USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                        About FRAAbout FRA
  

        
              Overview
                Organization
                Program Offices
                Resource Center
                Web Policies and Notices
                Contact Us
                Communications
                Governmental AffairsFeatured
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA
                Careers
                Leadership Profiles
                Organizational Chart
                Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches
                Fact Sheets
                TestimonyRailroad SafetyFeatured
  

        
              Train Horn Rule/Quiet Zones
                Public Blocked Crossings Incident Reporter
                Drug & Alcohol
                Safety Data
                C3RS
                High-Hazard Flammable Train Route AssessmentRailroad Safety
  

        
              Overview
                Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention
                Accident Data & Reporting, Investigations
                Divisions
                Partnerships & ProgramsRail Network DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              High-Speed Rail
                Amtrak
                Environmental Reviews
                GIS Maps
                RuralRail Network Development
  

        
              Overview
                Passenger Rail
                Freight Rail
                Environment
                Planning
                International
                Maps & Data
                Training & GuidanceResearch & DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              R&D Current Projects
                Positive Train Control
                Hazardous Materials
                Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
                Close Call Reporting
                Broad Agency AnnouncementResearch & Development
  

        
              Overview
                Program Areas
                R&D ReportsLegislation & RegulationsFeatured
  

        
              FAST Act
                National Rail Plan
                Proposed State Rail Plan
                Civil PenaltiesLegislation & Regulations
  

        
              Overview
                Legislation
                Regulations & Rulemaking
                Buy AmericaGrants & LoansFeatured
  

        
              FRA Discretionary Grant Program Tool
                Discretionary Grant Calendar
                Railroad Capital Project Guidance
                FRA Webinars
                DOT GrantsGrants & Loans
  

        
              Overview
                Grant Programs
                Applying for Grants
                Resources for Grant Recipients
                Training & GuidanceFRA eLibraryeLibrary
  

        
              Accidents & Fatalities
                Compliance
                Conferences & Presentations
                Emergency & Safety
                Enforcement & Litigation
                Publications & Policy
                Reports
                OtherMenu Home
                        Rail Network Development
                        Environment
                        Environmental Reviews


            
            In This Section
        Environment Overview
                Environmental Division Updates
                Historic Preservation
                Rail Climate Considerations
                FRA Legislation & Regulations
                FRA & NEPA Documentation
                Additional Information on Categorical Exclusions
                Additional Information on Section 4(f) and Programmatic Evaluations
                Environmental Reviews
                Noise & Vibration
                Final Section 106 Program Comment for Rail Rights-of-Way
                FRA Rail Program Delivery Webinar Series: Environment
                FRA Recommended Trainings & Environmental Resources
                
                ACEforward
    

    
    
          The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2018, a notice to advise the public that FRA is rescinding the Notice of Intent (NOI) for the ACEforward Program. The project sponsor has determined that the original scope for the ACEforward Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is no longer consistent with regional planning efforts for improved rail service throughout the corridor.

			*****Below is archived web content regarding this project.***







Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS)

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) is launching an effort to improve and expand the existing Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) rail service between Stockton and San Jose, California, as well as extension of the rail service to Modesto and Merced, California. The ACEforward program will strive to reduce travel time by at least 10 percent, and increase reliability of the existing ACE rail service. In the near term, ACEforward aims to increase existing service from 4 daily round trips to a proposed 6 daily round trips, extend to Modesto in Stanislaus County, implement safety and grade crossings improvements, and add track in key locations. ACEforward is also planning longer-term improvements to increase service to at least 10 daily round trips, provide weekend service, and extend to Merced. As of  June 6, 2013, project leadership and funding for the Altamont Corridor has been transferred from the California High-Speed Rail Authority to the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.

Additional information about the project can be found at http://www.acerail.com/About/Public-Projects/ACEforward.

**Environmental Review Process**

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) will jointly prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the ACEforward Program in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The SJRRC released a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for ACEforward, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), on May 31, 2017. The EIR analyzed and the EIS will analyze proposed improvement and expansion of existing rail service between Stockton and San Jose, California, as well as extension of the rail service to Modesto and Merced, California. SJRRC is using a tiered process for the environmental review in the EIR. Under this approach, the Program evaluates the environmental impacts of improvements at a conceptual level, while the Project analysis provides a more detailed evaluation of the impacts resulting from site-specific project components. After considering the comments received on the Draft EIR, coordination with stakeholders, and the environmental analysis, the SJRRC will select a preferred alternative for the Project and possibly the Program. The Final EIR will be completed in late 2017. The EIS for ACEforward will be focused on the near-term improvements (or Project).

FRA has responsibility for overseeing the safety of railroad operations and may need to take certain regulatory action prior to operation of the new or expanded service. In addition, FRA is authorized to provide federal funding for intercity passenger rail capital investments and may provide financial assistance for the program in the future.  FRA will serve as the federal lead agency for the preparation of the EIS.  SJRRC will serve as the state lead agency for the preparation of the EIR.

Under CEQA a Notice of Preparation (NOP) was released on June 24, 2013. The full NOP can be reviewed HERE.  FRA published a Notice of Intent to produce an EIS in the Federal Register on September 18, 2013. Scoping meetings were held in July 2013. The scoping process is complete and refinement of the project alternatives ongoing.

Permitting Dashboard

The U.S. Permitting Dashboard is an online tool for Federal agencies, project sponsors, and interested members of the public to track the Federal government’s environmental review and authorization processes for large or complex infrastructure projects. The Dashboard is part of a government-wide effort to improve coordination, transparency, and accountability. A link to this project’s page on the Dashboard is below.

Permitting Dashboard Link
              
      
    
          Last updated: Monday, August 24, 2020 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Railroad Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About Us
  

        
              About FRA
                Careers
                Contact Us
                FRA Civil Rights
                Doing Business with FRA
                Grants and Financial Assistance
                Safety Management TeamsAreas of Interest
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
                Safety Data
                Buy America
                Operation Lifesaver
                Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
                FRA Secure Area
                Proactive DisclosureI Am A...
  

        
              Railroad Traveler
                Railroad Inspector
                Reporter
                Educator/StudentPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web Standards