Electrification of the Kearny Mesa Division, Phase 1
Summary
SCH Number
2023060563
Public Agency
San Diego Metropolitan Transit
Document Title
Electrification of the Kearny Mesa Division, Phase 1
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/21/2023
Document Description
On June 15, 2023, MTS’ Board of Directors accepted the 2023 Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program Grant Award for the Zero Emission Transit Enhancement 2.0 Project, which includes the Electrification of Kearny Mesa Division, Phase 1 (“Project”). The Project will provide overhead electrical chargers for the first 30 Battery Electric Buses (BEB) at this MTS owned and operated facility to support MTS’ transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040. The Project will involve installation of new 12kV electrical service including all transformers, switchgear, and distribution; gantry style overhead charging structure, equipment, and chargers to allow charging up to 30 buses; backup CNG generator and battery storage to provide redundancy for bus charging; and all necessary civil improvements, trenching, and concrete paving.
The Project will increase transit ridership and improve passenger safety and efficiencies, providing a direct and meaningful benefit to disadvantaged and low-income households/communities. The Project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve transit service.
Contact Information
Name
Kena Teon
Agency Name
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
Job Title
Grants Administrator
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Ruffner Street and Opportunity
Zip
92111
Jobs
50
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21080.25(b)(5) and (b)(7) (transportation project exemptions and criteria) Pub Resources Code, §
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is statutorily exempt from environmental review under Public Resources Code section 21080.25, subdivisions (b)(5) (construction or rehabilitation of existing operations facilities for zero-emission buses in an urbanized area) and (b)(7) (maintenance, repair, relocation replacement, or removal of any utility infrastructure associated with this type of project). The Project is further statutorily exempt from environmental review under Public Resource Code section 21080, subdivision (b)(10) and State CEQA Guidelines section 15275, subdivision (a) as it will increase passenger or commuter services on rail lines already in use, including the modernization of existing stations and parking facilities.
The Project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Class 1) as a transit improvement project consisting of the operation, repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing public structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use and State CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (Class 3) because it consists of the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures.
In compliance with the statutory exemption in Public Resources Code section 21080.25, subdivision (c), the Project would be carried out by MTS as the lead agency under CEQA for the Project, located in an urbanized area, and located on or within an existing public right-of-way; would not add physical infrastructure that increases new automobile capacity on existing rights-of-way except for minor modifications needed for the efficient and safe movement of transit vehicles; would not require the demolition of affordable housing units; and would not exceed fifty million dollars (the estimated cost of the project is $15,165,000). With a construction cost exceeding $1,000,000, the project will be constructed by a skilled and trained workforce or, alternatively, under a project labor agreement as set forth in section 21080.25, subdivision (f).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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