Local and Regional Transportation Projects Funded

Calvert announces money available for funding for local and regional transportation projects.

Congressman Ken Calvert, CA-41, on July 28 announced that he secured significant federal funding for local and regional transportation projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill.

The legislation was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and is working its way through the House of Representatives. Approved federal funding requests by Members of Congress for local projects are allocated within their respective agency program accounts and do not raise the overall spending level of the 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,” 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.”

Funding was included for the following 41st Congressional District transportation projects:

• $5 million for the Coachella Valley Rail Project
• $4 million for the Ontario Avenue / Interstate 15 Multimodal Corridor Enhancement Project in Corona
• $2.2 million for the Garbani Road/I-215 Interchange Project in Menifee
• $673,872 for the Regional Flood Mitigation Project to improve Indian Canyon, Gene Autry Trail, and Ramon Road crossings of the Whitewater River stormwater channel in Palm Springs.
• $4 million for the Highway 111 Resurfacing Project in La Quinta
• $4 million for the County Line Road Project in Calimesa
• $2 million for Lake Elsinore Camino Del Norte Infrastructure Improvements in Lake Elsinore
• $2 million for the Interstate 10 & Cherry Valley Interchange Project in Calimesa

“The $5 million in Community Project Funding that Congressman Ken Calvert secured in the House Appropriations Bill will keep the Coachella Valley Rail project on track to transform our region,” Riverside County Transportation Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee said in a prepared statement. “We thank and appreciate Rep. Calvert for submitting this vital funding request to Congress and championing the Coachella Valley Rail Project. The project will be an economic driver for Riverside County and beyond, connecting communities between Coachella Valley and Los Angeles and expanding access to jobs and education centers, as well as tourism opportunities.”

“Improvements to critical transportation corridors are a top priority for the City of Corona,” said Corona Mayor Tony Daddario. “We are grateful to Congressman Calvert for his efforts to secure funding to expedite the widening of Ontario Avenue at the I-15 intersection. The city is committed to implementing these improvements and others to ease traffic congestion and enhance our community’s quality of life.”

“This federal funding provides a key piece of the budget needed to make the Ontario Avenue Widening project a reality,” said Corona Public Works Director Savat Khamphou. “We’re thrilled to secure the necessary funding to ensure this project moves forward. This project will help reduce traffic congestion, enhance mobility, and, most importantly, improve safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.”

“The Garbani Interchange is an extremely important project as it will help improve local traffic flow and enhance regional safety,” said Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “We appreciate Congressman Calvert’s continued support of critical infrastructure projects in Menifee that will strengthen the quality of life of our growing community.”

“We are grateful Rep. Calvert was able to secure much-needed funding for the City of Palm Springs’ Regional Flood Mitigation Project,” said Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles. “A meeting held earlier in the year with Rep. Calvert and his staff gave City leaders a chance to discuss some of the infrastructure needs of our community. We want to thank the congressman for advocating on behalf of the City and its residents.”

“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. 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.”

“The federal funding to construct infrastructure improvements along Camino Del Norte will significantly enhance Lake Elsinore’s newest roadway,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson. “I appreciate Rep. Calvert’s support for this project, which will benefit Lake Elsinore’s economy and underlying infrastructure.”

“On behalf of the City of Calimesa, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Calvert for his ongoing efforts on our city’s behalf,” Calimesa Mayor William Davis said in a prepared statement. “He has managed to secure an impressive $6 million for transportation projects, which is a total game changer for a city of our size. Thanks to this funding, we can now make progress on projects that might not have been possible otherwise. Out of this amount, $4 million has been allocated to improve County Line Road and Calimesa Blvd. This is fantastic news for both our city and Yucaipa, as it marks the final step in a series of projects aimed at enhancing the entire County Line Road corridor. The remaining $2 million is dedicated to upgrading the Interstate 10 & Cherry Valley Blvd. interchange. This is a much-needed improvement that will benefit residents not just in Calimesa but also in Beaumont. Moreover, it will ensure smooth transportation of goods on a highway that holds national significance. We are truly thankful for Congressman Calvert’s support and dedication. With his help, we can create a positive impact on our city’s transportation infrastructure, benefiting our community and contributing to the region’s development.”