Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following OCTA Board Meeting on Railroad Stabilization, State of Good Repair Program, Transit Program Funding Recommendations, and Measure M2 Community-Based Transit Report Updates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
August 25, 2025 

Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley   

(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com 

Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Orange County Transportation Authority Board Meeting on Railroad Stabilization, State of Good Repair Program, Transit Program Funding Recommendations, and Measure M2 Community-Based Transit Report Updates

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Today, Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting. 

SAND RENOURISHMENT

Item 2 – Adopt Resolution No. 2025-068 and Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to Take all Necessary Actions to Address Emergency Need for Railroad Track Stabilization in Designated Areas:

“We must secure necessary approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers and protect this vulnerable section of the coastline. With $300 million in funding secured, $92 million from the state, federal environmental clearance in place, and our design-build contract underway, our sand efforts continue making real progress,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “From advancing repairs in Areas 1 and 2 to moving forward on design, permitting, and sand nourishment, OCTA remains committed to working collaboratively with our county, state, and federal partners, ensuring long-term safety and stability for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor.”

TRANSIT UPDATES

Item 10 – State of Good Repair Program and Transit Program Funding Recommendations: The Board unanimously approved the State of Good Repair Program (SB 1) and the Transit Program (SB 125), which provides funding for transit system state of good repair and capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2025-26 and 2026-27.

“Investing these funds into ongoing projects strengthens Orange County’s transit system, while advancing our longtime commitment to clean energy,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “By upgrading bus base infrastructure, adding electric chargers, and building a new hydrogen fueling station, we continue ensuring our fleet remains safe, reliable, and equipped for a zero-emission future by 2040. These improvements protect taxpayer dollars and keep our transit system in a state of good repair for the future.”

Item 20 – Measure M2 Community-Based Transit Circulators Program Project V Ridership Report and Grant Confirmation for the 2024 Balboa Peninsula Trolley: The Board received updates on the Measure M2 Community-Based Transit Circulators Program Project V Ridership Report and Grant Confirmation for the 2024 Balboa Peninsula Trolley. Measure M2 helps fund transportation improvements, including Project V, which financially supports local shuttle or bus services -- filling gaps not covered by regular regional bus or train lines. The Board approved staff recommendations for increasing the Project V grant for the Balboa Peninsula Trolley to allow for the requested amount of $700,000, from $2,574,720 to $3,274,720.

“Public transit remains a priority for Orange County, with increasing demand and creative solutions,” said Supervisor Foley. “The Project V ridership report proves that local trolley systems play a vital role in connecting our communities and decreasing traffic during our busy summer months. The Fabulous Fifth District is home to 14 Project V Trolleys from Balboa Peninsula Trolley to the Ranch Ride in Rancho Mission Viejo. We must continue investing in our public transit systems to make public transportation simple, easy, and accessible in every corner of our county, and for all ages and abilities.”

From October 2024 to March 2025, 14 of 22 Project V services were operational, including new off-season trolley services in Laguna Beach and expanded summer/special event service in San Juan Capistrano. These services:

Carried 256,000 passengers
Delivered 20,000 service hours
Traveled 250,500 miles

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Orange County Supervisor Vice Chair 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.   

Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:

Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,

Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),

Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee,

Regional Transportation Committee,

Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA),

TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee,

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS)

Community Engagement Panel,

Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,

Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board,