgrowthisencouraged,transportationdemandsbytheentireeconomicspectrumoftheregionwillbegreatlyincreased.Thedemandsonthecurrentlyoverloadedtransportationsystemoftheregionwhichwehaveallexperiencedwillitselfbegreatlyincreasedintoanunresolvablegridlock.Personsfromcommunitiesreflectingtheentireeconomicspectrumoftheregioncommutedailyandwithoutadequatelyprovidingforthem,asdiscussedbytheCommentnoted.SCAGhasshownacommitmentofenvironmentaljusticeanalysesthroughitsRTPprocess.TheRTP/SCSevaluatesregion‐wideimpactsonvariousdemographicgroups.NewtotheTitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisforthe2012RTP/SCS,SCAGhasmappedexposuretoozone,concentrationofparticulatematteremissions,cancerrisks,andrespiratoryhazardrisks.Inordertoassesstheimpactofemissionsonvariousdemographicgroupsthroughouttheregion,emissionsinformationwassummarizedtothe461IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecoalition,transportationdisasterinthenottoodistantfutureiscertain.Withoutincorporationofresponsiveplanning,throughthoseeffortsdescribedinthecoalitioncommentsandthroughfullcompliancewiththeDOTOrder,theDraftRTP/SCSanditsrelatedDraftPEIRarefundamentallynotcertifiable.RequestisrespectfullymadethatSCAGchargeitsstaffwithpursuingresponsiveplanning,asrecommended,sothatallcommunitiesoftheSCAGregionandsothattheregionitselfmaybenefitfromthesededicatedefforts.EnvironmentalJusticecommunities.Inaddition,theProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludedaHealthRiskAssessmentinAppendixF.SCAGcomplieswithallrelevantstateandfederalguidancewithregardtoenvironmentaljusticeandTitleVI,includingDOTOrdersonenvironmentaljustice.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithstakeholderstoaddressenvironmentaljusticeandTitleVIinthetransportationplanningprocess.203‐01EzequielGutierrezIhavenotedthatthroughtheyearsalotoftheplanningisdoneinparallelfashion,thereisnottoomuchcorrespondencebetweenthevariousplanningagencies.Thishasnotimprovedthroughtheyearsandthatisanareainwhichmoreprogressneedstobemade.SB375,whichthisdocumentaddresses,fallsshortofwhatSB375isrequiring.SB375isnotreallyrequiringanotherplanbutastrategyasthenameexplicitlysays.ThestrategyistoimplementAB32andalongthatline,becauseitisanimplementationstrategyandwhatisreallycalledforbytheStateLegislation,thereneedstobemoreeffortstowardmakingsurethatthosegoalsaregoingtobemet.Forexample,alotmoremonitoringandevaluationofperformancegoalsshouldbemakeandshouldbesetforthfromthispoint.Intheareaofaffordablehousing,thatisreallydealtwithmoreonanimplementationlevelasopposedtograndplans.Withoutprovidingsomekindofguidancetothejurisdictionsmaybesomemodelordnances,somemodelprograms,somesuggestedfundingforaffordablehousingprograms,IthinkthemissionofSCAGassetforthhasincreasedbySB375wouldfallabitshort.Thedocumentiswellpreparedbutweneedimplementationinmindasitmovesforward.Alongthatline,thecornerstoneofSB375legislationwastransitorienteddevelopmentandIfeelthedocumentfellshortinthatdepartment.Becauseofthelinkbetweenlanduseandtransportationalotmoreshouldbedonebythisdocument.Maybeitdoesnothavetoberewrittennow,butastimegoesonmoreeffortneedstobeputinprovidingsomekindofmodel,somekindofparadigmsforjurisdictionstotakealookatsotheycanaccomplishwhatSB375andthisdocumentistryingtoaccomplish.Commentnoted.SCAGcurrentlyhasanumberofmechanismsformonitoringimplementationoftheRTP/SCSattheregionalscale.ThoseincludeperiodicreportsonStateoftheRegion,localprofiles,PerformanceMonitoringandAssessmentProgram,periodichouseholdtravelsurveyandbi‐annualFTIPupdate.SCAGwillconsiderfurtherupdatingourmonitoringprogramfortheRTP/SCSincomingyears.203‐02EzequielGutierrezThereisanewbookthatcameoutbyRonAltoon,LAArchitect,called“UrbanTransformation,TransitOrientedDevelopment,Commentnoted.462IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseandtheSustainableCity”.Thebookcitesaboutahalfdozendifferenttransitorientforms.ForexampletheTODthateveryoneisfamiliarwithbutalsoTransitAdjacentDevelopment(TAD).IthinkSCAGcouldbeatremendousservicetoitsjurisdictionsifitprovidesthatsortofthing.ItshouldbeintegratedintothisdocumentsothatwhenmemberjurisdictionslookatthedocumenttheyhavesomeguidancefromSCAGonthedifferentpossibilities,thedifferenttypesofthesetransitareaprojectsthattheycouldtakealookatandperhapsengageinsomecorrespondencewithSCAGStaffsothatisaccomplished.AB32andSB375iscallingformorethanjustaplanandIthinkthatbyprovidingguidance,models,paradigmsoftransitorientedstations,alotcouldbedonetomovethegoalsofthislegislationforward.204‐01GerardoHinojosaIhavereviewedmostofthecontentoftheenvironmentalimpactreportandwishtostatemycomments.Removingbigrigtrafficfromouralreadycongestedfreewaysneartheharborand710corridorisafantasticplan.Idreadtravelingonthe710freewayknowingthebigrigswillhindertheefficientflowoftraffic.IfeelunsafeeverytimeItravelthroughthecorridoronmywaytodobusinessinLongBeach.Theactionofvehicledriversdartinginandoutoftrafficlanesinordertoavoidthebigrigscreatesunsafeconditions.Theplanshouldgofurther.Ibelievebigrigtrafficshouldbekeptontheoutskirtsofhighlypopulatedareas.Whynothaveanundergroundsubwaytypesystemwhichwillmovefreightcontainersonrailstovariousbigrigcollection/distributionpointsthroughoutsouthernCalifornia.Freightisunloadedfromtheships,placedontransitunits,whicharethensentthroughtheundergroundrailsystem.Theundergroundrailsystemcanbepoweredbyelectricitytominimizethefumeaccumulationwithinthetunnelsystem.Freighttobeconsumedismovedawayfromtheport,freightforexportwouldmovebacktowardstheport.Thenewcollectionpointscanbenearexistingrailyardsforfreighttobedistributedacrossthecountry.Someofthefreighthasshelflifeissues,sotheshorterintransittimethefreshertheproductwillarriveatitsintendeddestination.Anundergroundsystemwouldprovidejobsfortradesmen.Idonothavetogoanyfurtherwiththis.Californiansneedjobs.Commentnoted.Increasedsafetyisamajorareaoffocusforthe2012RTP,especiallywithregardtogoodsmovement.Theseparationoftrucksandpassengervehiclesofferstheopportunitytoreduceaccidentsbylimitingtheirinteraction.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.205‐01GerryLeaseDearMr.Lieb(andCommitteememberswhomaybeinvolvedCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,including463IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseinthisundertaking):IhavethoroughlyreadandamopposedtoyourComprehensiveRegionalGoodsMovementPlan.Idonotbelievethetruck‐onlylanesyouarerecommendingtobeaeffectivewayofhandlingthisissue.Haveyougivenconsiderationtomovingfreightunderground?Itwouldbemuchcleaner,andwouldsaveourroads,tosaynothingofhowitwouldhelptrafficbottlenecks.CarpoollaneshavenotproventobeaneffectivesolutionforSouthernCalifornia'sfreewaytrafficproblem.SuggestingtruckonlylanesasabetterwaytoaddresstrafficissuesonSouthernCaliforniahighwaysisnotforwardthinkinginthiscenturyandwouldnotdothetrick.Ifyoufeelstronglythatitwould,thenincorporatingelectricpowershouldberequiredinordertoeliminatethepollutionfromthetrucks.However,youstillhavetheissueofthewearandtearontheroads!ItrulybelieveanundergroundfreightmovementsystemwouldbethemosteffectiveandGREEN.Ihaverecentlyseenapresentationtobuildagoods‐movementpipelinesystemundergroundtoandfromtheport,thatwouldallowforautomatedfrightdeliveryandbecost‐effective.Thatroutecouldincludethecorridoryoudescribeinyourtransportationplan.ForSouthernCalifornia,thismakesallthesenseintheworldtome.Wearesaturatedwithcars,trucks,motorhomesandcountlessothervehiclesonourfreewaysinSouthernCalifornia.Ibelieveyoucancomeupwithamuchmoreviablegoods‐movementsolutionthantheoneyoucurrentlypropose.UNDERGROUNDgetsmyvote.Kindregards,GerryLeaseexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.Weagreethatreducingemissionsfromfreightactivitiesiscriticalfortheregion.The2012RTPadvancesstrategiesforapplyingnear‐zeroandzero‐emissiontechnologiestotrucklanesandcontinuestoevaluateadvancedtechnologyoptionsforrail.206‐01GhassanRoumaniThePlanasindicatedbytheSCSCitymaps,willdenigratethequalityoflifefortheresidentsofSanMarino.Mycommentsregardingthe2012‐2035RTParelimitedtowhereIlive,OakKnollAvenueinSanMarino,andtheadjacentarea.WhilereviewingtheResources>SCSMapToolfromtheSCAGwebsite,IwasshockedtodiscoverthatOakKnollAvenueinSanMarinohasbeendesignatedaHighQualityTransitCorridor.OakKnollAvenueisa72feetnarrow,twolanestreetfrontedexclusivelybysinglefamilyhomeswherechildrenliveandplay.Thehomes,builtbetween1920and1950,andthesetbackisclosetothestreet.Thepostedspeedlimitis30mph,thepostedweightlimitisthreetons,andtrucktrafficisprohibited.TheCityofSanMarinoGeneralPlanclassifiesOakKnollAvenueasaCommentnoted.UnderSB375,therearecertaincriteriaareasmustmeetinordertobedesignatedasaHighQualityTransitArea(HQTA)orHighQualityTransitCorridor(refertoCaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21155).Oneisthatbusservicemustbeofferedwithcertainfrequencyduringpeak(rushhour)periods.AlthoughyourstreetiswithinanHQTA,thisdoesnotmeantherewillbetransitserviceonyourstreet,asservicemaybeavailableonadjacentstreetsLocaltransitoperatorsconsiderthecriteriaforHQTAsandmakeadeterminationonwhetheryourstreetisaviabletransitroute.464IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseresidentialcollectorstreet.Thestreetcarriesanunusuallyhighvolumeofcut‐throughtraffic,exceedingthecapacityofatwolaneresidentialstreet.Howthen,wasOakKnollAvenuedesignatedaHQTC?AsStephanieJohnsonmentionedinheremaildirectedtoyoudatedFebruary11,2012regardingLosRoblesthesameappliestoOakKnollAvenueinSanMarino.OakKnollAvenuedoesnotmeetthedefinitionofHQTC.RegionaltrafficshouldnotbedirectedtowardOakKnollAvenue,exacerbatingtheexistingcut‐throughtrafficanditsresultingnegativeimpactsupontheresidents.207‐01GlennBaileyLookingatthenumbers,Idonotseetherealgamechangingcommitment.YouaretalkingaboutStateLegislation,ClimateChange,etc.whenyouareputtingin6billiondollars,whichsoundslikealotofmoneyforactivetransportation,butthatisbothbicyclingandpedestrianandyetyourtotaloverallinvestmentis525billion,thatisjustalittleoveronepercent.Ifyoulookatthemodeshareforcyclingandpedestrian,itisalreadyabovethatnow.Ifyougoalistomakeitevenmore,youshouldatleastputintenpercentofthemoneyforbicycleandpedestrianefforts.Thiscouldincludesomeoftheissuessuchassidewalkrepairbuttherearemanyotherthingsthatweshouldbelookingat.OneofthethingsthatIthoughtSCAGwassupposedtofunctionaswhichwasanoverallumbrellaorganizationcoordinatingthevariouspublicagencies,cities,andcountiesthroughouttheregion,Ithinkyouhavesomeworktodo.Forexample,theCityofLosAngeleshasabicycleplanthatwasadoptedMarchlastyearandtheCountyofLosAngeleshasabicycleplanthatisgoingtotheBoardofSupervisorslaterthismonth.Andyet,intheCountiesplantheyhavedesignatedvariousfloodcontrolrights‐of‐wayforpartofthenetworkthroughouttheSanFernandoValley.TheyaresayingitispartoftheirnetworkandyettheydidnothaveoneoftheirpublichearingsintheSanFernandoValley,sayingbecauseitispartoftheincorporatedCityofLosAngeles,notpartoftheunincorporatedCountyofLosAngeles.Howcantheytrulygetpublicfeedbackandintegrationofplansiftheydonothaveameetingrepresents1.4millionpeople.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.207‐02GlennBaileyAnotherexampleisTopangaCanyonBoulevards,whichhappenstobeastatehighwayatthewesterlyedgeofLosAngelesCounty,andyetistheonlylinkbetweentheCityofLosCommentnoted.465IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseAngeles,CountyofLosAngeles,andSimiValleyandVenturaCountyforcyclisttobeabletogetthere.AlthoughTopangaCanyonBoulevardwasinthe1997andthecurrent2010RTPforbicyclelanesonTopangaCanyonBoulevard,whenCaltransapproachedtheCityofLosAngelessayingwearegoingrepaveandredesignTopangaCanyonBoulevardsowecanimplementyourPlan,theCitysaidno.NowitisasixlanehighwayuptoPartheniaStreetwithmoretocomeuptothe118withoutanypublicnotice.TheconnectivitybetweenCityofLAandLACountyandSimiValleyandVenturaCounty,hasnotimprovedforthelastfortyyears.Youcannotrideonthe118freewayitisahighwaythatwasbuiltintheearly1900’s,curvyandnarrow.So,thisisalackofcoordination,alackofcommitmentthatIhopethatpartofthisplanwillchange.207‐03GlennBaileyTheOrangeLineBus Rapidtransitfacility,IunderstandthatthereisagrantthatSCAGwaspartofthatwithregardstodoingsustainabilitywithinahalfmileofeachofthestationsalongtheOrangeLine,thisisahalf‐mileradius.Itisinadequatetobelookingattherealpotentialforgettingfolkstoandfromtransitandsustainable,whichiswhatthisgrantisabout,bynotgoingoutfour‐fiveplusmiles.Thisneedstobequantifiedandveryspecificinallofthedocuments.SeehowtheyoungergenerationisgettingaroundinHollywood.Therearesometimesintheday,atsomeintersections,thatthebicyclesoutnumberthevehicles.Ifyoureallywanttogetaheadofthecurveandaccommodatetheyoungergeneration,doitinthisPlan.Commentnoted.TheRTPissignificantlyincreasinginvestmentinActiveTransportationfacilities.208‐01GregAdamsPage5:Kudosonyourrecognitionoftheproblemsassociatedwith“firstmile/lastmile”logistics.Inandofitselfthisaspectofatraveldecisioncanbesoexpensiveandburdensomethatawell‐meaningcommutermustchoosetodrivetheentireroutedespitepublictransportationavailabilityalongmostoftheroute.Isuggestyouexpandonthisaspectoftheplan.Morebikeracksonbusesmaynotcutit;localshuttlesbycitiesandparkandridepoolvehiclestotransportationhubsmighthelp.Commentnoted.208‐02GregAdamsPage7:Imayhavemisseditbut“Nominaldollars”inTable2(andinmanyotherlocationsofthedocument)shouldbedefinedearlyinthereport.Commentnoted.Nominaldollarsmeansyear‐of‐expendituredollarsandisdefinedinthePlan.208‐03GregAdamsPage12:Increasinglytodayonehearsveryinflatedclaimsaboutjobcreationresultingfromaparticularprojectwhicharelargelyunsubstantiated.Perhapsthereshouldbeadown‐to‐earth,Commentnoted.466IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesimplifieddiscussionofwhatistounfoldjobwise,notrelyingonREMIalgorithmsbutacommonsenseexplanationofwhy150,000‐180,000jobsperyearwillbecreated(andpresumablysustained)asaresultoftheRTPimplementation.Pleaseavoidwhathasoccurredintheworldofgreentechnology,forexample.Ifoneweretototalallthejobcreationclaimsfromallthealternativesseekingfunding,therewouldbenounemploymentintheUnitedStates.Theroleoflowereducationlevelsonthecreatedjobsintheregionneedsmoreexplanation.208‐04GregAdamsPage24:Moreexplanationisneededastothelongtermtrendofdecliningcommutetripcarpoolrates.Itseemscounterintuitiveespeciallylatelygivenrisinggasolineprices.DoesthiscorroboratewithridesharedatareportedtotheSCAQMD?Commentnoted.Thelongtermdecline,asnotedbytheAmericanCommunitySurvey,isoccurringnationwideandwasimpactedbytherecessionandnotoverlyimpactedbythefluctuationsingasolinepricesinthelastfewyears.AQMDrequirescarpoolreportingaspartofRule2202employeecommutereductionprogram(ECRP)forlargeemployersatasinglesite.ParticipationintheECRPhasdeclinedinrelationtoon‐siteemissionreductionstrategiesbetween2002and2007.208‐05GregAdamsPage25and28:Improvedfuelefficiency,alternative‐fuelvehiclepenetration,lackofinflationadjustors‐allhavecontributedtogastaxshortfalls.Passengervehiclesbecomingincreasinglycleanerhavediminishedthebenefitsofreducedvehicleuseandcongestionmanagementstrategiestherebymakingconformitydeterminationsmoredifficult.BothoftheseareasmaybeworthyofpursuingchangestothefederalCleanAirActoratleasttheregulationsimplementingtheprovisionsoftheCleanAirAct.This,addedtothestatementonPage29thatemissionsforecastedfromjustthreesources‐ships,trainsandaircraft(“federalsources”)thatalonewouldleadtoozonelevelsnearthefederalstandard,mightbeadditionalammunitionandsupportforselectivechangestotheCAA.Commentnoted.SCAGworkscloselywithARBandSCAQMDandotherairdistrictsintheSCAGregiononNAAQSattainmentandrelatedissuesassociatedwiththeCleanAirAct.208‐06GregAdamsPage40‐TransportationDemandManagement:Firstmile/lastmilestrategiesneedmorediscussionpermyremarksonPage5above.Commentnoted.TheTransportationDemandManagementAppendixdescribesfirstmile/lastmilestrategiesingreaterdetail.208‐07GregAdamsPage41‐CongestionManagementSystem:Non‐recurringcongestionaccountsforalmost50percentofallcongestiononourroadwaysystem.OnesuggestionisforSCAGtostrikeanagreementwithCalTransprohibitingroadrepaircontractsfromproceedingduringdaylighthourswheretheworkofrepaircancauseenormoustrafficjams.ThispastSunday,ontheI‐10Commentnoted.SCAG'sCongestionManagementAppendixdescribesstrategiesforreducingnon‐recurringcongestion.467IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefreewayheadingwestintoBanning,trafficwasdelayed3fullhours,backingupallthewaytoWhitewater,forveryminorroadrepairsthatcausedtwoofthefourlanestobecordonedoff.HighwayPatroldidnotappearuntilanhourandahalfintotheactionwhichsuggeststheremightbebettercoordinationoftheiractivitiesfromacongestionmanagementstandpoint.208‐08GregAdamsPage43‐CorridorSystemManagementPlans:Enhancedincidentmanagementmustincludetheaboverecommendation.TheCaliforniaHighwayPatrol(CHP)andCalTransneedtobettercoordinate.Inthecaseofaccidents,theCHPneedstodevelopexpeditedproceduresandphysicalscreeningtechniquestominimizetheimpactsofrubberneckingandtheslowdownsthatresult.Commentnoted.TheCongestionManagementAppendixdescribestheuseofTransportationManagementCentersincoordinatingtheresponsetoincidentsandreducingtheimpactsofnon‐recurringcongestion.208‐09GregAdamsPages51and53‐PassengerandHigh‐SpeedRail:TheSCAGplanningregionwillnotbeconnectedtotheHSRnetworkuntil2033,23yearsintothisplan.TheHSRAuthority’s2009BusinessPlanpositsthatpassengerswilltravelbetweenLosAngelesandSanFranciscoinlessthanthreehours,forabout80%ofcomparableairfare.Giventhatfirstmile/lastmileconsiderationsalsoexist,whywouldonechoosesuchameansoftravel?DoIpresumecorrectlythatthe80%airfarefigureistheone‐wayplanefareinthe2033timeframe?Giventheastronomicalcostoftheproject,mightnotthoseresourcesbebetteremployedonmorelocalandcheaperalternativessuchasin‐cityrapidrail?Commentnoted.Thecommuterrailprojectsandhigh‐speedandintercitypassengerrailprojectsselectedforinclusioninthe2012RTP/SCSwereselectedbytheHigh‐SpeedRailSubcommitteeoftheTransportationCommittee,tobeforwardedtotheTransportationCommitteeandtheRegionalCouncilforinclusionasfiscallyconstrainedplanprojectsinthe2012RTP/SCS.TheselectedprojectswereeventuallyapprovedbythejointlybySCAG’sPolicyCommitteesandRegionalCouncil.ThefinancialandproductivityassumptionsestimatesoftheCaliforniaHighSpeedRailAuthority'sDraft2012BusinessPlanarenotconsideredinthe2012RTP/SCS.Totheextentthatthebusinessplanisaresourceforthe2012RTP/SCS,itisduetothepresenceofnewprojectdeliverystrategiesinthebusinessplan,suchastheblendedapproach.208‐10GregAdamsPage71‐RegionalCleanFreightCorridorSystem:Whiletruck‐onlylaneshandling58,000‐70,000trucksperdaywouldbeachallengeofthehighestdegreetoimplement,non‐freewayalignmentshandlingthesametrafficflowwouldbeanevengreaterhurdle,evenwith100%ZEVs.Commentnoted.208‐11GregAdamsPage86‐TheeconomicOutlook:TheinabilityofexistingexcisetaxestokeeppacewithincreasingtransportationneedsandthedetrimentaleffectsofincreasingfueleconomyontraditionalrevenuesourcesneedstobetheprimaryfocusofaSCAGlobbyingeffortinCongressatleasttoescalatetheexcisetaxattheCPIrate.Commentnoted.208‐12GregAdamsPage105‐Theplan’sgoaltoseektochangetheregionfrombeingknownworldwideasthe“capitalofsprawl”resultsinaCommentnoted.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojects468IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse“densification”oftheexistinginnercities,tomywayofthinking.Associatedwiththatdensificationarecostlyinfrastructurechanges.Hasacostanalysisofthisconsequencebeenperformed?Itisverydifficult,asyouarewellaware,toplanforsucheffectsofdensificationgiventhecounteringaspectsoftherecentRDAcourtdecisionandthere‐distributionoffundstothecitiesthatwillresult.intendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.TheRTP/SCSdidnotprovideanalysisonlikelyimpactsoninfrastructurecostsfromdensificationexceptontransportationcostsandinvestments.Nonetheless,SCAGgrowthforecastswerealsoprovidedtoregionalagenciessuchasMWDandtheSanitationDistrictwhereimpactsoninfrastructureconcernsraisedherewillbeassessed.208‐13GregAdamsPage123‐ChangingDemographicsandHousingMarketDemandTheimpactsoftherecentRDAdecisionshouldbeaddressedinthischapter,eveniftheresultsaresomewhatspeculative.SB375combinestransportationandhousingplanningbyintegratingtheRegionalHousingNeedsAssessment(RHNA)processwiththeRTP/SCS.HowwillthisnexusbeimpactedbytheRDAdecision?Wouldtheexamplecommunitiesthatareillustratedonpages126and138,forexample,beenconstructedinthefirstplacewithoutRDAassistance?Commentnoted.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.TheFinal2012RTP/SCShasbeenupdated,asappropriate.RHNAwillnotbeaffectedbytheeliminationofRDA.208‐14GregAdamsPage173‐Table5.3‐TotalEmploymentImpactPleaseprovideanexplanationastohowgoodsmovement,logisticsanddistributionwillbeimpactedbyanexpandedPanamaCanalandashiftofsometraffictotheGulfCoastportsoftheUnitedStates.Commentnoted.TheexpansionofthePanamaCanalprovidesthepotentialfordiversionofinternationalcargofromtheSanPedroBayPorts.Thisdiversioncouldhaveimpactsfortheregionalgoodsmovementsystemanditsvariouscomponents.However,thepotentiallevelofcargodiversionisunknownatthistime.SCAGcontinuestoworkwithitspartnersandregionalstakeholderstoreducefreightcongestionchokeholds,increasereliabilityofgoodsmovementandaddresstheconcernsregardingcargodiversionasaresultoftheprojectinordertoincreaseglobalcompetitiveness.209‐01HankFungLanduse:Partofhistoricresourcesisalsorecognizingthelanduseimpactsofdenserdevelopmentonhistoricresidentialandcommercialdistricts.TheSCAGregionhasseveralcommercialandresidentialneighborhoodswhichareontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Manyofthesedistrictsareneartransit‐friendlyareaswhichareslatedfordenserdevelopmentundertheRTP.Inthedevelopmentapprovalprocess,localjurisdictionsshouldrecognizethoseimpactsandmitigateappropriately.SCAGcorrectlynotesthatrevitalizingtraditionaldowntownshasthegreatestpotentialforaccommodatinggrowthinallcommunitiesinSouthernCalifornia,butitshouldbedoneinasensitivemanner.AsaresultofincreasedlandCommentnoted.TheactionsandstrategiescontainedinChapter4ofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSencouragevariouscomponentsoflivablestreets.Workingwithlocaljurisdictions,SCAG'slanduseandtransportationstrategiessupportbetterbicyclingandpedestrianinfrastructure,compactneighborhoods,andtransitaccess.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalstrategythatlocalgovernmentsmayconsideriftheysochoose,andgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregiongoingforward,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.469IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsepricesandexpansioninaveragespaceperperson(i.e.familiesinwhichchildrenusedtosharebedroomsnoweachhavingtheirownroom),exurbanand2000’ssuburbandevelopmentsareoftenmoredense(lessgreenspace,moreunitsperacre)thansuburbandevelopmentsinthe1950’s,1960’s,and1970’s.Thisisanaturallyoccurringtrend,buttheproblemisthatthesetypesofdevelopmentarenowplacedinareaswithpoortransitservice,thusincreasingtrafficdemand.Converselystreetdesignofthe1950’sandbeyond,focusingtrafficonarterials(i.e.thehalfmilesquarestreetgridinNorthernandCentralOrangeCounty)discouragespedestrianandbicycleusage.Throughlivablestreetspolicies,SCAGshouldencouragedesignthatismoreneighborhoodfriendlyandhelpstospreadouttrafficinsteadofconcentratingitinafewareas.209‐02HankFungTransitquality:Thedefinitionof“highqualitytransitarea”isextremelybroad.Areasaroundparkandridelotsinthesuburbswithfourbusesanhour,twoorthreehoursadayandnootherservicequalify.Forexample,FoothillTransitoperatesfrequentcommuterexpressservicetotraditionalsuburbanareas,butonlyduringpeakhours.ThispolicycouldleadtothedevelopmentofdensePlannedUnitDevelopmentandcondominiumtracts,butwithnoappropriatetransitserviceoutsideofbusservicetoadowntownarea,wheremostresidentsdonotwork.SCAGshouldrefinethedefinition,orcreateanewcriterion,toreflecttruequalityservice.Suchaservicewouldallowindividualstomakemostday‐to‐daytrips,notjustpeakhourtripstowork,viameansotherthanindividualpassengervehicles.“Highqualitytransit”includesmiddayandweekendservice,eveningserviceforserviceworkerstogethomeandforresidentstoenjoyadinnerandamovie,andshouldprovideconnectionstomultipledestinationsinsteadofjustaCBD.OtherwiseanydevelopmentnearaparkandridelotcouldqualifyasaHQTAandbeexemptunderSB375,despitethenumberoftripsgeneratedtherein.AlthoughSCAGhasnopowertodoso,itshouldencouragetransitagenciestorelaxefficiencycriteriatoencourageprovisionofoff‐peakservice.Ofteneveningandweekendserviceiscutbecauseitisnotascosteffectiveaspeakservice,yetreductionoftheseservicesresultsinpeoplepurchasingcarsanddroppingoffoftransitusealtogether.WhilenooneissuggestingoperationofemptyCommentnoted.“HighQualityTransitAreas(HQTAs)”aredefinedbySenateBill375,theSustainableCommunitiesandClimateProtectionActof2008,thestatutemandatingthepreparationofaSustainableCommunitiesStrategywithinthe2012RTP/SCS.CaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21155definesa“highqualitytransitcorridor”asonehavingfixedroutebusservicewithserviceintervalsnolongerthan15minutesduringpeakcommutehours,or,asperCaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21064.3,a“majortransitstop”isasitecontaininganexistingrailtransitstation,aferryterminalservedbyeitherabusorrailtransitservice,ortheintersectionoftwoormoremajorbusrouteswithafrequencyofserviceintervalof15minutesorlessduringthemorningandafternooncommuteperiods.SCAGhasastatutorymandatetofollowthesedefinitions.TheeliminationofRDAsmaylimitsomejurisdictions'abilitytofinancevariouslocalplansandprojectsintendedtosupportthepoliciesinthe2012RTP/SCS.SCAGwillcontinuetoidentifyfundingresourcesforlocalgovernmentspursuingsuchpolicies.TheRTP/SCSdidnotprovideanalysisonlikelyimpactsoninfrastructurecostsfromdensificationexceptontransportationcostsandinvestments.Nonetheless,SCAGgrowthforecastswerealsoprovidedtoregionalagenciessuchasMWDandtheSanitationDistrictwhereimpactsoninfrastructureconcernsraisedherewillbeassessed.470IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebuses,weshouldnotpenalizeagenciesforoperatinglifelinenightandweekendserviceeither.Improvingspanofservice,asdescribedinPage49,shouldbemoreofakey.Alsoconsiderationneedstobegiventofarepolicy.TheSanDiegoAssociationofGovernments(SANDAG)recentlyobtainedfaresettingpolicyforitsjurisdiction,becauseitrecognizestheconnectionbetweenappropriatetransitfaresanditsregionalplanninggoals.AllfarechangesmustgothroughtheSANDAGboard.AlthoughSCAGmaynotwishtousurptherolesofthelocaltransitoperatorslikeSANDAGdid,itshouldrecognizethatappropriatelysetfarescanincreasetransitridershipwhilestillbeingfairtothetaxpayer.209‐03HankFungOnewaytodothisisthroughimplementationofaregionalsmartcard.Althoughinneedofimprovement,theLACountyMTA’sTAPprogramhassignificantpotentialandcouldserveasabasisforaregion‐widefarecard,similartoonesinWashingtonDC,Seattle,andtheSanFranciscoBayArea.Businessrulesshouldberevisedsotransferswithasmartcardareautomaticallyprovided.Suchacardcouldeliminatetheneedtoremembermultiplefaresortocarrymultiplepassesforinter‐countytravelers.TheSCAGregionshouldnotmakethesamemistakeas511,inwhereSanBernardinoandRiversideCountieshaveadifferent511systemfromLosAngelesandOrangeCounties.Commentnoted.ImplementationoftheTAPpassprogramisidentifiedasFTIPIDLA0G203,TransitAccessPassIntegration.Additionalfaremediaintegrationisalocalissuetobeaddressedbyindividualtransitproperties,andforwardedforinclusioninfutureRegionalTransportationPlansintheprojectsubmittallistsofrelevantCountyTransportationCommissions.209‐04HankFungRoadPricing:Inthepast,avehiclemileagetax(VMT)hasbeenverycontroversial.Italsodiscouragesadoptionofmorefuelefficientvehicles,althougharguablyasfuelpricesgoupthatincentiveisprovidedanyway.Aconsiderationcouldbemadetofreezetheexistinggastaxatthecurrentlevel,whileimposingaVMT–buttheVMTwouldhavetogointorealprojectsinsteadofjustina“blackhole”generalfund.Theexistinggastaxisnotenoughforoperationsandmaintenanceofexistinghighwayfacilities.Therefore,allnewcapacityshouldbetolledorotherwisehaveafundingsourceformaintenancethatiscorridor‐specific.Commentnoted.Themileage‐baseduserfeeassumedintheRTPwouldbeenactedbyCongress(notSCAG)by2025,andwouldbededicatedtotransportationandwouldnotgointothestateorfederalgeneralfundaccounts.Weagreethatadditionalresourcesareneededforoperationsandmaintenanceandtoensureastateofgoodrepair.209‐05HankFungStrategicPlan:Unfundedcapitalimprovements:CaltranshasdeclaredthatSR‐39throughtheSanGabrielMountainsfromtheAzusacitylimitstoSR‐2isexcessandhasaskedtheCountyofLosAngelesortheUnitedStatesForestServicetotakeovertheroadway.RecentlytheSanGabrielValleyCOGindicatedthatCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSStrategicPlanprojectlistisbasedinpartonLosAngelesCountyMTA'sLong‐RangeTransportationPlanStrategicPlan.Wehavealsoanalyzedthelisttoensurethatthereisnodouble‐countingofprojectswithotherRTPprojectlists.471IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheextensionofSR‐39throughtheSanGabrielMountainstoconnecttoSR‐2shouldbereconsidered.AlthoughtherewouldneedtobesignificantmitigationfortheBighornSheep,thisextensioncouldprovidesignificantbenefitinimprovingaccesstorecreationandforemergencyresponseandevacuation.Moreimportantly,thecostsandbenefitsofthisprojecthaveneverbeendebatedinapublicforumwithdecisionmakers.TheSR‐39extensionfromCrystalLaketoSR‐2shouldbeaddedintheStrategicPlanforpossiblefuturefundingeligibility.WhilereviewingtheStrategicPlanprojectlist,itappearsthatsomeoftheprojectsinthatlistwerealreadyfundedorarenolongerbeingconsidered.Forexample,theSR‐126/CommerceCenterDrivegradeseparationprojectisfunded.PartsoftheColimaRoadprojecthavealreadybeenimplementedorhavebeenfundedthroughtheMTACallforProjects,orareincludedintheFTIPorRTPplan.TheFullertonRoadunderUPRRispartoftheACEPhaseIIprogram.SCAGshouldworktoverifythatthislistiscurrentpriortoRTPadoptionandisnotdoublecountingprojects.210‐01HankFungWithregardtofreightmovementstrategies,inthepastSCAGhasconsideredmakingthetruckonlylanes“greenlanes”forcleanfuelandlowemissiontrucks.Thisshouldbeconsideredinanystudies.Also,electrificationoffreightrail,whilecurrentlynotfundedintheshortterm,isastrategiclongtermimprovementthatshouldbestronglyconsideredforimplementation.Thishasthepotentialofeliminatingasignificantamountofemissionsfromdiesellocomotives.Implementationof“inlandports”withfreightrailconnectionstotruckfacilitiesintheAntelopeValleyandtheInlandEmpirehaveapotentialofbringingjobsintotheseeconomicallyhardhitareas.Commentnoted.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Thisisincludedinthe2012RTP.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Mainlineelectrificationisnotpartoftheconstrainedorstrategicplans.AsstatedintheRTP,SCAGwillworkwithregionalstakeholderstofurtherstudyapplicabilityfortheregion.TheRTPindicatesthatanyefforttoconstructanelectrifiedrailsystemwouldneedtheparticipationofbothrailroads(UnionPacificandBurlingtonNorthernSantaFeRailway).RecentstudiesbybothSCAGandtheSanPedroBayPortsindicatethatanumberofchallengesexistinregardtoinlandports.Thelongtermdevelopmentandsuccessofsuchfacilitiesisunknownanddependentuponnumerousfactorssuchasmarketdevelopment,economictrends,andfunding.210‐02HankFung[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber38.211‐01HarveyLissIhaveanextremelyimportantissuethataffectsairqualityprobablymorethananyother,andIdon’tknowhowtohaveitCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSproposesinvesting$7.6billionthrough2035towardsTransportationSystemsManagement472IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseconsidered.Onlytoday,IbecameawareoftheRTPreviewprocessandthemeetingonTuesdayattheSCAGmainoffice,atnoon,fromanemailfromSupervisorPatBates,andadeadlineforpubliccommentseemstohavepassedwithoutmybeingawareofit.Theissueconcernssynchronizationoftrafficsignals.Therearehundredsofmillionsofdollarsthathavebeenspentandthatwillbespent,intheory,tosynchronizetrafficsignalsfromMeasureMfunds(theProjectParterialsynchronizationprojects).AfterayearofeffortworkingwiththeCityofIrvine,anddoingotherresearchonthematter,Imadeahorriblediscovery,andthatisthatwhenacity(likeIrvine)claimsthatitissynchronizingsignalswithProjectPfundsdistributedbyOCTA,theycanenduponlybeingsynchronizedfor5hours/day;thatis,onlyduringtheAMandPMrushhours,ratherthanallday.IinterviewedcitytrafficengineersfromtwootherOrangeCountycitiesandgotveryvaryingtimesofsynchronizationfortheirrespectivecities.OCTA,itself,onitswebsitestates:“Thesynchronizationsystemisusuallyactivatedduringmorningandeveningpeaktraffichours...”Hence,whenacityclaimsitisusingProjectPfundstosynchronizesignals,itcouldbemostlymisleading,andIcanexplainwhysynchronizationisoftendoneinsuchalimitedfashion.Bycontrast,thecityofAustin,TX,synchronizesitssignalsfrom6amto11pm,andthatonlysince2005,becausetheyhaveanactivistcitytrafficengineer(withwhomI’vechatted)thattrulywantedtodothingsright!Thisisthewayitshouldbedone.Here,again,Icanexplainwhathehadtoovercometomakethishappen.Synchronizingtrafficsignalsthewayit’sdoneinAustinwouldprobablyhaveabiggerreductionofairpollutionthananyotherpolicychangeinSouthernCalifornia.HowcanIgetthisissueturnedintoamandateoftheRTP?HowdoIbegin?WhocanItalkto?strategies,includingtrafficsignalsynchronization.Trafficsignalsynchronizationprogramsaretypicallyimplementedbycountyandlocaljurisdictions.211‐02HarveyLissI’mcertainlywillingtocometoLAonTuesdaytospeakduringthepubliccommentsperiodifIhadsomeassurancethatIwouldhaveanopportunitytospeak;however,fromreadingtherules(totaltimeofpubliccommentlimitedto20minutes),itappearsthatIwouldlikelyhavenoopportunitytospeak.AndIhavenoideawhattimeIcanshowuptofilloutapubliccommentcardtoassurethatIwouldbeinlineearlyenoughtogettospeak,orifeveryoneisgivenanopportunitytospeak,thatIwouldhavemorethan15seconds.ThisisalinktoanOCCommentnoted.TheRTP/SCSproposesinvesting$7.6billionthrough2035towardsTransportationSystemsManagementstrategies,includingtrafficsignalsynchronization.473IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseRegisterarticleabouttheworkIrecentlycompletedwiththeCityofIrvine:http://www.ocregister.com/news/city‐327277‐liss‐traffic.htmlIsittoolatetodoanythingaboutthis?Doweallsufferanother4yearsofincredibleairpollutionandwastedhundredsofmillionsofdollars,unnecessarily?Pleasehelp.212‐01IreneRauschenbergerRe:Thevisionforthe2012RTP/SCS‐AsanativeOxnardresidentandlayperson,IwishrespondtotheVenturaCountyStar2/12/12commentaryonthetransportationplan.(Columnist,HasanIkhrata)I’mparticularlyinterestedintheprincipleofmobility,it'simpactonsustainability.AsIseeit,thereisagreatneedformorebikeroutesandpedestrianspacesintheCityofOxnardwhereIlive,albeittheneedisimportantinallcities,andfullfillingthisneedwouldbeapositiveimpactonourcleanairandopenspaces.Inshort,adesignatedclassI/IIbikerouteconnectingOjai,Ventura,OxnardandMalibuwoulddemonstratemobilityandsustainabilityprofoundly!OjaialreadyhasaclassIbikerouteadjacenttoHWY33,VenturahasgoodbikepathsonthebeachthatcouldbeconnectedtoOxnard’sscenicHarborBlvd.toWooleyRd.runeastadjacentorinplaceoftheRRtrack(thatisidle)thenwestadjacenttoVenturaRd.therearehugedrainsthatcouldbecoveredintobikepaths,continueeastonChannelIslandsto“J”streetwest(anotherhugedrainprojectcurrentlyunderreview)toconnecttoHuenemeRoad,thenheadeasttowardsOrmandWetlands,andthePCHHWYtoMalibu!ConnectionsthatwouldbetheprideofVenturaCountyandamuchneededmobileinfrastructure.Respectfully...ResidentofOxnardCommentnoted.213‐01JaemiJacksonIntheActiveTranspage25,Tables6&8areexactlythesame.Commentnoted.Thetableshavebeenrevised.214‐01JamesFujitaIwanttoseetheTAPcardaddedtoMetrolink.TheTAPcardhasthepotentialtobeforSouthernCaliforniawhatSUICAisforCentralJapan—onesingle,simpletouseelectronicandonlinefarepaymentsystemforanentireregion.Thereisnoreason—exceptforbureaucraticbickering—whythesamecardcan'tbeusedinLosAngeles,OrangeCountyandotherareas.Commentnoted.ImplementationoftheTAPpassprogramisidentifiedasFTIPIDLA0G203,TransitAccessPassIntegration.Additionalfaremediaintegrationisalocalissuetobeaddressedbyindividualtransitproperties,andincludedinfutureRegionalTransportationPlansviaprojectsubmittalsbytherelevantcountytransportationcommissions.215‐01JasonHerringIamstronglyopposedtosolvingregionaltransportplanningthroughmorefreewayexpansion.ThecurrentRTPfocusestoomuchonlegacytransportationmodesandnotenoughtowardsforward‐lookingsolutionstoourcongestionproblems.LivinginthePortareaIamveryinterestedinproposeddirect‐to‐railtechnologiessuchastheGRIDSuperDock,whichwouldcreateaCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.474IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefreighttunnelfromtheporttoinlandwarehousingandintermodalareas.Pleaseconsiderthismoreforwardlookingconceptinyourplanning.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.216‐01JenniferAndersonNiceDelphicommentform.Iamawareofwhatyoucriminalsaretryingtodoandyoucanforgetit.Therewillbenoagenda21inSouthernCalifornia,notaxincreases,nowildlands.IamahomeownerandIvote,andIamtellingallofmyneighborsandhandingoutinformation.Furthermore,IintendtoseetoitthatthoseengagedinthissubversivelandgrabaretriedfortreasonagainsttheUnitedStates.IfyouthinkyoucangetawaywithsurreptitiouslyintroducingtheUNAgenda,youhavegotanotherthingcoming.Iwillfindoutthenamesofthepeopleresponsibleforthisandpublicizethemaswidelyaspossible.Nopassingthebuck,eachandeveryoneofyou.Commentnoted.217‐01JennyWilderInordertogetintothe21stcenturyanddealwiththeeverincreasingpopulationandtransportationproblems,itisnecessarytoprovidesomerealtransitalternativestoonepersonpercar.Thismeansthatamoreproportionateshareoftheavailablefundsmustbespentontransitneedsandnotoncreatingnewfreeways/roads.Pleasedon'tfallintothetrapofspendingtransitfundsonitemsthatareNOTpublictransit.IliveinAppleValleyandtherearecurrentlyNOalternatives!ThereisagreatneedformetrolinktoSanBernardino,RanchoCucamongaandPalmdale.ThefactthattheCajunPassis"toosteep"isridiculousandtheHighDesertCorridorasanalternativeforpeopleandgoodsbetweenSanBernardinoorevenLosAngelesviaPalmdaleisincomprehensible.TherearealreadyanumberoffreighttrainsgoingupanddowntheCajunPass,butonlyonepassengertrain.WeneedregulartransportservicetoconnecttothemetrosystemintheInlandEmpire‐Commentnoted.Transitserviceinthiscorridorisidentifiedinthe2012RTP/SCSasRTPID#7120008,ExpandPointtoPointBusService.475IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseespeciallyifthegovernmentenvisionsevenmoregrowthintheHighDesert.217‐02JennyWilderThereisagreatneedforHOVlanesontheI‐15fromVictorvilletoSanBernardinoandRanchoCucamonga,totheI‐215andI‐210.RoadssuchasBearValleyRoadandHwy18throughthecommunitymustgetamakeover.First,provideafreeshuttletogetupanddowntheroads.Mustberegularandfrequent(every30minutes‐storescanhelpfundthis).Next:workonmakiingtheentryandexitofthemainroadlimitedbyprovidingaccesstoshoppingfromparallelstreetsbehindthecurrentshoppingcenters.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSproposesHOVlanesonI‐15fromVictorvilletotheRiversideCountyLine.TheRTPincludeslocalstreetimprovementstoBearValleyRdandSR‐18.Thelocaljurisdictionsareresponsibleforprojectlevelevaluation,environmentalreview,andimplementation.217‐03JennyWilderDonotallowchangesofzoningalongthemainroadssuchasBearValleyRoadthatwillincreasetrafficbeforemakingaccommodationforthattrafficoralternatives(e.g.,asuperWalmartoutsideSpringValleyLake).Commentnoted.Locallanduseauthority,suchaszoningamendments,remainswithlocalgovernments.217‐04JennyWilderLookatprovidingmorewalkingandbicyclingalternativesforshorttripsortoenhancetransitoptions.Awalking/bicyclingpathallalongtheMojaveRiverisamust.Providebridgesdedicatedtowalking/bicyclingovertheMojaveRiverandrailway‐especiallytoaccesstheCommunityCollege.Meanwhile,reducethespeedoverthecurrentbridgestoprovidebettersafetyforpedestriansandbicycles.Commentnoted.OneoftheprimarygoalsoftheActiveTransportationComponentofthe2012‐2035RTP/SCSistoincreasebikewaysintheregionfromtheexisting4,300milestoover10,000miles.217‐05JennyWilderAvoidsprawldevelopments(especiallythosewhichrequireazonechange)andencourage"infill"developmentsthatpromotewalkingandbicycling.Commentnoted.Locallanduseauthority,suchaszoningamendments,remainswithlocalgovernments.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSfocusesfuturehousingandemploymentgrowthHigh‐QualityTransitAreas(HQTA),whichmovestheregiontowardsmorecompact,mixed‐usedevelopmentleadingtomoreopportunitiesforwalkingandbiking,moretransituse,andshorterautotrips.217‐06JennyWilderDecreasethespeedlimitandprovidetrafficcalmingdevicesalongAppleValleyRoadnearthe55+communityandinotherareaswithelderlyresidents.Providebicycle/neighborelectric/handicapscooterfacilitiesinandaroundthesecommunities.Commentnoted.AsstatedintheRTP,theCompleteStreetsActof2008(AB1358)requirescitiesandcountiestoincorporatetheconceptofCompleteStreetsintheirgeneralplanupdatestoensurethattransportationplansmeettheneedsofallusersofourroadwaysystem.SCAGsupportsandencouragesimplementationofCompleteStreetpoliciesinthe2012RTP.SCAGwillworkwiththelocaljurisdictionsastheyimplementCompleteStreetsstrategieswithintheirjurisdictionsbyprovidinginformationandresourcestosupportlocalplanningactivities.476IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse217‐07JennyWilderTheweatherisgreatintheHighDesertforwalkingandbicycling.Thankyoufortheopportunitytocomment.Commentnoted.218‐01JoePorteraWeneedtoinvestinsafercrosswalksandbikelanes,especiallycrosswalksbyschools.Commentnoted.TheActiveTransportationAppendixincludesGoal3:IncreaseActiveTransportationUsageintheSCAGRegionbyAdoptingaSafeRoutestoSchoolPolicy.219‐01JohnBednarskiIhavebeenaresidentoftheSanGabrielvalleyfornearly30years,mostrecentlylivinginAltadenaformorethan20years.IwanttotakethisopportunitytovoicemysupportforSCAG'splanstoclosethe710Gap.Closureofthistransportationgapwillspeedcommutingforthoseofusthatusethatsurfacerouteonaregularbasis,improvesafetyforthosecommunitiesthatpresentlyaresubjectedtosurfacetrafficupanddownFreemontandPasadenaAvenues,andlessenairpollutionastherewillbefeweridlingcarsstuckintrafficjamsastheyslowlymovethroughAlhambra,SouthPasadenaandPasadena.Whiletherehasbeennoisycriticismofthe710Gapclosurefromselectedcommunitiesinthearea,IdonotbelievethatthesecommunitiesnecessarilyspeakforthethousandsofprivatecitizenslikemyselfthatsupporttheGapclosure.IalsosuggestthatSCAGlookataggressivelymovinguptheschedulefortheGapclosure.Rightnow,theprogramisscheduledtobecompletedin2030.Ifirmlybelievethatschedulecanbeadvanceatleast5yearsearlier,anda2025completionoftheGapclosureisviable.Howcanthisbedone?Iunderstandthata3yearenvironmentalassessmentprocessisunderway.Duringthistime,conceptualdesignshouldbestartedonavarietyofoptions,includingthemostobvious/logicaloption,thetunnelbeneathSouthPasadenaandAlhambra.AssoonasaRecordofDecisionisissuedontheprogram,preliminarydesignshouldcommenceandeffortsshouldstartongainingenablinglegislationtoperformtheprogramunderaDesignBuildapproach(similarinfashiontowhatiscurrentlybeingaccomplishedinSeattle,WAwiththeAlaskaViaducttunnel).Theseactivitiesrepresentabouta2yeareffort.NextwiththeDBapproachinhand,finaldesigncanstartassoonastheDBfirmisselected,andworkcanbeginonprocuringthetunnelboringmachine.Allowinga6yeartimeframefortheDBconstructionwouldthenputtheprojectonlineapproximately11yearsfromtoday(roughly2023),thenadd2yearsofcontingencytimeintheplanningwindow,andthisgivesa13Commentnoted.477IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseyeartimeframefromstarttofinish(2012+13=2025).Thisshouldbeeasilyaccomplishable.Tunnelboringmachinetechnologyisrobustandrelativelystandardforthesizeofmachinesthatwillbeneededforthisdouble‐deckedbore.Mining2milesperyearshouldbeeasilyaccomplishable.Isupportyoureffortstoclosethistransportationgap.220‐01JohnBednarskiPleasemakesuretoincludeafastandconvenientlightraillinktoLAXinyourplans.ThepresentlightrailsystemiscompletelylackinginitsabilitytoserviceLAX.IcouldneverunderstandwhyamajorcitylikeLosAngelescouldfailsobadlyinNOTbeingabletobringlightrailtransportationrightintoLAX.IwouldsuggestthateverymajorcityintheUSAhassomeformofdirectrailtransportrighttotheirrespectivemajorairport.YetinLosAngeles,thiscapabilityissorelylacking.Thoseofyouthatmakesuchtransitplansfortheregionneedtosolvethisobviousshortcomingandhopefullyyoursolutionprovidesamethodologyforsmoothandefficienttravel‐by‐railtoLAXfromnumerouslocations,likedowntownLosAngeles.Thankyouforthisopportunitytocomment.Commentnoted.ThiscorridorwillbeservedbyprojectID1TR0101,theMetroRailGreenLineExtension.221‐01JohnBonillaMr.JacobLieb,IfoundmywaytotheRegionalTransportationPlanwhilelookingforemissionreductioninformation.TheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictTechnologySymposiumhadinformationforimportgoodscontainermovementemissionreduction;theGreenRailIntelligentDevelopmentProjectwhichmadequiteanimpressionuponme.WhilelookingfurtherintothisplanIfoundinformationaboutthefullyelectrifiedrailrunningundergroundmostofthetimeinmassivepipelineswhichfurtherimpressedmeandwiththeAngelesChapteroftheSierraClubsupportofthatproject,itaddedtomyopinionthatthisplanisverymuchworthconsidering.WhilelookingintoavailableinformationforthatplanIfoundmywaytotheRegionalTransportationPlanbutwasverysurprisedthattheRegionalGoodsMovementSystemhadinformationforthePotentialEastWestFreightCorridorbutdidnotincludethepossibilityofconsideringtheGreenRailIntelligentDevelopmentprojectortoplacetheEastWestFreightCorridorunderground.IhopemycommenttoincludetheGreenRailIntelligentDevelopmentProjectasapossibilityinthefinalTransportationPlanasanalternatetotheabovegroundCorridorisgivenadditionalconsideration.I’mhighlyCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststocontinuetoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.The2012RTPadvancesstrategiesforapplyingnear‐zeroandzero‐emissiontechnologiestotrucklanesandcontinuestoevaluateadvanced478IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimpressedbytheundergroundplanandfeelthatthoughthemainconcernispollutioninourairastrongsecondaryconcernshouldbethevisual,auditoryandtrafficimpactsthatcouldbeavoidedbyhavingundergroundtransportationrails.It’salsomybeliefthatwhileanyplanwouldtakealongtimetocomplete,implementationofanundergroundsystemwouldhelplimittrafficimpactduringconstructionandavoidusinglandspacethatcouldinthefuturebeusedforotherimprovements.Thankyou,JohnBonillatechnologyoptionsforrail.222‐01JohnLongvilleIamamazedathowmuchtestimonyhasbeensubmitted,fromonepersonafteranother,urgingustodevotemoreresourcestosomethingotherthanjustsingleoccupancyvehicles.Itisveryclearfromthetestimonythatisbeingpresentedthatthepeopleareinfrontofus.Thisisindicatedaswellbythepollingthathasbeendone.MoveLArecentlybroughtinasurveythatindicatedtheamounttowhichthepublicwouldliketoseeusdoingmorefortransit,bicycles,andpedestrianfacilities.IhopethatasthefinalstagesofthisprocesswrapupthatSCAGwillbeabletoaccommodatesomeofthesewishesintheshiftsthatwilltakeplace.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.222‐02JohnLongvilleThusfar,therearealotofwonderfulthingscomingthroughthisprocessbutIamnotconfidentthatwehaveenoughrealisminaddressingthefinancialneedsforwhatneedstobedone.Onceagainourpeopleareinfrontofus.Mostofourcountieshaveadoptedsalestaxmeasuresfortransportationandtheypassoverwhelmingly.IwanttothankSCAGforthetimeandefforttheagencyhasputintothedocument.Commentnoted.223‐01JonPorteraThesesignaturesrepresentjustsomeofthechildrenintheOxnardElementarySchoolDistrict;actually,theyarefromjustoneschool.Theyweregatheredbythesesamechildrenduringtheirrecesstime.Formetheyhaveasignificancebeyondthenumber100plusbecausethechildrenrespondedfromtheirheartforthefifthgraderwhowaskilledtwoyearsagoatacrosswalkneartheschool.Tragically,itwouldhavebeensuchasimplemattertohaveallocatedmorefundstohavehadacrossingguardondutyatanearliertimeortohavehadanilluminatedandsoundingCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocal479IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecrosswalkbytheirschool.Tonowtrytopaytributetothisyounggirl'spassingbycreatingsafercrosswalksandbikelanes,atornearschoolcrossings,wouldbethemostfittingacttorememberherby,anacttopreventfurthertragedieslikethisfromocurring.jurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationovertheplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.224‐01JoyceDillardTheCIRCULATIONELEMENTSoftheregionalcitiesGENERALPLANSshouldbeaddressedastheyexpandtoaoverviewoftheregionalneedsandhasadirectrelationshiptolanduse.ThiswillalsoaddresstheMilitaryneedsandnationaldefenseissueswhichareunderplayedfortheregion.PertheGovernor’sOfficeofPlanningandResearch“UpdatetotheGeneralPlanGuidelines‐CompleteStreetsandtheCirculationElement::...circulationelementshallcontainobjectives,policies,principles,planproposals,and/orstandardsforplanningtheinfrastructuretosupportthecirculationofpeople,goods,energy,water,sewage,stormdrainage,andcommunications.Extremeweatherconditions,atmosphericrivers,fires,floodsareaconcernoftheDepartmentofWaterResourcesandplanningforthe200‐yearfloodplainisreflectedinAB162WolkGovernmentCodeSection65300‐65303.4.Elementsinclude:•LandUse•Conservation•Safety•HousingCommentnoted.224‐02JoyceDillardAlsoconsiderationshouldbegiventoHUDCoastalHighHazardAreasandtheincorporationofProtectionWetlandsintoFloodplainManagementina500‐yearfloodplain.SouthernCaliforniahastheworseextremeweatherinthecountry.TheCSSanBernardinoAlluvialTaskForceisrollingoutanonline/cellphonemappingtoolinthenearfuture.Thisshouldbeemployed.Remember,watervaporisagreenhousegas.Commentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportincludesananalysisoffloodplainsintheWaterResourcesChapter.Foradditionalresponse,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRtothe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,Chapter4,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftPEIR.224‐03JoyceDillardTheGoodsMovement,inthePortofLosAngeles,isnotsomuchabouttheportdocksasthemovementofgoodstomarket(HarborCommissionmeetingFebruary2,2012).ThatconnectivityisakeyfactortotheareareceivinggoodsinsteadofthePanamaCanalandshouldbetakenmoreseriously.Commentnoted.TheSCAGregionservesastheprimarygatewayforcontainerizedgoodsenteringtheU.S.foranumberofreasonsincluding,butnotlimitedto,thenation'slargestcontainerportcomplex,alargeinternalmarket,anextensivesystemofregionalroadways,ahighly‐developedregionalrailsystem,anabundanceofwarehousinganddistributionfacilities,andgeography.Theinfrastructurenetworkprovidesaconsiderableadvantagefortransportinggoodstotherestofthecountry.SCAGhasexploredpotentialdiversionofgoodsthroughitsstudiesonportandmodalelasticity.SCAGcontinuestoevaluatetheimpactsofthewideningofthePanamaCanalontheSCAGregionandtheneedtomaintainglobal480IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsecompetitiveness.224‐04JoyceDillardAgingpipelinesinfrastructureshouldbeaddressedatalllevelsincludedpublicutilitiessuchasSouthernCaliforniaGas.TheremaybeblackholesinjurisdictionmakingPublicHealthandSafetyanissuenotaddressed.CTPGCaliforniaTransmissionPlanningGroup’seffortsintransmissiondeliveryshouldbeaddressedaspartofCirculation.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSdoesnothavepurviewoverutilities.224‐05JoyceDillardATBCBPedestrianFacilitiesinthePublicRight‐of‐Wayissueswillplayaroleinexpendituresandcompliancethroughouttheregionasiteffectsproductivity.Commentnoted.224‐06JoyceDillardYouarecompletelymissingtheexpectedagingpopulation.CriticalActionsakahospitalsetc.shouldbeanalyzedwiththeagingpopulation.TheLAUSDpopulationandotherschooldistrictsareimportanttoincorporateforaprojectionofthefutureworkforce.Families,notdensity,istruegrowth.Commentnoted.SCAGusesthedemographicandhouseholdprojectionmodelstodeveloptheagecomposition,laborforce,schoolenrollment,andhouseholdsinthefuture.224‐07JoyceDillardAirQualitysolutionsshouldbeaddressedastestsitesarelackingtodistinguishareasofnon‐compliance.Thoughtrainsmaybeasolution,dieselemissionsandtheparticulatesarenot.Thoughdensityappearstobeasolution,digitalsignsandozonecreatingprojectsarenot.Weneedtotakeseriouslytheextentofnon‐complianceforParticulateMatterandNOX,grandfatheredlanduseandrealisticsolutions.Mappingisimportanttoseewhereissuescanbeaddressedandwheretheycannot.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSincludesmappingandothervisualizationtechniquestofacilitatecommunicationofthetechnicalanalyses.224‐08JoyceDillardMetropolitanWaterDistricthasabusinessplanandthoseplansshouldbeaddressedseriouslyastheymanagewater.Thatbusinessmodelisnotaboutvariance.UseofRainwaterHarvesting,notaTitle22Water,maybealargerproblemiftheStateDepartmentofPublicHealthandtheFederalEPAdonotaddresstheirresponsibilities.Outbreakofdisease,whetheraviaryorhuman,wouldcauseextremeproblemsindenseareasandwithpublictransportation.Commentnoted.TheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReportfortheRTP/SCSincludesachapteronWaterResources.Foradditionalresponse,pleaseseetheFinalPEIRtothe2012‐2035RTP/SCS,Chapter4,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftPEIR.224‐09JoyceDillardDebtservicesandfeesshouldbeaddressedasbaselineneedsforCapitalImprovements.Jobgrowthisinsufficient.Justwhatindustrieswillrelocatehere.WhoguaranteesthataTransitOrientedDistrictisavailableasavehiclestraveledreduction,ifthereisnorealplanandnorealattraction.Yourallocationsareasfollows:Transit10.41%PassengerandHigh‐SpeedRail10.81%ActiveTransportation1.26%TransportationDemandCommentnoted.481IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseManagement(TDM)0.84%TransportationSystemsManagement(TSM)(includesIntelligentTransportationSystems(ITS))1.42%Highways15.15%Arterials4.63%GoodsMovement(includesGradeSeparations)10.04%AviationandAirportGroundAccess‐IncludedinmodalinvestmentsOperationsandMaintenance45.44%WithOperationsandMaintenancefundingincludedthefollowingpercentagesofyourallocationare:Transit39.60%Highways27.03%Arterials9.01%Thisisdistributionisnotrealistictotheexistingsystemanddoesnoguaranteethegrowththatisneededforincreasedeconomyandforjobs.SustainableCommunitiesStrategyshouldbeacompleteoverallpicture.225‐01JoyceDillardFortheLACountyregionandtheCityofLosAngeles,inparticular,undergroundingofUtilitieshasnotbeenincludedintheCommunityPlans,norhasitbeenaddressedinaCityofLosAngelesCirculationElement,asnosuchelement,asrequiredbylaw,hasbeenprepared.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCShasnopurviewoverutilities.225‐02JoyceDillardProjectLAF3148hasnotbeendiscussedinthecommunityespeciallyinlightofthePublicHealthandSafetyissues:NorthMainStGradeSeparation.ConstructanewgradeseparationoverUPRRandMetrolink&LARiverwhilepreservingthehistoricMainStBridge.Thisis#10inLACountyonthePUCgradeseparationlist.Projectsiteislocatedapproximately1milenortheastofdowntownLosAngeles,locatedonMainStreetovertheLosAngelesRiverbetweenWilhartandLamar.NorthMainSt.GradeSeparation:ConstructanewgradeseparationoverUPRRandMetrolink&LARiverwhilepreservingtheexistinghistoricN.MainSt.Bridge.Bikelaneswillbeaddedattheshouldersofthebridge.OtherworkcomponentsincluderealigningAlbionStreetandmodifyingtheintersectionsofNorthMainandMesnagerStreetatthewestend.Commentnoted.ThisprojectwassubmittedbyMetroasanewprojectinthe2011FederalTransportationImprovementProgram(FTIP)adoptioncycleandwentthroughthe2011FTIP30‐daypublicreviewandhearingsprocess.Nocommentswerereceivedforthisproject.225‐03JoyceDillardProjectLAD0169hasnotbeendiscussedinthecommunity:BROADWAYIMPROVEMENTSFROMMAINSTTOGRIFFITHST.Constructionofmissingcurb&gutterandreconstructionofExistingPavementandundergroundingtheoverheadpowerlines.Inthislow‐modincomearea,pleaseanticipatethelossofbusinessandreachouttothepublic.Commentnoted.Thisprojectwasincludedasanewprojectbackinthe2004RegionalTransportationImprovementProgram(RTIP)andcarriedoverbyMetroineachsubsequentRTIP/FTIP(2006,2008,and2011).Theprojectwassubjecttothe30‐daypublicreviewandpublichearingineachofthosecycles.226‐01JudyBergstresserTheSCAGPEIR/RTPisflawedinthesamewayastheSANDAGRTP/EIR–theyareinadequateunderCEQAlaw.ThejoiningCommentnoted.SCAG’sPEIRadequatelyanalyzesallpotentialenvironmentalimpactsandofferssuggestedmitigation482IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemotionfiledbytheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateofCaliforniainthelawsuitagainsttheSanDiegoAssociationofGovernments(SANDAG)RegionalTransportationPlanstatesthattheEnvironmentalImpactReport(EIR)preparedfortheplandoesnotadequatelyanalyzeorpreventairpollutionandclimateconcerns,andprioritizesexpandingfreewayswhiledelayingpublictransitprojects.TheSCAGissimilarlyflawedandwillnotstanduptoCEQAchallenge.measuresforconsiderationattheprojectlevel.226‐02JudyBergstresserIopposeallitemsinthedraftRTPthatrecommendtheexpansionorextensionofhighways,forthefollowingreasons:Thefundamentallawofhighwaycongestion(AnthonyDowns,1962,2004,1992;andconfirmedmostrecentlybyGillesDurantonandMatthewTurneroftheUniversityofToronto)statesthatthetravelspeedofanexpandedhighwayrevertstoitspreviouslevelbeforethecapacityexpansionandthattheextensionofinterstatehighwaysismetwithaproportionalincreaseintrafficintheU.S.SCAG’sassumptionthathighwayexpansionreducescongestionandimprovespollutionlevelsisgrosslyinaccurate.Thetrafficmodelingfailstofullyaccountforgeneratedandinducedtraffic.Andthereforeexaggeratesthebenefitsofexpansionandthedoesnotreflecttheseverityoffuturecongestionproblems.ThedraftRTPanticipatesadding948centerlinemilesand7419lanesmileswhichwouldbea4.4%and11.1%increaserespectively.TheSCAGRTPwillincreasepollution,trucktraffic,congestion,accidents,healthimpactsandenvironmentalrisksthroughouttheSouthernCaliforniaregion.Commentnoted.IncreaseintotalVMTin2035overthecurrentconditionisprimarilyduetoestimatedincreaseof4millionpeopleovertheplanperiod.However,VMTonapercapitabasiswilldecreaseoverthisperiodoncetheplanisfullyimplemented.WhilethePlandoesincludesomeneededhighwayimprovements,includingtheSR‐710NorthExtensionproject,thereisnoevidencethattheseimprovementswouldcontributetothetotalVMTincreaseinanydiscernibleway.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformanceandreductioninGHGtargetsrequiredunderSB375.226‐03JudyBergstresserIopposethe710gapclosureprojectasitisundefinedandisnoteligibletobeontheConstrainedPlan.TheproposedSR‐710ExtensionTollTunnels,at$5.6BILLIONalreadyunderfundedbyatleast50%,mustbemovedfromtheConstrainedPlantotheStrategicUnfundedPlaninthe2012RTPbecausetherearenocommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablefundsasrequiredbyfederallawforinclusionintheConstrainedPlan.ThereisenormousinternalinconsistencywiththeSCAG’ssixpossibleconstructionzonesyetallactualestimatesbasedonlythepreviouslydefinedMeridianRoutealignment.Commentnoted.SCAG’s2012RTPisconsistentwithfiscalconstraintrequirementssetforthunderapplicablefederalregulationsandguidance,includingtherequirementthatstrategiesforensuringavailabilityofnewfundingsourcesbeidentified.See23CFR450.322(f)(1).“Fiscalconstraint”means,inpart,thattheRTPincludessufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheRTPcanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources.See23CFR450.104.TheSR‐710projectisproposedtobefundedbybothcore(MeasureR)andnew,reasonablyavailablerevenues.SCAGdocumentedthatthenewfundingsourcesidentifiedfortheSR‐710projectarereasonablyavailable.Assuch,strategiesdelineatingrequired483IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseimplementationstepsforensuringtheavailabilityofproposednewrevenuesarediscussedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.226‐04JudyBergstresserIopposeplanitemsinthedraftRTPthatrecommendincreasedconventionalroadwayandrailyardcapacityforgoodsmovement.TheRTPshouldinsteadincludeexistingzero‐emissiongoodsmovementalternatives.Goodsmovementmustbeaccomplishedviaelectrifiedfreightrailnottrucks.GoodsmovementproposalsinthedraftRTPareinconsistentwithregional,state,andfederalairqualityandcongestiontargetsstatedintheplan.Theplanstatesthattoattainfederalozonestandards,theregionwillneedbroaddeploymentofzeroandnear‐zeroemissiontransportationtechnologiesinthe2023to2035timeframe(p.74).Italsoacknowledgesthatconventionalgoodsmovementpracticescontributetoexcessozoneandpoorairquality(p.68)andnegativeimpactsinneighboringcommunitiesandthroughouttheregion.However,theplanallocatesbillionsofdollarstoexpandingconventionalgoodsmovement,saying“truck‐onlyfreightcorridorsareeffectiveastheyaddcapacityincongestedcorridors,improvetruckoperationsandsafety.andprovideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.”Yettheplandoesnotrequirezero‐emissiontechnology.Commentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzeroemissiontrucks.The2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.Itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,whetherelectrifiedorconventionalrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.However,goodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.226‐05JudyBergstresser[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber43.227‐01KarenDorisWrightSCAGneedstoINCREASEthepercentageoffundingspentonBusTransitandBicyclepathways,lanes,strippedareasthatareWIDEenoughtotakeusintothefuture200yearsandprovideforadequatewaystogettowork,school,home,events,publicmeetingswithappropriatesecureparkingforbicyclesnearMetrolink,Bus,andotherpoints.CurrentlyasignificantportionofthepopulationinSCAGareasusepublictransportation,butthedollaramounttosupportnecessarytransitisinsufficient.Sayforexamplethat30percentoftheSCAGpopulationreliessoleyonpublictransitsuchasBUSESorbicyclesorwalking.Yetlessthat6percentofthefundingisspentforthetransitofthesepeople.FurthermoretheirbasictransportationneedisNOTMET,ForexamplejustwithintheCityofRiverside,whichistheCountySeatfortheCountyofRiverside,citizensinoneareaoftheCity,LaSierraandperhapsArlanza,HAVENOBUSACCESSCommentnoted.TheDraftRTPincludes$252.8billionfortransitandactivetransportation,whichrepresentsnearlyhalfofthetotalRTPexpenditures.WhileSCAGrecognizesneedforadditionalfunding,theregionisconstrainedbyhowmuchfundingmaybereasonablyavailableovertheplanperiod.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSprovidesareasonablebalanceinfundingforallmodesoftransportationwhilemeetingtheapplicablefiscalconstraintrequirementsunderthefederalregulations.484IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetoRTAbusesforabout12adayfromapproximately6:30pmto6:30am.AndforotherareasofRiversidethereisNOACCESSTOBUSTRANSITfromapproximately10:30pmto6:30am.ThismeansthatthousandsofcitizensareDENIEDESSENTIALBASICTRANSPORTATIONneededtogetthemtojobssuchasjobsinthemedicalfieldwhichare24hourjobs,tohospitalandurgentcareduringthosehours,cannotgooutforalatedinnerorshow,cannotattendeventsindifferentvenuesintheRiversideareaandcannotattendmanypublicmeetingsorattendeducationalopportunitiesatschools,colleges,oruniversitiesduetothelimitationsonbusservice.OntheotherhandontheROADS/ARTERIALS/FREEWAYSintheSCAGareathosewhoowncarsareabletogetaround24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.SCAGisworkingtoIMPROVEtheirdrivingexperiencebyaddingtoroads,lanes,etc.ButwhatisWRONGWITHTHISPICTURE.WhatisWRONGisthatSCAGhasDISENGAGEDaSIGNIFICANTPORTIONOFTHEPOPULATIONintheSCAGareafromopportunitiestowork,geteducated,participateinthedemocraticprocessandtoattendthemanyeventsputonacrosstheSCAGcountiesBYDENYINGTHEFUNDINGNEEDEDTOSUPPLYBASICNEEDEDBUSSERVICE.ThelackofSCAGfocusandfundingforthisareaimpactsnegativelyonourairqualitybyforcingcitizensintotheircars.ForexampleIliverightbyMagnoliainRiversideandcouldtakethebustotheInternationalFilmFestival,toeventsdowntownetcbuthavelearnedthereareNOBUSESgoinghome.227‐02KarenDorisWrightThereforeIrecommendthatSCAGSTUDYthefundingdistribution,andstudythepopulationwithinourareaanddeterminewhoMUSTusebusesandwhocouldusebuses,andthenbasedonthatresultingpercentagewhichIbelievewouldexceed30percentoftheSCAGpopulation,allocatethatamountofALLFUNDSFORALLTRANSIT/ROADS/METROLINKetc.andapplythatpercentagetoimproveBUSSERVICE,BUSROUTES,LateNIGHTandearlyAMSERVICE,BUSEQUIPMENTandanadvertisingprogramtoencourageeveryonetoridethebusfrombillionaires(andtheyDORIDETHEBUS)ondownandalsoeducationthemhowtoridethebus,withimprovesREGIONALBUSsignage,linkinglinesetc.Muchlessthat6percentofSCAGsmoniesgotoBUSSERVICEanditisUNCONCIONABLEthatyouignoreandunderfundthebusCommentnoted.485IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseserviceinfavorofthosewiththemeanstobuyacar.Educated,ManypeopleallovertheWorldridebusesinurbanareasandtogetbackandforthfromsuburbanareas.ThatincludesCambridgeandLondonEngland,ParisFrance,NewYorkNY,NewJersey,Toronto,SanFranciscoandthebroaderSanFranciscoBayareasandtheapproxnineCounties.Ipersonallyhavelivedortraveledinallthoselocationsandusethebuswheninthoselocationstogetaround.AnnuallyIvisitSFinthemonthofNovemberandwhenIgetthereIparkmycarandtravelaroundtheSFBayareatomydestinationsusingthebus.ShouldsaythatSanFranciscoandDavisCAalsohaveextensivebicycleridershipandItoohaveridenbicyclestogetaroundinSFandhavenoticedthatfromthe1970stonowadramaticandextensivedifferenceinbicycleridershipwithextensiveuseofdedicatedlanesandsharedlanesandmorealloverSanFrancisco.ThistoocouldcometopassifONLYSCAGwouldbutsometimeandmoneyintoIMPROVINGBOTHTHEBUSSERVICEACROSSTHESCAGAREABYDRAMATICALLYINCREASINGTHEFUNDINGfrommuchlessthan6percenttoamorereasonableamount,say20percentoftheTOTALFUNDINGFORALLKINDSOFTRANSIT/BUSES/TRAINS/BICYCLES.andalsodoublingortriplingtheamountallocatedforbicyclelanes/strippedareas,parkingetc.TheseCommentsAPPLYALSOTOMANYOTHERTOPICS/CATEGORIESandtheirchaptersandsubsections,includingtheTRANSITTOPIC.ItappliestotheHighwaysandArterials,HighspeedRailetc.asfundingforthoseareaswillneedtobeREDUCEDuntilsuchtimeasSCAGprovidesNEEDEDBASICBUSSERVICEincludinglateeveningandearlyamacrosstheSCAGarea228‐01KarenWright•Thereneedstobeanincreasedpercentageofthefundingusedforbicyclesandforbusservice.Commentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSallocatesapproximately$6.7billiontowardsActiveTransportationinvestments.Inresponsetotheoverallfeedbackwehavereceivedandbasedonfinalreconciliationofourfinanceplan,staffispleasedtonotethatthefundingforActiveTransportationhasactuallybeenincreasedby$700millionovertheDraftRTP/SCSthatwasreleasedforpublicreviewandcomment.Thisrepresentsanincreaseofmorethan270%overthecommitmentsmadeinthe2008RTP.Furthermore,thisdoesnotaccountfortheestimated$4.1billion,webelievethelocaljurisdictionswillbespendingonActivetransportationoverthe486IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseplanperiodbasedontheircurrentexpenditurepattern.StaffwillcontinuetoevaluatingfundingforActiveTransportationandpursuenewfundingsourcesinfutureRTPupdates.228‐02KarenWright•ThereshouldbebicyclelanesattheoverandunderpassesinRiversidealongthe91whereyou’readdinganHOVorcarpoollane.ThisshouldbeacrosstheSCAGregion.Commentnoted.228‐03KarenWright•Thereneedstobelockableunitsforbikesthroughtheregion.Commentnoted.228‐04KarenWright•Thereneedstobestepstogetcitizensoutofcars.Thecityandcountygovernmentsandfederalagenciesneedtotakeawaytheirfreeparking.It’sabadpolicyforcities,counties,stateandfedtoprovidefreebuspasseswhenthoseentitiesalsoprovidefreeparkingspaces.Commentnoted.228‐05KarenWright•BusTransit‐SCAGneedstodevelopapublicrelationprogramacrossallthecountiestoalsoencouragecountyandcityemployeesandotherbusinessleaderstousebuses.Commentnoted.TheRTPprovidesforasignificantincreaseintransitfundingandprojectstoprovideanincentiveforpeopletousetransit.228‐06KarenWright•Thereneedstobefundingforlatenightbusservice.Thisneedstobeprovidedsopeoplecanattendtheircitycouncilandeducationalmeetings.Commentnoted.TheRTPsupportsincreasedfundingfortransitservices.228‐07KarenWright•Donotplacehighdensityhousingonlyindowntownareas.Commentnoted.TheSCAGregionisgeographicallylargeanddiverse,thusavarietyofdevelopmentpatternsareencouraged.Thefuturelandusedevelopmentpatternofthe2012RTP/SCSpromotesavarietyofhousingchoicesinvariedlocations.228‐08KarenWright•AirQuality‐HighdensityhousingshouldnotbeputalongfreewaysorextremelybusyintersectionsCommentnoted.ThereissubstantialinformationandanalysisonhealthrisksrelatedtoairpollutionfromtransportationinfrastructureincludedinboththeEnvironmentalJusticeAppendixandintheProgramEnvironmentalImpactReport.StaffhasprovidedfurtheranalysisintheEnvironmentalJusticeAppendix,aspartofthefinalRTP/SCS,asrequestedinseveralcommentsonthisissue.228‐09KarenWright•SafetyatoverpassesandunderpassesCommentnoted.TheTransportationSafetyAppendixdetailsgoalsandstrategiesrelatedtoreducingtransportationinjuriesandfatalities.229‐01KarylPartenheimerIamwritinginresponsetotheproposedRegionalTransportationPlanforatruck‐onlyEast‐WestCorridorfromSanPedroBayPortstodowntownLosAngelesandontoSanBernardinoCounty.WhilethisplancouldpotentiallyalleviatesomeofthetrafficalongtheI‐710,I‐60,andI‐15freeways,Ifeelitfallsshortofitspotential.ThisplandoesnotaddresstheopportunitytoimprovetheenvironmentaldeteriorationcausedCommentnoted.TheEast‐WestFreightCorridorisenvisionedasazero(ornearzero)‐emissionfreightcorridorwhichofferstheopportunitytoreduceharmfulemissionsincludingfineparticulatematter.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallenges487IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebydieseltruckemissionssuchasreducingfineparticulatematter,improvingairquality,andreducednoisepollution.IunderstandtheSierraClubhasendorsedaplanforaproposedGRIDProjectSuperDockinwhichanundergroundtunnelisusedtofacilitateadronetraindeliverysystemofcontainersemanatingfromthePortsofLosAngelesandLongBeach.Thisundergroundsystemwouldnotonlyreducethetrucktrafficalongthelocalinterstatehighways,asproposedbythecurrentRTPSCAGplan,butwouldalsoprovideanunseen,unheard,andzero‐emissionsright‐of‐wayalternativetothecongested,environmentaldegradationsystemwecurrentlyendure.Thisnewconceptwouldgreatlydecreaseair,noise,andtrafficpollutionaswellasprovideadditionallandspaceforfuturedevelopment.Istronglyencouragefurtherconsiderationofthisalternateplanbeforewecommitourselvestoanunnecessarilylimitedconcept.resultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.230‐01KathleenDanicaIfatransportationplanisapprovedbySCAG,whatwillhappentoprivatepropertyofthosewhoselandmaybe“intheway”ofthedeterminedplan?Commentnoted.231‐01KathyHuffmireIamagainstthis"sustainablecommunity"againstthere‐zoningeminate[sic]domainetc.Commentnoted.SCAGismandatedbystatelegislationtodevelopa"SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,”aspartoftheRTP.Thisprocessdoesnotrequirelocaljurisdictionstorezonenordoesitinvolvetheuseofeminentdomain.232‐01LarsClutterhamIntheCityofDowneyGeneralPlanof2005,theCityspeaksaboutcreatingabicycleinfrastructure.IntheCityofDowneyDowntownSpecificPlanof2010‐11theCitytalksaboutcreatingabicycleinfrastructure,itacknowledgesthatitdoesnothaveamasterplanbuthopestomoveforwardtothat.SCAGawardedtheCityofDowneyaCompassBlueprintAwardfortheirDowntownSpecificPlan.YetinDowney’scontributiontotheirsub‐regionalSCS,theGatewayCitiesCouncilsofGovernment’sSCSprojectingoutto2035,theyhadnobicycleinfrastructureplanning.Inaddition,CityCouncilofDowneywithinthelasttwoweekshasconfirmedanEIRandthenauthorizedthedevelopmentofa1.5millionsquarefootshoppingcenter,whichasitstands,canonlybeaccessedbysingleoccupancyvehicles.IdonotfaulttheCityofDowneyoritsCouncilmembers.Theyarelookingforrevenueandtheyhaveseventysevenacrestheyaretryingtodevelop,butIfeelasenseofgreaturgencyandwouldliketoencourageSCAGtoenvisionCommentnoted.488IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseagreatdealmoreactiveandzeroemissiontransportation.Mysenseofurgencyhasacoupleofelements.IttooktheNetherlandsfortyyearstochangetheirtransportationcultureandIdonotthinkwehavethatmuchtimeinSouthernCalifornia.233‐01MattKornerIstronglyurgetheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernmentsanditsmemberstosupport,intheRegionalTransportationPlan,thestrategythattheCityofSanBernardinoadoptedin2009tore‐establishitselfasthecoreoftheInlandEmpireandtorepositionthemunicipalitytocompeteinthecategoryoffirst‐tiercities,includingLosAngelesandSanDiego.DoingsowillmorefullysupportSCAG'sTransect‐basedplanningandwillenabletheM.P.O.toattainthemostambitiousS.B.375targets.ImprovinglivabilityandreducingpollutiontherewillenabletheInlandEmpiretoattractagreaterdiversityofincomesandskillsetsandwill,insodoing,helpfixtheregionaljobs‐housingimbalancewherebythecoastalcountiesexperiencealackofaffordablehousingandtheinlandareasalackofhigh‐payingjobs.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSincludeslocally‐supportedprojectsthataimtoturntheCityofSanBernardinointoamultimodaltransportationhub.233‐02MattKornerWiththepropersupport,SanBernardinocanemergeasagatewaycityhousingamillionortwomoreresidentssincethemunicipalityhasthepowerfulcombinationofexistingland‐useintensity,extensiveinfrastructure,andcopiousamountsofvacantandunderutilizedland.SanBernardinoisalsolocatedasufficientdistancefromLosAngeles.Ontariohasthelandbutlackstheinfrastructure;Riversidehastheinfrastructurebutlackstheland.AsoneofthetwonexusesoftheformerPacificElectricRailway,thecenturies‐oldSanBernardinoisthenaturalmetropolisintheInlandEmpireregionandwouldhaveretainedparitywithLosAngelesandSanDiegohadinvestmentsinfreewaysandairportsoverthelastsixtyyearsnotdirectedgrowthtothecoast.Commentnoted.233‐03MattKornerIstronglyurgeSCAGtoreconsidertheexpansionofthe210freewaythatisplannedbetweenthe215andthe10.Thebelow‐gradeportionofthisexpressway,infact,maybeanexcellentcandidateforahighway‐to‐boulevardconversionthatconformstoS.B.375,thatsupportstheCalTrans‐fundedT.O.D.OverlayDistrictattheMarshallBoulevardsbXstation,andthatservesasapotential"CompassBlueprint"demonstrationproject.ThecommunitydeservesananalysisoftheavailableCommentnoted.The210freewayimprovementshavebeenidentifiedbytheSanBernardinoAssociatedGovernments(SANBAG)asaprojectforinclusionintheRTP/SCS.ProjectsintheRTP/SCSmustcomplywithproject‐levelCEQA/NEPArequirements,includingtheconsiderationofalternatives.AttheconclusionofCEQA/NEPAforthisproject,SCAGwillworkwithSANBAGonupdatingtheRTPasappropriatetoreflectanychangesintheprojectdescription.489IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsealternatives,especiallysincefreewaywideningsdonotyieldsustainablerelieffromtrafficcongestion.SanBernardinoisdoingitsparttoreduceV.M.T.throughmixed‐useplanningandthroughthecreationoffixed‐guidewaytransportationsystems;thecityshouldbesparedfurthersprawl‐inducingandtax‐base‐underminingmistakes,andtheresidentsshouldnotseetheirhealthfurthercompromisedandtheirpropertiesfurtherdegraded.233‐04MattKornerIstronglyurgeSCAGtosupporttheI‐215alignmentforCaliforniaHigh‐SpeedRailandfortheoptionalstationlocationinSanBernardino.Thisconfigurationisespeciallyimportantforair‐railintegrationwithbothSBDandMarchInlandPortandforpossibleinterstateservicetoPhoenixand/orLasVegas.Commentnoted.233‐05MattKornerIstronglyurgeSCAGtoreviseitsallocationsforregionalaviationdemandtomorecloselymatchthoseinthe2008R.T.P.sinceSanBernardinoInternationalAirportwasbuilt,inpart,withtheseallocationsinmindandsincerequiringbettergroundaccessandair‐railintegrationwilldependonthe2012R.T.P.Disney'sMagicalExpressatWaltDisneyWorldshouldbeusedasamodelforseamlessintegrationbetweenMetrolinkandSBD,sothat,forexample,airpassengerscancheckluggageatL.A.UnionStationandcandirectlyboardplanesattheinlandairportfromsomesortoftransferavailableattheMetrolinkstation.Commentnoted.The2035airpassengerforecastallocationsintheDraft2012RTP/SCSarebasedonanairpassengerforecastscenariothatwasgeneratedforthe2008RTP,calledtheConstrainedScenario.Itisamoreconservativeforecastthantheonethatwasadoptedforthe2008RTP,andwasselectedforthe2012RTPsinceitmorecloselyreflectsrecentairpassengeractivitytrendsintheregionthathaveshownnonetgrowthoverthelastdecade.Thenew2035passengerallocationforSanBernardinoInternationalAirport,2.8millionairpassengers(MAP),ismuchmoreconsistentwiththeforecastdevelopedbythemostrecentSBIAmasterplan(2.5MAPin2023)thanSCAG’smuchhigher2008RTPforecastforSBIA(9.4MAPin2035).Disney’sMagicalExpressisauniqueservicebetweenalargeinternationalairport(OrlandoInternational)andalargeinternationaltouristdestination(DisneyWorld)anditspotentialfutureapplicationtoairportsinthisregionislimited.233‐06MattKornerIstronglyurgeSCAGtoincorporatethefollowingconceptsintotheR.T.P.:•Development‐orientedtransit,transit‐orienteddevelopment(withunbundledandrestrictedparking),andclean‐energycarsharingareallmutually‐supportive,andthethreeelementsshouldbeplannedtogether.Everytransitstation,especiallywhereconnectingtransportationisdeficient,shouldhavecarsharingavailable.•Convertexistingcarsownedbyprivateindividualstosharecars.•Convertexistingcarsingovernmentalandotherinstitutionalfleetstosharecars.•Since"lastmile"travelismorecomplicatedthan"firstmile"andCommentnoted.TheTransportationDemandManagementAppendixlistsvariousstrategiesdesignedtoenticetravelersoutofSingleOccupancyVehicles.Inaddition,theCongestionManagementAppendixsummarizesoperationalstrategiestomaketheexistingtransportationsystemmoreefficient.ItalsoincludesaTDM/TSMToolboxwithvariousstrategiesandperformancemeasurementcriteria.490IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesinceresidentialusestendtobemoresprawling,concentratemoreemployment,leisure,andretailusesaroundtransitstationsandlimitparking.•Enlargecatchmentareasaroundtransitstationsthroughtrafficcalmingandbicycle/N.E.V.lanes.•AllowN.E.V.'stosharebikewaysthroughouttheregion.233‐07MattKornerIstronglyurgeSCAGtoincorporatethefollowingconceptsintotheR.T.P.:•Mandatebutanoltobeusedinexistinggasolineengines.•Mandatebio‐DieseltobeusedinexistingDieselengines.•Developandmandatealgalfuelstobeusedinjetengines,especiallyatSBD.•PromoteconversionofexistingDieselenginestonaturalgas,etc.•Promoteconversionofexistinggasolineenginestoelectricity,etc.•Promoteconversionofexistinggasolineenginestoflex‐fuelcapabilityandmandateprovisionofalternativefuelssubsidizedbygasolineandDieseltaxes.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSdoesnothavepurviewovervehicletechnology.However,asdiscussedintheGoodsMovementsectionoftheRTP,theplanningforazero‐emissionfutureincludestheuseofnear‐termalternativefuelsandtechnologiesasbridgetothelong‐termvision.Forexample,theSCAGCleanCitiesCoalitioniscurrentlyengagedinoutreachactivitiesforthreeprojectsthatsupportandencouragetheusenaturalgasasanalternativefuel.TheDrayage‐NaturalGasTruckReplacementProjectinvolvesthereplacementofold,heavy‐dutydieseldrayagetruckswithnewtruckspoweredbycleannaturalgasengines,correspondingwiththedeploymentofapproximately180naturalgastrucks.TheLiquefiedNaturalGas(LNG)‐CorridorExpansionProjectmakesthefinalconnectionbetweentheexistingpublicaccessLNGfuelinfrastructureinSouthernCaliforniaandtheLNGfuelstationsbeingdevelopedinUtah,providinga700‐mileLNGfuelingcorridoralongoneofthenation’smostheavilytraveledgoodsmovementtruckroutesbetweenSouthernCaliforniaandSaltLakeCity,Utah.Andfinally,theSANBAG/RyderHeavyDutyCNGTruckReplacementProjectisfundedwith$19.2milliontodeploy262naturalgastrucksandconstructtwofuelingstations.Therearecurrentlyover130vehiclesdeployed,withfuelingstationsindevelopment.ThroughCleanCities,SCAGhasshownacommitmenttoexpandtheuseofarangeofalternativefuels.Inaddition,SCAGiscurrentlyengagedinacollaborativeprocesstoprepareSouthernCaliforniafortheforecastedinfluxofPlug‐InElectricVehicles(PEV),whichwillreduceairpollution,addressAB32andSB375,andattractgreenbusinessestoSouthernCalifornia.SCAGrecognizesthataregionalplanningperspectiveisnecessarytoadequatelyaddressPEVReadiness.Inordertobetterunderstandtheon‐goingandplannedeffortsintheregion,SCAGhascoordinatedstakeholdermeetingswithutilities,subregionalcouncilsofgovernment,academia,jurisdictionsandotherkeyregionalpartners.SCAGhasalso491IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincludedPEVrelatedactionsandstrategiesintheDraftRTP/SCSthatwouldsupportandexpandthiseffort.InJune2011,SCAG,inconjunctionwithourregionalpartnersappliedfortwoPEVplanninggrantsandwassuccessfulinbothapplications.Thefirstgrant,awardedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy(DOE)hasasitsprimarypurposethedevelopmentofaRegionalPEVReadinessPlanforSouthernCalifornia.TheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict(SCAQMD)submittedthestatewideapplicationinpartnershipwithSCAG,theBayAreaAirQualityManagementDistrict,thePlug‐InElectricVehicleCollaborative,andCleanCitiesCoalitionsinCalifornia.Thisgrantawarded$1milliontoPEVReadinesseffortsstatewide,with$300,000goingtoSCAG.ThesecondsuccessfulgrantapplicationwasawardedbytheCaliforniaEnergyCommission(CEC)andwastheresultofacollaborativeeffortbetweenSCAGandSCAQMDinpartnershipwithSCE,theWesternRiversideCouncilofGovernments(WRCOG),andSouthBayCitiesCouncilofGovernments(SBCCOG).Thisgranthasbeenfundedfor$200,000.ThepurposeoftheprojectistodeveloptwocomplementarysubregionalplansincollaborationwithWRCOGandSBCCOG.ThesesubregionalplanswillserveasmodelsforothersubregionsastheybegintodeveloptheirownPEVReadinessPlans.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithourregionalpartnersonthisnewplanningeffortandwillpursueoutreacheffortstoadditionalstakeholdersastheprocessevolves.233‐08MattKorner•Addnon‐highwaybi‐countyconnectorsbetweenSanBernardinoandRiversidesimilartotheGoldLinebetweenLosAngelesandPasadenaanddevelopthelandaccordingly;expandMetrolinkbetweenthetwocitiesandaddstations.Commentnoted.233‐09MattKorner•PromotetheInlandEmpireasofferingvalueintheformofahigherqualityoflifeversusalowercostofliving,especiallywhenthatlifestyleiscominginahighly‐desirableurbanpackagewithmoresquarefootage,features,andamenitiesthanthosefoundinthecoastalcounties.Commentnoted.233‐10MattKorner•Increasethenumbersoffreeway‐runningexpressbusesthatconnecttomultimodalterminalsincitycentersandensurereliabilitythroughconcurrentuseofcongestionpricing/tolls.Commentnoted.233‐11MattKorner•PayparticularattentiontoimprovingtheguestexperienceatCommentnoted.492IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetransitstationssincethewaitsareoftencitedasthemostonerouspartsofpublictransportation.233‐12MattKorner•IncreasetheinternaldemandforInlandEmpireairportsbyexpandingthetourismindustryintheregion.Commentnoted.233‐13MattKorner•Expeditehigh‐speedraildevelopment,especiallyontheL.A.‐to‐SanDiegosegmentwheretheneedisgrCommentnoted.234‐01MayBakiWehaveheardofaproposed"RegionalTransportationPlan"thatisbeingdevelopedbySCAGtocreateasystemoftruck‐onlylanesextendingformtheSanPedroBayPortstodowntownLosAngelesviatheI‐710,connectingtheeast‐westsegment,andfinallyreachingtheI‐15inSanBernardinoCounty.Wealsoheardofanotherprojectcalledthe"GRID"designedtoupgradetheporttoafirstclassandefficientshipshandlingandcargounloadingcenterandalsoconnectsthePorttoitsdistributioncentersusinganundergroundrailroadsystemthathasnosecondworldwide.TheRTPprojectisprojectedtocreateanalltruckslane,butwouldstillbeunsafeduetoitstraffic,andenvironmentallyunfriendlyduetotheconcentratednumberoftrucksthatwillberunningalldayandnightonitslanes.Incontrary,theGRIDprojectwillchangethecontainerhandlingsysteminsuchawaythatnotonlywouldputtheentirefreightinfrastructureunderground,butalsoprovidezero‐emission,zeronoisepollution,zerolightpollution,andfreethelandsurfaceforotherusefuldevelopment.AsresidentsofSouthernCaliforniaandGreaterLosAngeles,wecommendyoufortheimprovementsthatyourteamisconsideringtoimproveourportandeconomy,andwerespectfullyaskyoutoconsidertheGRIDprojectinsteadoftheRTP.Commentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.Weagreethatreducingemissionsfromfreightactivitiesiscriticalfortheregion.The2012RTPadvancesstrategiesforapplyingnear‐zeroandzero‐emissiontechnologiestotrucklanesandcontinuestoevaluateadvancedtechnologyoptionsforrail.235‐01MichaelGreerWedoNOTwantanyplandictatedbyICLEIorAgenda21.Wehaven'taskedfor"sustainablecommunities"ortrainsorbikepaths.Wewantourroadsandfreewaysfixedandnomoneydivertedto"sustainable"ANYTHING.ThereisNOGlobalWarmingandNOreasontolimitourenergy.Commentnoted.236‐01MiriamStrysik710Tunnel‐NO‐Increasestrucktrafficforportmovementusingoutdatedtechnology.FREIGHTISTHEWAYTOGO.Intermsofsavingsinemissions,itisestimatedthatatotalof~60%reductioninCO2emissionsisachievablebyamodalswitchfromroadtorail.SeeCaseStudy"DevelopmentofaCaliforniaGeospatialIntermodalFreightTransportModelwithCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizestheimportanceofaddressinggoodsmovementemissionsconcerns.Ourresearchindicatesthattherearelimitedopportunitiesforfreightmodalshiftstrategiestofacilitatesignificantemissionsreductionsgivendistinctmodalmarketsegmentationsingoodsmovement.Assuch,ourresearchfocustodatehasbeentheapplicationof493IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCargoFlowAnalysis"‐http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/07‐314.pdfnear‐zeroandzero‐emissiontechnologiesforbothrailandtrucksservingtheregion.237‐01PaulCoambsWithoutdelvingintotheexactspecificsoftheplan,theexecutivesummaryadequatelydemonstratesthatSCAGplanisrespondingtofederalandstaterequirementsregardingemissionsimpacting“airquality.”Assuch,theSCAGplanfallsrightintolinewiththepreceptsoftheU.N.Agenda21program.Inshort,theSCAGplanintendstobeginatransitiontoforcethepopulationintohighdensityurbancitiesandtransportationcorridors.Withagoalofzeroornearzeroemissions,theeventualend‐planwillnotjustdiminishtheuseofautomobilesforpersonaluse,itwilleliminate,forallpracticalpurposes,theuseoftheinternalcombustionengine.SCAGisusingasmokescreenapproachtosellitsprograms.Inadditiontotheemissionrequirements,SCAGattemptstojustifyforcingpeopletouse“activetransportation”forsafetyandhealthreasons.Yet,SCAGfailstoproposeadequatefundingforbicyclesafety.Thestateofhealthofindividualsconcerningobesity,etc,isalarmingbutitisnotthebusinessofatransportationsystem.Claimingthathighdensityhousingisahealthyplanisdishonest.Bicyclingandwalkingishealthy,notlivingintheenvironmentprescribedbytheplan.TheSCAGplansrequiretheimplementationofalternativeenergysystems,whichareneithertechnologicallynorfiscallyavailable.TheSCAGplanisnotwhatweneedwiththecurrentrunawaygovernmentspending.TheSCAGplanisaclassicliberalboondogglethatrequiresahugeredistributionofwealth.SCAGisanaturalextensionofthefederalandstatebuy‐intotheU.N.agendatoextortmoneyfromthewesternworldandintheprocesstohamstringthecapitalisticenginethatmodernizedmuchoftheworld.TheignoranceofthewesternpolitictojoinwiththeU.N.inthissocialistmovementandatthesametimeturnablindeyetoIndia,Chinaandthethirdworldnationsisastounding.DumptheSCAGplanandtellboththefedsandCaliforniatoeliminatetheunrealisticenvironmentalrequirements.Commentnoted.238‐01PeterOronaTodaythereisno710SurfaceFreewayRoute,ValleyBlvd.‐AlhambraConnectorRoad,or710Tunnel;consequently,theriskemanatingfromsuchconceptsarezero.ToallFederal,State,County,andLocalgovernmentswhoprofessaccountabilitywhenmaintainingmoderncommercialCommentnoted.Issuesregardingfeasibility,design,andlocationoftunnelportalsarenotaddressedattheregional‐levelanalysisoftheRTP/SCSandwouldtypicallybediscussedaspartofproject‐levelengineeringandenvironmentalstudiesthataredevelopedbyimplementingagenciesandnotSCAG.494IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseproductivity,itisyourdutytofindabalancebetweenanindividual’srighttoexist,andurbanization.Anythingshortofthisisatravestytothedemocraticprocess,andanabatementofourhumanity.Aselectedofficials,itisyourresponsibilityinmakingsurethatourcommunitiesarenotabused.Ourcommunitiesareholdingyouaccountable.Ashonorablecivilservantsofourcommunities,werespectfullyrequestthefollowingitemsbeaddressedrigorously,competently,andjudiciously.1.Whatwouldittaketoconstructthesouthernportalbetweenthe60Frwy(Pomona),andthe10Frwy(SanBernardino)?CanFreewayInterchangesbeconfigured?Ifyes,thenwoulditbepossibleforthesouthernportaltobeginjustbeforethe10Frwy.CanatunnelbeconstructedtogounderneaththeSanBernardinoFrwy?238‐02PeterOrona5.HowwilltheValleyBlvd.‐AlhambraAve.ConnectorRoad(partoftheLow‐Multi‐BuildAlternatives)benefitElSereno?CompareandcontrasttheefficiencyandeffectivenessbetweentheValleyBlvd.‐AlhambraAve.ConnectorRoad,a710SurfaceFreewayRoute,andthe710Tunnel.Provideallinformationonanyandallenvironmentalstudies,orreportsthathavebeendoneandcompletednear,andaroundtheproposed710Tunnel.IndicatewhateffortshavebeenmadetoprovidethisinformationtothecommunityofElSereno.Provideanytangentplansthatarebeingconsideredinconjunctiontothe710TunnelinordertomitigateLACountytrafficproblems.Forexample,willacommutertrainstationbeconstructedinElSerenobetweenAlhambraAve.,andValleyBlvd.?Commentnoted.IssuesandquestionsrelatedtoworkbeingperformedaspartoftheEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStudyshouldbedirectedtotheleadagency,inthiscase,Caltrans.238‐03PeterOrona12.CanCaltransbuy/buildtwotunnelboringmachines?Havingtheboringmachinessimultaneouslyworkingatbothendscouldcuttunnelconstructiontimeinhalf.Whycan'ttheboringmachinesbedesigned,andbuiltbyAmericanswithintheUnitedStates?Commentnoted.IssuesandquestionsrelatedtoworkbeingperformedaspartoftheEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStudyshouldbedirectedtotheleadagency,inthiscase,Caltrans.238‐04PeterOrona13.Aftertunnelconstructionandcost,howmanyyearswillittaketobreakeven?WhenwillLosAngelesCountystartmakingitsprofits?Commentnoted.IssuesandquestionsrelatedtoworkbeingperformedaspartoftheEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStudyshouldbedirectedtotheleadagency,inthiscase,Caltrans.238‐05PeterOrona18.Howmuchwillatollroadsystemcosttoimplement,andmaintain?Commentnoted.Thecostofoperatingatollroadisfactoredintothefinancialanalysisandassessmentofinnovativeprojectdeliveryoptions,includingP3s(publicprivatepartnerships).Currentanalysisassumesthatrevenuesgeneratedfromtoll495IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsefacilitiespayfortheconstruction(includingpayingdebtserviceassociatedwithconstruction)aswellastheoperationandmaintenanceofthosesamefacilities(thisincludesthecostofelectronictollcollectionsystems).Tollfacilitieshavetheabilitytoattractprivatecapitalandparticipationinoperatingandmaintainingthefacility,reducingtheburdenonpublicsourcesofrevenueandrisks.238‐06PeterOrona19.Arecurrentmodesofproductionchangingtopreventtheharmfuleffectsofpollution?ProvideinformationthattheMarketPlacewillcreatealternative‐affordablemodesoftransportation,andfuelsbythetimethe710Tunneliscompleted?Forexample,whenwillFuelCellVehicles(FCV’s)bereadilyavailableonamasstransitscale?Commentnoted.TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardhasdevelopedandapprovedAdvancedCleanCarrulesaffectinggasoline‐anddiesel‐fueledcarsandzero‐emissiontechnologies.Moreinformationcanbefoundathttp://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/clean_cars/clean_cars.htm.238‐07PeterOrona20.Willthe710Tunnelengineerslearnfromalltheerrorsthatprevioustunnelmishapsdemonstrate?Forexample,peoplelivingaroundtunnelportalsinAustraliaaresuffering,anddying.TheBigDiginBostonisafiasco.Willanindependentpanelofenvironmentalexpertsreviewthe710TunnelEIR?Willacontacttelephonenumberforallagencies,andgovernmentofficialsbeprovidedtovoiceconcernsandcomplaintsduringconstruction?Commentnoted.IssuesandquestionsrelatedtoworkbeingperformedaspartoftheEnvironmentalImpactReport/EnvironmentalImpactStudyoraspartofanyprojectconstructionactivitiesshouldbedirectedtotheleadagency,inthiscase,Caltrans.238‐08PeterOrona21.Logistically,woulditbepossibletoevenlyspreadtheamountoffreighttonnagealongthePacificRimharbors(SanDiego,LongBeach,SanPedro,SanFrancisco,andSeattle).WhatwouldittaketoensurethatamoreefficientandeffectiveOnTimeDeliverySystembeimplemented?WouldanupgradedofournationalrailwaysystemhelppreventunnecessarytrucktrafficthroughthecountiesofLA/Riverside/Ventura/SanBernardino/SanLuisObispo,etc.?Forexample,canthecoordinationoffreightgoodsthatmaketheirwaytowardstheMidwest,orNorthwestbedroppedoffatanyofthenorthernbaysratherthanbeingdistributedfromtheportsofLosAngelesorLongBeach?Commentnoted.In2010,thePortsofLAandLongBeachhandledcargovaluedatapproximately$336billion.Thistraderesultedinmajorregionaleconomiccontributionsintheformofjobs,businessrevenues,andtaxes.FreightmovementintheSCAGregionservesasanimportanteconomicenginethatmustbemaintained.Whileitmightbepossibleforsomecargotobeservicedatotherwestcoastports,theSanPedroBayPortsoffersignificantadvantagesthatattractcontainerizedtrafficfromthePacificRimtotheregionincluding,butnotlimitedto,deep‐waterportsandportequipmentabletoaccommodateverylargeships,anextensivehighwaynetworklinkedtotherestofthenation,twoClassIrailroadsthatservicethePortsandtheregion,anabundanceofwarehousinganddistributioncenters,aconsiderableamountoftransloadingbusinesses,andalargeinternalmarket.Anefficientandextensiverailnetworkiscriticaltothegoodsmovementsystem.However,itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybe496IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.GoodsmovingfromthePortstolocalwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.238‐09PeterOrona22.Arethe710Tunnelscrubbertowers,andemergencyexitsgoingtobeequidistantfromeachother?Indicatetowerandexitlocations.Cantowerandexitlocationsbesituatedwheretherearenoexistingdomiciles?Ifascrubbertoweriswarrantedinaresidentialneighborhood,canafour‐blockradiusofgreenspacecircumscribethescrubbertower?Commentnoted.Issuesregardingfeasibility,design,andlocationoftunnelsarenotaddressedattheregional‐levelanalysisoftheRTP/SCSandwouldtypicallybediscussedaspartofproject‐levelengineeringandenvironmentalstudiesthataredevelopedbyimplementingagenciesandnotSCAG.238‐10PeterOrona23.Howmanypeopleconcernedaboutthe710TunnelhavereadADVICE&PLANNINGbyMartinH.Krieger?Commentnoted.238‐11PeterOrona[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber61.239‐01PhillipBrownRatherthanoverlyfocused,commuterdrivencentralizingoftripsviaexpensiverailmoreplanningandbuildingshouldbemadetoprovideforincreasedpopulationdensityandjobcreationtoreducetravelandcommutingwithshortertrips;think“CentersConcept”insub‐regionalaggregations.InthatmannerextensivelowcostmediumcapacitytransportationandlanduseinpatternsandcorridorswillprovideamuchmoreSouthernCalifornialikegrowthandcompatibilitywithwhatexists.ThespecificoverallcommenttobemadeisthatSCAGneedstoincludetheFlowBoulevardconceptinitsplanningvisionformation,criteriaandplanrecommendationsfortheRegionalTransportationPlan.ItmaybebettersaidthatSCAGbeingtheleadagencyshouldseethatCountyagenciesliketheLosAngelesCountyMetropolitanTransportationAuthoritybedirectedtoenlargeitsformsoftransportationimprovementtoincludewellcraftedlanduseandtransportationimprovementformssuchastheFlowBoulevardtechnique.Commentnoted.SCAGwillcontinuetoworkwithitscountypartnersinconsideringinnovativesolutionstoourregion'stransportationchallenges.240‐01RandyStrapazonIamaresidentofLaCanadaFlintridgeandwillbeimpactedbytheclosureofthe710gapconnectingtothe210freeway.Thereisareasonthatthedebateaboutthebenefitsofclosingthatgaphasbeenongoingformorethanthirtyyears.Itisnotagoodidea!Weneedpeoplelookingtothefuture,nottothepast,forCommentnoted.SCAGrecognizesthataprojectspecificenvironmentalanalysisisunderway.UponthecompletionofthateffortandselectionofapreferredalternativebyMetro,SCAGwillworkwithMetrotoamendtheRTPasnecessarytoupdatetheprojectdescriptionandassociatedmodeling497IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetrafficandcongestionreliefsolutions.Buildingatunnelwillonlyincreasethenumberofvehiclespassingthroughthissection.Ifyouragencyisconcernedwithenvironmentalimpactandthereductionofgreenhousegasses,increasingthenumberofvehiclesontheroadisshortsighted.Pleaselooktomorelongrangeandreasonablesolutions,nottheones"yourfathers"mighthavechosen.Thankyou,RandyStrapazonanalysis.241‐01RichardRisembergHavingreadmultiplesynopsesofSCAG'sRegionalTransportationPlan,IamstunnedtodiscoverthattheRTPsuffersfrombothalackof,andanexcessof,imagination.Thelackofimaginationisexemplifiedbytheplan'sreliance(despiteafewbonesthrowntotransitandnon‐motorizedtransportation)onstillmorelane‐milesforstillmorecarsandtrucks.Thisisaparadigmthathasconsistentlyfailedusforoverhalfacentury,sincetrafficengineersfirstfiguredoutthatbuildingevermoreroadsinducesevermoretrafficandcreateseverdensercongestion.Theexcessofimaginationisexemplifiedintheevidentbeliefthatsimplyenactingpracticesthathavefailedagainandagainfortwogenerationswillsomehowmagically"work"thistime.Commentnoted.241‐02RichardRisembergConsideringhowbestpracticesareevolvinginotherUSregionsandworldwide,itisactuallyshockingthatSCAGisnotdedicatingitsenergiestonurturingthenon‐fossil‐fueledandnon‐motorizedtransportmodesthatarebecomingthenewparadigmworldwide.Commentnoted.241‐03RichardRisembergBicycling,walking,andbothlightandheavyrailpassengertransporthavebeenprovennotonlytoreducecongestion,butalsotoimprovepublichealthandhappinessandincreaseeconomicactivity,aspeopletradesittinginmassivetrafficjams,orspeedingdownsurfacestreetslookinginvainforfreeparking,intoactuallyparticipatinginthecasualpublicdiscoursesofciviclife‐‐whichincludebeingabletobrowsecommercialstreetsfromtheseatofabicycle,oronfootafterdescendingfromthetram,unfrustratedbytheparkingstruggle.Commentnoted.241‐04RichardRisembergAndfreightmovementinourregionisanightmare,primarilybecauseitissodependentontrucks,whoseenergyefficiencyisone‐quarterthatofadieseltrain,andwhosespatialneedsareordersofmagnitudehigherthanthoseofrailroadoperations.Thisabsurdobsessionwithtruckfreightresultsinthousandsofacresofpreciouslandbeingtakenoffthemarket,andthetaxCommentnoted.Local,regional,andstatepartners,includingexpertsandstakeholdersfromboththepublicandprivatesectors,haveworkedcloselytogetherovermanyyearstoidentifyandimplementpotentialsolutionstothechallengesresultingfromfreightmovementinSouthernCalifornia.Theseeffortshaveincludedtheconsiderationofnumerousconcepts.498IDNameAffiliationCommentResponserolls,tosupportadirty,cumbersome,andfundamentallyantiquatedmethodofmovingfreightbetweenshipsandrailcars.Wastingthousandsofacresofportpropertytostackcontainersbyonesiesontotrucks,simplytohaulthemfortymilesandputthemonthetraintheyaredestinedforanyway,is,frankly,ridiculous.IamfamiliarwiththeGRIDprojectthathasbeenmakingwaveslately,andits"Superdock"isafarsuperiorwayofmovingimportandexportgoodsbewteenshipsandtrains.Furthermore,GRID'sproposedundergroundelectricrailshuttletotheDowntownandInlandEmpirerailyardspromisesnotonlytoreducethedevastationdieseltrucksandeventrainsarewreakingonpopulationsadjacenttothe701corridor,butalsotosavetheregionmillionsfromfreewayandstreetexpansionsthatwouldbecomeunnecessary!Thisisaconceptbothvisionaryandpractical,andrepresentsthesortofthinkingweneedfromSCAG‐‐nothabitualreiterationsofoutmodedpracticesthatwillonlydrownusinconcrete,smog,andtrafficchaos.Researchandanalysistodatehaveindicatedthataregionaltruck‐lanesystemusedbycleantrucks(i.e.,near‐zeroandzero‐emission)offersapromisingsolutiontoregionalfreightconcerns.Nevertheless,SCAGanticipatesfurtheranalysisofalignmentconceptsincludingevaluationofawiderangeoftechnologyoptionsforapplicationtosuchasystem.Alongwithtechnologyoptions,evaluationwouldbemadeaboutadequatelyaddressingmarketsegmentation,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,operationalfeasibility,collaborationwithregionalstakeholders(suchastheSanPedroBayPorts),andcostsamongothers.SCAGwillcontinueongoingdialoguewithstakeholdersandtransportationintereststotoidentifypotentialsolutionstoregionalfreightchallenges.242‐01RobertRigdonIamconcernedthattheFarmersFieldNFLstadiumindowntownLosAngeleswillblockcross‐towntrafficinalldirections.Commentnoted.ProjectssuchasFarmersFieldmustundergoaproject‐levelenvironmentalimpactreport(EIR),asrequiredbyCalifornialaw,toidentifyimpactsuchastrafficimpacts,andtoidentifymitigationmeasures.AnEIRforFarmersFieldiscurrentlyunderdevelopment.243‐01RodneySpoonerDoesthefinanceplanincludebondsorloans,andaretheygoingtobevotedonbytaxpayers?Howmanywouldbepermanentversustemporaryandhowmanywouldbegovernmentversusprivate?IhopethatthejobsindustryareAmericanjobsandIhopethatwouldbearequirementofthiswholeprojectisthateverythingwillbeAmerican.Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Thefinancialplanincludesbondingagainstexistinglocaloptionsalestaxmeasuresandbondsfortheaccelerationoftollfacilitieswherethetollscollectedwouldpaybackthebonds.Stepsforissuingthebondsaredictatedbytheapplicablerequirementsofeachmeasure,tollfacilitycovenants,anddebtpoliciesestablishedbytheissuingentity.AnumberofprojectsintheregionareseekingorhaverecentlybeenawardedlowcostloansfromthefederalgovernmentundertheTIFIAprogram.SinceSCAGisnotanimplementingagency,wedonotissuebondsnorseekloansforprojectimplementation.Weencouragetheparticipationoftheprivatesectorwhenitcanresultinefficienciesandinturn,savingstothetaxpayer.SincemostofthedirectjobsassociatedwiththeRTPareeitherconstructionorrelatedtotheoperationandmaintenanceofthetransportationsystem,theyaregenerallybynecessitylocal499IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsejobs.244‐01RoseGonzalesRiversideCountyCommentnoted.245‐01StephanieJohnsonThankyoufortheopportunitytocommentontheSCAG2012‐2035RegionalTransportationPlan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy.ThePlanstatesasitsgoal“improvingthequalityoflifeforourresidents”.The2012RTP/SCSwilltransformtheregion,servingasablueprintforimprovingqualityoflifeforourresidentsbyprovidingmorechoicesforwheretheywilllive,work,andplay,andhowtheywillmovearound.The2012RTP/SCSproposesinvestingover$500billionoverthenext25yearstoimprovethequalityoflifeoftheregion’sresidentsbyenhancingourtransportationsystem.WhileIagreethatimprovingthequalityoflifefortheresidentsisanadmirablegoal,thePlanasindicatedbytheSCSCitymaps,willdenigratethequalityoflifefortheresidentsofSanMarino.Mycommentsregardingthe2012‐2035RTParelimitedtowhereIlive,LosRoblesAvenueinSanMarino,andtheadjacentarea.Commentnoted.245‐02StephanieJohnsonWhilereviewingtheResources>SCSMapToolfromtheSCAGwebsite,http://rtpscs.scag.ca.gov/Pages/SCS‐Maps‐Tool.aspx,IwasshockedtodiscoverthatLosRoblesAvenueinSanMarinohasbeendesignatedaHighQualityTransitCorridor.TheSCAGRTPPlanindicatesthat:AHQTA(HighQualityTransitArea)isgenerallyawalkabletransitvillage,consistentwiththeadoptedSCSthathasaminimumdensityof20dwellingunitsperacreandiswithina1⁄2mileofawellservicedtransitstop,andincludestransitcorridorswithminimum15minutesorlessservicefrequencyduringpeakcommutehours.LosRoblesAvenueinSanMarinoisa7/8ofamile,twolanenarrowstreetfrontedexclusivelybysinglefamilyhomeswherechildrenliveandplay.Thehomes,builtbetween1920and1950,andthesetbackisclosetothestreet.Thepostedspeedlimitis30mph.thepostedweightlimitisthreetons,andtrucktrafficisprohibited.TheCityofSanMarinoGeneralPlan,classifiesLosRoblesAvenueasaresidentialcollectorstreet.Thestreetcarriesanunusuallyhighvolumeofcut‐throughtraffic,exceedingthecapacityofatwolaneresidentialstreet.Thereisnobusservice.Howthen,wasLosRoblesAvenueinSanMarinodesignatedaHQTC?IposedthisquestiontoboththeCityofSanMarinostaffandCityCouncil.TheywereunawareofthisdesignationintheproposedRTPPlan.IalsomadeinquiriesofSCAGstaffandwasCommentnoted.LosRoblesAvenueintheCityofSanMarinoisnotdesignatedaHighQualityTransitArea(HQTA)withinthe2012RTP/SCS.ThereisnocurrentorplannedbusorothertransitservicetoestablishanHQTAdesignationwithinthatcorridor.Thereappearstobeanerrorwiththemaptoolavailableonthewebsitereferencedhere,whichwillbecorrected.500IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetoldthattheMapforSanMarinowasincorrectwithregardtobusstops,becausenobusrouteisplannedforthestreet.245‐03StephanieJohnsonBelowarecopiesoftheSCAGSCSMapsforSanMarino,Alhambra,SouthPasadenaandPasadena.ItisnotclearwhycertainstreetshavebeendesignatedHQTCandothershavenot.SCAGMapforSanMarino–HighQualityTransitCorridors(HQTC)ThismapindicatesthatLosRoblesisaHQTCwithbusstops.SouthPasadenaNotethatalthoughFremontAvenueisdesignatedaHQTCinAlhambra,itisnotinSouthPasadena,althoughthestreetmergesintoS.PasadenaAvenuethatisthefreewayentrancetothe210and134freewaysinPasadena.GarfieldAvenuehasaMETRObusroutethatextendsthroughSouthPasadenathatstopsattheGoldLineMissionStreetstation.AlhambraWhyisGarfieldAvenuenotdesignatedaHQTC?ItisamajorarterialinAlhambraandhasabusroutesthatextendsthroughSouthPasadenathatstopsattheGoldLineMissionStreetstation.PasadenaNotethatbothLosRoblesAvenueandOakKnollAvenueinPasadena,southofCaliforniaBoulevard,aresinglefamilyresidentialareas.Alhambra,SouthPasadena,SanMarino,PasadenaFremontmarkedinpurpleforreferencepurposes.IfregionalplanningistobebasedupontheSCSmaps,thenfurtherinformationregardinghowtheHQTCattributewasassignedtostreetsmustbemadepublic.LosRoblesAvenueinSanMarinodoesnotmeetthedefinitionofanHQTC.Regionaltrafficshouldnotbedirectedtowardthestreet,exacerbatingtheexistingcutthroughtrafficanditsresultingnegativeimpactsupontheresidents.Commentnoted.CaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21155definesa“highqualitytransitcorridor”(HQTC)asonehavingfixedroutebusservicewithserviceintervalsnolongerthan15minutesduringpeakcommutehours,or,asperCaliforniaPublicResourcesCodeSection21064.3,a“majortransitstop”isasitecontaininganexistingrailtransitstation,aferryterminalservedbyeitherabusorrailtransitservice,ortheintersectionoftwoormoremajorbusrouteswithafrequencyofserviceintervalof15minutesorlessduringthemorningandafternooncommuteperiods.SCAGhasastatutorymandatetofollowthesedefinitions.LosRoblesAvenueistheCityofSanMarinoisnotdesignatedaHighQualityTransitareawithinthecontextofthe2012RTP/SCS.ThereisnocurrentorplannedbusorothertransitservicetoestablishanHQTAwithinthatcorridor.Thereappearstobeanerrorwiththemaptoolavailableonthewebsitereferencedhere,whichwillbecorrected.SouthofCommonwealthAvenue,FremontAvewithintheCityofAlhambraisservedbytwoMetroBusroutes,route258androute485,whosecombinedpeakcommuteperiodheadwaysmeetthestatutorydefinitionofSB375.Route258leavesFremontAvenueatCommonwealthavenue,andtheserviceofroute485isnotsufficientinpeakcommuteperiodstotriggeranHQTAdesignation.MontebelloBusLinesRoute30,whichoperatesalongGarfieldAvenueintheCityofAlhambra,has40minutepeakcommuteperiodheadways,anddoesnotmeetthestatutorydefinitionofaHQTA.ItissonotedthatLosRoblesAvenueandOakKnollAvenueintheCityofPasadenaaresinglefamilyresidentialareas.246‐01StephenShapiroIdon'twantmoneydivertedfromfixingourEXISTINGinfrastructureto"sustainable"anything.ThereisNOGlobalWarmingandnoreasontorationourenergy.Commentnoted.247‐01SusanSulskyIopposeallitemsinthedraftRTPthatrecommendtheexpansionorextensionofhighways,forthefollowingreasons:Thefundamentallawofhighwaycongestion(AnthonyDowns,1962,2004,1992;andconfirmedmostrecentlybyGillesDurantonandMatthewTurneroftheUniversityofToronto)statesthatthetravelspeedofanexpandedhighwayrevertstoitspreviouslevelbeforethecapacityexpansionandthattheCommentnoted.IncreaseintotalVMTin2035overthecurrentconditionisprimarilyduetoestimatedincreaseof4millionpeopleovertheplanperiod.However,VMTonapercapitabasiswillactuallydecreaseoverthisperiodoncetheplanisfullyimplemented.WhilethePlandoesincludesomeneededhighwayimprovements,includingtheSR‐710NorthExtensionproject,thereisnoevidencethattheseimprovementswould501IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseextensionofinterstatehighwaysismetwithaproportionalincreaseintrafficintheU.S.SCAG’sassumptionthathighwayexpansionreducescongestionandimprovespollutionlevelsisgrosslyinaccurate.Thetrafficmodelingfailstofullyaccountforgeneratedandinducedtraffic.Andthereforeexaggeratesthebenefitsofexpansionandthedoesnotreflecttheseverityoffuturecongestionproblems.ThedraftRTPanticipatesadding948centerlinemilesand7419lanesmileswhichwouldbea4.4%and11.1%increaserespectively.TheSCAGRTPwillincreasepollution,trucktraffic,congestion,accidents,healthimpactsandenvironmentalrisksthroughouttheSouthernCaliforniaregion.contributetothetotalVMTincreaseinanydiscernibleway.The2012RTPidentifiesamulti‐modalstrategythatincorporatestransit,highway,andactivetransportationstrategiesaswellasdemandmanagementandcongestionpricingstrategiestoachieveoverallimprovedsystemperformanceandreductioninGHGtargetsrequiredunderSB375.247‐02SusanSulskyIopposethe710gapclosureprojectasitisun‐definedandisnoteligibletobeontheConstrainedPlan.TheproposedSR‐710ExtensionTollTunnels,at$5.6BILLIONalreadyunderfundedbyatleast50%,mustbemovedfromtheConstrainedPlantotheStrategicUnfundedPlaninthe2012RTPbecausetherearenocommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablefundsasrequiredbyfederallawforinclusionintheConstrainedPlan.ThereisenormousinternalinconsistencywiththeSCAG’ssixpossibleconstructionzonesyetallactualestimatesbasedonlythepreviouslydefinedMeridianRoutealignment.Commentnoted.SCAG’s2012RTPisconsistentwithfiscalconstraintrequirementssetforthunderapplicablefederalregulationsandguidance,includingtherequirementthatstrategiesforensuringavailabilityofnewfundingsourcesbeidentified.See23CFR450.322(f)(1).“Fiscalconstraint”means,inpart,thattheRTPincludessufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheRTPcanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources.See23CFR450.104.TheSR‐710projectisproposedtobefundedbybothcore(MeasureR)andnew,reasonablyavailablerevenues.SCAGdocumentedthatthenewfundingsourcesidentifiedfortheSR‐710projectarereasonablyavailable.Assuch,strategiesdelineatingrequiredimplementationstepsforensuringtheavailabilityofproposednewrevenuesarediscussedintheTransportationFinanceAppendix.247‐03SusanSulskyIopposeplanitemsinthedraftRTPthatrecommendincreasedconventionalroadwayandrailyardcapacityforgoodsmovement.TheRTPshouldinsteadincludeexistingzero‐emissiongoodsmovementalternatives.Goodsmovementmustbeaccomplishedviaelectrifiedfreightrailnottrucks.GoodsmovementproposalsinthedraftRTPareinconsistentwithregional,state,andfederalairqualityandcongestiontargetsstatedintheplan.Theplanstatesthattoattainfederalozonestandards,theregionwillneedbroaddeploymentofzeroandnear‐zeroemissiontransportationtechnologiesinthe2023to2035timeframe(p.74).ItalsoacknowledgesthatconventionalgoodsmovementpracticescontributetoexcessozoneandpoorCommentnoted.EmissionsfromgoodsmovementactivitiesareasignificantconcernfortheSCAGregion.Theregionaltruck‐lanesystemidentifiedinthe2012RTPisenvisionedtobeafacilityusedbyzeroemissiontrucks.The2012RTPincludesanEnvironmentalActionPlanthatwillleadtothedeploymentofzeroemissiontechnologiesinthetimeframenecessarytomeetfederalrequirements.Itisnotfeasibletomoveallgoodsbyrail,whetherelectrifiedorconventionalrail,asexistingmodalsegmentsgenerallyservedifferentmarkets.Forexample,goodsmovingtodistantareasoutsidetheregion(e.g.,Chicago,Dallas)maybeabletouserailfromtheSanPedroBayPortstotheirfinaldestination.However,goodsmovingfromthePortsto502IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseairquality(p.68)andnegativeimpactsinneighboringcommunitiesandthroughouttheregion.However,theplanallocatesbillionsofdollarstoexpandingconventionalgoodsmovement,saying“truck‐onlyfreightcorridorsareeffectiveastheyaddcapacityincongestedcorridors,improvetruckoperationsandsafety.andprovideaplatformfortheintroductionandadoptionofzero‐emissiontechnologies.”Yettheplandoesnotrequirezero‐emissiontechnology.localwarehouses,regionalmanufacturerstolocalstores,oracrosstheinternationalborderwithMexicomaynotbeabletoutilizerailasaresultofcost,lackofaccessibility,increasedtraveltime,first‐mile/last‐mileissues,ormanyotherfactors.Thegoodsmovementsystemiscomplexandcannoteffectivelyrelyonasinglemodeoftransportation.247‐04SusanSulsky[PEIRcomment(s)]SeetheFinalPEIRAddendumSection4.0,ResponsestoCommentsontheDraftRTPPEIR,LetterNumber89.248‐01TheresaSherrinI’malsoanativeCalifornianandalsohadabusinessinOrangeCounty.Thisisgoingtoruinthebusinesses.It’snotgoingtohelpus.It’sgoingtocostusalotofmoney.Ijustthinkthatthisisthewrongwaytogo.TheGovernmentistryingtotakeeverythingwehaveawayfromusandIthinktheyareinterferingwithwhatweshouldhaveandhavemoreopenspace.Thisispartofagenda21.Theyaretryingtotakeusover.WeneedtowakeuptothatandIdon’tthinkthepeopleinthiscommunitywantit.Iwanttomakesurethatwedon’twastemoney.Ifwearegoingtospendmoneyonsomekindofaprogram,Ijustdon’twanttowastemoney.Likewebuildatransitsystemandit’snotconducivehereinOrangeCountyoritdoesn’tgetusedorithastobesubsidizedsomuchbytheGovernment.Idon’twantustomakethatmistakebecauseSouthernCaliforniaisnotlikeNorthernCalifornia.Wedon’tlivethatway.Wedon’tlivewhereatransitsystemworks.That’sourlifestyle.Whohastherighttodictatewhatourlifestyleshouldbe,butwecan’taffordtowasteanymoretaxpayermoney.SoIdon’tcareiffundingcomesfromtheFederalGovernment,orwherethefundingcomesfrom.Wecan’taffordtohaveinfrastructurethat’sgoingtogoblank.That’sgoingtositthereandstarttobeurbandecay.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSwasdevelopedthroughacollaborativebottom‐upprocesswithextensiveinputfromresidents,stakeholders,localentities,includingcities,counties,andcountytransportationcommissions.249‐01AnonymousInthisverydifficulteconomy,howwillsuchaproposedplanbefunded?Willtherebeataxincreasetofundthisproject?Commentnoted.WerecognizethattheSCAGregion,California,andthenationcontinuetoslowlyrecoverfromtheGreatRecession.However,theRTPspansatimehorizonthatstretchesto2035.Therewilllikelybeanumberofdifferenteconomiccyclesoverthecourseofthose20‐plusyearsjustaseconomicconditionshavevariedsubstantiallyoverthelast20years.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP,503IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseincludingpotentialtaxincreases.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforewemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoption,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.250‐01AnonymousForthoseofuswhobelievethattheUSisinaneconomiccrisis,noincreaseintax,beitexciseofother,isacceptable.Commentnoted.WerecognizethattheSCAGregion,California,andthenationcontinuetoslowlyrecoverfromtheGreatRecession.However,theRTPspansatimehorizonthatstretchesto2035.Therewilllikelybeanumberofdifferenteconomiccyclesoverthecourseofthose20plusyearsjustaseconomicconditionshavevariedsubstantiallyoverthelast20years.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP,includingpotentialtaxincreases.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforewemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintothefuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.251‐01AnonymousYou’replanningforgrowthwhichSCAGwasoriginallydesignedtodo,toplanforregionalgrowthbutyouhaveactuallyplannedforshrinkagebecausetheonlywaythatthistypeoftransitsystemwouldworkistopackusintothecitiesbecauseallofwhatyou’retalkingaboutisfordensemixed‐usecommunitiesasopposedtothewaythatweliketolive;inoursuburbs,inourhomes.I’dliketofindoutwhatchangedyoufroma“planningforwhatpeoplewant”to“planningforwhatgovernmentofficialsthinkweneed”.Commentnoted.252‐01AnonymousLetmemakeanothercommentbecausethat’snotgoingtobethetruthbecausewhatisbeingimposedonusissustainablecommunitiesandoneofthembeingproposedrighthereinCamarilloistotakeoutpartofourmealinourcenterofourcityastheydidinThousandOakswiththeThousandOaksBlvd.specificplan.WearenotLACountyandeverythingthatIsawinthatfilmwasgearedtowardsLACountyandalotofitwasdoneCommentnoted.504IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetoemotionalizeusintoacceptingthis.253‐01AnonymousInthelast30months,VCTChasreceivedabout$180millionfromthefederalgovernment.Ithinkthatthey’restaffthereisabout15peopleandofthat$180million,27%wasspentonplanningandI’mjustwonderingwhereallofthatmoneyisgoingandwhyareyouplanningourfuture?Whyisn’titjustbeingdictatedbythefreemarketwhatourneedsareandwhyaretheyregulatingandtaxingthelandhereandruiningtheranchersandfarmerssothattheyhavetoselltheirlandorit’stakenbackbythecity.OnThousandOaksBlvdina3milelongspanwherethey’reputtinginaspecificplan,62businesseshavegonebankruptandthecityhastakenbacktheland.Wherearewegettingallofthelandtodoalloftheseprojects?Commentnoted.254‐01AnonymousWhatyou’reproposingtodoistotryandgetpeopleontrains.Thetrainsareempty.I’velivedheresince1960andsince1960I’veneverseenaquarter‐filledtraincar.Notonce.Secondly,you’retryingtogetpeopleonbikes.Mostpeoplecannotridebikesbutmosthavehealthreasons.Mostofthepeopleinthiscommunityhavedoctor’sappointmentsbecausemanyareelderly.Howdoyouproposetogetthosepeopletotheirdoctors’appointmentsregularly?It’sjustnotarealitybecausethisisnotLA.YougotoLAanddoitbutdon’ttakeourfreedomsawayanddon’tcrowdpeopleintoanareaandtakeourrightsofdrivingoranythingelseaway.Commentnoted.255‐01AnonymousYousaidthattheRCwillvoteonApril4th.Isthatthe6CountiesorwillonlyVenturaCountyvoteindependently?Commentnoted.TheRegionalCouncil,whichcomprisesmembersfromallsixcountiesincludingVentura,willvoteasasinglebody.256‐01AnonymousWillourelectedofficialsfromourCountyreallymakeadifferenceintheirvote?Commentnoted.TheelectedofficialsfromVenturaCounty–andtheotherfivecountieswithintheSCAGregion–whorepresentthecitiesandcountiesontheRegionalCouncilandonthePolicyCommitteesprovidedirectionandguidancetoSCAGstaffinthedevelopmentofallpolicies.BythetimeaplanorprogramispresentedtotheRegionalCouncilforitsapproval,theRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteemembers,whichincluderepresentativesfromVenturaCounty,havehadmanyopportunitiestoprovidetheirinputandrequestanyappropriaterevisions.257‐01AnonymousLastquestion,attheendofthissessiontoday,howareyougoingtodeterminewhattheoutcomeis?Isthereavote?Howareyougoingtoreportontheconclusionofthismeeting?Commentnoted.AllformalcommentsreceivedwillberespondedtoandpresentedtoSCAGpolicymakerstobeconsideredaspartofthefinalRTP/SCS.505IDNameAffiliationCommentResponse258‐01AnonymousWhenIvotedformyelectedofficials,IdidnotknowthatIwasgivingthemdomaintomakedecisionsovermyfutureandthefutureofmychildrenandmygrandchildrenwithoutmehavingavote.I’dliketoknowwhynoneofthisorganizationalplanninghascomeupforavoteofanyoftheconstituents.Itseemstomelikeit’salreadydrawnup,peoplehavemadeuptheirmindsandthe84blessedonesaregoingtodecidehowtherestofusaregoingtolive.Idon’tapproveofthat.Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCSwasdevelopedutilizingapublicbottom‐up,multi‐yearprocessinvolvingstakeholdersandinterestedpartiesfromacrosstheregion.ManyoftheRTP/SCS'smostfundamentalassumptions,includingitsgrowthforecastandanticipatedfuturelandusedevelopmentpatterns,weredevelopedwithinputfromlocaljurisdictions.Itscoreprojectsincludelong‐rangetransportationplansdevelopedbycountytransportationcommissionsanddirectedbyvoter‐approvedsalestaxmeasures.Finally,RTP/SCSworkshopsandhearingswerealsoheldasthedraftRTP/SCSwasbeingdevelopedinordertosolicitinputforthedraftRTP/SCS.259‐01AnonymousDoyouknowofanysituationintheentireUSwhererail‐passengertraffichasbrokenevenifitwouldnothavebeensupportedbythegovernment?Commentnoted.260‐01AnonymousIftherailsaren’tbreakingevenandthebusesaren’tbreakingeven,thenwhat’sthemodelforallofthestuffthatyouhave?IsitEurope?They’renotbreakingeveneither.That’sjustobvioustouswhat’sgoingonhereandwehaveoureyesonyou.Commentnoted.261‐01AnonymousI’dliketopassaroundthesepicturesthatItooklastsummerinSeoul,Koreaandthisisthewaythatyouwouldlikeustolive.I’dlikeforeveryonetotakealookathowtheirhousingis.Therewere600–800squarefeetforeachapartmentthatwascoveredwithaquicktrainthatwentfromtheairporttodowntownSeoul.Allofthosepeoplethatgotcrammedintothosehousesdidn’thaveasayeitherortheywillnotbethere.Commentnoted.262‐01AnonymousYourinterpretationoftheconstructionofallofthisisthatalllimitedtounionconstructionorconstructionpeoplelikemysonwhoisnon‐union.Arethosejobsgoingtobeopenforthem?Commentnoted.TheRTP/SCShasnopurviewovertheconstructionofprojectsincludedintheRTP/SCS.263‐01AnonymousIfthereare84officialsfrom197jurisdictionsrepresentslessthan50%representationamongstthosejurisdictionsandthatdoesn’tseemsufficienttome.Secondly,youjustmentionedwherethederivationofthestatisticscamefromonpopulationincreaseswhichisallwellandgoodexceptthatthecrucialpartthatismissingisdemographicchangesovertimewhicharegoingtoinvolveagingpopulationsorthathalfthepeoplewillbeover50by2035.Thatreallyshouldfactorintotheideaofbicycling,etc.Commentnoted.264‐01AnonymousI’veattendedacoupleofothermeetingsthatwerelikethisthroughmyeducationalentitythatI’maffiliatedwithandIcanCommentnoted.SCAGworkscooperativelywiththeothermajorMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationsinthestateandthe506IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsesaythattheycitethesestatisticsandoftentheydon’ttellyouwheretheycamefromandthat’smyquestion.Wherearethestatisticscomingfrompertainingtothecarbondioxideemissions?Oneofthethingsthatyoutoldusisthatpeoplehavechangedwhattheywantintheirlifestyles,youngpeoplearegettingmarriedandhavingchildrennolongerwanttoliveinthesuburbsandnolongerwanttohavetheirownsinglefamilyhomesandtheyactuallyprefertoliveinthesedensertransportationhubs.TheonlystudythatI’veeverbeenabletogetanyonetoadmitthatthey’vederivedthisinformationfromwasaCalbertHoiStudy.Itisveryimportantifyouwanttoprojectyourplanswithcitizeninvolvementandbeopenandfullytransparentthatthesekindsofpresentationsshouldhaveyourderivationofyourstatisticsthataremuchmoredetailed.CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard(CARB)inaddressingtherequirementsofSB375withrespecttogreenhousegasemissionsandtargetsetting.MoreinformationisavailablefromCARBontheirwebsite:www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/sb375.htm.265‐01AnonymousI’venoticedthatthismeetingisintheafternoononaworkdayandit’stheonlyoneforthiscountyandthenyoumoveontothenextcounty.That’sreallynotenoughtimetohearfromthepopulationthatyou’reserving.It’sveryunfairandwrong.Commentnoted.WhileSCAGprovidesmanyopportunitiesforthepublictolearnaboutandcommentonitsvariousprograms,plans,servicesandinitiatives,includingholdingworkshopsandpublichearingsinvariouslocationsthroughouttheregionatvarioustimes,SCAGrealizesthatnotalltimesandlocationswillbeconvenientforeveryone.SCAGwillconsiderholdingmorepublicmeetingsintheeveningsaspartofitspost‐RTP/SCSassessmentofoutreachactivities.266‐01AnonymousItstrikesmeaswrongthatyour84representativesofthepopulationrepresent18millionpeople.Ifthat’sthewaythatitgoesthenthatshouldalsobetransparentsothatweknowwherethesepeoplestand,whatthey’replanningandthatthey’respeakingforus.Youmayhavethebestintentionsintheworldbutwestillliveinafreecountry.Commentnoted.SCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeMembersareelectedMayors,CityCouncilMembersandCountySupervisorsfromjurisdictionsthroughouttheSCAGregion.ThecitiesandcountiesappointtheelectedofficialtorepresentthematSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommittees.SCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteemeetingsareopentothepublicandpubliclynoticed.SCAGRegionalCouncilmeetingsareavailablevialivestreamingonSCAG’swebsite,www.scag.ca.gov,andsubsequenton‐demandviewingonline.ThenamesoftheRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeMembersarepostedonSCAG’swebsite.267‐01AnonymousCanyoupleaseprovidealistofthe84peopleontheRC.Theirpositionsandmaybetheircontactinformation.Commentnoted.TherosterofRegionalCouncilmemberscanbefoundonSCAG'swebsiteathttp://scag.ca.gov.268‐01AnonymousWekeephearingaboutalloftheproblemsontheroadandtheairqualityandthetruthisthattheairqualityisgettingbetterandwehavemorecarsontheroad.Secondly,I’dliketoreiterateonthehandicappeopleandelderlypeople.ThiswonderfulcongestionthatyouhaveisgoingtoinvolvegreatCommentnoted.SCAG’sRTP/SCSaddressesthetransportationneedsoftheelderlyanddisabled.SCAGencouragesbringingallsidewalksintheregionuptoADAstandards.Inaddition,theSafetyAppendixhasrecommendationsapplicabletoelderlydrivers(ChallengeArea9)tobothhelpolderdriversmaintain507IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsedifficultiesforthefreedomofourelderlypeopleandtheirinabilitiestogetintocarswhichequatestofreedom.theirdrivingskillsaswellasprovidingtransportationoptionstohelpmaintainmobilityforseniorcitizensnolongerabletodrive.269‐01AnonymousNeverbeforehavethecruciallinkagesbetweentheeconomyandtransportationsystemandlandusebeenasimportantasnow.ThatisanassertionanditstellingmethatagroupofpeoplegottogetheranddecidedwhatwouldbegoodforthisareaofCaliforniaanddecidedthattheywouldimplementthiswithoutanyrisktothemselvesbecausetheyhavefulltaxpayerbackingandtheyareabletodothrougheminentdomainconfiscatepropertyifthepeopledon’tagreetotheirplans.Throughthesefinancialstatementsthathaveadditionaltaxesandalovelythingcalledmileageuserfees.Myquestionis,howarethosecalculatedandhowwilltheybe?Onyourwebsitethereisasignificantsourceforfundinganditendsupbeingsomewherealongthelinesof$110billionfrominnovativefinancingandnewrevenuesourcesbutforthefirst2timeperiodsthere’szerosooutof3timeperiodsitgetsusto$110billiondollars.Outofthe3categories,theonlyonebiggeristhesalestax.Canyouexplaintomehowthosemileagebaseduserfeesarecalculated?Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.Thepotentialimplementationofthemileage‐baseduserfeeisnotassumedtostartuntil2025.Itisalsoassumedtoreplacetheexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetax.Theproposedmileage‐baseduserfee,liketheexistingstateandfederalgasexcisetax,isdirectlylinkedtheamountoftransportationresourceused.Whilethemileage‐baseduserfeewouldchargedriversforeachmiletraveled,theexistinggasexcisetaxeschargedriversforeachgallonconsumed.Theamountofgallonsofgasconsumedisadirectproductofthetotalnumberofmilestraveled.270‐01AnonymousWhattroublesmeisthatthereare84peopleinthiscountywhoaresoinvolvedthattheydon’tunderstandoracceptthefactthatthegreenagendaisacompletefraud.Thatthere’snoglobalwarmingandthatmanisn’tcreatingit.ItwouldbeinsignificantandevenPhilJonesintheIPCCadmitsthatoverthelastfewyearstherehasbeeninsignificantincreaseintemperatureandyetyouwanttoreduceCO2emissionswhichiswhatwebreath.Theonlyreasonyou’dliketocontrolCO2istocontrolourlives.Commentnoted.ThegreenhousegasemissionreductionsthatSCAGisrequiredtomeetviathe2012‐2035RTP/SCSisastaterequirementasaresultofSenateBill375.271‐01AnonymousIheardthePresidentofMercedesBenzspeakonthefutureoftheautomobileandhesaidthattheautomaticself‐controlledautomobileisthethingofthefutureandthatyoucancallupyourcarandwillpickyouupanddriveyoutoyourdentistandwillreturnyoutoyourhomeandiswithin15to20yearsout.Googlehasanautomobilethatisdriven144,000mileswithoutanaccidentandhasbeentestedandisaperfectlypracticalsystem.It’sthefutureofautomobiles.Whydoyougobacktoatrainwhichisa19thcenturyinventionandtrytoforceusintoancienttechnology.Whydon’tyouhaveforesightandlookintoCommentnoted.The2012‐2035RTP/SCSisamultimodalplanthatrecognizestheimportanceofourregion'shighwayandarterialsystem,andincludesinvestmentstobothmaintainandimprovethissystem.Suchasystemwouldbeabletoservesmartervehiclesastheyarefurtherdevelopedandintroducedintothemarket.508IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsethefutureoftheautomobileandmakeourinfrastructurethatwehavenowtwiceasproductive.272‐01AnonymousWhydoyouwanttoincludethetrainsbeforethere’saneed?Whynotletthefreemarketwork?YoushowpicturesofVenturahighwayfromVenturatoSantaBarbarathatare4yearsold.Itnolongerlooksthatway.Whyareyouseekingus?Whyshouldwepayforthisifwedon’twantthem?Commentnoted.273‐01AnonymousWhenthe84czarsvote,isthatgoodfortheregion?Nowourtowns,citiesandcountiesaregoingtobecomeregionssowillweberuledbyregions?Commentnoted.SCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommitteeMembersareelectedMayors,CityCouncilMembersandCountySupervisorsfromjurisdictionsthroughouttheSCAGregion.ThecitiesandcountiesappointtheelectedofficialstorepresentthematSCAG’sRegionalCouncilandPolicyCommittees.274‐01AnonymousAllthemoneyistherethen?Thegatheringofourtaxmoneyisthere.Commentnoted.275‐01AnonymousWiththesetrainsthatyou’retalkingaboutthatarecominginfull,whentheygettothestationinLosAngeles,I’massumingthateveryoneworkswithinablockawayfromwherethestationisordotheyanddotheynothavetotakesomeotherformofcar,taxiorbicycle?Commentnoted.AmajorityoftrainriderstransfertothesubwayuponarrivaltoL.A.UnionStation.276‐01AnonymousYouaresayingthattheexpansionofthetrainsystemcostssomanybillionsofdollars.Insteadofspendingthatmoneyonthetrainsbuythesepeoplecarsorgivethemtaxifare.Here’sacommentonbicyclelanes.InVenturaCounty,veryfewpeopleusebikesforserioustransportationandyoucan’tgotothemarketsoifpeopleusethisforpleasureandtodayIdrovefromCarmenDrivetothelibraryandtherewasabikeronthebikelaneandIdidn’tthinkthathewasridingverysteadily.Iwentaroundhimandhowoftendowereadinthenewspaperaboutabicyclistwho’skilledwhileridingontheroad.Bikeridingisdangerous.Idon’tseespendingmoneyonmorebikelanes.Also,thebikelaneisnotmorethan2feetwideandit’snotenough.Commentnoted.277‐01AnonymousWhycan’tyouputbikelanesonthesidewalk?Truthfully,hardlyanyoneusessidewalks.Commentnoted.Manylocaljurisdictionsprohibitbicycleridingonsidewalksduetosafetyconcerns.278‐01AnonymousThere’salreadythat’sbeentriedandtestedinEnglandandit’sasolarcarandthegascompaniesboughtitupbecauseitranonsunshine.Thishappenedinthelate70’sorearly80’sanditwasawonderfulmachineandalthoughthepatenthasbeenboughtCommentnoted.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforewemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewell‐documentedin509IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseitispossibleinthefuturethatthiscanbeproducedandavailableforushere.Soagasolinetaxwouldnolongerbeavailabletothegovernmentandthatmightreallyputakinkinyourplans.Therearebatteriesthatgofor100mileswithoutrechargingandmuchofthisisbeingheldbackbyvestedinterests.We’rebeingnailedtothewallbyagovernmentagendathat’sgoingtotaxusanduseachunkoffictitiouspieintheskyinthefuturetograbourmoneytodayandpushusintoaplacethatnoneofuswanttolive.theRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.279‐01AnonymousWhenNareshwasstartingoffwithhispresentationhewastalkingaboutbondfundingforsomeofthisproject.Whatportionoftheoverallcostsforallofthisinvolvesbondfunding?Commentnoted.DebtserviceonbondsfinancingpreviouslyissuedandanticipatedtobeissuedthroughouttheplanninghorizonoftheRTPaccountsfor8.6percentofthetotalplancost.280‐01AnonymousIthinkthatoverallplanningisveryimportantandthisisagreatfunctionthatmustbedone.TheproblemthatIseewiththiswholethingisthatyouareembarkingonaveryexpensivepropositionhere.Youhaveashrinkingtaxbaseonafederalbasishalfthepeopleinthecountrydon’tevenpaytaxeswhichleavestherestforthemiddleclasstocover.HereinCalifornia,Ireadlastweekthatin2008and2009roughlyone‐thirdofthetoptwopercentoftaxpayersarewhat’satstake.Iseeourtaxbaseshrinkingandtheladyacrosstheroomwhocommentedontheagingpopulation,Ithinkthatthetaxbaseisshrinkingandwhatwe’regoingtoendupisthatyou’llfindmiddleclasstaxpayerswillnotbeabletoaffordtoliveinthestateandthey’regoingtoleaveandthe4millionpeoplethatyou’retalkingaboutgrowinginourregionwillbeillegals.Therestofuswillbegone.You’llhave6millionpeoplecomeinasillegalsandtherestofuswillbegone.Atthatpoint,whenyoudismissus,youdon’tgointoamajorexpansionprogramwhenyou’reonyourkneesandyou’reaboutreadytochoke.That’sthetimethatyougobackandgetyourselfhealthyagain.ThiseconomyisonitskneesinCaliforniaandtheeconomynationallyisonitsknees.Idon’tthinkthatthetimetostartthisisnowandthenwe’llallbeforit.Commentnoted.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforewemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.281‐01AnonymousI’dliketoletyouknowthatIhaveriddenontheRedLineanditisverybusy.TheOrangeLineisalsoverybusyandIhadtostandinitwhichIdidn’tmindatthetimeasIwasgoingtodowntownLAandonaseparateoccasionIhadtogointodowntownLAinmycarandhadtoparkataparkingstructureanditcostmeCommentnoted.TheRTPisfiscallyconstrained,meaningthatthereissufficientfinancialinformationfordemonstratingthatprojectsintheplancanbeimplementedusingcommitted,available,orreasonablyavailablerevenuesources,withreasonableassurancethatthefederallysupported510IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseabout$20topark.Thegentlemenwhosuggestedthatpeopleshouldabandontherailandalternativemodesoftransportationandeveryoneshouldhaveacarwellwhenyourpopulationisswellingandyourlandisnotincreasingwiththepopulationyouneedtocomeupwithacreativesolutionandeveryonecan’tbedrivinginacarbecausethere’sjustnoroom.Ifyou’veeverbeenonthe101and405exchangethenyouknowthatit’sthesecondmostcongestedfreewayinterchangeinthecountryandpossiblywouldrankhighintheworld.MyquestionisthatthesustainablecommunitiesthatstartedundertheObamaadministrationthatpartneredthetargetedtransportation,theEPAandHUD.Ireadrecentlythatbecauseofthelackoffundingthatcommunitiesweregettingfundingtoimprovetheirsustainableaspectssuchasmobilitythattheyarenotgoingtobedoingthisanymoreuntiltheeconomycanimprove.Howdoyouthinkthatthiswillaffectthelong‐termplan?transportationsystemisbeingadequatelyoperatedandmaintained.Wealsorecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandwethereforemadereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesanddocumentedintheRTPtoensuretransparency.Aswegainmoreinsightintothefutureandthereasonablenessofourassumptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.282‐01AnonymousTheladyinthebackmentionedthatshehaddifficultyingettingtoalocationlikedowntown.Toanswerherquestion,backinthe70’stherewassomethingcalledcarpooling.Itcanstillbedonetoday.Ifyougoonthefreewaytoday,youcanseethat90percentofthevehicleshaveoneperson.Irealizethatifyou’reinbusinessforyourselforaprivatecontractorthenyou’regoingfromonesitetoanotheryou’renotgoingtoridewithsomeoneelseonthefreewaybutmanypeoplearegoingtothesamelocationandiftheychoseandstillkeeptheirfreedom.Forthosethatarechallengedfinanciallyorotherwise,youcanstillcarpool.Maybethestateorcountyshoulddevelopasophisticatedcarpoolprogramforitssubstituentsthatmaybewouldassistthefreewaycongestionproblemthatyou’reconcernedabout.Commentnoted.ThereisanexistingridesharingprograminSouthernCalifornia,operatedbythecountytransportationcommissionsinLosAngeles,Orange,Riverside,SanBernardino,andVenturaCounties.Visitwww.commutesmart.info.283‐01AnonymousDoyouhaveacost/benefitanalysis?Wasthatdonewiththisplanandifso,howdetailedorhowspecificisitandwhere’sthemoneygoing?Commentnoted.Abenefit‐costanalysiswaspreparedfortheRTP.TheinvestmentsintheRTPprovideareturnof$2.90foreverydollarinvested.PlanexpendituresaredetailedthroughtheRTPandappendicesandaresummarizedinChapter3,FinancialPlan.YoumightalsobeinterestedintheanalysisoftheeconomicimpactsoftheRTP,whichisprovidedintheEconomicandJobCreationAppendixofthefinalRTP/SCS.284‐01AnonymousWasthereaninflationratethatwasbuiltintotheprojectionsthatyou’remakinggoingoutto2035?Commentnoted.SCAGused2.9‐percentinflationratetoadjustconstantdollarrevenueforecastsintonominal(yearofexpenditure)dollarsbasedonthehistoricalinflationtrends511IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsemeasuredbytheGrossDomesticProduct(GDP)PriceDeflator—anapproachconsistentwiththeoneusedbytheFederalOfficeofManagementandBudgetinpreparingtheBudgetoftheUnitedStatesGovernment.Thefinancialplanusesa3.2‐percentannualinflationfactortoestimatefuture,nominalcostsforcapitalexpendituresbasedonthe30‐yearhistoricalinflationtrendsmeasuredthebyCaltrans’highwayconstructioncostindex.ThefasterincreaseinconstructioncoststhaninrevenuescontributestoadeclineinpurchasingpowerfortransportationfundingovertheRTPplanningperiod.285‐01AnonymousWhatareweusingforhistoricalinflationrates?Commentnoted.SCAGused2.9‐percentinflationratetoadjustconstantdollarrevenueforecastsintonominal(yearofexpenditure)dollarsbasedonthehistoricalinflationtrendsmeasuredbytheGrossDomesticProduct(GDP)PriceDeflator—anapproachconsistentwiththeoneusedbytheFederalOfficeofManagementandBudgetinpreparingtheBudgetoftheUnitedStatesGovernment.Thefinancialplanusesa3.2‐percentannualinflationfactortoestimatefuture,nominalcostsforcapitalexpendituresbasedonthe30‐yearhistoricalinflationtrendsmeasuredthebyCaltrans’highwayconstructioncostindex.ThefasterincreaseinconstructioncoststhaninrevenuescontributestoadeclineinpurchasingpowerfortransportationfundingovertheRTPplanningperiod.286‐01AnonymousGivenallofthequantitativeeasingthatwe’vehadjustinthepastyearandahalfandgiventhatthere’sgoingtobemorewithwhat’sgoingoninEuropeIdon’tthinkthatyou’reinflationratewillbe2%.Ithinkthatwe’reprobablylookingatdoubledigitminimumthat’sgoingtotaketheseprojectionsout.Commentnoted.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.Ataminimum,anRTPispreparedandadoptedeveryfouryears.287‐01AnonymousIfevery4yearsyou’remakingadjustments.Sayinflationstartsincreasingafter4yearsat3andbythetimethatyougetto12yearsit’sup10percent.We’renolongerlookingata$100Mproject.We’retalkingaboutaprojectthat’sgoingtocost$150M.Rightnow,40%ofeverydollarthatthefedsspendisbeingborrowedfromChina.Thatwillincreasethewaythatthingsaregoing.Wherearewegoingtogetallofthismoney?Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesdetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.288‐01AnonymousWhywouldwestartonaprojectwhenwe’resounhealthytoCommentnoted.512IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsebeginwith?289‐01AnonymousYousaidthatthemoneyisalreadytherethatisbeingusedtodotheseprojects?Commentnoted.TheTransportationFinanceAppendixprovidesadetailedexplanationonallrevenuesourcesincludedintheRTP.290‐01AnonymousThat’snottruebecausealreadythey’recomplainingthatthere’snomoney,notaxrevenue,nomoneycomingintofixroadsoranythingelse.Secondly,IspokeabouttheelderlybutwhatIdidn’tbringupisthatgettingthekidstoschool,sportingevents,goingtochurch,ifyouhavetocountonallofthistogetyouplacesit’snotgoingtohappen.Commentnoted.291‐01AnonymousOk,butwhatyouwanttodoistaxthesesamepeopletousetheirowncarandtoprovidetherailandbussystemtogetthemtowheretheyare.Commentnoted.292‐01AnonymousIfpeoplearecountingongoingontrainsandbusesifitcomestothatthenwhoisgoingtobetheretotakethesepeoplewhentheirchildren,spouseorsomeonehasanemergency.Howaretheygoingtogetbackandforth?Commentnoted.293‐01AnonymousMyunderstandingisthatpartoftheSCAGprocessistakingplacebecauseoffederalgrantmoneythathascomedowntothestates,tothecities.Isthatcorrect?Commentnoted.SCAGisfunded,inpart,throughtheU.S.DepartmentofTransportationconsolidatedplanninggrantfunds.294‐01AnonymousWhereisthemoneyfortheplannersandthepresentersandthedevelopersofthisRTPcomingfrom?Commentnoted.SCAGisfundedprimarilythroughtheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation,theStateofCalifornia,andmemberagencydues.295‐01AnonymousSoeverytimethisplanisrevisited,whichisevery4years,it’sanincreasingifnothingelseinplanningcostthatinvolvesagreatmanypeople.Isthatcorrect?Commentnoted.TheRTPisafederallymandateddocument.Therefore,theseplanningeffortsarefundedprimarilythroughtheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation,theStateofCalifornia,andmemberagencydues.However,SB375complianceisrequiredperstatelawwhichiscurrentlyunfunded.So,SCAGabsorbsthesecostthroughotherlocalsources.Costofplanningovertheyearshaveremainedrelativelyunchanged.296‐01AnonymousIguessthatwhatI’mgettingatisthatunderthecircumstances,weknowthatourstateisindebtandweknowthatwedon’thavethemoneytodoit.Weknowthatwedon’thavethemoneytorevisititevery4yearssowhynotfindsomethingrealisticbasedontheeconomythatwecurrentlyhaveandtheknowledgethatitwilltakeatleast10yearsfortheeconomytotakeanupturnsothattherearesomeadditionaltaxpayerfundsspentforrevisitingtheseplans.Commentnoted.WerecognizethattheSCAGregion,California,andthenationcontinuetoslowlyrecoverfromtheGreatRecession.However,theRTPspansatimehorizonthatstretchesto2035.Therewilllikelybeanumberofdifferenteconomiccyclesoverthecourseofthose20plusyearsjustaseconomicconditionshavevariedsubstantiallyoverthelast20years.Werecognizethatthefuturecannotbeknownwithcertaintyandthereforewemakereasonableassumptions,whichwerevettedthroughSCAG’sTechnicalAdvisory513IDNameAffiliationCommentResponseCommitteeandPolicyCommitteesandarewelldocumentedintheRTP.Aswegainmoreinsightintofuturefundingoptions,wewillupdatethefinancialplanaccordinglythroughamendmentsand/orsubsequentPlanupdatesasappropriate.297‐01AnonymousArethoseallgreenprojectsundertheinternationalcodes?Commentnoted.SB375doesnotrequirethatajurisdiction'slandusepoliciesandregulations,includingbuildingcodesanddesignguidelines,needtobeconsistentwiththeRTPorSCS.WhiletheSCSisintendedtoprovidearegionalpolicyfoundationthatlocalgovernmentsmaybuilduponiftheysochooseandgenerallyincludesthequantitativegrowthprojectionsfromeachcityandcountyintheregion,localjurisdictionsmaintainlocallanduseauthority.298‐01AnonymousItdoeshavetodowithSCAGbecausetheyhavespeakers,theyhavejointprojectsandIhavenewspaperarticles.SCAGisveryinvolvedinthatandit’showyou’resetup.Commentnoted.299‐01AnonymousRegardingthewholeplan.Thewaythatthepicturesarerepresentedseemstoindicatethatthere’sgoingtobeacompletechangeintermsofourhousingdevelopmentorcommercialdevelopmentandit’sallkindofverticallyconcentratedsothatyoucanwalkoutandcatchatrainorgowhereveryou’regoingtogo.Thathastogohandinhandwithmaintainingtheroadwaysandallthoseotherthingsthatyouplanondoing.WhenIdrivefromSanDiegotoLAtohere,there’saconstantcityaftercity.Commentnoted.The2012RTP/SCSincludesarangeofbothtransportationandlandusestrategiestomeettheneedsofalargeanddiverseregion.OperationandmaintenanceoftheexistinghighwaysystemisacriticalcomponentofthisPlan.300‐01AnonymousPleasenamemeacitythatyouaretalkingaboutthatwecanlookat.Commentnoted.ExamplesofthestrategiesreferencedinthisPlanareoccurringinamyriadofjurisdictionswithinandoutsideoftheSCAGregion.301‐01AnonymousWeallknowthatbikelanesandstreetsareverydangerousbecausemanycarsandtruckscan’tseethebikersandthebikersdon’tfollowmanyrulesofthelawoftheroadlikecarsdo.Someonementionedbikelanesandthesesidewalks.ThisisverydangeroustopedestriansbecauseIalmostgotkilledinAmsterdambecausebikesrideinbothdirectionsonthesidewalk.Again,itcomesdowntotheelderlywhocan’thearthebicyclesandsometimescan’tseethemifthey’recomingfrombehindsopleasetakethatintoconsideration.Commentnoted.TheRTPincludesaTransportationSafetyAppendixwhichcontainspoliciesandactionstoaddressbikesafetyissues.302‐01AnonymousRevolvingaroundtheissuebutIknowthatwe’veallheardofAgenda21andrighthereisabookthatsayssomethingaboutenvironmentaljusticeandifyougototheAgenda21pageithasCommentnoted.ConsiderationofenvironmentaljusticeinthetransportationplanningprocessstemsfromTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964(TitleVI).TitleVIestablishestheneedfor514IDNameAffiliationCommentResponsetheexactsamewordingthatyouhaveinyourbookasitdoesinAgenda21whichisaninternationalagendafordevelopment.Youarealltakingitstraightfromthescienceandyou’reputtingoutthisthingtoourcountry.That’snotwhatthiscountrywasbuiltonandallofyouthataredoingthisconsciouslyknowthatyou’reerodingourfreedomsandyourownfreedoms.Ifyoumaynotknowthisthenyouneedtogoontothewebsite.transportationagenciestodisclosetothepublicthebenefitsandburdensofproposedprojectsonminoritypopulations.TitleVIstatesthat“NopersonintheUnitedStatesshall,onthegroundofrace,colorornationalorigin,beexcludedfromparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbesubjectedtodiscriminationunderanyprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistance.”Asagovernmentagencythatreceivesfederalfunding,SCAGisrequiredtoconductanenvironmentaljusticeanalysisforitsRegionalTransportationPlan.303‐01AnonymousWe’regoingtospendabilliondollarsanacretogothroughanexpensivearearatherthanaten‐thousandanacretogothroughapoorarea?Commentnoted.