DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2026
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: ADRIANA ROBLES, PE, CFM, CITY ENGINEER
TITLE: MST GRANT LOCAL MATCH INCREASE
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve an increase of $8,000 to Monterey-Salinas Transit for the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant local match commitment for a total of $28,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In February 2021, the City Council approved a resolution supporting a local match commitment of $20,000 for Monterey-Salinas Transit’s (MST) application for a Caltrans planning grant to fund the East Alisal Bus Rapid Transit and Salinas Transit Center Relocation Feasibility Study. MST informed the City that additional funds were needed and is requesting an additional $8,000 of local match commitment from the City.
BACKGROUND:
On February 2, 2021, the City Council approved Resolution No. 22046 supporting a local match commitment of $20,000 for MST’s application to Caltrans’ Sustainable Communities Planning Grant program. The planning grant was to fund the East Alisal Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Salinas Transit Center Relocation Feasibility Study (“Study”). The Study will assess the feasibility of establishing a bus rapid transit corridor along East Alisal and potential locations for relocating the Salinas Transit Center.
MST received a total of $463,100 from Caltrans for this effort. Matching funds of $20,000 were to be provided by MST, City of Salinas and Taylor Farms. MST requested additional community engagement which exceeded the anticipated budget. As a result, continuing the partnership and sharing ratio, an additional $8,000 was requested from the City of Salinas, Taylor Farms, along with MST also providing the higher amount to account for the expanded scope of services from the consultant.
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). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Providing the additional funding for the grant local match, allows for MST to complete their planning study. The Study may identify strategies to enhance transit in the Alisal, therefore impacting Economic Development, Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Youth and Seniors.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The City Engineer and Advanced Planning Manager participate in the Technical Advisory Committee for this project. Review of the Study will be coordinated by MST with the Public Works and Community Development Departments.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
1200
30.9136-63.5900
Outside services-Other professional services
$166,973
$8,000
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
MST Request Letter, August 1, 2025
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