March 1, 2010

Chamber Supports Expedited Movement on SR91

The Corona Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) application to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for a Design-Build Program for the SR-91corridor improvement project.

“Historically, the Corona Chamber has supported RCTC requests and projects due to their potential to support job creation, reduce traffic congestion, protect transportation funding, and accelerate the completion of needed projects,” said Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC). “We have also supported legislation for RCTC’s I-15 and SR-91 improvement projects and advocated for protecting transportation funding during last year’s budget negotiations, which proved to be the right decisions,” continued Schneider.

If approved, the SR-91 improvements that RCTC is applying for would be accomplished 3 years earlier than the typical Design-Bid-Build approach. RCTC is now seeking support from the surrounding business communities of Corona, Riverside, and others in the SR-91 Corridor for the Design-Build Demonstration Program from the CTC. 6. The Program was created through legislation passed and signed into law in 2009 allowing for 15 transportation related projects that includes five local projects and ten statewide projects.

The Design-Build method allows public officials, local agencies and others to procure both design and construction services from a single company before the development of complete plans and specifications. It is this particular method that RCTC estimates total improvements to the SR-91 would be accomplished 3 years earlier than the typical Design-Bid-Build approach. Furthermore, benefits of the use of Design-Build for the Project include schedule acceleration (as mentioned above) and cost savings by allowing the project to stay on budget as outlined in the project’s financial plan.
 

November 13, 2009

Corona Chamber Sends Letter To Secretary of Transportation on Goods Movement Funding

The Corona Chamber sent the following letter today to the Secretary of Transportation in support of increased federal goods movement funding:

November 13, 2009

The Honorable Ray H. LaHood
Secretary of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Fax: 202-366-7202

Subject: Support For Riverside and San Bernardino TIGER Applications

Dear Secretary LaHood:

The Corona Chamber of Commerce appreciates your continued leadership in advancing needed transportation funding and support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Corona business community has been especially supportive of funding for goods movement-related projects and we requesting your support of Riverside and San Bernardino County’s applications for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.

It is important to note that the efforts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties are a part of a much larger, comprehensive effort to address goods movement and freight issues throughout Southern California. We believe the numerous projects submitted for TIGER consideration are not isolated improvements, but are in fact, projects essential to not only Southern California, but the national goods movement strategy as a whole. As you are aware, over 40% of the nation’s imports come through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Our county, Riverside and the surrounding county of San Bernardino have submitted four applications for TIGER funding totaling $81.3 million. The projects include the construction of two railroad grade separations on the Alameda Corridor East in Riverside County, the widening of I-10 in San Bernardino County in an area heavily traversed by truck traffic and the construction of a new freeway interchange in the High Desert on Interstate 15. All of the projects can meet TIGER program deadlines and conform to the spirit and letter of the program requirements.

Most importantly these projects will provide multiple benefits and accomplish objectives that President Obama has sought to achieve as part of the ARRA effort. Both Riverside and San Bernardino counties are federally-recognized Economic Disadvantaged Areas with unemployment rates that exceed 14 percent. Investment in goods movement infrastructure projects can play a key role in turning around the economic challenges faced in our two-county region given this area’s proximity to Southern California’s ports, rail and truck infrastructure. The proposed Riverside and San Bernardino County TIGER projects will respond to key transportation industry needs while addressing needed mitigation and community concerns. The combined benefit will create jobs and much-needed economic activity.

Furthermore, the applications that have been submitted reflect a close working relationship between the business community and the area’s primary transportation agencies. In our case in Riverside the primary agency is the RCTC. Combined with San Bernardino’s transportation commission – San Bernardino Associated of Governments (SANBAG) – both are working closely with the business community, employers, local governments and the public to deliver projects that will enhance mobility in our region and at the same time stimulate economic recovery and development.

On behalf of the Corona business community, we sincerely request your consideration of the Riverside and San Bernardino County’s TIGER applications.

Sincerely,

Bobby Spiegel
President and CEO
Corona Chamber of Commerce

Cynthia Schneider
Chair, Legislative Action Committee
Corona Chamber of Commerce
 

June 25, 2009

California High Speed Rail Authority Takes Steps Necessary to Qualify for Federal Funding

Last year, the voters of California approved Proposition 1A which guarantees $9.95 billion in state bond money to fund the state’s share of the first phase of the 800-mile statewide high-speed rail system linking Southern California, the Sacramento San Joaquin Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The project is expected to create 160,000 construction-related jobs and an additional 450,000 permanent jobs as the system grows.

This past month, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), the body responsible for the planning and implementation of the train system, elected Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle as its new Chairman. Other actions at the July meeting were to approve the scope of projects that could qualify for federal stimulus funds within the high-speed rail system.

According to a press release from the CHRSA, “The Board’s action was required so that the State of California could meet a July 10 “pre-application” deadline imposed by the Federal Railroad Administration for a share of $8 billion in stimulus funding for high-speed trains under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).”

“High-speed trains are needed in California,” said Chairman Pringle. “The state must find a viable surface transportation alternative to ease auto and air traffic congestion between major urban centers and high population growth areas like the Central Valley,” he continued.

While the Chamber took no formal position on Proposition 1A, it does recognize the need to address the mounting transportation shortfalls currently experienced by our state and our community.

“We hope for many jobs come to fruition throughout California when this major transportation infrastructure project gets under way,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Legislative Action Committee of the Chamber. “The sooner the system gets built, the sooner other areas, such as ours, can plan to connect to the primary rail system if the need is present and the means available,” continued Schneider.
 

March 1, 2009

Corona Chamber Seeks To Minimize Impacts of Major Interchange Project on Local Economy

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), in conjunction with the City of Corona, have planned improvements to the Interstate 15/Cajalco Road Interchange located in southern Corona, between Temescal Canyon Road and Bedford Canyon Road.

In a letter to California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) on December 30, 2008, the Corona Chamber expressed concerns about the interchange project greatly increasing the bottlenecking of traffic. The Chamber also expressed concerns that our local economy would be severely impacted due to the limitation of consumer access to the I-15/Cajalco exits.

On January 29, 2009 members of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee, lead by its Chair Cynthia Schneider, met with representatives of the CalTrans and the RCTC regarding the proposed improvements at Interstate 15/Cajalco Road Interchange.

“The Corona Chamber was pleased to hear the proposed action plan to alleviate many of the Chamber’s concerns,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee. “We were very impressed with CalTrans and RCTC’s wiliness to work with the Corona business community to educate us on the impacts of this important project,” continued Schneider.

The proposed project includes reconstruction of the overcrossing, widening and reconstruction of the on-ramps and off-ramps, new auxiliary lanes on I-15 between Cajalco Road and El Cerrito Road, widening of local streets, and replacement of local street and ramp-street intersection traffic signals. The project is anticipated to relieve congestion by improving the operational characteristics of the interchange. Construction is planned to begin in January 2011 for duration of 12-18 months. Temporary detours would be required, as well as adjustments to existing driveways and road approaches to maintain adequate access to existing business developments in the project area.

After the opportunity to address the Chamber’s concerns, the Chamber informed CalTrans and RCTC of its support of the project. The Chamber looks forward to a continued partnership in projects that will benefit the city of Corona and the surrounding region and expand the transportation infrastructure that allows our businesses and community to flourish.

 

December 30, 2008

Corona Chamber Issues Formal Statement on the I-15 / Cajalco Road Interchange Project

The Corona Chamber issued the following statement to the California Department of Transportation regarding the I-15 / Cajalco Road Interchange Project:

The Corona Chamber of Commerce has supported the early efforts of the Mid-County Parkway Project. We will continue to assist the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) by educating our business community on the importance of this major transportation investment. However, we do have some concerns regarding the Interstate 15 Cajalco Road Interchange Project.

It is our understanding that the proposed version of the interchange project would greatly increase the bottlenecking of traffic near the interchange. The Chamber believes that the current decision to construct half-diamond lanes instead of the full diamond lanes would be a major contributor to the bottlenecking. The Chamber is concerned that Corona’s local economy would be severely impacted due to the limitation of consumer access to the I-15/Cajalco exits.

We would ask that you revisit this issue and review other alternatives when constructing the interchange.
 

October 20, 2008

Corona Chamber Makes Appeal to Extend Toll Road

The Corona Chamber of Commerce urged the United States Secretary of Commerce to override the California Coastal Commission’s objection to the proposed SR-241 Toll Road extension. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was tasked with holding the public hearing on behalf of the U.S. Secretary, which took place in late September. The Corona Chamber sent written testimony from numerous businesses and individuals supporting the toll road extension.

“We became involved in the process early on and believe this is an economically viable solution to congestion; as it will allow our businesses to be more productive in moving their goods,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee. “We spearheaded an appeal earlier this year because the extension would have a positive impact on our local economy by shortening commute times in and out of our region,” continued Schneider.

The extension will provide an alternative to I-5, the only north-south route between the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Completing the extension is critical to the economy of Southern California as drivers from Southern Orange County and Northern San Diego County rely on I-5 as the only major north-south artery. A significant accident or natural disaster impacting that corridor completely gridlocks the region. The extension also provides for the residents of Corona to have an inland alternative to I-5 and would give drivers a free-flowing choice.

The current 67-mile Toll Road system, including a completed SR-241 Toll Road extension, is part of all long-range plans for the Orange County transportation network and was always designed to connect to the I-5. The Toll Road extension would be paid for by the Transportation Corridor Agency selling toll-revenue bonds to private and institutional investors to pay for construction. The United States Secretary of Commerce has until early January 2009 to render a decision.
 

September 18, 2008

Act Now ! Help Improve Traffic Throughout The Corona Region

On Monday, September 22, The United States Secretary of Commerce will hear an appeal of the California Coastal Commission’s objection to the Transportation Corridor Agency’s 16-mile extension of the 241 Toll Road. The California Coastal Commission denied the project earlier this year, forcing the Transportation Corridor Agency to file an appeal to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Why This Is Important To You

We are urging the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to override the California Coastal Commission’s objection to the proposed 241 Toll Road expansion. The expansion will allow an alternative to I-5, the only north-south route between the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.

The current 67-mile Toll Road system, including a completed 241 Toll Road extension, is part of all long-range plans for the Orange County transportation network. The Toll Road extension would be paid for by the Transportation Corridor Agency selling toll-revenue bonds to private and institutional investors to pay for construction. We have supported the effort of the Transportation Corridor Agency early on in this effort because of the need to increase alternative routes for goods movement.

August 18, 2008

Corona Chamber Fights Efforts to Reduce Transportation Project Funds

The Corona Chamber of Commerce firmly believes that state transportation funds should not be used to balance the state budget. The Corona Chamber is working with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) to inform Corona businesses about the impact to our region should we lose these vital funds.

In 2002, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 42 requiring that all sales taxes from gasoline purchases be devoted to transportation purposes. This fund may now be targeted by Legislature to be used to help balance the budget.

“The Corona business community is depending on Proposition 42 to protect the funding vital to improving transportation in our region,” stated Cynthia Schneider, chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee.  “Our city’s economy needs local transportation infrastructure for the movement of goods. If the Legislature decides to use Proposition 42 funds to help balance the budget, many projects, now slated for early completion, will be in jeopardy. ” continued Schneider.

Targeting Proposition 42 funds as a solution to budget problems flies in the face of the provisions included in Proposition 1A, approved in 2006, which help tighten restrictions on the state’s ability to take Prop 42 funds to balance the budget.  The restrictions in Prop 1A stated that all of the gasoline sales tax must be treated as a loan to the general fund.  It also stated that loans to the general fund only be made once every three years and not more than twice in any ten year period.  Both of the loans, if taken, must be repaid to the fund (in full) before another loan can be made. Voters approved these restrictions, voicing their strong opinion that the Legislature not use Proposition 42 funds for non-transportation related purposes, like balancing the budget.

If Proposition 42 funds are suspended this year,  to pay down some of the state budget deficit, two projects would be immediately impacted;  Both the SR-91/Van Buren Interchange and the I-10/Ramon Road Interchange projects could be disrupted, delaying the completion of both.  Each of these projects is considered necessary for continued goods movement and relief of traffic congestion in Riverside County.

The Corona Chamber urges our local legislators to recognize the potentially negative impact these issues would have on our community and urges Chamber members and the business community to get involved by communicating with legislators to convey our expectation that our interests will be well represented.
 

May 27, 2008

Support Efforts To Decrease Truck Traffic and Increase Movement of Goods By Rail

The Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act (FRICEA) currently being considered by Congress will increase freight rail transportation.
 

Why this is important to you

It is important for elected officials to enact policies that will save taxpayers’ money, increase opportunities for economic development within our communities, improve our air quality, build a more efficient transportation system, and reduce our dependence on oil.

Click here to take action!

Under the burden of increased freight truck traffic, our highways are crumbling and are overburdened. These trucks are lengthening our commute times, frequently endangering other highway passengers, and polluting our environment. Railroads have proven to be safer and cleaner.

No time will be better than the present to support this bill, particularly when you consider the goods movement is expected to grow rapidly while our current transportation infrastructure is deteriorating and insufficient to handle additional loads.

The FRICEA legislation would be a significant step in the right direction to ensure railways achieve a more equal footing to our highways and waterborne modes of transportation.