HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Ltr - LOSSAN JPA - Intercity Passenger Rail PgrmCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE LOS
ANGELES-SAN DIEGO (LOSSAN) JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
CONCERNING CALIFORNIA'S INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL
PROGRAM.
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
DATE: February 27, 2014
CONTENTS: Draft Support Letter
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to send a letter of support concerning the California
Intercity Passenger Rail Program.
Background
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) recommends that the City of Palm
Desert submit a letter of support for California's Intercity Passenger Rail Program. This program
also includes the Banning Pass -Coachella Valley Rail services. Last year the RCTC joined the
Los Angeles -San Diego (LOSSAN) Joint Powers Authority, which provides Amtrak service along
the coast. As RCTC works with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and
Caltrans to study future intercity rail service to the Coachella Valley, it will be increasingly
important for the State to recognize the widespread support for existing and future corridors.
Please note that this letter would not apply to the state's high-speed rail project.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact related to the City's support of this program.
Stephen Y. 9cfyan, Risk Mafiager
Approval:
M. Wolt(nuth, City Manager
CI'I 1' couNCILACTION
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VERIFIED BY: RD K ((e
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
February 28, 2014
Mr. Fred Strong, Chair
LOSSAN Passenger Rail Corridor
Post Office Box 14184
Orange, CA 92863-1584
Dear Mr. Strong:
On behalf of my city council colleagues, the City of Palm Desert is pleased to
support the California Intercity Passenger Rail Program and the continued expansion of
intercity rail service to the Banning Pass -Coachella Valley.
California has established a proud tradition of investing in intercity rail in the
amount of $2.3 billion since 1990 for infrastructure, equipment, and operations. With this
investment, California's three existing corridors, the Capital, San Joaquin, and Los
Angeles -San Diego (LOSSAN) Corridors, have become the top performing Amtrak
routes in the Unites States. In 2012 alone, more than 5.5 million riders boarded intercity
trains in California, accounting for more than 20 percent of the nation's total.
This success can and must be continued. Extending intercity rail service to the
Coachella Valley will strengthen California's transportation system and economy. The
Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is partnering with Caltrans to
build the service development plan and update the State Rail Plan for a new Banning
Pass -Coachella Valley route. We strongly support completion of these plans and further
efforts to identify state and federal funding for the new service.
California's existing intercity passenger rail program has proven to generate good
jobs, save time for passenger and motorists, reduce emissions, and promote private
investment in sustainable communities. Banning Pass -Coachella Valley rail service will
provide all of the aforementioned benefits and more. Riverside County continues to be
one of California's fastest growing regions and an attractive location for jobs and private
investment. Furthermore, the desert region is an enormous contributor to California's
tourism economy and continues to become more popular.
Strong Correspondence
February 28, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Intercity rail service will provide vital connectivity to this dynamic segment of
California, while creating a culture of sustainable development as the Inland Empire
continues to grow. Thank you for your efforts to sustain California's investment in
intercity passenger rail service. Please contact Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager, should
you have any questions, or if we can be of additional assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
VAN G. TANNER
MAYOR
cc: City Council
The Honorable Brian Nestande, California State Assembly
Erin Sasse, League of California Cities, esasse aC?.cacities.orq
Anthony Gonsalves, Gonsalves and Sons, aonsalves( aonsalvi.com
Sheldon Peterson, Rail Manager, Riverside County Transportation Commission
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development