Stimulus Watch

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The City of Indio experienced exponential population growth, however, its Downtown’s transportation infrastructure continues to age. This area primarily serves the lower income and underrepresented segments of the community. In order to revitalize the area and create transportation opportunities for the region, the Indio City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board entered into a public – private partnership to develop the region’s first multimodal transportation center. A funding gap and additional requirements from Union Pacific railroad to allow Amtrak a permanent stop has put a significant financial burden on the project, which can be alleviated with Federal funding assistance to provide this regional and statewide mass transit service. The Center is ready to construct, entitlements have been secured, it received environmental clearance and, the project can be put under construction in less than 30 days if financial assistance were secured.

The Indio Transportation Center will consolidate and focus several transportation elements at a site within Indio’s Downtown. The uses as stated include a Greyhound and charter bus terminal, Amtrak train boarding facilities, automobile rental capabilities, transit bus stop, a park and ride lot, and a taxi loading area. In addressing the community’s transportation challenges, this project will improve existing multi modal forms of transportation and create new transportation opportunities to facilitate non-automobile and pedestrian access to living areas, employment sites, commercial/retail locales, entertainment, recreation, health care providers and government services. These alternative forms of transportation were strategically planned and collected to maximize environmental effectiveness. Additionally, it will allow for increased connectivity for residents of the region to access other areas of the state and country.

The Transportation Center is a two story 17,000 square foot multi-modal transportation site. Several modes of transportation are planned to operate out of this facility. Sunline Transit Agency, the region’s bus operations has agreed to service the Transportation center. Also, Greyhound and Crucero bus companies have signed leases to serve as tenants at the center. This will allow statewide and national mobility at this location. Indio’s transportation center is included in the State of California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) California State Rail Plan. Amtrak has agreed in writing to establish a permanent stop at the center, however Union Pacific Railroad requested additional improvements before they allow for the construction of the Amtrak platform and supporting equipment. Other tenants/uses include limousine and car rental company, taxi service, casino shuttle service, additional charter bus services, a sit down restaurant, bank and café. The second floor of the facility will serve professional offices and provide potential conference/meeting space. Further, public transit services in this area continue to be inadequate. The City of Indio has 2% rate of use for residents using public transportation, however, 11.3% of households have no cars and 36% live in homes with only one available car. As such, there is great potential to increase ridership by creating viable transit options for the community, sub region, and southern California.

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