ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — This week, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who was recently appointed to serve on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency’s Board of Directors, approved the 2024 Work Plan and the Business Plan for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, received a report on LOSSAN’s participation in the federal Corridor ID Program, and commented on a status report on the San Clemente Track Closure near the Mariposa Pedestrian Bridge.
Supervisor Foley released the following statements highlighting the votes by the LOSSAN Board of Directors from their February 20, 2024, meeting:
Status Update on Track Closure near Mariposa Pedestrian Bridge: Received an update on the latest efforts to protect the rail corridor and nearby homes from the landslide near the Mariposa Trail and Pedestrian Bridge in San Clemente.
Due to the latest storm, the slope continued movement towards the tracks. The City of San Clemente continues to work with OCTA on a permanent solution to stop the slide. The OCTA study identified 7 hotspot areas with 4 requiring immediate action that will need work performed under and emergency order. The tentative plan calls for the construction of the catchment wall to begin as soon as next week, weather permitting. A more accurate construction timeline will become available once the current storms pass and the team re-evaluates site conditions.
“Ensuring we complete emergency rail stabilization work for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor as quickly and as safely as possible remains my top priority,” said Supervisor Foley. “With additional $7.2 million to fund the catchment wall, we remain grateful to the state for their support in this immediate effort to resume rail service. As a new member of the Board, I remain committed to working towards long-term rail solutions for our coastal communities, economy, and way of life that rely on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor.”
2024 Work Plan: Approved LOSSAN’s 2024 Work Plan, a one-page document that is approved as part of the development for the agency’s Strategic Plan, outlining in broad strokes key projects and initiatives for the year. The work plan emphasizes the goal of working collaboratively to address coastal erosion and corridor resiliency, improving system performance and expanding service, and increasing ridership by supporting the needs of riders.
“The future growth and sustainability of our region depends on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor,” said Supervisor Foley. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues on making the vision in our work plan a reality, which prioritizes long-term sustainability, top-tier operations, and ultimately, a rail corridor that serves our residents effectively.
Business Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26: Approved LOSSAN’s Business Plan, which provides the basis for its annual budget request, outlines operations and service goals, and discusses any proposed changes to the Pacific Surfliner intercity passenger rail service.
“This year's Business Plan for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is the first opportunity to implement new state laws requiring the agency to identify climate changed related challenges and solutions,” said Supervisor Foley. “I thank Senator Catherine Blakespear for her leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with LOSSAN staff on fully implementing the states vision for our Business Plan.”
Corridor ID Program: Created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Corridor ID Program guides the growth and development of rail corridors and creates a pipeline of projects ready for implementation. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor has been selected as one of seven rail corridors in California to participate in the program, and LOSSAN staff provided an overview of the process for this program.
“Achieving a sustainable future for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor requires the support of our federal partners,” said Supervisor Foley. “I thank Congressman Mike Levin for advocating for the application to the Corridor ID Program. I look forward to working with agency staff on identifying projects that will make this service more reliable for all passengers.”
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Supervisor Foley’s Board appointments include the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), OCFA Legislation & Public Affairs Committee Chair, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee Vice Chair, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Environmental Committee, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel, Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition Co-Chair, Orange County Housing Finance Trust Chair, and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
