RCTC takes pride in being a responsible steward of public funds, fulfilling this financial duty with the utmost diligence. We are thrilled to announce that our commitment to excellence in financial reporting has once again been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). RCTC was awarded the GFOA’s prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

This award recognizes the tremendous dedication and hard work invested by RCTC’s finance department, reflecting their unwavering commitment to transparency and precision in all aspects of financial management. RCTC upholds strict financial controls to ensure accountability and uphold public trust. We are committed to the responsible stewardship of public funds.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest honor in government accounting and financial reporting. RCTC is honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award.

The Point: Upgrade to Commission’s debt rating a result of I-15 Express Lanes exceeding performance metrics  

Fitch Ratings, the New York-based provider of credit ratings that provides assessments about the creditworthiness of government agencies, corporations, and other entities, recently announced an upgrade to RCTC’s debt rating associated with the funding of the I-15 Express Lanes. RCTC financed a portion of the project through a $152.2 million federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan. The I-15 Express Lanes opened April 2021 and exceeded baseline performance metrics, prompting Fitch to upgrade the loan rating from ‘BBB-‘ to ‘BBB+’.

“The improved debt rating signals the trust and confidence earned through RCTC’s financial stewardship, and represents a long-standing commitment to transparency, disclosure, and excellence in financial reporting,” said RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont Councilmember Lloyd White.

Fitch announced the rating upgrade for the TIFIA loan at the end of December, while also affirming its rating (BBB+) and upgrading the debt outlook to positive for RCTC’s 91 toll revenue bonds – reflecting the strong traffic and revenue levels on the 91 Express Lanes.

In October, RCTC was also recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – the 30th consecutive year the agency has been awarded with such an honor – capping off another strong year of financial performance and related reporting. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association annually to state and local governments who exceed minimum financial reporting requirements.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is proud to be a steward of public funds and takes its job seriously. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded RCTC the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

RCTC has been recognized with this honor for 30 consecutive years, and this prestigious award is a testament to our finance department’s dedication to transparency and precision in financial management.

GFOA’s recognition highlights the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and accountability in financial reporting as we continue to uphold stringent financial control and transparency measures to ensure responsible management of public funds.

The Point: Harnik calls for proactive partnership and strategy from state

After hearing about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement on December 5 to fund a traffic congestion relief project on southbound Interstate 15 near the California-Nevada border, RCTC Chair Jan Harnik sent a letter last week to ask the Governor to apply the same urgency to reduce debilitating traffic delays in Riverside County.

Chair Harnik, who also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Palm Desert, applauded the Governor’s collaborative approach to relieve traffic chokepoints and driver frustration near the state line and emphasized the urgent need for state action for hard working Riverside County residents.

“Riverside County, like the California-Nevada border, also has longstanding traffic issues that we have worked to address. While we appreciate the state’s assistance to date, we frankly need much more. We need a proactive partnership and strategy from the state to bring traffic relief to this region. The well-being and prosperity of our disadvantaged communities depend on it, as do the state and national economies,” she wrote.

State transportation officials are implementing policies that would eliminate highway expansion projects in favor of funding other transportation modes, such as passenger rail and other transit options.

“While multimodal transportation systems are vital to future mobility, roads and highway expansion cannot be discounted as a tool that helps keep our people and goods moving,” Chair Harnik wrote, while asking Gov. Newsom to call her to discuss the challenges that Riverside County is facing.

These policy changes make it increasingly difficult for Riverside County to receive funding to provide immediate traffic relief to working families. Riverside and similar counties rely heavily on highways as their main form of transportation to address large suburban populations, who frequently commute to distant job centers.

RCTC invites residents who agree with the need for more funding for congestion relief in Riverside County to voice their support at rctc.org/support and to read Chair Harnik’s full letter. The webpage also includes an option to be notified if Gov. Newsom places a call to Chair Harnik to discuss solutions.

The Point: Paying off loan adds flexibility for RCTC to fund traffic relief improvements along the 91

It may seem hard to believe that it’s been more than four years since RCTC added new lanes to the 91 and extended the 91 Express Lanes to Riverside County from Orange County.

The finance plan for the $1.4 million 91 Project included a combination of funding from toll revenue bonds and local sales tax revenue bonds. The 91 Express Lanes extension was financed with a $421 million federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan.

RCTC has made payments toward its bond obligations for the past four years with revenue from tolls collected on the 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. To reduce the debt incurred from the 91 Project at a lower interest rate and prepay the TIFIA loan in full, RCTC explored a bond sale in 2020. This effort was placed on hold due to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As communities across the country reopened and markets began recovering, RCTC voted in September 2021 to approve a complex, new refinancing plan. When the refinancing closed on October 14, proceeds from the bond sales allowed RCTC to prepay its TIFIA loan in full before the first payment was due this December and benefit from lower interest rates for the refinanced debt. As a result, RCTC’s actions will save taxpayers $85 million.

These savings will allow RCTC to invest funds in transportation improvements on the 91. The closeout of the TIFIA loan also removes constraints and administrative requirements that will enable RCTC to direct toll revenues toward other improvements in the 91 corridor.

RCTC is grateful to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representative Ken Calvert for their support for the 91 Express Lanes TIFIA loan. Combined with RCTC’s prudent financial planning and strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, RCTC will be able to stretch taxpayer dollars to keep delivering transportation solutions for Riverside County residents and motorists.

The Point: Members will help shape growing region and achieve habitat conservation goals

Want to make a difference in conserving habitat, streamlining transportation projects, and fostering economic development in western Riverside County? The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, also known as the RCA, is seeking volunteers to apply for membership of its Stakeholders Committee. Applications are available now.

RCTC began serving as the managing agency for the RCA on January 1 and supports the RCA Board of Directors’ commitment to engage the public in achieving the goals of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.  Through the MSHCP, the RCA is working to preserve 500,000 acres of habitat in western Riverside County to protect 146 animal and plant species. This effort helps communities and species thrive, accelerates construction of needed infrastructure like transportation projects and housing, and bolsters the economy.

RCA Chair Natasha Johnson is reinstituting the Stakeholders Committee this year. Membership applications are due October 25.

Johnson will appoint members to the committee for ratification by the RCA Board of Directors. The Committee will meet as requested by the Chair or Board — at least twice per year. Johnson encouraged qualified potential members to apply.

Committee members will give input to the RCA Board by reviewing implementation plans for the MSHCP. It is intended to bring together people with varying perspectives who share a common interest in the MSHCP’s success and who can help the RCA make continuous improvement. Members also will help increase awareness of the conservation plan and its benefits to western Riverside County.

The Stakeholders Committee, which will be appointed annually, will include up to 16 members, with membership from the following:

• Groups representing property owners affected by the MSHCP
• Groups representing environmental interests implicated by the MSHCP
• Groups representing the building industry within the area affected by the MSHCP

To apply, go to www.wrc-rca.org/stakeholders. Prospective members can submit the completed form online or can print a copy and submit by email to dknudsen@rctc.org or by U.S. mail to:

Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority
Attn: David Knudsen
4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor
Riverside, CA 92501

For questions, please contact David Knudsen via email or by calling (951) 787-7141.

The Point: Programs make it easier for students and other riders to hop on the bus 

With most schools back in session, transit operations across Riverside County are making it easier for students and other riders to catch free – or deeply discounted – rides around town.

• Beaumont Transit is offering free fares through December 2021 for all riders. The free fare promotion is provided through a grant from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) administered by Caltrans in partnership with the California Air Resources Board and State Controller’s Office to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For bus information, visit the city’s Beaumont Transit webpage.

• The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency, which serves the greater Blythe area, offers free rides to all through June 30, 2022 or until funding for this program is depleted. Funding is provided by the LCTOP source noted above. See bus schedules and other information here.

• Riverside Transit Agency has free fares through June 30, 2022 for riders 18 years and younger and for college students attending Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College, and UC Riverside. General riders, seniors, riders with disabilities, and veterans may buy a $5 pass in October that will allow unlimited rides on fixed route buses for 30 days from the date of purchase. Dial-a-Ride customers may purchase a 10-ticket book for $5 for the same time frame. Learn more.

• In the Coachella Valley, SunLine Transit offers free SunBus rides through its HaulPass Program. Students in grades 9-12 and students attending Cal State University, San Bernardino-Palm Desert campus, or College of the Desert may ride free with student identification. Visit their website for details.

As a reminder, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order, all passengers must wear face masks when riding public transportation. Please travel safely!

The Point: Program will enlarge and diversify pool of eligible firms

RCTC has joined a growing list of public agencies that are lending their support for the BuildOUT California “100 in 100 Days” program, a statewide effort to encourage LGBT-owned and certified firms to take part in competitive contracting processes.

The program, which launched June 4, aims to identify, engage, and empower 100 LGBT construction contractors, architects, engineers, material suppliers, and related industry professionals in 100 days. No public funds are being used for this program.

BuildOUT California is working to connect LGBT firms and allies with key decision makers in the procurement process, to advocate for economic equality at the local, state, and national levels for LGBT businesses in the construction services industries, and to provide one-on-one technical assistance so that LGBT businesses and supporters can more effectively compete for contracting opportunities, both pre-award and post-award.

“The Riverside County Transportation Commission strongly supports the BuildOUT California initiative to expand contracting opportunities to LGBT-owned firms.  We stand committed to ensuring equity for the business community and are proud to be part of this outreach effort,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer.

There are more than 500 LGBT-certified firms listed in the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Supplier Clearinghouse, a public-facing database of firms that meet CPUC certification criteria. LGBT-owned firms can also become California Small Business Enterprise certified through the state’s Department of General Services if they meet the approved criteria for that program. In addition, some LGBT-owned firms can become certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises if they meet the criteria set by the California Unified Certification Program administered by Caltrans.

“The support of RCTC in this effort is incredibly significant,” said Marcy Szarama, CEO of Destination Enterprises, a Los Angeles-based LGBT-owned/certified firm, which specializes in providing construction and project management services to public agencies statewide.  “RCTC is a key agency within the state’s transportation network, and they oversee hundreds of transportation projects that keep Riverside County and southern California moving. Thank you, Executive Director Mayer, for this heightened level of inclusion,” Szarama added.

BuildOUT California’s Co-Founder and President Paul Pendergast said, “At a time when our nation’s, and California’s, infrastructure needs immediate attention, it is important that the pool of firms participating in the competitive procurement process is as large as possible.  All elements of California’s diverse business community need to be actively engaged and LGBT businesses need to step up, step forward, and be a part of design and construction of these critical infrastructure development projects.”

For more information, visit buildoutcalifornia.org

The Point: City and County Agencies can apply to fund active transportation projects that improve access to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

By this time of year, many people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions to get more exercise and are instead sitting on the couch, eating doughnuts and potato chips. RCTC is working to battle that trend by inviting cities and the County of Riverside to apply for funds to boost access to biking and walking infrastructure.

RCTC issued a call for projects this month for applications that are due April 29. Through Senate Bill 821, funding is made available every two years and is derived from a ¼-cent general sales tax collected statewide through the Local Transportation Fund. Two percent of the proceeds are made available for these types of projects. For the new call for projects, RCTC estimates there will be $4.3 million available across Riverside County.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Engineering and/or construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• Maintaining bicycle trails
• Restriping Class III bicycle lanes
• Providing facilities for the needs of commuting bicyclists
• Developing bicycle and pedestrian plans
• Bicycle safety education programs

RCTC will evaluate the applications for projects that can begin on July 1, 2021 and be completed by July 1, 2024.

Applications will be rated and awarded based on how the project serves as a destination for the user. This can include employment centers, schools, retail centers, downtown areas, libraries, government offices, and other more. A second important metric is if the project can increase safety for the non-motorized public. Multimodal access to existing Metrolink stations, park and ride facilities, and existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities will also be considered. Applicants will need to demonstrate that project has a matching fund requirement.

RCTC staff is available for one-on-one sessions with prospective applicants through April 22. Please contact staff at info@rctc.org or through the RCTC “Contact Us” page for questions about the call for projects or to schedule an informational session.

The Point: Applications due February 17 to help seniors, others with local transportation needs   

Riding a shuttle to attend Boys & Girls Club programs before and after school. Getting a ride to cancer treatment appointments. Travel training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Specialized transit services like these are lifelines for many western Riverside County residents, helping them to be more mobile and independent.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission is seeking grant applications from agencies and organizations that offer transportation programs for older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals in western Riverside County where public transportation services are unavailable or insufficient.

Eligible applicants include public agencies, human and social service agencies, tribal governments, and private non-profits.

Funding is largely provided by Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County.

Applications are due February 17 at 4 p.m. More information and application forms are available on the RCTC website. During the last grant award process in 2018, RCTC allocated $8.2 million to 18 organizations and agencies.

The Commission will rate the applications and award up to $8.76 million to groups that are able to provide transportation programs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024.

Programs can include bus or shuttle operations, distribution of transit passes, vehicle purchases or capital leases, or training to help riders navigate the transit system.

“These specialized transportation services are truly a lifeline for our residents in western Riverside County. Without transportation options like Operation Safehouse, which helps homeless and at-risk youth, or Friends of Moreno Valley Senior Center, many people would be unable to go to school, to work, to the grocery store, or to doctor’s appointments,” said RCTC Chair and Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik. “We strongly encourage groups to apply for these funds, which are available only every three years.”

For questions, please contact RCTC staff at specializedtransit@rctc.org or at (951) 787-7141.