APPENDIX B-07

ORDINANCE NO. 02-001

RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURE PLAN
AND RETAIL TRANSACTION AND USE TAX ORDINANCE

PREAMBLE

The transportation system in Riverside County is rapidly deteriorating and our population and economy are growing rapidly. Maintenance and repairs of existing roadways and improvements to relieve congestion cannot be accomplished with available funds. Without additional funds, the system will bog down and pavement will crumble into permanent disrepair. State highway funds are inadequate and competition for funds is increasing. Projects in areas where local sales tax funds are available have been and will continue to be viewed much more favorably in the selection process of the California Transportation Commission. Local governments must either generate revenues to expand our system and maintain our investments or watch the system collapse and endanger the health, welfare and safety of all Riverside County residents.

Continuation of our one-half percent sales tax for transportation to supplement traditional revenues and revenues to be generated through locally-adopted developer fees and assessment districts for transportation improvements is the only way local governments can be sure the transportation system will serve the current and future travel needs of Riverside County. Collection of the one-half percent sales tax will commence upon the expiration of the existing tax.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission will continue to seek maximum funding for transportation improvements through State and federal programs. The Commission will not provide sales tax revenues to any city or to the County unless revenues currently used by that agency for transportation are continued to be used for transportation purposes.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission ordains as follows:

SECTION 1. SUMMARY. This Ordinance provides for the imposition of a retail transaction and use tax of one-half percent for a period of thirty (30) years, the authority to issue bonds secured by such taxes, and the administration of the tax proceeds and a county transportation expenditure plan.

SECTION II. DEFINITIONS. The following definitions shall apply in this ordinance:

A.Expenditure Plan. "The Expenditure Plan" means the Riverside County Transportation Commission Expenditure Plan (attached as Exhibit B) and adopted as part of this Ordinance including any future amendments thereto.

B."County" means the County of Riverside.

C."Commission" means the Riverside County Transportation Commission s set forth in Sections 130053, 130053.5 and 130053.7 of the Public Utilities Code.

D."TUMF" means Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee. This fee is charged on new development by local governments to assist with the building and improvement of regional arterials.

E."MSHCP" means the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan currently under development by the County of Riverside.

F."Existing Tax" means the ½ % retail transactions and use tax adopted pursuant to Ordinance No. 88-01.

SECTION III. AUTHORITY. This Ordinance is enacted, in part, pursuant to the provisions of Division 25 (commencing with Section 240000) of the Public Utilities Code, and Section 7252.22 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

SECTION IV. IMPOSITION OF RETAIL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX. Subject to voter approval of the same, the Commission shall impose, in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of the County of Riverside, a retail transactions and use tax (referred to as the Measure "A" fund tax) at a zero percent (0%) rate until the expiration of the Existing Tax. Thereafter, a tax shall be collected for a thirty (30) year period at the rate of one-half of one percent (0.5%). This tax shall be in addition to any other taxes authorized by law, including any existing or future state or local sales tax or transactions and use tax.

SECTION V. PURPOSES. Measure "A" funds may only be used for transportation purposes including the administration of Division 25, including legal actions related thereto, the construction, capital, acquisition, maintenance, and operation of streets, roads, highways, including state highways and public transit systems and for related purposes. These purposes include expenditures for the planning, environmental reviews, engineering and design costs, and related right-of-way acquisition.

SECTION VI. BONDING AUTHORITY. Upon voter approval of Measure "A" , the Commission shall have the power to sell or issue, from time to time, on or before the collection of taxes, bonds, or other evidence of indebtedness, including, but not limited to, capital appreciation bonds, in the aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding of not to exceed $500 million, and to secure such indebtedness solely by way of future collection of taxes, for capital outlay expenditure for the purposes set forth in Section V hereof, including to carry out the transportation projects described in the Expenditure Plan.

SECTION VII. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT. The Commission, by the enactment of this Ordinance, intends the additional funds provided government agencies by this Chapter to supplement existing local revenues and required developer improvements being used for transportation purposes. The government agencies shall maintain their existing commitment of local funds for street, highway and public transit purposes pursuant to this Ordinance, and the Commission shall enforce this Section by appropriate actions including fiscal audits of the local agencies.

The local cities and the County shall annually submit to the Commission a list of the proposed uses for these funds and a certification that the maintenance of effort requirement is being met. If in any fiscal year the maintenance of effort requirement is not met, the agency shall not be eligible for any Measure "A" funds in the following fiscal year. Such funds shall be distributed to the remaining local governments using the formula for the area.

SECTION VIII. RETURN TO SOURCE. Funds for transportation purposes shall be allocated to the Western County, Coachella Valley, and Palo Verde Valley areas proportionate to the Measure "A" funds generated within these areas.

SECTION IX. ADMINISTRATION OF PLANS. The Commission shall impose and collect Measure "A" funds, shall allocate revenues derived, and shall administer the Expenditure Plan consistent with the authority cited herein.

SECTION X. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. The Commission shall expend only that amount of the funds generated from Measure "A" for staff support, audit, administrative expenses, and contract services that are necessary and reasonable to carry out its responsibilities pursuant to Division 25, and in no case shall the funds expended for salaries and benefits exceed one percent (1%) of the annual net amount of revenue raised by Measure "A".

SECTION XI. ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT. The annual appropriations limit has been established pursuant to Ordinance 88-01 pursuant to Article XIIIB of the California Constitution and Section 240308(b) of the Public Utilities Code. The appropriations limit has and shall be subject to adjustment as provided by law.

SECTION XII. EFFECTIVE AND OPERATIVE DATES. Subject to voter approval, this Ordinance shall take effect at the close of the polls on November 5, 2002.

SECTION XIII. ELECTION. The Commission requests the Board of Supervisors to call an election for voter approval of Measure "A " (Exhibit A), which election shall be held on November 5, 2002. The election shall be called and conducted in the same manner as provided by law for the conduct of elections by a county. Pursuant to Section 240308 of the Public Utilities Code, the sample ballot to be mailed to the voters shall be the full proposition as set forth in the Ordinance, and the voter information handbook shall include the entire Expenditure Plan. Approval of the attached proposition, and the imposition of the Measure "A" retail sales and use tax described herein, shall require the affirmative vote of 2/3rds of the electors voting on the attached proposition at the election described in this section.

SECTION XIV. EXPENDITURE PLAN AMENDMENTS. The Expenditure Plan for Measure "A" funds may only be amended, if required, in accordance with Public Utilities Code section 240302, as amended. This section currently provides the following process for amendment: (1) initiation of the amendment by the Commission reciting findings of necessity; (2) approval by the Board of Supervisors; and, (3) approval by a majority of the cities constituting a majority of the incorporated population, unless such process is amended in a manner consistent with State legislation.

Commencing in 2019 and at least every ten years thereafter, the Commission shall review and, where necessary propose revisions to the Expenditure Plan. Such revisions shall be submitted for approval according to the procedures set forth in this Section XIV. Until approved, the then existing Expenditure Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION XV. SEVERABILITY. If any tax or provision of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that holding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining Measure "A" funds or provisions, and the Commission declares that it would have passed each part of this ordinance irrespective of the validity of any other part.

SECTION XVI. THE EXISTING TAX. Nothing in the ordinance is intended to modify, repeal, alter or increase the Existing Tax. The provisions of this ordinance shall apply solely to the retail transactions and use tax adopted herein, and not to the collection or administration of the Existing Tax.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Riverside County Transportation Commission at its meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2002.

By:

John F. Tavaglione, Chairman

Riverside County Transportation Commission

ATTESTED:

By:

Naty Kopenhaver, Clerk of the Board

Riverside County Transportation Commission

Riverside County

Transportation Improvement Plan

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY BY SUPPLEMENTING EXISTING FUNDS FOR TRANSPORTATION

Reduce current congestion and provide adequate transportation facilities to accommodate reasonable growth in the future.

Provide funding for the adequate maintenance and improvement of local streets and roads in the cities and unincorporated areas.

Enhance Riverside County's ability to secure state and federal funding for transportation by offering local matching funds.

PROVIDE FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE EXPENDITURE OF TAX PAYER FUNDS

Provides for mandatory dedication of sales tax funds only for the transportation improvements and programs identified in the Expenditure Plan and no other purpose.

Provides for a mandatory, annual financial audit of program expenditures to insure that all funds are spent in accordance with this voter adopted Plan and associated legal ordinance.

Provides for a Maintenance of Effort requirement in funds made available to city and county governments for local street and road programs to insure the new money for this purpose is adding to current funding levels.

Provides for the strict limitation of administrative staff costs in implementing this Plan, by limiting, in law, funds expended for salaries and benefits to no more than one (1) percent of the annual net amount of revenues raised by Measure "A".

Provides for the Plan to be updated every 10 years for the period it is in effect to insure that the changing needs and priorities of the county are met.

Provides for the mandatory termination of the tax in 2039, requiring additional voter approval for extension at a County General Election according to state law.

PROVIDE FOR EQUITY IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEASURE "A" REVENUES

Return funds to the Western County, Coachella Valley and Palo Verde Valley proportionate to the funds generated in those areas.

Adopt a Transportation Improvement Plan, which address the unique needs of each of the areas of the county.

Provide a reasonable balance between competing highway, commuter rail, transit, and local streets and roads needs.

PROVIDE FOR LOCAL CONTROL OF THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Provide for cost effective, local administration of the program through the existing Riverside County Transportation Commission. No new agency would be required to administer these funds.

Delegates appropriate administrative responsibility to the cities and the county and other local agencies for local programs.

This TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN, which shall act as the County's Expenditure Plan, was prepared by the Riverside County Transportation Commission for the purpose of extending the current ½ cent local transaction and use tax for transportation to be collected for an additional 30 years, if approved by the voters on November 5, 2002 – Measure "A". This is proposed by the Commission as a means to fill the funding shortfall to: implement necessary highway, commuter rail, and transit projects; secure new transportation corridors through environmental clearance and right of way purchases; provide adequate maintenance and improvements on the local street and road system; promote economic growth throughout the county; and provide specialized programs to meet the needs of commuters and the specialized needs of the growing senior and disabled population.

TAXPAYER ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS

LEGAL DEDICATION OF FUNDS

Measure "A" funds may only be used for transportation purposes and described in the local ordinance governing this program, including the construction, environmental mitigation of transportation projects, capital activities, acquisition, maintenance, and operation of streets, roads, highways, including state highways and public transit systems and for related purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to expenditures for the planning, environmental reviews, engineering and design costs, related right-of-way acquisition, and construction, engineering and administration.

MANDATORY ANNUAL FISCAL AUDIT

No less than annually, the RCTC shall conduct an independent fiscal audit of the expenditure of all sales tax funds raised by this measure. The audit, which shall be made available to the public, shall report on evidence that the expenditure of funds is in accordance with the Riverside County Transportation Improvement Plan as adopted by the voters in approving the sales tax measure on November 5, 2002. In addition, the audit shall determine that Maintenance of Effort requirements, other requirements regarding local government participation in Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Programs, as well as requirements described in Section 5 of the Plan entitled "Local Streets and Roads" have been complied with. The audit shall also insure that no more than 1 (one) percent of total sales tax expenditures are used for administrative staff salaries and benefits in implementing this Plan.

MANDATORY PLAN UPDATE AND TERMINATION OF SALES TAX

This Plan shall be updated by RCTC every 10 years that the sales tax is in effect to reflect current and changing priorities and needs in the County, as defined by the duly elected local government representatives on the RCTC Board. Any changes to this Plan must be adopted in accordance with current law in effect at the time of the update and must be based on findings of necessity for change by the Commission. The sales tax authorized to be collected by the voters shall be terminated on March 31, 2039, unless reauthorized by the voters to extend the sales tax prior to the termination date as required under state law in effect at the time of the vote for extension.

SPECIFIC TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED

WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY

The Expenditure Plan Map illustrates the Western and Coachella Valley areas. The Western County area includes the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Murrieta, Norco, Perris, San Jacinto, and Temecula. It also includes the unincorporated communities of Jurupa, Mira Loma, Menifee, Wildomar, and Sun City and other more sparsely populated areas, and the reservations of the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, the Soboba Band of Mission Indians, the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the Morongo Band of Indians.

1. STATE HIGHWAYS

Many more state highway improvement projects are needed to deal with congestion and safety problems than existing state and federal revenues can fund. Projected formula funds from these sources over the 30 years is estimated to be $640 million and will fund less than ½ of the improvements needed and identified in the Expenditure Plan, which are estimated to cost $1.66 billion in current dollars. Measure "A" funds will supplement those funding sources by an estimated $1.02 billion and will cover the remaining costs estimated to accomplish these improvements.

The Highway projects to be implemented with funding returned to the Western County Area by extending the Measure "A" Program are as follows:

ROUTE	LIMITS	PROJECT	EST. COST
91, 60, I-15, & I-215		Reducing congestion on these routes will require that new transportation corridors are constructed	See Section 2
Rte 91	Pierce Street to Orange County Line	Add 1 lane each direction	$ 161
91/I-15	Interchange	Add new Connector from I-15 North to 91 West	$ 243
91/71	Interchange	Improve Interchange	$ 26
Rte 71	Rte 91 to San Bernardino County Line	Widen to 3 lanes each direction	$ 68
I-215	60/91/215 to San Bernardino County Line	Add 2 lanes each direction	$ 231
I-215	Eucalyptus Ave to I-15	Add 1 lane each direction	$ 210
I-15	Rte 60 to San Diego County Line	Add 1 lane each direction	$ 359
I-10	San Bernardino County Line to Banning	Add eastbound truck climbing lane	$ 75
I-10/60	Interchange	Construct new interchange	$ 129
Rte 60	Badlands area, east of Moreno Valley	Add truck climbing lane	$ 26
Rte 79	Ramona Expressway to Domenigoni Parkway	Realign highway	$ 132
SUBTOTAL	Measure "A" Funding		$1.02 Billion
	State & Federal Formula Funds		$0.64 Billion
TOTAL			$1.66 Billion

The Commission may add additional State Highway projects, should additional Measure "A" revenue become available.

An estimated 5% of the total cost for these highway projects ($83 million) will be used for environmental purposes to mitigate the cumulative and indirect impacts associated with construction of these projects.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS

State Routes 91 and 60 and Interstate Routes 15 and 215 cannot cost effectively be widened enough to provide for the traffic expected as Riverside County continues to grow. In addition to the specific highway improvements listed in Section 1 above, congestion relief for these highways will require that new north–south and east-west transportation corridors will have to be developed to provide mobility within Riverside County and between Riverside County and its neighboring Orange and San Bernardino Counties.

Four new Transportation Corridors have been identified as necessary through the Community Environmental Transportation Approval Process (CETAP) currently underway. An estimated $370 million in Measure "A" matching funds to leverage local, state and federal funding will be made available for environmental clearance, right of way, and construction of these new corridors. An estimated $70 million of these funds will be used to mitigate the cumulative and indirect impacts associated with construction of these projects.

3. PUBLIC TRANSIT

The Transportation Improvement Plan will provide an estimated $390 million to expand commuter rail, implement intercity bus services and to continue and expand programs to assist the elderly, disabled and commuters.

A. Discount Fares and Transit Services for Seniors and Disabled Persons

Seniors and disabled persons are becoming an increasing percentage of the population each year. They are currently charged a fare on fixed route transit services that is one-half the normal fare for service within the Western County area. In addition a number of specialized transportation programs have been implemented which meet specialized needs for transportation to medical services, social service agencies and programs, shopping and other purposes that cannot be met by conventional transit. A minimum of $85 million in Measure "A" funds will be used to guarantee these services.

B. Commuter Rail and Intercity Bus Service

Metrolink has provided a viable alternative to the automobile for thousands of daily commuters to Orange and Los Angeles counties and reduces the demand on our freeways. The current service level needs to double in the future and expansion of the system to Moreno Valley and Perris is needed to relieve congestion on I-215. In addition, an intercity express bus service that feeds the Metrolink service and provides a reasonable alternative to the automobile for daily commuters who travel within the region is needed. Measure "A" funds will be made available for operations of these services and to match federal funds for capital.

C. Commuter Services, Ridesharing, Vanpools, Buspools, Park-N-Ride

Commuter traffic created by Riverside County residents traveling to jobs in neighboring Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties adds significantly to the peak hour congestion on the freeway and highway system. A number of programs have been implemented to assist commuters to share rides, reduce congestion, and take advantage of travel in the "carpool" lanes. These programs include; rideshare matching services; incentive programs; vanpool "seed money"; buspool subsidies; and park-n-ride lot leasing. These programs will become even more necessary in the future as traffic increases. A minimum of $50 million in Measure "A" funds will be used for this purpose.

4. REGIONAL ARTERIAL SYSTEM

The freeway and state highway system can no longer be expected to handle the traffic demands for travel between and through the cities of the Western County area, with the development projected for the future. A system of regional arterials (major local roadways) with limited access, freeway interchanges, grade separations, and coordinated traffic signals are needed to supplement the highway backbone system. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), in conjunction with the cities and the County, has developed this system of roadways to meet this need. This roadway system will be periodically updated by the Commission, or the Western Riverside Council of Governments, to reflect actual development trends.

Funding to widen existing roads and construct new roads on this system will be funded by an estimated $300 million in revenues generated by Measure "A" and by matching revenues to be generated by the cities and County implementing a Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) administered by the Commission or the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).

Examples of the roadways on the regional arterial system that may be eligible to receive Measure "A" and TUMF funding for widening and other improvements to increase capacity and traffic flow are:

• Van Buren Boulevard from I-215 to State Route 60
• Alessandro Boulevard from I-215 westerly to Central Avenue
• Central Avenue from Alessandro Blvd to Van Buren Boulevard
• Arlington Avenue from Central Avenue to Van Buren Boulevard
• Green River Road from Dominguez Ranch Rd to State Route 91
• Foothill Parkway from Lincoln Ave to Green River Road
• Scott Road from State Route 79 to I-215
• Clinton Keith Road from State Route 79 to I-215
• Date Street from State Route 79 to I-15
• State Route 79/I-10 Interchange Improvements and possible bypass to I-10
• Ramsey Street from Banning City Limits to Field Road
• Ramona Expressway from San Jacinto to I-215
• Cajalco Road from I-215 to I-15
• Perris Boulevard from State Route 74 to San Bernardino Co. Line
• Pyrite Street from San Bernardino County Line to State Route 60
• Schleisman Road from San Bernardino County Line to I-15 and Arlington Avenue
• Domenigoni Parkway from State Street to I-215
• Railroad Canyon/Newport Road from I-215 to I-15

The final scope and project limits of all improvements proposed for the regional arterial system will be determined through noticed public hearings, environmental clearance process, and agreement with affected agencies.

5. LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS

The local street and road system is critical to the every day movement of people within the cities and the county. This system is reaching "middle age", with potholes and is in need of continued maintenance and rehabilitation. New local roads adjacent to new residential and business developments will continue to be constructed and paid for by the developers.

Current resources, without the extension of the existing sales tax revenues for transportation, cannot provide adequate funding to maintain the local street and road system at the level necessary to adequately serve the public.

The Transportation Improvement Plan will provide an estimated $970 million specifically for this purpose. The funds made available in the Western County area will be distributed to the cities and the county by a formula based 75% on proportionate population and 25% on revenues generated by Measure "A". In order to be eligible for these funds, each agency will be required to: 1) File a Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, updated annually, with the Commission; 2) Participate in a Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Program to be developed and administered by the Commission or the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG); and, 3) Participate in the Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) currently under development by the County of Riverside by endorsing the Permit Application and signing the Implementation Agreement.

The TUMF Program shall be adopted according to all applicable laws and shall provide that the first $400 million of TUMF revenues will be made available to the Commission to fund equally the: 1) Regional Arterial System, as described above; and, 2) Development of New Corridors ("CETAP") described above.

6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES PROGRAM

The need to attract new commercial and industrial development and jobs to Riverside County to reduce the need for long commutes to Orange and Los Angeles counties is important to the economic vitality and quality of life of Western Riverside County. A greater jobs – housing balance is needed immediately.

The Transportation Improvement Plan will provide an estimated $40 million for this purpose. These funds will be used to create an Infrastructure Improvement Bank to improve existing interchanges, construct new interchanges, provide public transit linkages or stations, and make other improvements to the transportation system. Given the limited amount of funds available, the RCTC shall develop a program of competitive incentives to attract commercial and industrial development and jobs to locate within the Western Riverside County area.

In particular, the highest priority for these funds shall be for use in attracting key industrial development. For example, Western Riverside County through the provision of a needed interchange or transit service as a part of an overall package of incentives, could attract industrial development, which may have otherwise located elsewhere in California, in the United States or internationally.

7. BOND FINANCING

Construction of the highway and rail projects and implementation of the local streets and roads and other programs identified in the Transportation Improvement Plan are needed as soon as possible. In order to accomplish this, some level of borrowing will be required. The Commission will determine the extent of borrowing that is reasonable as the program is implemented. Up to $270 million, 8% of the revenues expected to be generated, will be made available for this purpose.

COACHELLA VALLEY AREA

The Coachella Valley area is located in the central part of Riverside County and includes the cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. It also includes the unincorporated areas, and the reservations of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, and the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. The Transportation Improvement Plan is designed to give flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances and to:

• Improve Traffic Flow and Reduce Congestion on Highway 111
• Add/Improve Interchanges on Highway 86 and I-10
• Provide funding for Local Streets and Roads Improvements
• Improve Safety and Visibility at Major Intersections and Arterial Roads
• Reduce Congestion by Improving Major Roadways Identified as Important by Local Governments in the Coachella Valley
• Provide Express East-West Transit Routes in the Coachella Valley
• Improve and Expand Public and Specialty Transit Service

1. STATE HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR REGIONAL ROAD PROJECT

Fifty percent (50%) of the Measure "A" revenues will be used for State highways and regional road improvements. The Transportation Project Prioritization Study (TPPS), developed through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), will function as the Plan for future needs. Preventive maintenance of these Measure "A" funded arterials will be allowed, if a majority of the Coachella Valley local governments give approval.

The system improvements will be accomplished with a mix of Measure "A" funds, state and federal highway funds, and the existing Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) on new development.

This segment of the Measure "A" Expenditure Plan will be implemented through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments.

2. LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS

Thirty-five percent (35%) of the Measure "A" revenues will be returned to the cities and the county in the Coachella Valley and shall be used to assist with the funding local street and road improvements. These funds will supplement existing federal, state, and local funds. Local street improvements adjacent to new residential and business developments will continue to be paid for by the developers.

Cities and the county in the Coachella Valley must participate in the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program to assist in the financing of the priority regional arterial system in order to receive these funds. If a city or the county chooses not to levy the TUMF, the funds they would otherwise receive for local streets and roads will be added to the Measure "A" funds for the Regional Arterial Program.

Allocations of funds to the cities and the county will be based on a formula weighted 50% on proportionate dwelling units and 50% on Measure "A" revenues generated within each jurisdiction. A Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for the use of these funds will be prepared and annually updated with public participation by each city and the county.

3. PUBLIC TRANSIT

Fifteen percent (15%) of the Measure "A" revenues will be used to improve and expand public transit and specialized transportation services.

A. Discount Fares and Expanded Transportation Services for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

For Seniors (age 60 and older) and persons with disabilities, access to healthcare, social services, shopping, and recreation is a key to quality of life. Sunline Transit Agency offers a full array of public transit and specialized transportation services at reduced prices to individuals in these special groups. Measure "A" funds will guarantee discounts continue for the next 30 years. Funds will also be used to expand services to meet future needs of the growing population of the valley.

B. Specialized Transportation Services

In addition to providing SunBus public transit service, SunDial paratransit service, and SunLink express commuter service to Riverside, the Sunline Transit Agency offers specialized transportation services to Coachella Valley residents and visitors. These services include the Vets Express that provides free transportation to the Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda; SunTrip, that enables those beyond Sunline's fixed route service area to receive reimbursement they can pay to volunteer drivers; and SunRide that coordinates the transportation services offered by many non-profit social service organizations. All of Sunline's vehicles operate on clean, alternative fuels thereby preserving the environment and creating a healthier community while increasing access. Measure "A" funds will assist these and other types of specialized transportation services which may be implemented.

C. Bus Replacement and More Frequent Service

Public bus transportation offers communities many benefits – reduced traffic congestion, reduced wear and tear on roads, reduced parking demand, and lower emissions. By providing access to schools, jobs and shopping, it is also a vital force in economic development. This is especially true in the Coachella Valley where nearly 75% of the 4 million annual SunBus riders take a bus to work and/or school. Public transit buses have a 12-year life. Passage of Measure "A" will enable Sunline's fleet to be replaced as needed. Funds will also be used to increase frequency of service, which is the single most important factor in use of public transportation.

PALO VERDE VALLEY AREA

The Palo Verde Valley area is located in the far eastern part of Riverside County. It is geographically separated from the Western and Coachella Valley areas. The population within the area is relatively small, and significant growth over the next 30 years is not anticipated.

The Palo Verde Valley is served by Interstate 10 which provides adequate connections to the more westerly portions of Riverside County and easterly to Arizona. Increasing transit needs can be adequately met using existing revenue sources available for that purpose. The greatest need for the Palo Verde Valley is additional funding to adequately maintain and rehabilitate local streets and roads.

All of the funding generated by Measure "A" returned to the Palo Verde Valley is to be used for local streets and roads. Funds shall be distributed to the City of Blythe and the County of Riverside by formula. The formula distribution is based 75% on proportionate population and 25% on sales tax revenues generated in each area.

MEASURE "A" REVENUE ALLOCATIONS ($ millions)
Western County Area
	Highway Improvements	$1,020
	New Corridors	$ 370
	Commuter Rail / Intercity Bus/ Specialized Transit/ Commuter Services	$ 390
	Regional Arterial Projects	$ 300
	Local Streets and Road Improvements	$ 970
	Bond Finance	$ 270
	Economic Development Projects	$ 40
	TOTAL	$3,360
Coachella Valley
	Highways and Regional Arterials	$ 628
	Local Streets and Roads	$ 439
	Specialized and Public Transit	$ 188
	TOTAL	$1,255
Palo Verde Valley Area
	Local Street and Road Improvements	$ 47
	TOTAL	$ 47

 

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN

 

 

1. BASIS FOR REVENUE ESTIMATES

Federal and state participation for highways, commuter rail, new corridors, and major non-highway roadway improvements is assumed to be $40 million per year allocated biannually by the California Transportation Commission through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process. The Riverside County Transportation Commission currently programs 24.2% of these funds on a discretionary basis for projects. This practice will be continued in order to fund major improvements that will arise and have not been anticipated by this Transportation Improvement Plan.

Measure "A" revenue estimates have not been adjusted to reflect inflation. It is assumed that inflation revenue increases will be offset by inflation costs to deliver the projects. "Real Growth" is assumed to parallel countywide population growth. Based upon these factors Measure "A" revenues over the 30-year period are assumed to be about $4.665 billion.

2. BASIS FOR COST ESTIMATES

All cost estimates for highway projects were developed by Caltrans based on a specific scope of improvements and are based on 2001 values. Future costs may increase due to inflation or other factors beyond the control of the Commission. The 2001 costs estimates are to be used to determine the proportionate distribution of funds to the categories of projects and programs identified in the transportation program.

3. STATE HIGHWAY AND MAJOR ARTERIAL PROGRAMS

Eligible state highway project costs include preliminary engineering, environmental clearances, design engineering, project management, right of way acquisition and long-term leases and construction. Measure "A" funds are intended to supplement and not replace existing federal and state sources. If it is determined by the Commission that Riverside County is not receiving its fair share of existing funds, sales tax funds may be directed to other types of transportation needs.

The actual scope of the highway, and major arterial projects to be implemented is to be determined through a prioritization process, required environmental analysis, and full consideration of reasonable alternatives. Public participation during the environmental analysis process is required.

The Commission shall establish a "State Highway Account" for funding capital expenditures for state highway improvements.

4. PUBLIC TRANSIT

Eligible programs include: special discount fares for the elderly and persons with disabilities; funding for computer assisted rideshare programs; commuter incentive programs; "seed" programs to encourage the creation of vanpools and buspools; bus capital replacement and additional bus service in the Coachella Valley; and capital and operating assistance for commuter rail expansion and intercity bus service implementation in the Western County area.

Western County area commuter rail services are anticipated to continue to be operated by Metrolink on existing rail lines to Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. Increasing the level of services will require negotiation of the appropriate agreements with the railroads and appropriate cost sharing between the counties served. Extension of service to the Moreno Valley area and the City of Perris is anticipated to be along the San Jacinto Branch Line owned by the Commission. Measure "A" funds will be used for operating costs and to match federal and state funds for capital improvements.

Western County area intercity bus express services to be implemented are intended to specifically target commuters and provide a viable connection to the Metrolink service and transportation between and to key employment centers within the region.

The Commission shall establish a "Public Transit Account" for funding these programs. The Commission shall determine which public transportation or specialized transportation services operators, and carpool/vanpool facilitating agencies, shall receive funding assistance. The Commission may directly provide or operate these services and programs if it is determined that they are the most appropriate agency to do so in the Western County area. In the Coachella Valley area, the services will be provided by the SunLine Transit Agency. Based on 30 year funding estimates, the amount of funds should be $340 million for the Western County and $188 million for the Coachella Valley area.

5. LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS PROJECTS

Eligible local street and road project costs include any environmental review and mitigation, engineering, right of way acquisition and, capital or maintenance cost. Decisions on projects are to be made by local jurisdictions, but subject to capital Improvement requirements.

Annual population estimates used for the distribution formula for the Western County and Palo Verde Valley areas shall be from the State Department of Finance. Dwelling unit estimates used for the distribution formula in the Coachella Valley shall be from the Riverside County Planning Department. Actual State Board of Equalization retail sales transactions shall be used for the formula in all three areas. The County Planning Department shall estimate the share for each of the unincorporated areas for the three areas, from the total retail sales transactions for the total unincorporated area.

The Commission shall assure the cities and the County are in compliance with maintenance of effort requirements before allocating funds for local streets and roads. Further, the Commission shall not allocate funds to an individual city or the County for local streets and roads within the Western County and Coachella Valley areas unless the local agency is certified by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments or in the Western County Area by the Commission or the Western Riverside County Association of Governments as applicable, to be a participant in the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program necessary for the implementation of the Regional Arterial Program in their area. The cities and the county in the Western County Area must participate in the Multi Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) by endorsing the Permit Allocation and executing the Implementation Agreement with the resources agencies in order to be eligible to receive local streets and roads funds.

Funding which is not allocated to a city or the county because it is not a participant in the TUMF program in the Coachella Valley area and the TUMF and the MSHCP in the Western County area shall be allocated to the Regional Arterial Program in the geographic area in which the city or portion of the county is located.

6. FUNDING FLEXIBILITY AND BONDING TO EXPEDITE PROJECTS

The Commission may make maximum use of available funds by temporarily shifting allocations between geographic areas and transportation purposes. However, the proportionate shares for areas and purposes over the 30-year period may not be changed without an amendment of the Transportation Improvement Plan as required by law. Shifts may not be made without previous consultation with the affected agencies and two-thirds majority approval of the Board of Commissioners.

The Commission may also use bonds to speed implementation of some projects. Bonding will not be used without first determining that the benefits of an accelerated program outweigh the additional cost of interest on borrowing funds.

7. INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF LOCAL FUNDING SUPPORT

All state highway, commuter rail, and regional arterial projects using $1 million or more of sales tax revenues shall be signed to inform the public that local voter approved revenues are being used to support the project.

8. SEVERANCE PROVISIONS

If any provision of this Transportation Improvement Plan is for any reason held invalid and unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that holding shall not effect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, and the Commission declares that it would have passed each part of the Plan irrespective of the validity of any other part.