Last week, Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) announced that he successfully obtained $23.8 million in federal funds to support a variety of local and regional transportation projects. According to a release on his website, the projects would be for the Fiscal Year 2024, HUD Appropriations bill.
"Riverside County continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the state and country, which is why we need additional resources to build long-overdue infrastructure projects for our residents," Calvert said. "My staff and I have worked collaboratively with the cities and transportation agencies in our district to prioritize the critical projects that are needed and eligible tor receive federal funding. We have more work to do to relieve congestion in Riverside County, which is why I will continue to focus on real solutions that get people moving."
Rep. Calvert secured $23.8 million in federal funding to support various local and regional transportation projects in the 41st district, the release said. A large portion of this funding is dedicated to supporting Valley initiatives, including the Coachella Valley Rail Project, Palm Springs' Regional Flood Mitigation Project, and the resurfacing of Highway 111 in La Quinta.
"Riverside County continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the state and country, which is why we need additional resources to build long-overdue infrastructure projects for our residents," said Rep. Calvert. "My staff and I have worked collaboratively with the cities and transportation agencies in our district to prioritize the critical projects that are needed and eligible to receive federal funding. We have more work to do to relieve congestion in Riverside County, which is why I will continue to focus on real solutions that get people moving."
According to Rep. Calvert, $5 million worth of funding will be allocated to the Coachella Valley Rail Project. Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Chair Robert Magee explained the funding will keep the project on track.
"We thank and appreciate Rep. Calvert for submitting this vital funding request to Congress and championing the Coachella Valley Rail Project," Riverside County Transportation Commission Chair Magee said said in the release. "The project will be an economic driver for Riverside County and beyond, connecting communities between Coachella Valley and Los Angeles and expanding to jobs and education centers, as well as tourism opportunities."
The Coachella Valley Rail Project is overseen by the RCTC and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and is a projected to connect and provide rail service between the cities of Los Angeles and Indio. The new passenger rail service will link Coachella Valley to the existing Southern California passenger rail network, and is intended to alleviate traffic congestion, support economic growth, and improve overall mobility for residents and visitors, according to a release by the RCTC.
Rep. Calvert also announced $673,872 will be used to support the Regional Flood Mitigation Project in Palm Springs, as well, according to the press release.
According to the Coachella Valley Times, the flood mitigation project in Palm Springs is a proposed plan to construct a bridge at each end of the North Indian Canyon Drive, which is intended to address the frequent flooding and sand drifts leading to road closures in the area.
Additionally, $4 million will be used for the resurfacing of Highway 111 in La Quinta.
“Highway 111 is a vital thoroughfare that is heavily traveled by residents and visitors across the Coachella Valley,” said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans. “This use includes commuting for work, school, shopping, dining, medical care, and to access recreational and entertainment amenities. This two-mile stretch through our Gem of the desert is in need of upgrades. The City submitted a $4 million Community Project Funding request in March of this year. We were extremely pleased that Congressman Calvert not only endorsed this project, but also successfully ensured it was written into the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill."
Mayor Evans added: "This federal investment in our regional infrastructure will assist in supplementing the City’s resources to make needed improvements to Highway 111. We appreciate Congressman Calvert’s support of La Quinta and our valley.”