DATE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: ADRIANA ROBLES, CITY ENGINEER
TITLE: AMENDMENT 1 TO THE SALINAS ITC MOU
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution approving Amendment 1 to extend the term of the Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center Memorandum of Understanding with the Transportation Agency for the Monterey County and Monterey-Salinas Transit District by five (5) years and authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is set to expire on December 31, 2025. This amendment extends the validity of the MOU by five years.
BACKGROUND:
The Transportation Agency has been planning the extension of rail service to Monterey County (the “Monterey County Rail Extension Project”) for over two decades. In that time, TAMC completed a state-required Project Study Report and certified an Environmental Impact Report to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Using state funding, TAMC has performed the planning, due diligence, environmental review, and design for the project.
In 2017, TAMC adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the City of Salinas and Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) to outline roles and responsibilities of each agency as the project moves forward. The MOU considered transportation uses, such as Amtrak intercity passenger trains, commuter rail trains, recreational trains, MST local and regional buses, paratransit, bus rapid transit, intercity bus service, and transit supportive land uses which may include housing. The MOU is set to expire in December 2025. Attached is an amendment to the MOU to extend the term to December 31, 2030, specifically include Caltrain as a potential train operator to the facility, update the name of the Salinas City Center Improvement Association, and update the address for MST. On September 8, 2025, the MST Board of Directors approved the amendment to the MOU. TAMC Board of Directors is set to hear the item on September 24, 2025.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Plan for Economic Development and Infrastructure by supporting the development of the Monterey County Rail Extension Project. The City Council is preparing for a future rail connection with the Bay Area that will enhance residents’ ability to commute and will expand tourism in the area.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Public Works Department and Community Development Department have worked closely with TAMC to facilitate the development of the Monterey County Rail Extension Project.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
This action does not have a direct fiscal impact. City staff work with TAMC to review agreements, plans and documents to facilitate the development of the project.
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
MOU Salinas ITC Expansion Amendment 1
Page | 3
Page | 1
CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT