REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 26, 2023
FROM
JESSE ARMENDAREZ, Second District Supervisor, Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Supporting Brightline West and Nevada Department of Transportation’s Application for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution supporting the Brightline West and State of Nevada Department of Transportation’s application for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant.
(Presenter: Jesse Armendarez, Second District Supervisor, 387-4833)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Jobs and Economic Value in the County.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this Resolution will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On April 17, 2023, Brightline West and the State of Nevada Department of Transportation applied to the United States Department of Transportation for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant. The Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant provides funding for capital projects that reduce the State of Good Repair Program backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service.
The Brightline West Project will connect Las Vegas and Southern California through planned stations in Las Vegas and San Bernardino County, with connectivity to Los Angeles County through Metrolink. In June 2023, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority received a $25 million Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant award (RAISE Grant) from the United States Department of Transportation. The Brightline West Project is leveraging public-private partnerships to make this project a reality.
Together with the RAISE Grant, the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant will be an important component to implementing the Brightline West Project. The project will create a positive environmental and economic impact, and increase job opportunities for the region, including San Bernardino County. The Brightline West Project will positively impact the Inland Empire by providing a cleaner, safer, and faster alternative to driving to and from Las Vegas, as well as connecting travelers from all over the world to the region.
The proposed Resolution would declare support for the Brightline West and State of Nevada Department of Transportation’s application for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 21, 2023; Finance (Stephanie Maldonado, Finance Analyst, 387-4348) on September 21, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on September 21, 2023.