Riverside County and Alianza Coachella Valley welcome residents to discover ECV Próspera, an initiative to build infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in the eastern Coachella Valley.
Under the leadership of Riverside County and Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, ECV Próspera endeavors to fund public infrastructure projects and create the region's own Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), according to a county press release. Residents could see housing, community facilities, electricity, water, and sewer improvements because of this program.
“We are excited to partner with Supervisor Perez and the County of Riverside in an effort to build critical infrastructure in the eastern Coachella Valley,” Silvia Paz, founder, and executive director of Alianza Coachella Valley, said in the release. “The establishment of an EIFD will give our communities a funding mechanism to improve quality of life."
Residents will have an opportunity to learn about the program at two meetings on Monday, May 8 in Mecca, the release stated. The first meeting is scheduled from 12 – 1:30 p.m. and the second meeting is planned from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Mecca Boys & Girls Club at 91-391 Avenue 66.
"Through these meetings, we will be introducing ECV Próspera and working with community members to identify projects that we can build out using a unique tool known as the EIFD that can put in infrastructure up front and benefit communities long term," Perez said.
The initiative will give the county insight into the best projects to pursue for those living in North Shore, Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, and Vista Santa Rosa, Perez said. He said projects could include clean drinking water, housing, sewers, sidewalks, and roads.
More information and meeting details are available on the county's website.
ECV Próspera is one way Riverside County is working to improve quality of life, the release stated. Other initiatives the county has implemented include American Rescue Plan Act investments, the Unincorporated Communities Initiative, the North Lake Pilot Demonstration Project, and relocation support for Oasis Mobile Home Park residents.
In the coming months, officials plan to schedule meetings to discuss the Thermal Community Plan, which is designed as a pathway to grants for infrastructure and housing and ultimately a development strategy for the area.