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A
detailed description of the proposed ferry system including
all routes and terminals to be operated during the first 10 years. |
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Detailed ridership estimates for each of the proposed
routes |
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A cost effectiveness evaluation for each proposed route and for
the system as a whole.
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Design criteria for vessels and a procurement plan for acquiring
the needed vessels.
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A Safety Plan for vessel operations developed in cooperation with
the U. S. Coast Guard.
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Design criteria and standards for all proposed terminals and
landside facilities.
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An intermodal plan for connecting the proposed ferry services with
other modes of public transit including buses and trains.
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A feasibility analysis of the effectiveness of new technologies
and alternative fuels in reducing air emissions and water pollution.
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A comprehensive Financial Plan including projected capital and
operating costs, operating revenues, and a proposal for providing the needed
financial support to cover on going operating subsidies.
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SB
428 also requires the Water Transit Authority to prepare a programmatic
Environmental impact Statement (EIS) which meets the Federal requirements in the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
which meets the State requirements in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Once the Authority has completed the Implementation and operations Plan and
certified that the EIS and EIR on the Plan meet the NEPA and CEQA requirements,
then it can submit the Plan to the State legislature for final approval.
It
is critically important that the Water Transit Authority receive the full $12
million proposed by the Governor in order to complete the Implementation and
Operations Plan and the EIS and EIR on the Plan within the next 2 years.
Consequently, this funding must be included in the Final State Budget for the
2000‑2001 Fiscal Year approved by the Legislature and signed by the
Governor in July.
The
Legislature budget hearings on the proposed Caltrans budget, which includes the
$12 million for the Water Transit Authority, should occur in March or April of
2000. The hearing on the Assembly side should take place in Budget Subcommittee
#5 with Assemblypersons Dean Florez (Chair), Patricia Bates, Lou Correa, Abel
Maldonado, and Tom Torlakson The hearing on the Senate side should take place in
Budget Subcommittee #2 with Byron Sher (Chair), Tom Hayden, and Cathie Wright.
Please contact as many of these Legislators as possible to let them know that
you support the proposed $12 million for the Day Area Water Transit Authority!
