DRAFT 2024 TRAFFIC RELIEF PLAN RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 11, 2023 Aaron Hake, Deputy Executive Director
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How we got here • • • • • • •
Transportation needs far exceed available funding Extensive RCTC public engagement and outreach Legislation Commission leadership and direction 2020 Traffic Relief Plan adoption (unanimous) Review/update Potential future ballot measure
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What the Traffic Relief Plan is • Transportation projects and services to meet the needs of Riverside County today and tomorrow • Expenditure plan for a potential ballot measure • Built based upon extensive public outreach and engagement – 2019, 2020, 2023
What the Traffic Relief Plan is NOT • Funded (unless voters approve funding)
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What's the Same Almost all projects and services proposed in 2020 Accountability measures Equity and balance principles
What's New Removal of projects fully-funded Addition of a few projects Guaranteed formula funds for every city and the County (Western Riverside Co) Environmental Mitigation investment category Reorganization of road and transit investment categories More detailed Coachella Valley section
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TRP Update: Investment Types
Safe Streets & Roads
Highways
Public Transportation
Regional Connections
Commuter Assistance
Active Transportation
Flood & Blowsand Control
Environmental Mitigation 5
TRP Update: What we hear • Improve freeway traffic flow • Improve traffic flow and safety on major roads • Improve condition of existing roads • Sidewalk and safety improvements for pedestrian and cyclists • Increase frequency of public transportation • Bring daily passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley • Connect Riverside County by accelerating important projects • Provide more independence and opportunity • Utilize new technologies to improve efficiency and safety 6
Accountability to Taxpayers • Independent Audits Required • Efficiency and Local Control • Transparency and Openness • Mandatory Plan Review and Updates • Flexibility to Expedite Projects • Maintenance of Effort
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Equity Among Regions and Residents Many residents of Riverside County live in areas that lack infrastructure, public transportation services, and face increasing traffic congestion. • Ensure revenues raised in each region stay there • Address the needs of small, rural, and disadvantaged communities • Prioritize investments based on repair and upgrade needs
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Palo Verde Valley (Blythe) • • • • •
Local road safety & maintenance • ADA improvements • Sidewalks & bike lanes • I-10 interchanges Vanpool •
Reduced- or free-fare public transit Replace and expanding bus fleet Upgrade transit operating & maintenance facilities Increasing public transit options
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Coachella Valley • • • •
CVAG manages funding distribution Projects funded from multiple categories Transportation Project Prioritization Study (TPPS) VMT mitigation, support of TOD/housing, CVMSHCP
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Western Riverside County Safe Streets and Roads Highways Regional Connections Public Transportation Environmental Mitigation Commuter Assistance Active Transportation 11
Revenue Assumption • 1% sales tax • 30-year planning horizon • Conservative revenue estimate – ~$25 billion over 30 years • ~$20 billion in Western Riverside County • ~$5 billion in Coachella Valley • ~$100 million in Palo Verde Valley • Other local, state, and federal matching funds required • Bonding 12
Next Steps Ad hoc Committee • September 19, 2023 – received feedback on draft concept Today • Full Commission review of draft Traffic Relief Plan End of 2023 – Early/Mid 2024 • Gather public input • Award contract for public outreach and engagement • Analyze proposed Constitutional Amendments • Adopt final Traffic Relief Plan • Commission direction regarding a ballot measure 13
QUESTIONS FEEDBACK DIRECTION
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