The Cities of West Sacramento and Sacramento, Yolo County Transportation District and Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) - in coalition with Caltrans and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) - invite you to participate on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar. Recognizing that you have many demands for your time, we anticipate having just two CAC meetings.

The purpose of the proposed streetcar project is to connect both sides of the river with links to existing and future transit facilities and activity centers. As a circulator, streetcars have helped revitalize communities, like Portland and Seattle, and spur economic development. A preferred route has been identified over the historic Tower Bridge. Although many principles have been adopted already - starting construction within five years, aiming for a project cost in the $70 million range, selection of modern cars, and the route - there are many specific details still under discussion and your ideas will help us in determining the best outcome.

The first phase of this Streetcar Study carried out a detailed investigation concluding that a streetcar system is technically and economically viable for our community.

During the second phase, we developed a workable financing plan and established an alignment that runs from the Sacramento Convention Center, sharing RT tracks on K Street, down 7th and 8th Streets, running inside the median of Capitol Mall across the Tower Bridge to Raley Field, and on to West Sacramento's City Hall.

Your input is needed to: Evaluate fare policy and collection and offer design recommendations on stops including benches, shelters and hardscape. We are still working out logistics for creating an organizational structure to continue the process. Who should see the streetcar through from vision to reality -- one of the local transit operators or a Joint Powers Authority comprised of both cities or both transit districts? Should a non-profit organization be formed specifically to develop, own and operate the streetcar?

As a participant of the CAC, you will be asked to: Attend up to two meetings, Provide input and feedback regarding key issues and alternatives, and communicate study progress and key issues to the group you represent.

We hope that you join us at the first of two Community Advisory Committee meetings on Thursday, April 17, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. at One Capitol Mall, Second Floor Conference Room.

Due to space considerations, it is important to limit participation to just one person per organization. Please confirm your participation or alternate representation from your organization by Monday, April 7, by contacting Vicki Grenz at (916) 448-2440 or via email at vicki.grenz@hdrinc.com. For more information, please visit the project website at www.riverfrontstreetcar.com or contact me at (916) 617-4645 Sincerely. Maureen Pascoe Senior Program Manager, City of West Sacramento