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SB 125 Program Amendment - Deputy Director Riske-Gomez
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a.) Adopt Resolution No. 02-2026 approving an amendment to the previously adopted SB 125 transit program funding allocation to support TRAX transit operations stabilization; and
b.) Authorize the Deputy Director to process and submit all required documentation to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and any other relevant agencies necessary to implement the approved SB 125 program amendment.
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Financial Impact:
The proposed amendment does not change the overall SB 125 funding allocation to the region. The action only updates the distribution of funds among program categories and fiscal years within the existing allocation framework.
Background Information:
Senate Bill 125 (2023) established a formula-based transit funding program to support transit agencies through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and the Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP). As the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Tehama County, the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC) is responsible for developing and submitting the regional allocation package for these funds to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
In December 2023, the Commission approved the original SB 125 allocation package supporting the TRAX Transit Facility and Fleet Conversion Plan and the TRAX Transit Facility Zero Emission Conversion Project. These projects were intended to support the County’s long-term transition to a zero-emission transit fleet and associated facility improvements.
Since that time, staff have continued to review the financial programming associated with the SB 125 allocation package and the funding request worksheets required for submission to CalSTA. During this review, staff identified the need to amend the previously adopted allocation in order to adjust the distribution of funding between program categories and fiscal years to ensure consistency with the updated request documentation.
The proposed amendment does not change the overall SB 125 allocation available to the region. Instead, the amendment updates the programming structure to reflect current transit operating conditions and to allow a portion of the SB 125 funds to support TRAX transit operations stabilization while maintaining the County’s long-term goal of transitioning the fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
TRAX provides essential public transportation services throughout Tehama County, including transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities, and residents of rural and disadvantaged communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, transit operations were sustained through temporary federal relief funding provided through the CARES Act, CRRSAA, and ARPA programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration. These funds allowed the County to maintain transit service levels during the pandemic recovery period but were temporary in nature and have now largely been expended.
At the same time, the cost of operating the TRAX system has increased due to rising labor costs, insurance premiums, maintenance expenses, and administrative support requirements. As a result, a structural funding gap has emerged between available operating revenues and the cost required to maintain existing transit service levels.
The proposed amendment to the SB 125 allocation will allow a portion of available funds to be programmed toward TRAX transit operations stabilization in order to maintain existing service levels while the County continues to pursue long-term funding solutions and future zero-emission transit investments.
Upon Commission approval of the amendment and adoption of the accompanying resolution, staff will finalize the revised SB 125 allocation package and submit the updated documentation to the California State Transportation Agency for consideration.