Ruiz Successfully Includes Major Indio Infrastructure Project in Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

Legislation would provide $20 million to expand, improve the I-10/Monroe St. Interchange

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., CA-36, on Wednesday announced that a major infrastructure project for the 36th District in Indio was selected for authorization and funding in the INVEST in America Act.

This legislation includes $20 million specifically for the Monroe St. Interchange Project in Indio to reconstruct and widen the on- and off-ramps at the I-10 / Monroe Street. exit. The new overpass would include additional through and turn lanes, and it would accommodate the CV Link pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. This project will reduce traffic congestion, improve commute times, and increase traffic safety on both I-10 and Monroe Street.

“I am thrilled to see the much-needed Monroe Street Interchange Project included in the Invest in America Act,” Ruiz said in a prepared statement. “Once passed, this bill will bring home $20 million to help our local infrastructure meet the demands of our growing community and help residents and tourists alike cut down on travel times while experiencing safer commutes. I’ll continue to advocate to get this bill passed through Congress to benefit my constituents.”

The current interchange at the I-10 / Monroe Street exit has insufficient shoulder and pedestrian sidewalks, and only contains single lanes for the freeway on- and off-ramps. In addition, the bridge structure requires a seismic retrofit to ensure lasting safety.

The authorized project would reconstruct the overpass, establishing four additional lanes and providing safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the on- and off-ramps would have multiples lanes to reduce congestion.

The INVEST in America Act helps achieve the goals of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan by investing in American workers and helping communities of all sizes improve their critical infrastructure. The legislation includes:

  • $343 billion for roads, bridges, and public safety measures;
  • $109 billion to help local transit invest in low emission vehicles and establish new programs to increase usership;
  • And $95 billion for passenger and freight rail including funding to help projects like the CV Rail project, to bring passenger rail service from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley.

“The City of Indio is projected to grow more than 50% over the next decade, thanks to development north of the freeway, additional shopping and dining opportunities, and the influx of more than a million visitors to our festivals annually,” said Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes. “Once signed into law, this $20 million funding from the federal government will expand the Monroe Street overpass beyond the one-lane bridge we outgrew years ago, to meet its potential as a vital portal into our city and the surrounding communities.”

“Improving the interchange at Interstate 10 and Monroe has been a longstanding goal for not just the City of Indio but for the entire region, and this project is currently a top priority on the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ regional transportation project list,” said Indio City Councilmember Glenn Miller, who is Chairman of the CVAG Executive Committee. “This federal investment will help us make Indio and the eastern Coachella Valley more accessible to both residents and visitors, increasing the opportunities for growth and future economic development in the region.”

More than 4,000 projects were submitted to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for potential inclusion in the INVEST in America Act. The Monroe Street Interchange Project was selected by the Committee at Rep. Ruiz’s urging for its potential to reduce emissions, increase safety, and help the 36th District meet the needs of a growing population.

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a markup of the INVEST In America Act on Wednesday, June 9th.

 

 

Image Sources

  • Monroe Street Interchange Project: City of Indio