Nearly $36.5 million in state funds might be heading for the Coachella Valley for the proposed Arts and Music Line.
People who love to bike and hike will have another 15 miles to explore if the project comes to fruition, according to a news release from the city of La Quinta. It is a candidate for the region's largest award from the state's competitive Active Transportation Program. The grant was recommended by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
The project is led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). Steven Hernandez, mayor of Coachella, is chairman of CVAG's Transportation and Executive committees.
"This is a huge victory for the Coachella Valley, especially the residents and visitors of Coachella, Indio, and La Quinta who choose to lace up their sneakers or ride their bikes," Hernandez said in the news release.
The CTC identified 67 projects statewide that should receive a share of $853.5 million from the 2023 Active Transportation Program, the news release noted. The awards are decided through CTC staff recommendations. The CTC will vote on the statewide projects when its members meet in early December.
"Our region has worked for years to make improvements in our biking and walking network, and we have been at the forefront of innovation," Hernandez said. "The Arts and Music Line will take the Coachella Valley's active transportation network to a new level."
The Arts and Music Line will extend 15 miles along Avenue 48 through La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, according to the news release. It is described as "a transformative bike and pedestrian project" for the Valley. Even those who do not want to walk or ride a bike might enjoy the project. It will use "bold color schemes, innovative lighting, and artwork to create not only a safe and inviting route but also a destination in and of itself."
Waymond Fermon, mayor of Indio, described the Arts and Music Line as a "monumental project for the Coachella Valley" that will help protect the lives of cyclists and pedestrians.
“We've long embraced projects that promote active lifestyles, particularly walking and biking, as they have so many benefits to our public health and air quality," Linda Evans, mayor of La Quinta, said in the news release. "This is a wonderful amenity that fosters well-being for all ages. The Arts and Music Line will be yet another reason the Coachella Valley is a must-see destination for travelers seeking to get outdoors and safely enjoy a bike ride, walk, or run."
The Arts and Music Line is estimated to cost a total of $46 million to construct, the news release noted. CVAG used local and regional funding to get the project going. The Arts and Music Line is one of only five projects in Riverside County that was recommended for funding.