RCTC eyes CEQA relief for Coachella Valley Rail; federal requests included in House appropriations package

RCTC staff told the Budget & Implementation Committee on Jan. 26 that the commission will pursue legislation to streamline or provide limited CEQA relief for passenger rail projects such as the Coachella Valley Rail.

“We've been working with his office on language,” Aaron Hake, RCTC executive director, said after staff reported that Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales has agreed to carry a bill that could provide CEQA relief for projects similar to ones that previously received exemptions. Hake said RCTC is not seeking to waive federal environmental review: projects would still need to go through NEPA at the federal level.

Staff said the proposed policy mirrors elements of recent state legislation but would be tailored to include the Coachella Valley Rail project, which earlier versions did not capture. Hake added that Assemblymember Corey Jackson has agreed to coauthor so staff are seeking additional coauthors and bipartisan support.

On the federal front, Andrew reported that a House appropriations package recently approved by the House includes several RCTC requests, including $5,000,000 for the I-15 Express Lanes Southern Extension, $3,000,000 for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project, $850,000 for the Metrolink double track Valley-to-Paris project and $850,000 for the Mead Valley Metrolink station and mobility hub. Andrew cautioned that the package is awaiting Senate consideration and that all appropriations must clear by the statutory deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

Multiple commissioners asked whether staff should begin outreach and coalition-building now; Hake encouraged early engagement with colleagues and community groups. The committee received the report and filed it for the record.