$80M Granted To RivCo CV Rail Project, Environmental Study Stage

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Riverside County Transportation Commission has awarded $80 million to HDR Engineering to conduct an environmental study for the planned Coachella Valley Rail Project, officials announced Thursday.

The Tier 2 study would advance the project toward construction by preparing and delivering environmental documents that comply with all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements. If all goes according to plan, the rail service project will likely exceed $1.5 billion, and train service could begin by 2040. It all depends on funding, final design, and construction, the commission says.

In partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration and the California Department of Transportation, the proposed daily passenger rail service will travel from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley.

The rail would connect riders for roughly 144 miles across nine proposed station stops, expand economic opportunities by enabling travel to restaurants and music festivals, and provide an additional transportation option.

"CV Rail is a vital transportation investment that will connect Riverside County -- particularly the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley -- with the rest of Southern California through daily passenger rail service. This project delivers benefits that will positively impact our region for generations," Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory, chair of the RCTC, said in a statement.

"While there is still work ahead, today's decision brings us one important step closer to construction," Gregory added.

The Tier 2 environmental review will proceed in two phases: complete CEQA review, preliminary engineering and station studies and then conducting NEPA review and 30% design.

Officials said station locations, funding and the timing for the start of construction and service will be identified during the Tier 2 project.

The rail would connect riders from the Coachella Valley to the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas, while Los Angeles riders would gain access to a plethora of seasonal and sporting events and entertainment options across the desert region.