The City of Palm Desert seeks to develop a feasibility study to evaluate potential locations for the construction of a new rail station within the city. The potential rail station location will need to align with Riverside County Transportation Commissions (RCTC) Coachella Valley / San Gorgonio Pass Passenger Rail Service study adopted in 2022. The study should include analysis of the following:
o Analyze the best way to connect commuter rail services with the intention of aligning with RCTC's adopted Coachella Valley / San Gorgonio Rail Corridor Service plan.
o Evaluate other compatible transportation options including bus services.
o Focus on locations around the Cook Street corridor.
o Analyze station spacing needs and circulation patterns for vehicles, parking, and pedestrian access.
o Provide an Opportunity and Constraints analysis for potential locations.
o Evaluate and explore compatible land-use alternatives around the potential station locations.
o Provide additional concepts and design considerations based on experience.
o Develop future planning and funding efforts for the preferred location including detailing potential revenue sources and funding opportunities to finance the construction, as well as a management plan for the ongoing maintenance of a station. The Riverside County Transportation Commission ("RCTC") adopted a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (Federal) and Environmental Impact Report ("EIS/EIR") (State) for the "Coachella Valley - San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service" plan to extend the daily passenger rail service to the Coachella Valley. The new rail service would provide a 144-mile connection to Los Angeles' Downtown Union Station, as well as a connection to the Metro and Metrolink system. These plans are a coordinated effort between RCTC, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the Federal Rail Administration (FRA). The adopted Tier 1 plan explored potential rail stations for the Coachella Valley including: With the adoption of the Tier 1 plan, RCTC, Caltrans, and the FRA, will be conducting a Tier 2 study to identify specific rail station locations within the Coachella Valley and provide environmental clearance for those identified locations. With approximately 6.5-miles of rail line along Palm Desert's boundary, and unique amenities, including the potential California State University Campus and new event arena, the City of Palm Desert is ideally suited for a potential rail station. To supplement the Tier 2 study, the City should proactively (1) study potential rail station locations, (2) provide consideration for land-use planning options, and (3) conduct an analysis of opportunities and constraints. With a completed study, the city will then supply these findings to RCTC to be included in their Tier 2 study; enabling the city to participate in the Tier 2 planning process and advocate for a future mid-valley station. Last Day to Submit Questions for Clarification:October 26, 2022, 2:00pm
Clarifications Issued by City on or before:October 31, 2022, 2:00pm The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.
.webp)
