Final Design Phase

During the project’s Final Design phase, the partner agencies are working closely with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to follow critical steps as part of the planning and review/approval for the Streetcar project within FTA’s Small Starts program.

Activities occurring during the project’s Final Design phase include:

  • Coordination with utility companies for relocations
  • Development of Design Plans at 50%, 85% and 100% stages for submittal to FTA (Design Plans include alignment, stations, vehicle maintenance facility and track relocation)
  • Procurement of vehicles
  • Preparation of governance agreements (Joint Powers Authority, design and construction, operations and maintenance, shared track, etc.)
  • Secure funding for capital, operations and maintenance costs

Streetcar Governance

The Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar project is a partnership between the cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento as well as Sacramento Regional Transit District, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Yolo County Transportation District and the California Department of Transportation. The Riverfront Authority is a Joint Powers Authority that was formed in March 2017 to operate and maintain the streetcar system.

Public Involvement

A multifaceted communications program is also currently being implemented during the Final Design phase to keep you informed of planning progress and encourage participation. Activities and communication tools include:

  • Interactive website
  • Informational line
  • General Public Meetings (in-person and online)
  • Stakeholder meetings
  • Informational materials
  • Video animation
  • Coordination/Communication with corridor property owners and key stakeholders
  • Direct mailings
  • Regular e-blast notifications
  • Multi-media coordination

Station planning is underway to create streetcar stations that will compliment surrounding neighborhoods as well as minimize impacts to business access and visibility. Since fall 2017, the project team has been coordinating closely with impacted property owners and key stakeholders along the corridor, specifically those near or adjacent to streetcar stations, to understand concerns and seek input on station design. In addition to stakeholder and property owner outreach, an in-person general public meeting will be held sometime in spring 2018. Please check back later for more details.

Funding

The estimated capital cost to construct the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar project is approximately $200 million. However, cost estimates will be refined as the project development process is finalized. A number of different funding sources will be used to construct the project including local, state and federal resources.

The cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento will be responsible for operations and maintenance costs of the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar. Private sector contributions through a Community Facilities District within the City of Sacramento was approved by targeted property owners within the corridor in July 2017 to help fund the annual operations and maintenance of the streetcar system. The final fare structure for service is still being determined.