Riverside County – Coachella Valley
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has approved an $80 million contract with HDR Engineering to complete a Tier 2 environmental study for the Coachella Valley Rail Project, marking a major milestone in advancing the long-anticipated passenger rail service toward construction.
The Tier 2 study will include the preparation of a comprehensive environmental document that complies with all state and federal regulatory requirements. Completion of this phase is required before the project can move into final design and construction.
The Coachella Valley Rail Project, also known as CV Rail, is planned to provide daily passenger rail service connecting the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass with the broader Southern California rail network. Project leaders say the service would offer residents, visitors, and commuters a reliable alternative to automobile travel while supporting long-term regional mobility and economic growth.
“CV Rail is a vital transportation investment that will connect Riverside County, particularly the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley, with the rest of Southern California through daily passenger rail service,” said Raymond Gregory, Chair of RCTC and Mayor of Cathedral City. “This project delivers benefits that will positively impact our region for generations. At its core, CV Rail is about offering better choices and smart alternatives to traveling solely by automobile. While there is still work ahead, today’s decision brings us one important step closer to construction.”
RCTC oversees transportation planning and funding across Riverside County and serves as the steward of Measure A sales tax revenues, which support regional transportation improvements.
Additional information and the official Project Briefing for the Coachella Valley Rail Tier 2 environmental study are available at rctc.org/cvr-tier2.
