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Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation Project <br /> May 5, 2026 <br /> Page 4 <br /> due to its age and subsequent changes in the project area — including new <br /> developments, implementation of the OC Streetcar, and coordination with the County of <br /> Orange—the environmental analysis is required to be updated to reflect current <br /> conditions. <br /> The TIRCP program requires a Master Agreement (MA) to allow agencies to receive <br /> funds from the program as well as a Program Supplement Agreement (PSA) defining <br /> the specifics of each individual project. On December 17, 2024, the City Council <br /> authorized execution of Master Agreement No. 64SantaAnaMA with the California <br /> Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The executed MA was received from Caltrans <br /> on December 18, 2025, authorizing the City to procure a contract for the described <br /> services. Additionally, on October 17, 2025, the project was approved by the California <br /> Transportation Commission (CTC), authorizing Caltrans to draft the PSA. Staff is <br /> currently working with Caltrans to finalize the PSA. The CTC action authorizes grantees <br /> to award contracts and begin expending funds until the PSA is executed. <br /> RAISE Grant <br /> On June 26, 2024, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded <br /> the City $25,000,000 through the RAISE program to fund a portion of the project's right- <br /> of-way (ROW) acquisition and construction phases. As a condition of the award, <br /> Caltrans will serve as the primary recipient of the grant and enter into a grant agreement <br /> with USDOT, while the City will execute a separate subrecipient agreement with <br /> Caltrans. The attached agreement (Exhibit 4) is the grant agreement between USDOT <br /> and Caltrans, to which the City is also a signatory as the subrecipient. Following <br /> execution of the recipient agreement and negotiation with Caltrans, the subrecipient <br /> agreement will be brought before City Council for approval. <br /> Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) Agreement <br /> Because the project entails major modifications to the railroad crossing and corridor, a <br /> Design Services Agreement with SCRRA is required. The agreement will provide <br /> comprehensive design support throughout the project, including participation in field <br /> reviews, detailed site inspections, and ongoing coordination during both the design and <br /> construction phases. SCRRA will review proposed improvements to ensure consistency <br /> with railroad operational requirements, safety standards, and applicable regulatory <br /> guidelines. This support will include evaluation of existing conditions, verification of <br /> design assumptions, coordination with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), <br /> California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Metrolink, and review of plans, <br /> specifications, and construction activities to confirm compatibility with current and future <br /> rail operations. SCRRA will also provide technical input and recommendations to help <br /> minimize service disruptions, maintain safe rail operations, and ensure the project is <br /> delivered in accordance with established railroad criteria and best practices. <br /> Staff recommends adding the TIRCP and RAISE grant, Drainage Area Fee, and Transit <br /> Zoning Code transportation system improvement funds to the Santa Ana Boulevard <br />