The Coachella Valley Rail Project (CV Rail) continues moving forward. Over the past year, the CV Rail project has made progress in getting funding for the next phase and coordinating closely with city and agency partners. Recently, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) made a big announcement to help keep project momentum going. The FRA added the CV Rail Project to the federal Identification and Development Program (Corridor ID) and awarded the project $500,000.

Why is this important? By being included in the Corridor ID program, the CV Rail project is now considered vital to developing intercity passenger rail across the Country. That’s a big deal. The designation will allow RCTC, Caltrans, and other project partners to better compete for engineering and construction grants as projects continue to move forward.

“I am pleased to see the Federal Rail Administration recognize the value CV Rail will bring to Riverside County. By including CV Rail in the Corridor ID program, the federal government has signaled that the project is viable and warrants attention,” said RCTC Chair and Lake Elsinore City Council Member Robert “Bob” Magee. “This designation will help CV Rail compete for more federal grants that will help get this service up and running for our residents,” he said.

In addition to being added to the Corridor ID program, the FRA will provide $500,000 to allow our project partners to create a Service Development Plan that will outline the future needs of passenger rail. The first round of route selections is intended to identify existing and potential new routes to create an intercity passenger rail system across the Country.

Daily intercity passenger rail to and from the Coachella Valley has long been a local and statewide priority. The new service will offer mobility choices, reduce traffic congestion, and expand economic opportunities by connecting the growing Riverside County desert communities to various resorts, commercial, retail, and quality jobs.

Learn more about the Coachella Valley Rail project at www.rctc.org/cvr

The Riverside County Transportation Commission recently approved funding for 12 bicycle and pedestrian projects in nine cities under the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program. The program is administered by RCTC and funding is derived from the state’s Local Transportation Fund (LTF). Every two years, RCTC releases a call for projects in which all local agencies within the county can apply. During this year’s funding cycle, the Commission received 29 project proposals from 18 agencies competing for the $6.9 million in available funding.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the engineering or construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, maintenance of bicycle trails, restriping of bicycle lanes, development of bicycle and pedestrian master plans, and bicycle safety education programs.

After careful review, the Commission approved several projects that include street improvements, new bikeways, and a planning study to help shape future development. Nine cities from across the County, including the Coachella Valley, the Temecula Valley, and western Riverside County will be receiving funding.

The 12 projects that were awarded SB 821 funds include:

• City of Jurupa Valley – Pacific Avenue Active Transportation Project ($690,120)
• City of San Jacinto – Lyon Ave. Pedestrian Safety Improvements ($374,948)
• City of Corona – Bicycle Master Plan Update ($400,000)
• City of Indian Wells – Fairway Dr. Complete Street Bicycle and Safety Improvements ($690,120)
• City of Indian Wells – Eldorado Dr. Complete Street Bicycle and Safety Improvements ($690,120)
• City of Menifee – Paloma Wash Pedestrian Bridge ($690,120)
• Cathedral City – Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Routes ($690,000)
• Cathedral City – Perez Rd Class IV Separated Bikeways ($510,000)
• City of Riverside – Citywide Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements Project ($671,887)
• City of Riverside – Stover Avenue Sidewalk Improvements ($594,500)
• City of Temecula – Pauba Road Sidewalk Improvements ($362,600)
• City of Hemet – FY 23/24 Various Street Pedestrian Improvements ($536,786)

Projects that were awarded funds will contribute to public safety, multimodal access, and expansion of commuter options in Riverside County.

Over the last few years, grants for transportation projects have become increasingly competitive as agencies work to address the mobility needs of growing communities. Not only is the grant application process lengthy and complex, but an award is also not guaranteed. Recently, the Riverside County Transportation Commission worked closely with the Riverside Transit Agency, the city of Coachella, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to assemble a series of grant applications for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grants program.

The following five Riverside County projects are approved for funding through the REAP 2.0 program:

• Riverside Transit Agency GoMicro Microtransit Pilot Program Extension ($2,378,635)
• CVAG Vehicle Miles Traveled Study ($2,005,000)
• Riverside County Transportation Commission Core Capacity Innovative Transit Study ($3,000,000)
• City of Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network ($2,005,000)
• CVAG (CV) Link Community Connectors Analysis ($1,700,000)

The REAP 2.0 program was open to County Transportation Commissions, such as the RCTC, to apply for a limited amount of funding for projects aimed at reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicles miles traveled. Through these projects, RCTC is not only working to address issues related to congestion and air pollution, but also addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities and encouraging sustainable development that produces economic and environmental benefits.

As part of the REAP 2.0 program, submissions had to demonstrate that the studies and projects would eventually encourage housing development closer to where people live and work, reducing the need to travel long distances. These grants will accelerate the state’s progress towards housing goals and climate commitments through a strengthened partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities.

RCTC Chair and Riverside County 4^th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Commissioner Lisa Middleton, Mayor of Palm Springs, met with California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin earlier this month in Riverside to discuss proposed passenger rail service between Los Angeles and Coachella Valley.

The meeting offered an opportunity for Secretary Omishakin to hear first-hand how the planned Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) service will transform travel across Riverside County, the region, state, and nation.

CV Rail discussions are taking place all over southern California, including the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass. RCTC staff recently presented to the Indio and Banning city councils, with more presentations on the way to other cities. Staff also provided a project overview to the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and the Palm Springs Hospitality Association last month. In September, RCTC attended a roundtable discussion with California’s Infrastructure Advisor and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. CV Rail was specifically mentioned as a once-in-a-generation project that will benefit all communities and support our region’s growth. These efforts built upon meetings with federal elected officials and staff in Washington, D.C., in September, in which RCTC representatives sought support for grant funding.

All of this outreach is helping spread the word about CV Rail. This is especially important as RCTC seeks federal funding to complete the “Tier 2” project-level engineering and environmental studies – an in-depth analysis of the service and operations along the planned 144-mile route, which crosses Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.

RCTC is seeking $20 million to help fund the Tier 2 studies, which are expected to cost $60 million. Funds are available through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program on a competitive basis. RCTC and Caltrans will submit a joint CRISI Program grant application this week.

The service will provide greater access to jobs and educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities; expand the regional economy and tourism; and help the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. CV Rail also makes up a significant segment of Amtrak’s future Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor, with connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and beyond.

In July, the program reached another milestone when the Commission unanimously certified its CV Rail “Tier 1” program-level environmental document. Now, all efforts are geared toward completing Tier 2. And support isn’t just with the Commissioners. There is broad community support for this project. RCTC collected 67 letters of support from cities, hospitality organizations, Native American tribes, business groups, transportation agencies, and more. A recent online support campaign garnered support from 486 residents, while a social media poll showed 89% support for the project.

While CV Rail is still years away from construction and service, this project represents RCTC’s long-term planning to provide mobility choices for Riverside County residents, including multimodal and car-free options.

Learn more about CV Rail at: rctc.org/cvr.

RCTC has taken the pledge – the Clean Air Pledge – to join a robust statewide campaign to support air quality improvements. Clean Air Day is October 5, and when it comes to providing environmentally sound solutions, RCTC is leading the way.

“For years, RCTC has prioritized projects and programs that benefit the environment. California’s Clean Air Day offers multiple opportunities for residents, businesses, employees, and community members to collectively participate in activities that will have a big impact on the air we breathe in Riverside and San Bernardino counties,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County 4^th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, who also is serving as the 2022 Inland Empire Clean Air Day Co-Chair.

RCTC continues to support multiple modes of transportation that improve air quality. The agency makes ongoing investments in Metrolink commuter rail including nine stations in western Riverside County and provides funding for public transit countywide. Another high priority is the development of Coachella Valley Rail, a planned new daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. RCTC also allocates grant funding to local active transportation projects, such as bike lanes and sidewalks, to promote cycling and walking options.

Capital projects like new interchanges and highway lanes reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gases. RCTC also has helped fund the construction of underpasses and overpasses to safely separate cars and trains and eliminate idling vehicles at railroad crossings.

Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, supports ridesharing programs. Through IE Commuter, a partnership with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, rideshare commuters reduced more than 10 million vehicle miles and 6,000 tons of emissions last year, all while saving money on a more relaxing commute.

RCTC also is helping preserve open space though the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), the largest such plan in the nation. Adopted in 2004, the MSHCP is a comprehensive plan to preserve 500,000 acres and protect 146 species, of which 33 are endangered or threatened in Western Riverside County.

Preserving open space, reducing idling vehicles, and increasing multimodal transportation options are ways that RCTC is addressing the region’s air quality and meeting the Clean Air Pledge. As individuals, we can make changes to our daily routines by driving less, exploring ridesharing, and taking the Clear Air Pledge. Thank you for doing your part to clean the air in Riverside County!

RCTC Commissioners and staff went to Washington, D.C. this month to meet with Congressional representatives and other federal officials to promote the need for a new daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. RCTC is seeking federal funding that will allow planning for Coachella Valley Rail to advance to the next level.

“CV Rail will be a massive boost for the Coachella Valley, connecting us to employment and educational opportunities, bolstering southern California’s economy, improving our air quality, and providing necessary transit alternatives to fight climate change,” said V. Manuel Perez, RCTC Chair and Riverside County’s 4^th District Supervisor. “CV Rail is about equity for our communities and is an important step for the national revitalization of passenger rail,” he said.

In July, the Commission unanimously certified its Coachella Valley Rail “Tier 1” program-level environmental document and now is seeking funds for “Tier 2” project-level studies – in-depth analysis of the service and operations along the planned 144-mile route, which crosses Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.

RCTC is seeking $20 million to help fund the Tier 2 studies, which are expected to cost $60 million. Recently, funds became available through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program on a competitive basis. RCTC and Caltrans will be submitting a joint CRISI Program grant application, due December 1. In addition, several sources of state funds may also be available in the future, and RCTC plans to meet with state officials this fall to request support.

Following the environmental studies and approvals, project design and construction would begin. While the passenger train service could still be 10 years away, RCTC is moving full speed ahead to create a transformational car-free, stress-free way to travel through inland southern California.

The service will provide greater access to jobs and educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities; expand the regional economy and tourism; and help the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. CV Rail also makes up a significant segment of Amtrak’s future Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor with connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and beyond.

RCTC is seeking community support for upcoming grant applications, even from people who may have voiced their support in the past. Add your name to our list of supporters and future riders by visiting rctc.org/cvr.

Passenger rail service proposed between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley took another step forward with RCTC’s unanimous certification of its “program level” environmental document on July 13.

Since 2016, RCTC, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Caltrans have been studying expanded travel options through passenger rail between L.A. and the Coachella Valley. Commissioners certified the Final Tier 1 Program Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program following a public hearing that was held as part of the Commission meeting.

The EIS/EIR studied and documented potential environmental impacts of operating this rail corridor service. Certifying the EIS/EIR will not lead to immediate construction and operations; additional Tier 2 or “project level” environmental review is needed before construction may begin. The certification of the EIS/EIR is considered a major milestone as it allows more in-depth Tier 2 “project level” environmental studies to proceed.

“Every day, the project is closer to becoming a reality as an alternative to driving to and from the Coachella Valley,” said RCTC 1st Vice Chair and Lake Elsinore Councilmember Bob Magee. “With the help of our state and federal partners, we continue to take steps toward service that will help our disadvantaged residents expand their travel and employment options, improve air quality for our region, and boost tourism and our desert economy,” he said.

The service is envisioned to begin with twice-daily roundtrips between L.A. Union Station and the Coachella Valley. The 144-mile route would include stops in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Existing stations in Los Angeles, Fullerton and Riverside would be part of the line, the existing station in Palm Springs would be improved for use, and up to five new stations could be built east of Colton with a service endpoint in Coachella.

Work on the Tier 1 program-level environmental studies began in 2016. Last summer, the agencies released the draft environmental document for public review. During the 45-day public comment period, RCTC received 307 comments from public agencies, organizations, and individuals through multiple methods, including two virtual public hearings. Most comments supported the program.

With the certification of the Tier 1 program-level environmental document, RCTC is positioned to start work on Tier 2 project-level environmental studies when funding becomes available. These studies would perform an in-depth analysis of required infrastructure improvements and station locations.

RCTC is actively working with state and federal partners to secure $60 million for this next phase. Earlier this year, the project received a funding commitment of more than $25 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program, and RCTC requested Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding through the federal appropriations process. Ongoing support from stakeholder partners will help deliver this transformative project.

The Riverside County projects include:

Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Rail Corridor Service Project – Caltrans and RCTC propose daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. The project would be transformational for the region, creating economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities, improving access to job centers and attractions, providing alternatives to traveling on I-10, and reducing emissions to improve air quality. The $50 million request would help fund preliminary engineering along the 76-mile eastern section of track as well as project-level environmental clearance for up to six stations, a new third main track, and associated grade crossings and signal improvements on the eastern end of the corridor.

Interstate 10 Bypass Project – The County of Riverside Transportation Department proposes constructing an Interstate 10 bypass route in Banning and Cabazon. There is a stretch between the City of Banning and the unincorporated community of Cabazon and the Morongo Reservation, in which I-10 is the only road available to motorists. Should this stretch of I-10 ever close, the critical link between western Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the inland desert communities would be severed. The proposed I-10 Bypass Project would mitigate this nightmarish scenario with construction of a new road south of I-10, linking Banning to Cabazon. The $95 million request would fund final design, right of way acquisition, and construction of a two-lane roadway with bridges and grading for a future four-lane facility.

Third Street Grade Separation Project – The City of Riverside proposes reducing public safety risks by redirecting vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle traffic above or below the busy railroad tracks at Third Street. Riverside is trisected by two freight rail lines, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. These rail lines carry more than 75% of the freight handled by the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach through Riverside. Every day, approximately 128 trains pass through the city. At-grade crossings pose safety risks, create traffic delays, increase emissions from idling vehicles, and delay emergency response. The $30 million request would allow construction of the project to separate Third Street from the railroad tracks.

15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension – RCTC proposes extending the 15 Express Lanes by an additional 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through the Temescal Valley, to Route 74/Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore. Once built, the project would improve traffic operations and travel times, expand travel choice through carpooling and mass transit, increase travel time reliability, and manage long-term traffic congestion spurred by increased goods movement and population growth. The $500 million request would fund final design, right of way acquisition, and construction of the new lanes.

Fullerton Junction to Riverside Triple Track Completion – Metrolink proposes triple tracking the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line from Fullerton through Riverside, as part of a suite of upgrades to Metrolink’s system in time for the 2028 Olympics. Not only is this project critical to improved passenger rail service in Riverside County, it also will enhance the movement of freight and goods from the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach to reduce road congestion and associated emissions. The $200 million request would fund project development, include environmental approvals, final design, and construction of segments from the Prado Dam to Riverside.

Click here to read the full IE Caucus letter, which also includes details about requested funding for San Bernardino County projects.

To register your support for securing more funding for Inland Empire projects, please visit our support page.

With funding on the way, RCTC will begin coordinating the construction schedule and design details for the station platform, trackwork, drainage and pedestrian access. Construction could begin late this year.

“Finally, we are seeing our train to the Coachella Valley become a reality,” said Jan Harnik, second vice chair of RCTC.  “Our world class region deserves to be accessible by rail, and I am thrilled that today our vision is moving down the tracks.”

The special event trains will provide a great opportunity while efforts continue for development of a long-term San Gorgonio-Coachella Valley Rail Corridor Service.

Environmental and engineering studies are under way now for this project, which proposes two daily round-trips using Amtrak service between Los Angeles and Indio. For information about this project and to register for updates, visit rctc.org/cvrail.

The announcement also followed the launch of RCTC’s #RebootMyCommute campaign last week. The campaign is encouraging Riverside County residents to provide feedback about their transportation challenges and to suggest innovative ideas to improve mobility. Visit RebootMyCommute.org to learn more.