Transportation and Transit Subject Working Group

Transcription

1 Transportation and Transit Subject Working Group October 5, :00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Vernon Chamber of Commerce 3801 Santa Fe Avenue Vernon, CA INTRODUCTIONS AND MEETING OVERVIEW On Monday, October 5, 2009, the I-710 Project Team met with the Transportation and Transit Subject Working Group (TSWG) at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce offices in the City of Vernon. The purpose of the meeting was to: Update the group on project happenings since the last meeting of the TSWG on August 17, including progress by the engineering, environmental, and community participation teams. Present geometrics and traffic methodologies. Review port cargo forecasts in light of the economic downturn. Present an update on power supply for future demand if electrified transportation and goods movement technologies are adopted. TSWG members in attendance were John Maniatakis (Vernon LAC); Jonathan Switzer (Carson LAC); Carol Berkeley (South Gate LAC); Connie Turner (Southern California Edison); Bob Eula (Commerce LAC); and Mario Sotelo (alternate, Commerce LAC). Other meeting attendees included George Bass (Bell LAC), David Randall (Montebello Unified School District representative to the Environmental SWG); Ian MacMillan (LA Unified School District); and Kevin Wilson (City of Vernon). In attendance from the Project Team were Devon Cichoski (Metro); Jerry Wood (GCCOG); Allison Morrow (Caltrans); Larry Cottrill and Jolene Hayes (POLB); Michael Keenan (POLA); Shannon Willits (URS); and Pat McLaughlin and Andi Nelson (MIG). MIG facilitator Pat McLaughlin called the meeting to order and began with a round of selfintroductions. She briefly reviewed the agenda for the evening.

2 GEOMETRICS AND TRAFFIC METHODOLOGIES After a review of project happenings, Ms. McLaughlin turned the meeting to the three presentations scheduled for the evening. She introduced Shannon. Willits of URS; Mr. Willits presented the geometrics and traffic methodology of the I-710 Corridor Project EIR/EIS. He reviewed current problems, interchanges, conceptual design, recommended local and freeway-to-freeway interchange types, traffic forecasts, key considerations and status of geometrics. A hard copy of the presentation was distributed to committee members and other participants. Group questions and comments regarding geometrics and traffic methodologies included: TSWG member Carol Berkeley asked about the type of design at the existing Firestone interchange. She would like this type of design for interchanges in Imperial, where the existing interchange is quite dangerous. o It is a partial cloverleaf design. Committee members suggested that every jurisdiction would like to have a partial cloverleaf interchange design. The engineering team will look at both partial cloverleaf and single point designs for each interchange along the I-710 corridor. TSWG member Bob Eula explained that in 2004, the City of Commerce passed a resolution for truck lanes to go directly into the rail yards. Truck traffic along streets adjacent to the rail yards is a continuing critical issue for Commerce. o Mr. Willits explained that the technical team is required to design freeway connections to tie into a public facility. The team has designed a connection from I-710 to a street that is opposite the Hobart Rail yards Main Gate, which provides an alternative route to Washington and Atlantic for trucks. A second connection ties into Indiana Avenue, opposite Union Pacific rail yards. These connections will alleviate truck traffic in the area and will be located on BNSF property and commercial/industrial zoned land. The use of these properties satisfies both public and private sector interests. All of the design objectives are achieved by these connections. Ian McMillan asked when the geometric package would be available to the Transportation Subject Working Group. o The comprehensive package will be reviewed for technical accuracy by subgroups of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and then by the LACs. After LAC review the revised packages can be brought to the TSWG in late November or December. The TSWG can decide on the extent of committee review. TSWG member Bob Eula asked if there had been discussion regarding a new connection from northbound I-710 to southbound I-5. o Input from the community and staff denote that a new connection at this location is not warranted at this time. URS and Caltrans are coordinating and having a meeting next week to discuss the I-710 and I-5 projects. Ms. McLaughlin asked if Mr. Willits met the needs of the group in the presentation of geometrics and traffic methodologies. The group agreed with appreciative applause. Page 2 of 5

3 PORT CARGO FORECASTS TSWG members raised concern that the current economic downturn has impacted past port cargo forecasts. The I-710 Corridor project is relying on port cargo forecasts for long-term planning along the corridor. Ms. McLaughlin introduced Michael Keenan of the Port of Los Angeles, who, in turn, introduced Larry Cottrill, Director of Long Term Planning for the Port of Long Beach. Mr. Keenan then led the group through a PowerPoint presentation which addressed port cargo projections in the context of the current recession. Cargo volumes are down, and are expected to recover to pre-recession levels by 2014, with steady growth continuing from there. The maximum projected port cargo volume (of between 40 and 45 million annual twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)) is now projected for the year 2035, instead of the early-to-mid 2020s, as pre-recession projections had indicated. A hard copy of the presentation was distributed to committee members and other participants. Group questions and comments regarding port cargo forecasts included: One participant asked if projections had been adjusted for inflation (nominal GNP). o Yes, the projections have been adjusted for inflation. Ian McMillan confirmed that the projections demonstrated an annual growth of five percent for port cargo between 2009 and He questioned the possibility of an upward growth that is two percent below the original projection (seven percent annual growth). Another participant did not think this growth was possible. o Although five percent does not seem as though it is a substantial difference, the port is growing more slowly and growing out of a deficit. Additionally, as compared to the previous forecast, the port is pushing the port cargo capacity out 10 to 12 years (2030) and total cargo each year is about 40 percent less than previous years. During the boom, there was over 10 percent annual growth. The 2007 projections included a reduction in annual growth to seven to nine percent annual growth. The US Economy grows at three percent each year. As the economy globalizes, trade grows each year and is becoming a larger segment of the economy. Ms. McLaughlin thanked Mr. Keenan for his presentation of port cargo forecasts. POWER SUPPLY UPDATE Ms. McLaughlin introduced Russell Neal of Southern California Edison (SCE). Mr. Neal presented SCE s ability to power I-710 Electrical Goods Movement systems. He reviewed issues and needs, the existing transmission system, load growth methodology, and substation capacities. Mr. Neal concluded that SCE will have more than adequate power to supply any electric goods movement system along the I-710 corridor. The planning process ensures load growth is served, and adjustments to the system can be made to support transportation projects. A hard copy of the presentation was distributed to committee members and other participants. Group questions and comments regarding the power supply update included: Page 3 of 5

4 One committee member asked about SCE s ability and interest in providing power to the ports through the I-710 planning horizon (2035). o Mr. Neal explained that SCE is in the process of working with the ports. SCE s planning horizon is 2019 and the I-710 corridor project s is One committee member inquired about the cause of the power outages and rolling blackouts during the summer months in California. o Mr. Neal explained that power generation infrastructure was built rapidly in the last few years. Additionally, SCE is required to sell a portion of the power to third parties. These factors contributed to the rolling blackouts in the last couple of years. One committee member asked if SCE has considered nuclear as a power source in the future. o Mr. Neal explained the controversy and stigmatism associated with nuclear and concluded that it is under continuing discussion as an option. One committee member wondered if the recession has had an impact on SCE. o The recession has provided a bit of a respite for the company, allowing it to catch up with growing demand. One committee member identified the transmission of renewable power as an impasse to providing for the I-710 project and future growth. While there are new power sources and generation facilities, the member wondered if transmission of power would be a problem. o Future growth will likely require additional power. The State will require 33 percent of power to be generated by renewable sources by SCE is continuing to seek and study the best routes for transmission of power from renewable energy facilities, such as wind farms, in effort to allow for renewable power use. For the time being, existing transmission infrastructure is sufficient and will meet anticipated power needs. One committee member suggested using future technology to generate electricity locally, including solar panels on railcars and renewable energy technology along the I-710 corridor. o These are possibilities for the longer term as power demands from zero emissions vehicles are explored. One committee member added that wind, geothermal, and renewable energy storage capabilities could be possibilities in the future as technology is developed. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS Ms. McLaughlin thanked all group members and the evening s presenters, and concluded that meeting discussions are essential for ensuring that the project meets the desired outcomes for the community. She asked the group for additional questions and comments. One committee member wondered if there is potential for solar panels on overhead structures. o There is a high cost to install solar panels on a small scale (five times as much as installing solar panels in bulk). The project team is looking at installing solar panels on warehouses and parking lots. Since solar power is intermittent, the power supply needs to include a second, constant source. With constantly Page 4 of 5

5 She then asked the group for desired future meeting topics. The group did not suggest any meeting topics at this time. Ms. McLaughlin reminded members of the Corridor Advisory Committee meeting taking place October 15, noting that the CAC may identify more issues that they would like the TSWG to discuss per the charge of the Subject Working Groups. She encouraged TSWG members to attend the CAC meeting. Ms. McLaughlin adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Page 5 of 5