HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.5 BART Measure AA
CITY CLERK
File # D~~[{j-~w.
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 19,2004
SUBJECT:
Request for Endorsement of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
Earthquake Safety Program and Measure AA
Report Prepared by: Richard C. Ambrose, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1.
2.
3.
BART Earthquake Safety Program Fact Sheet
Measure AA Question & Answer Sheet
Resolution Endorsing Measure AA
RECOMMENDATION: 'if
FINANCIAL STATEME~
Receive presentation and consider request to adopt Resolution
None
DESCRIPTION: BART Director Pete Snyder will make a presentation to the City
Council regarding Measure AA, a BART Earthquake Safety Retrofit General Obligation Bond, which will
appear on the November 2, 2004, General Election ballot. BART is asking the City Council to endorse,
by resolution, the BART Earthquake Safety Program and Measure AA.
BART has initiated the Earthquake Safety Program because ofthe likelihood BART will be subject to a
major earthquake, and to safeguard the public's significant investment in the System. The program will
upgrade the original BART system operating facilities to ensure that they can return to operation shortly
after a major earthquake. Facilities that are not directly related to operating BART trains will be updated
to ensure safety for the public and BART employees. This will be accomplished by using the latest
seismic standards to upgrade the structural integrity of vulnerable portions of the system.
In November, voters will be asked to consider a general obligation bond, which would be added to funds
already received for the Earthquake Safety Program. If approved by voters, proceeds from the bonds
would fund up to $980 million of earthquake safety improvements. The bonds would be paid from
proceeds of property tax estimated to average $7.04 annually per $100,000 of assessed valuation. For
example, a property valued at $400,000 would be assessed $28.16 per year. The bonds would be repaid
by the property tax assessment over approximately 40 years. Measure AA requires a two-thirds vote in
the BART District.
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation and consider the request to adopt a
Resolution endorsing the BART Earthquake Safety Program and Measure AA.
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COPIES TO:
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Earthquake Safety Program
A Vital Transportation System
The Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) is one of
the San Francisco Bay Area's most vital
transportation links, averaging about 310,000 trips
every weekday. During the peak of the commute
across San Francisco Bay, BART carries as many trips
as the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The BART
system represents a public investment currently
valued at upwards of $15 billion, with immeasurable
importance to the local and regional economy.
Major Earthquakes Predicted
BART's success in maintaining continuous service
directly after the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989
reconfirmed the system's importance as a
transportation "lifeline." However, Loma Prieta may
not be the biggest test of BART's ability to withstand
seismic impact. A US Geological Survey statistical
analysis predicts a high probability of one or more
major earthquakes hitting the Bay Area within the
next 30 years. Unlike Loma Prieta, which was
centered more than 50 miles south of San Francisco,
future earthquakes could be close to, or directly
under the BART system.
Program Purpose and Benefits
Because of the likelihood BART will be subject to a
major earthquake, and to safeguard the public's
significant investment in the system, BART has
initiated the Earthquake Safety Program. The
program will upgrade the original BART system
operating facilities to ensure that they can return to
operation shortly after a major earthquake. Facilities
that are not directly related to operating BART trains
(such as offices, shops and training facilities) will be
upgraded to ensure safety for the public and BART
employees. TIlls will be accomplished by using the
latest seismic standards to upgrade the structural
integrity of vulnerable portions of the system.
EARTHQUAKE
SAFETY PROGRAM
BUILDING A STRONGER SYSTEM
System Elements
The Earthquake Safety Program addresses the
original system completed in 1972, with a service
area spanning three counties (San Francisco,
Alameda,. and Contra Costa). System extensions
built since 1972 employed more stringent and up-to-
date seismic criteria than the original system, and
thus do not require upgrades. The original BART
system includes the following elements:
· 74 miles of track
· 34 stations (11 aerial, 14 subway, and 9 at-grade)
· The Transbay Tube, including its seismic joints and
two ventilation structures
· The Berkeley Hills Tunnel
· Several train maintenance yards
· Terminal, operations, and administration facilities
· Power, mechanicaL train control, and
communications equipment
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Legend
Seismic Vulnerability Study
One of the first and most critical undertakings of the
program was a systemwide vulnerability study - an
assessment of how system components would
ATTACHMENT 1
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perform during a major earthquake. Completed in
2002, the study was the most comprehensive
evaluation of BART facilities since original
construction of the system. It involved one and one·
half years of engineering and statistical analyses,
which included developing scenario earthquakes,
computer models, damage predictions, upgrade
options, and cost-benefit analyses. The study also
incorporated new information from the 1994
Northridge, California and 1995 Kobe, Japan
earthquakes.
Reswts of the Seismic Vulnerability Study indicated
that if the BART system is not strengthened, it would
take years to restore service after a major earthquake.
The study found that portions of the system most
susceptible to earthquake damage include the
Transbay Tube, aerial structures, stations, and
equipment. The study recommended that priority be
given to the Transbay Tube, where soil backfill is
prone to liquefaction. Though the consequences of
liquefaction on the Tube are uncertain, a worst-case
scenario could cause excessive movement of the
seismic joints and structural stress that could reswt in
significant damage and/ or failure.
Project Advisors
To ensure that lessons learned and
technology advancements are
applied to the Earthquake Safety
Program, BART has worked
closely with advisors such as the
California Seismic Safety
Commission, Caltrans, and independent panels of
world-renowned experts in seismology, geotechnical
engineering, risk analysis, and
upgrade design. The panels of
experts reviewed and concurred
with the findings of the Seismic
Vulnerability Study and
recommended that upgrade
work begin as soon as possible.
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Funding
In November, voters will be asked to consider
general obligation bonds, which wowd be added to
funds already received for the Earthquake Safety
Program. If approved by voters, proceeds from the
bonds wowd fund up to $980 million of earthquake
safety improvements. The bonds would be paid
from proceeds of property tax estimated to average
$7.04 annually per $100,000 of assessed valuation
The funding plan includes a variety of local, state,
and federal sources, and the program budget is $1.3
billion.
2"t)1I
Upgrade Concepts
Through the Seismic Vulnerability Study, upgrade design
concepts were developed for vulnerable portions of the
system. By carefully planning and monitoring
upgrade work, BART aims to continue train
operation during construction, with minimal impact
to BART riders.
The highest priority for upgrades is the Transbay
Tube, which cormects Oakland to San Francisco.
Preliminary upgrade concepts include:
· Micropile tiedowns or vibro-replacement in soils
along the length of the Tube,
· "Stitching" piles at each end of the Tube,
· Reinforcements or increased capacity of seismic
joints on the San Francisco end of the Tube,
· Large diameter piles and a "collar" around the San
Francisco Ventilation Structure, and
· Steel bracing of the Oakland Ventilation Structure.
Potential aerial structure upgrade concepts are:
· Enlarged concrete foundations,
· "Jackets" around concrete colunms,
· Additional shear keys, and
· Additional foundation piles (where poor soil
conditions exist).
Station upgrades may include using similar aerial
structure upgrade techniques as well as
strengthening platform connections, canopies, and
stairways. For mechanical, electrical, and other
equipment, upgrades will consist of additional
anchorage.
Environmental Clearance
BART is currently in the process of satisfying
National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A)
environmental clearance for the first portion of the
upgrade activities. An environmental document will
be published and available for public comment in
late 2004. For information about the environmental
document, contact Janie Layton, BART Manager of
Environmental Compliance, at 510.874.7423.
Further Infonnation
BART is initiating a proactive community relations
program to keep local neighborhoods and agencies
aware of program-related information and activities
in their areas and respond to neighborhood issues in
a timely manner. For more information about the
BART Earthquake Safety Program, please contact
Catherine Westphall, Community Relations
Manager, at 510.464.7595, or visit
www.bart.gov/earthquakesafety.
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BART Earthquake Safety Retrofit Program
Measure AA on November 2 Ballot
Q&A
Q: What is Measure AA?
A: Measure AA is the BART Earthquake Safety Retrofit General Obligation
Bond. In June, the BART Board of Directors voted unanimously to place a $980
million General Obligation (GO) Bond issue on the November 2 ballot in
Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco counties. The measure would
contribute funds to BART's critical earthquake safety retrofit program. Measure
AA requires a two-thirds cumulative vote in the BART District. The bonds would
be repaid by a property tax assessment over approximately 40 years.
Q: How will the money be used?
A: The money will be used to strengthen the original BART system against
earthquakes. The funds can only be used for the earthquake safety program. By
strengthening the BART system, the public's substantial investment in BART will
be safeguarded. BART has a conservatively estimated value of $15 billion.
Q: Does BART need to be upgraded now?
A: Yes. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, BART initiated a
comprehensive vulnerability study to evaluate the system's strength. The study,
completed in 2002, revealed the need to strengthen BART in preparation for a
major earthquake in the future. The studies identified parts of the original BART
system that are vulnerable to earthquake damage and/or failure, including the
Transbay Tube and elevated structures and stations. Two panels of
independent experts, including the CaHfornia Seismic Safety Commission,
agreed that BART needs earthquake strengthening and that retrofit work should
begin immediately.
Recent studies indicate that Bay Area traffic would gridlock if BART were forced
out of service because of an earthquake.
ATTACHMENT 2
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Q: Is the current BART system safe?
A: Yes, BART is still safe to ride. BART was built in the 1960s to exceed the
state-ofpthepart earthquake standards of the day. However, substantial
advances in scientific knowledge about earthquakes have occurred since
BART opened for service in 1972. Studies of recent earthquakes in particular,
such as in Northridge, California (1994) and Kobe, Japan (1995), and
advances in analysis tools, have yielded new data about the effect of
earthquakes on structures. Using this new information, BART can be
upgraded to a higher level of earthquake safety. The earthquake safety
improvements BART will make to the system are essential to meet current
higher earthquake standards.
Q: Do the new Extensions need strengthening
A: No. The Extensions -- which added approximately 30 miles and nine
stations, including the San Francisco International Airport Extension - were all
built to the higher modem earthquake safety standards and do not need
retrofits.
Q: How long will the retrofits take and will they disrupt service?
A: BART anticipates the system upgrades will take 10 years and be
implemented in four segments, beginning in 2005 and concluding in 2015. No
major changes in service are anticipated during construction.
Q: Are there existing funds BART could use for the project?
A: In 1962 voters passed a $792 million GO Bond measure to pay for the
design and construction of the original 71.5-mile, 34-station system. The GO
bonds funded by the 1962 measure were retired in June 1999 and that
property tax was discontinued. Therefore, it is critical to create new funds to
make the needed safety upgrades to the system.
Q: How much is this going to cost taxpayers?
A: The estimated average property tax assessment would be $7.04 per
$100,000 of assessed property value. For example, a property valued at
$400,000 would be assessed $28.16 per year.
Q: When will voters decide on Measure AA?
A: The outcome of Measure AA will be determined by voters at California's
General Election on Tuesday, November 2.
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RESOLUTION NO. - 04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
*********
ENDORSING THE BART EARTHQUAKE SAFETY PROGRAM AND MEASURE AA,
APPEARING ON THE NOVEMBER 2,2004, GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT
WHEREAS, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) serves as the regions' transportation and economic
lifeline, and averted major economic and transportation gridlock in the region by carrying 350,000
passengers each day after the Loma Prieta earthquake when the Bay Bridge closed; and
WHEREAS, BART carries 50% of peak transbay traffic, and BART ridership is associated with
significant reduction in vehicle miles traveled and related air pollution. BART's usage overall is
estimated to eliminate over 27 tons of harmful emissions each day, emissions that cause global warming,
asthma, cancer and other health concerns. Thus, BART ridership minimizes dangers to the environment
and promotes the personal health of Bay Area residents; and
WHEREAS, BART is a regional asset on a number of different community fronts, such as being
a leader in the "smart growth" movement, which strives to promote more livable and functional
communities. The system has led this movement by promoting infill, mixed-use and transit-oriented
development in and around our stations. Studies demonstrate property values within proximity to BART
stations have increased; and
WHEREAS, the nation's most prestigious transit organization, The American Public
Transportation Association, has just honored BART as the number one "Large Transit System in North
America" by honoring BART with the "2004 Outstanding Achievement Award" for a transit system
providing 30 million annual passenger trips or more; and
WHEREAS, the BART Board of Directors (the Board) has received a BART Seismic
Vulnerability Study, which presented analysis of the BART system underscoring major vulnerability to
earthquakes, and recommended retrofits and performance enhancements to protect the systems' riders and
the region during the next earthquake; and
WHEREAS, the Board has approved an Earthquake Safety Program as a part of its "General
Obligation Bond Report" which declares the seismic safety work is feasible and necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Board has submitted to the voters a request, called Measure AA, to issue bonds
not to exceed $980M to fortify and secure BART facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco and Alameda
counties, including strengthening tunnels, bridges, overhead tracks and the undelWater Transbay Tube,
and also establishing an independent citizens oversight committee to review and report to the public on
bond expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the maximum term that bonds proposed to be issued before maturity is 35 years, and
the bonds would be paid from proceeds of property tax estimated to average $7.04 annually per $100,000
of assessed valuation; and
WHEREAS" the bond measure should be widely supported to protect a vital component of our
public infrastructure, and to guarantee that Bay Area traffic keep moving and to speed economic recovery
in the aftermath of an earthquake or other disaster.
ATTACHMENT 3
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin endorses
the BART Earthquake Safety Program and Measure AA, and to encourage constituents to also vote to
support Measure AA, the ballot measure which amounts to an earthquake insurance policy for Bay Area
commuters.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of October, 2004.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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