Laserfiche WebLink
and the county, and OCTA should take an active role in order to jointly share <br />information. <br />Hal Suetsugu presented an update on the Santa Ana - Garden Grove Fixed <br />Guideway Project. He introduced Juliet Arroyo of his staff; and Cathy Higley of <br />Cordoba Corporation who will present the status of the Environmental Impact <br />Report. Mr. Suetsugu noted the benefits of the project, particularly for the <br />community to be informed of the project's importance in this densely populated <br />region. A chronology of community outreach efforts since 2010 was provided; as <br />well as a list of services provided to date; and forthcoming services by Evan <br />Brooks Associates. The project's impending plans were summarized. <br />Chairman Sarmiento commented on the TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure <br />Finance and Innovation Act) funding instrument, and inquired about identifying <br />various funding sources. He advised that a federal lobbyist has been retained by <br />the City, and they may be able to provide additional input on funding for this <br />project. <br />Mr. Suetsugu affirmed that he will check with OCTA to see if there are different <br />funding strategies that may be available, including TIFIA. He stated that he will <br />contact the City's federal lobbyist to discuss various funding tools that may be <br />applicable; will prepare an advocacy outreach plan; and will address financial <br />aspects of TIFIA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), New Starts and <br />Small Starts. <br />Cathy Higley provided an update on the Environmental Impact Report process. <br />Reported that the FTA office is interested in the project. Reported that an active <br />update and refinement has been completed to address concerns from the State <br />Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and will be resubmitted to FTA next week. <br />Noted that comments have not been received concerning the EA/EIR that was <br />submitted in October 2013. The next step will be the legal sufficiency review. <br />Stated she will keep Council members apprised on progress and approvals, and <br />shortly thereafter will meet with key stakeholders. <br />Chairman Sarmiento stated that he will attend a Garden Grove City Council <br />meeting as a representative of this Committee to help solidify support from <br />Garden Grove. He noted the need to identify ambassadors in impact areas to <br />help garner support for this county -wide project. <br />Vice Chair Martinez encouraged synchronization of projects such as the <br />Circulation Element and Complete Streets for project fusion. <br />Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes 3 January 9, 2014 <br />