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8 Public and Agency Outreach

This chapter documents the public and agency outreach conducted during preparation of the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation for the Program in accordance with NEPA; CEQ regulations

implementing NEPA; FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts; 23 USC Section

139; and CEQA. RCTC began the public engagement process early in 2014 to ensure stakeholder 

feedback was incorporated into the scope of the environmental document, as well as analysis 

required to identify potential effects and determine appropriate mitigation strategies. 

During the outreach process, the lead agencies, which include FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC, engaged 

the public (i.e., citizens, elected officials, and key stakeholders), as well as local, state, tribal, and

federal agencies during the early stages of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation.

This chapter provides a summary of the outreach efforts, which included a variety of formal and 

informal outreach methods, such as public meetings, key stakeholder and community group 

briefings, project development team and agency coordination meetings, advertisements, email 

blasts, mailings, pamphlet distribution, website updates, and social media engagement. This chapter 

provides additional detail on the overall public involvement process and the aforementioned 

outreach activities beginning with the formal scoping period and additional outreach conducted 

throughout preparation of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR environmental process. 

8.1 Environmental Justice Outreach

In the development and implementation of the public involvement efforts for the Program, EJ issues 

and affected communities were identified. According to California Government Code Section 

65040.12(e), EJ is described as “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with 

respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, 

regulations, and policies." EO 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 

Populations and Low-Income Populations, requires consideration of whether a proposed action 

would disproportionately affect minority or low-income groups (59 FR 7629 [1994]). Additionally, 

EO 12898 requires federal agencies to ensure public participation from communities with substantial 

minority or low-income populations. Each federal agency has developed a strategy to address EJ 

with CEQ responsible for oversight and coordination. The EJ evaluation for the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR follows the appropriate guidance and methodologies to examine the potential effects on

minority and low-income groups (e.g., CEQ’s EJ Guidelines under NEPA [December 1997], and the 

USDOT’s Final Order 5610.2(a) on EJ [April 1997 and updated May 2012]).
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An EJ evaluation was prepared for the Program to identify and address potential disproportionate 

effects on EJ populations and to ensure that EJ populations were included in public outreach efforts 

throughout the life of the Program (during and after the NEPA process). 

FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC were also responsible for complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 

1964, which states that “no person in the United States shall on the ground of race, color, or national 

origin be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any 

program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Recipients of federal aid must certify 

non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. 

The EJ evaluation in the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR identified low-income and minority populations in 

the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area. These EJ communities identified within the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR Study Area were included in the public outreach process to ensure that they can participate 

meaningfully in review of the Program. As a general rule, the following principles were adopted to 

support involvement of EJ communities in the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area:

• Documents, notices, and meetings were made concise, understandable, and readily 

accessible to the public

• Informational materials were made available through a variety of outlets

• All public events were scheduled at convenient and accessible locations and times

• Various community leaders and groups were contacted to increase public participation of 

constituent communities

8.1.1 Limited English Proficiency Outreach

Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to 

read, speak, write, or understand English are considered limited English proficient. Limited English 

proficient populations are protected by federal laws concerning language access rights, including 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and EO 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with 

Limited English Proficiency (signed on August 11, 2000). EO 13166 states that limited English 

proficient people should have meaningful access to federally conducted and funded programs and 

activities. EO 13166 requires federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any 

need for services to those with limited English proficiency, and develop and implement a system to 

provide those services so limited English proficient persons can have meaningful access to them. 

Steps were taken by FRA, RCTC, and Caltrans to provide meaningful access to those limited 

English proficient individuals expected to be most regularly encountered by providing, as necessary, 

translation services at public meetings and meeting notifications and materials advertised in English 

and Spanish.
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8.1.2 Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Public meetings were held in locations that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to assure 

that disabled or elderly stakeholders had convenient access to meetings. Sign language interpreters 

were available upon request at formal public meetings and other meetings, as advertised in meeting 

notification materials. Public notices announcing public meetings provided additional instructions for 

requesting other special accommodations. Additionally, this document complies with Section 508

requirements (29 USC Section 794 (d)), which requires federal electronic and information technology 

to be accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.

8.2 Section 106 Consultation

FRA determined its federal action to provide financial assistance for the development of this Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR is an “undertaking,” as defined in Section 106 of the NHPA, and its implementing 

regulations (36 CFR Part 800); however, this planning effort does not have the potential to affect 

historic properties. In making this determination, FRA has no further obligations under Section 

106 with respect to this undertaking (i.e., Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR). The approach followed for 

Section 106 consultation is discussed below and in Section 3.13, Cultural Resources.

8.2.1 National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106

FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC are using a tiered NEPA process (e.g., Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR) to 

complete the environmental review of the Program, pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1508.28 (titled 

“Tiering”) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15168 (titled “Program EIR”) and Section 15170 (titled 

“Joint EIS/EIR”). Tiering is a staged environmental review process applied to complex transportation 

projects. The Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR and the concurrent preparation of the SDP, are the first steps

in this tiered environmental review process. After the completion of the SDP, the proposed broader 

Program scope defining necessary infrastructure improvements will be known.

Once funding is secured for further work, the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR and SDP would be followed by 

Tier 2/Project-level analysis for site-specific infrastructure improvements and station facilities. This 

would be considered the second tier of environmental evaluation because it is based on the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR that outlined the broad Program scope. This future Tier 2/Project-level analysis

would closely align with the future preliminary engineering process and analyze site-specific direct 

and indirect Project-level impacts, in addition to any required permits, consultations, or approvals 

needed for construction. If any Tier 2/Project-level analysis is sponsored by a federal agency, it 

would be subject to all relevant federal environmental laws and regulations, and the Tier 

2/Project-level environmental documents would be led by the sponsoring federal agency. 
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Construction of the proposed rail infrastructure or station facility would not commence until after 

environmental clearance is completed at the Tier 2/Project level.

Similarly, the Section 106 implementing regulations allow agencies to use a phased process to 

comply with Section 106 in coordination with NEPA, per 36 CFR Part 800.8(c)(1)(ii). Section 106 of 

the NHPA (36 CFR Part 800) requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their 

undertakings on historic properties that are listed or meet the eligibility criteria for listing in the 

NRHP. The Section 106 process has a specific public involvement component. In particular, Section 

106 regulations require that the lead federal agency (FRA), in consultation with the SHPO, identify 

appropriate points for seeking public input and notification of the proposed actions associated with 

the Program. The regulations require that the federal agency seek and consider the views of the 

SHPO and the public in a manner that reflects the nature and complexity of the Program and its 

effects on historic properties. 

At this time, FRA is funding the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR planning phase only and has determined the 

planning effort does not have the potential to affect historic properties. However, to inform this 

planning effort and facilitate potential future Section 106 reviews under Tier 2/Project-level analysis, 

FRA initiated consultation under 36 CFR Part 800.3 and conducted a preliminary identification of 

historic properties that included background research/data obtained from records search and other 

sources, such as historical maps; it does not include data collected through archaeological or built 

environment surveys, nor does it include resource evaluations. The study completed in support of 

the Tier1/Program EIS/EIR incorporates pertinent information received through consultation on 

historic properties, including information regarding federal, state, and local agencies and tribes 

consulted and their responses, if any. The following agencies/jurisdictions requested to be consulting 

parties, pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA (Section 3.13, Cultural Resources, of the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR):

• SHPO

• City of Desert Springs 

• City of Indio
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8.2.2 Tribal Consultation

Federal Government-to-Government Section 106 Tribal Consultation

As part of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR scoping process, FRA identified potential consulting parties 

for Section 106, which included federal agencies, state agencies, local agencies, and federally and 

state-recognized Native American tribes that have cultural and traditional affiliation within or near the 

Eastern Section of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Cultural Study Area. 

On October 15, 2019, FRA sent invitation letters to consult with federally recognized tribes regarding 

the Program. On November 5, 2019, an email follow-up was sent by HDR (on behalf of FRA) to 

those mailing recipients whose letters were returned undeliverable. On November 22 and 

26, 2019, additional email follow-ups were sent to all federally recognized tribes who had not yet 

responded to the invitation to consult. On December 20, 2019, a final follow-up email was sent to all 

federally recognized tribes who had not yet responded, using the original October 15, 2019, letter as 

an attachment. For any Native American tribe where an email was either unavailable or 

undeliverable, a follow-up phone call was made and voice mail messages were left regarding the 

Program. The following responses have been received: 

• The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation

requested government-to-government consultation, contact of their office to schedule a 

meeting, area of potential effects shape files (via email), and copies of cultural resource 

documentation generated.

• The La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians of the La Posta Reservation did not request 

to be a consulting party but provided a recommendation (via email) that if there is ground 

disturbance, a native monitor should be on site because “the native people traveled along 

that way so there may [be] artifacts in the area.”

• The Morongo Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer has 

verbally discussed participating in Section 106 consultation with FRA.

• The Pala Band of Mission Indians responded that the Program is not within the boundaries of 

the recognized Pala Indian Reservation and beyond the boundaries of the territory that the 

Pala Band of Mission Indians considers its Traditional Use Area.

• The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians responded that they do not elect to be a consulting 

party on this Tier 1/Program and will wait for Tier 2/Project-level notifications. 

• The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians requested government-to-government consultation, 

scheduling conference calls, scheduling in-person consultation meetings, the presence of a 
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Soboba Native American Monitor during all ground-disturbing activities (including 

archaeological surveys and testing), that procedures regarding repatriation of cultural items

are followed, the appropriate treatment and disposition of human remains, coordination with 

County Coroner’s Office, and non-disclosure of reburial locations. The Soboba Band of 

Luiseno Indians Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer also submitted a letter notifying FRA of 

a potentially eligible Traditional Cultural Property for the NRHP and CRHR. 

A webinar for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation

was held on February 13, 2020. A webinar for the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians was held on 

February 11, 2020. All Section 106 correspondence received to date is located in Appendix H of this 

Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR.

Section 106 Consultation with State-Recognized Tribes 

In response to FRA’s invitations to consult, the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation 

replied on January 16, 2020, with a requested to consult under Section 106. The tribe requested a 

meeting with FRA. On January 23, 2020, HDR reached out to Chairman Andrew Salas on behalf of 

FRA to discuss setting up a meeting. After their discussion, Chairman Salas noted that there was no 

need to meet at this time to further discuss the Program; however, the Gabrieleño Band of Mission 

Indians – Kizh Nation requested to be involved and informed of related Tier 2/Project-level

notifications moving forward.

8.2.3 Assembly Bill 52 Tribal Consultation

In 2014, California governor Jerry Brown signed AB 52, establishing an additional requirement under 

CEQA for consultation with Native American tribes regarding TCRs. AB 52 requires that the CEQA 

lead agency notify any interested Native American tribes of a proposed project only if those tribes 

have requested to be notified regarding the CEQA lead agency’s projects. The CEQA lead agency 

must consult in good faith with participating California Native American tribes prior to the release of 

the EIR. If a project has the potential to affect a TCR, the CEQA document must discuss whether 

there is a significant impact on a TCR and whether there are feasible alternatives or mitigation to 

avoid or substantially lessen impacts on the TCR. Consultation is finished when one of the following 

applies: the parties agree to avoid or mitigate significant impacts on TCRs or the CEQA lead agency, 

acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be 

reached. 
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RCTC notified two Native American tribes regarding the Program. RCTC’s consultation efforts under 

AB 52 are described as follows: 

• Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians Kizh Nation: On October 19, 2016, during the 

scoping phase of the Program, RCTC submitted an invitation to consult under AB 52 to the 

Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians - Kizh Nation. On October 30, 2016, the Gabrielino 

Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians - Kizh Nation replied that they have concerns for cultural 

resources within ancestral territory that fall within the Program, and they would like to consult 

with RCTC. On August 29, 2019, RCTC sent further information to the tribe, including an 

updated Program description and background research conducted regarding known 

archaeological resources within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Cultural Study Area. Since the 

Western Section of the Program, located largely within the Gabrieleño Band of Mission 

Indians - Kizh Nation ancestral territory, did not propose any ground-disturbing activities, 

RCTC asked that the Native American tribe reconfirm their request to consult under AB 

52 for the Program. On September 30, 2019, RCTC followed up with the Gabrieleño Band of 

Mission Indians - Kizh Nation via email, asking that the Native American tribe confirm their 

intentions to consult on the Program prior to October 4, 2019. No response has been 

received from the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians - Kizh Nation for AB 52 consultation. 

• San Manuel Band of Mission Indians: On August 29, 2019, RCTC submitted an invitation 

to consult under AB 52 to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The San Manuel Band of 

Mission Indians replied on September 11, 2019, that while the majority of the Program exists 

outside of Serrano ancestral territory, the tribe did have concerns regarding the portion of the 

Program from Colton to Beaumont and Banning within the Eastern Section of the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR Cultural Study Area. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians noted that 

there are at least two Sacred Lands Files within or adjacent to the Eastern Section of the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR Cultural Study Area in the Loma Linda/Redlands/Colton area that are of 

concern to the Native American tribe; the tribe requested further information to assess their 

level of involvement with the Program. On September 30, 2019, the tribe was sent a copy of 

the Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Resources Technical Memorandum (Appendix H of this Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR) prepared for the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR service-level evaluation for 

review. With the additional information, the Native American tribe noted that they did not 

have concerns with the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, and the Native American tribe will wait until 

Tier 2/Project-level notifications to discuss specific activities that may impact resources of 

concern to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

RCTC has completed AB 52 Tribal consultation for the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation.

Additional AB 52 Tribal consultation will be conducted as part of Tier 2/Project-level analysis. 
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8.3 Outreach Prior to Scoping

RCTC began public outreach for the Program in 2014, prior to the formal initiation of the 

NEPA/CEQA process. The early outreach included multiple Technical Advisory Committee meetings, 

public outreach meetings, and individual meetings with elected officials within the Coachella Valley. 

These early outreach activities are summarized in Table 8-1.
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Table 8-1. Summary of Pre-NEPA/CEQA Public Outreach

Meeting Date Location

Number of 

Attendees Meeting Topic

Technical Advisory Committee Meetings

November 19, 2014 In-person and via webcast at SCAG offices in Riverside, 

Los Angeles and Orange Counties; Coachella Valley 

Association of Governments offices; conference call 

option also provided

31 Project introduction and overview, study vision, 

understanding of partners, FRA process, public 

outreach plan, travel market

February 25, 2015 In-person and via webcast at SCAG offices in Riverside, 

Los Angeles and Orange Counties; Coachella Valley 

Association of Governments offices; conference call 

option also provided

37 Study status update, Draft Purpose and Need, 

concept alternatives, public meeting update

November 4, 2015 In-person and via webcast at SCAG offices in Riverside, 

Los Angeles and Orange Counties; Coachella Valley 

Association of Governments offices; conference call 

option also provided

28 Route alternatives studied, evaluation process, 

coarse level and fine level screening criteria and 

results, discussion of preferred alternative and No

Build Alternative

May 4, 2021 Virtually via Zoom meeting 43 SDP and Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR overview and 

status.
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Meeting Date Location

Number of 

Attendees Meeting Topic

Public Outreach Meetings

February 23, 2015 Banning City Hall 22 Project overview; sought feedback about rail-service 

expansion and Draft Purpose and Need

February 26, 2015 Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Palm 

Desert

75 in-person 

attendees

56 webcast 

attendees98 

additional 

webcast 

views after 

the meeting

Project overview; sought feedback about rail-service 

expansion and Draft Purpose and Need

Online Survey (Southern California Region)

March–July 2015 Online survey 262

responses

Travel patterns, public transit usage, travel barriers, 

and traffic congestion

Elected Officials Briefings (Riverside County)

February–March 2015 One-on-one briefings with Riverside County Elected 

Officials

20

participants

Project overview; sought feedback about rail-service 

expansion and Draft Purpose and Need

Notes:

EIR=environmental impact report; EIS=environmental impact statement; FRA=Federal Railroad Administration; SCAG=Southern California Association of 

Governments; SDP=Service Development Plan
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8.4 Public and Agency Scoping

The scoping process undertaken for the Program was performed in accordance with NEPA; CEQ

regulations implementing NEPA; FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts; 23 USC

Section 139; and CEQA.

During the scoping process, the lead agencies engaged the public (i.e., citizens, elected officials, 

and key stakeholders), as well as local, state, and federal agencies during the early stages of the 

Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The NEPA/CEQA scoping process provides government agencies, public 

and private organizations, and the general public the opportunity to identify environmental issues 

and alternatives for consideration in the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The scoping process and results

are an initial step in the NEPA/CEQA process.

Information developed by the lead agencies, as well as comments received from the public and 

other stakeholders during the scoping process were used to: 

• Refine the Purpose and Need for the Program;

• Provide input on alignments or alternatives that should be considered in the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR; and

• Identify potential environmental effects of the Program to be addressed in the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR.

8.4.1 Notice of Intent, Notice of Preparation, and Public Information 

Materials

FRA published an NOI to prepare an EIS for the Program in the FR on October 11, 2016 (FR 81 

(196), 70257-70260). The NOI serves as the official legal notice that a federal agency is 

commencing preparation of an EIS. As described in the NOI, the formal scoping period ended on 

November 10, 2016.

As required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15082 (14 CCR 15000 et seq.), RCTC issued an NOP on 

October 6, 2016 (State Clearinghouse Number 2016101017). The NOP summarized the Program,

provided information on RCTC’s intention to prepare a joint Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, and requested

comments from interested parties. The formal scoping period for the NOP ended on November 

10, 2016, instead of November 5, 2016 (as indicated in the scoping meeting notices and scoping 

meeting materials), to coincide with the dates in the NOI published in the FR.
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The NOI and NOP provided background information on the Program, presented draft Program

purpose and objectives, addressed the alternatives development process, and provided an initial list 

of environmental resources to be analyzed. The NOI and NOP also announced the public scoping 

meetings (Section 8.4.3) and invited local, state, and federal agencies; the public; and other 

interested parties to submit scoping comments.

8.4.2 Agency and Public Outreach

A number of agencies were contacted on release of the NOI and NOP. Table 8-2 identifies the 

agencies that responded to the NOI and NOP. 

Table 8-2. Agency Points of Contact

Agency Point of Contact Title

California Department of Transportation

(Caltrans), District 8

Mark Roberts Office Chief, Intergovernmental Review, 

Community, and Regional Planning

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

(CDFW)

Leslie MacNair Regional Manager

City of Coachella Steven Hernandez Mayor

City of Indio Mariano Aguirre Director of Housing and Development

City of Palm Desert Ryan Stendell Director of Community Development 

Los Angeles County Metropolitan 

Transportation Authority (Metro)

Elizabeth Carvajal Senior Manager, Transportation Planning

National Park Service Jill Jensen Cultural Resource Specialist

Southern California Association of 

Governments (SCAG)

Ping Chang Acting Manager, Compliance and 

Performance Monitoring

South Coast Air Quality Management 

District (SCAQMD)

Jillian Wong Planning and Rules Manager

Southern California Regional Rail 

Authority (SCRRA/Metrolink)

Ron Mathieu Senior Public Project Specialist

United Stated Environmental Protection 

Agency (U.S. EPA), Region IX

Clifton Meek Environmental Review Section
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Agency Point of Contact Title

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

(USFWS)

Kennon Corey Assistant Field Supervisor

Along with the agencies, members of the public, including citizens, elected officials, and other key 

stakeholders (i.e., community associations, local institutions, and Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR-adjacent 

property owners), participated in the NEPA and CEQA scoping process. Consultation with these 

parties continued throughout the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR environmental process at various 

milestones. In addition to the publication of the NOI and NOP, a range of outreach methods and 

activities outlined below were implemented to engage the members of the public.

Website

The NOI/NOP, press release, and information related to public scoping meeting locations and times 

were made available to the public on RCTC’s website for the Program: 

https://www.rctc.org/projects/coachella-valley-san-gorgonio-pass-corridor-rail-corridor-service-project/.

Social Media

On October 7, October 10, and October 11, 2016, RCTC’s Twitter and Facebook accounts included 

posts with information for the public scoping meeting dates and times and a link to the Program

website (Appendix A of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR). RCTC has approximately 900 Twitter followers 

and 8,000 Facebook followers. Posts were made to inform the public on how to submit comments. A 

link to the Program fact sheet was made available via RCTC’s Facebook account. RCTC’s 

Facebook and Twitter accounts can be found at www.facebook.com/cvrailproject and @therctc, 

respectively. RCTC also established a separate Program-specific Facebook account that has 

approximately 694 followers. RCTC posted public scoping meeting dates and times, as well as 

boosted the posts to reach a wider audience in areas surrounding the public scoping meeting 

locations. The Coachella Valley Rail Program Facebook account can be found at 

www.facebook.com/cvrailproject.

Mailing List

In addition to the release of the NOP and NOI, notifications were sent via email and postal mail to 

approximately 570 persons on the public outreach distribution list. As identified in the Agency and 

Public Coordination Plan, the distribution list was developed by taking into account early outreach 

efforts, such as the Technical Advisory Committee meetings, public outreach meetings, and 

stakeholders within the Coachella Valley area and along the Program Corridor. The distribution list 

included elected officials, stakeholders, community groups, and members of the public with an 
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interest in the Program. The distribution list was updated and expanded as needed throughout the 

duration of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, with updated versions provided to the team at periodic 

intervals. An additional 23 certified mailings containing the NOP were sent to federal, state, and local 

agencies and organizations with an interest in the Program. Notifications also included a description 

of the Program, the NEPA/CEQA process, and instructions for submitting public comments or 

requesting special accommodations.

Newspaper Advertisements and Press Releases

RCTC advertised the public scoping meetings and comment period in the following newspapers: 

• The Press-Enterprise published on October 6, 2016 – circulation in Riverside and San 

Bernardino Counties

• Los Angeles Times published on October 6, 2016 – circulation in Southern California

• The Desert Sun published on October 6, 2016 – circulation in Coachella Valley

• La Opinion (Spanish) published on October 6, 2016 – circulation in Southern California

• El Informador del Valle (Spanish) published on October 6, 2016 – circulation in Coachella 

Valley

• La Prensa (Spanish) published on October 7, 2016 – circulation in Riverside, San Bernardino 

and East Los Angeles Counties

• Excelsior (Spanish) published on October 7, 2016 – circulation in Orange County

• La Prensa Hispana (Spanish) published on October 7, 2016 – circulation in Coachella Valley, 

eastern portion of Riverside County, eastern portion of San Bernardino County, and Imperial 

County

The advertisements invited the public to attend the public scoping meetings, provided information 

regarding the meeting times and places, the meeting format, the 30-day public scoping period, the 

publication of the NOI and NOP, Program website address, and instructions for submitting public 

comments or requesting special accommodations. 

Additionally, RCTC issued an electronic press release on October 11, 2016 inviting the public to 

attend the public scoping meeting, providing meeting times and places, information regarding the 

public scoping period, and instructions for submitting public comments or requesting special 

accommodations. SCAG and the City of Indio also posted the press release on their respective 

websites. The NOP and an associated press release were also made available to the public on 

RCTC’s website for the Program: www.rctc.org/coachella.
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8.4.3 Public Scoping Meetings

During the NOI/NOP comment period, FRA and RCTC conducted three public scoping meetings as 

summarized in Table 8-3.

Table 8-3. Public Scoping Meetings

Meeting Date Location Time

Number of 

Attendees

October 12, 2016 Springbrook Clubhouse at Reid Park

1101 North Orange Street

Riverside, California 92501

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 8

October 13, 2016 Indio Senior Center 

45700 Aladdin Street

Indio, California 92201

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 17

October 17, 2016 Metro Headquarters 

1 Gateway Plaza

Los Angeles California 90012

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 14

The public scoping meetings helped to notify stakeholders about the public comment period for

the CEQA NOP (October 6, 2016 through November 10, 2016) and the NEPA NOI (October 11, 

2016 through November 10, 2016). The primary goals for the public scoping meetings were to: 

• Educate the public on the need for the Program;

• Share the history of the Program and how the Program has evolved;

• Outline the Program benefits;

• Highlight the Program elements;

• Present the Program timeline;

• Explain next steps; and

• Gather public comments per the requirements of CEQA and NEPA.

The public scoping meetings provided the public and government agencies the opportunity to 

receive information on the NEPA/CEQA process, the Program, and how to provide comments. 

Approximately 39 persons total attended the public scoping meetings in Los Angeles, Indio, and 

Riverside, including representatives from local and state agencies, organizations, and private 

citizens. 
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Copies of the NOI and NOP were available at the sign-in tables. To ensure that the multilingual 

needs of the community were met, the Program fact sheet was available in Spanish. In addition, 

team staff members were available to interpret the presentation in Spanish. Program fact sheets and 

comment cards were provided as handouts at the public scoping meetings.

Prior to and after the presentation, attendees were encouraged to visit the various stations, view the 

display boards, meet with the team, ask questions, and provide comments. Robert Yates, 

Multimodal Services Director for RCTC, gave the presentation with assistance from J.D. Douglas, 

project manager for HDR. Lyle Leitelt was also in attendance to represent FRA and answered 

questions from stakeholders.

Attendees were also encouraged to submit comments by mail: electronically to the Program email 

address or as written comments submitted at the meeting. Several attendees submitted written 

comments at the public scoping meeting using forms made available.

8.4.4 Agency and Public Scoping Comments

Federal, state, and local agencies; private and public organizations; and the general public provided 

written comments during the public scoping period. The comment period for the NOP and

NOI ended November 10, 2016. In total, 36 submissions were received: 13 from federal, state, and 

local agencies; 23 from individuals of the public and other organizations, and 1 from a railroad 

stakeholder. Eight comments offered general support for the Program, of which five comments 

requested that the Program be expedited to allow for alternative modes of transportation in the 

Coachella Valley. One comment was supportive of the Program because it could reduce carbon 

emissions and bring safety benefits to the Coachella Valley during festival season. These comments

are incorporated into the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The total number of scoping comment 

submissions are summarized in Table 8-4.

Table 8-4. Total Number of Public Scoping Comment Submissions

Number Received Source

13 Agency Submissions

1 Public comment cards from agencies

12 Letters and emails from agencies

23 Public Submissions

17 Emails submitted via CoachellaValleyRail@ArellanoAssociates.com

3 Letters mailed to FRA and RCTC
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Number Received Source

3 Coachella Valley Rail Project comment forms

1 Railroad Stakeholder Submissions

1 Letters from railroad stakeholders

Notes:

FRA=Federal Railroad Administration; RCTC=Riverside County Transportation Commission

Comments submitted during the public scoping process were taken into consideration by 

FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC throughout the development of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, 

including the public and agency involvement process, Purpose and Need statement, alternatives 

development, and environmental resources evaluation. Comments generally focused on the 

following topics:

• Program termini

• Station locations and station area development

• Service frequency

• Program alignments and alternatives

• Transit network connectivity

• Public engagement opportunities

• Property acquisition/ROW

• Mitigation of environmental impacts

• Freight interference
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8.5 Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR

8.5.1 Outreach, Involvement, and Communications

Public outreach during the development of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR includes the following 

methods:

• Website – The Program website includes an overview, Public Involvement Information, and 

when available, related studies and resources, including an electronic version of the Draft 

Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The website was updated with information on the Program 

alternatives, environmental review, and current and previous Program documentation and 

provided a link to allow people to sign up for the mailing list and submit comments 

electronically. 

• Mailing List – RCTC developed an electronic and traditional mailing list of elected officials, 

public agency contacts, property owners adjacent to the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area, 

stakeholders, and community groups, and members of the public with an interest in the

Program. The mailing list was used to distribute meeting announcements and information 

about the Program. Where email addresses were available, announcements including 

Program information and public involvement opportunities were distributed electronically. 

• Local Government and Stakeholder Briefings – Upon request or at key milestones, the 

lead agencies briefed local government entities and stakeholders to provide information, 

answer questions, and receive feedback.

• Social Media Messaging – RCTC’s Twitter and Facebook accounts will include posts with 

information for the public meeting dates and times and a link to the Program website 

approaching the release of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR for public review. Posts will also 

be made to inform the public on how to submit comments on the Draft Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR. 

8.5.2 Agency Meetings and Consultation

A Technical Advisory Committee was convened consisting of technical staff representatives from the 

lead and participating agencies and other stakeholders. There have been seven Technical Advisory 

Committee meetings conducted since 2015, focused on specific technical topics, such as rail 

operations, conceptual alternatives development, NEPA/CEQA requirements, historic properties and 

Section 106, water resources, potential mitigation strategies, and advance permitting requirements. 
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8.6 Publication and Review of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR

8.6.1 Notification and Circulation of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR

The NOA of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR will be published in the FR on May 21, 2021. The 

Notice of Completion (NOC) for the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR will be filed with the Los Angeles

County Clerk’s Office, Orange County Clerk’s Office, San Bernardino County Clerk’s Office, 

Riverside County Clerk’s Office, State Clearinghouse, and sent to the mailing list. The NOC will also 

be distributed via an email blast, RCTC’s Home Page, and the following newspapers:

• The Desert Sun

• The Press-Enterprise

• Los Angeles Times

• Excelsior (Spanish)

• El Informador del Valle (Spanish)

Copies of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, including the NOC, will be mailed to each of the NEPA 

participating agencies (which also included responsible agencies as defined by CEQA). The public 

review period for the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR extends for 45 days from May 21, 2021 to

July 6, 2021.

Repository Locations

Requests for hard copies of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR with technical appendices may be 

sent to: 

Riverside County Transportation Commission

Sheldon Peterson, Rail Manager

P.O. Box 12008

Riverside, California 92502-2208

or via email to cvrail@rctc.org

Hard copies of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Executive Summary and CD copies of the entire 

Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR with accompanying technical appendices will also be available for 

public view at the following locations (subject to library location hours and COVID-19 procedures):
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Los Angeles Union Station/Metro 

Library and Archive

One Gateway Plaza

15th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90012 

(Hard copy of the Draft EIS/EIR 

and appendices available in 

English and hard copy of Executive 

Summary available in English and 

Spanish)

Fullerton Public Library

353 W Commonwealth Avenue

Fullerton, California 92832

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Arlington Library

9556 Magnolia Avenue

Riverside, California 92503

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Riverside County Transportation 

Commission

4080 Lemon Street

Riverside, California 92501 

(Hard copy of the Draft EIS/EIR 

and appendices available in 

English and hard copy of Executive 

Summary available in English and 

Spanish)

Colton Public Library

656 N 9th Street

Colton, California 92324

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Loma Linda Branch Library

25581 Barton Road

Loma Linda, California 92354

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

A.K. Smiley Public Library

125 W. Vine Street

Redlands, California 92373

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Beaumont Library

125 E. Eighth Street

Beaumont, California 92223

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Banning Public Library

21 W. Nicolet Street

Banning, California 92220

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Palm Springs Public Library 

300 S. Sunrise Way

Palm Springs, California 92262

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Riverside County 

Indio Branch Library

200 Civic Center Mall

Indio, California 92201

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

Riverside County 

Coachella Branch Library

1500 6th Street

Coachella, California 92236

(Hard copy of Executive Summary 

available in English and Spanish)

In addition, the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR will be available for review on RCTC’s website 

(http://rctc.org/projects/coachella-valley-san-gorgonio-pass-corridor-rail-corridor-service-project/) and 

FRA’s website

(https://railroads.dot.gov/environment/environmental-reviews/coachella-valley-san-gorgonio-pass-cor

ridor-investment-plan), beginning May 21, 2021.
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8.6.2 Providing Comments on the Tier 1/Program Draft EIS/EIR

Written comments on the content of the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR should be submitted no later 

than July 6, 2021. The document can be viewed at the websites noted above and 

https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FRA-2021-0048. Comments can be shared directly with FRA by 

visiting the regulations.gov link (above) or by searching regulations.gov for Docket Number 

(FRA-2021-0048). All electronic comments should be submitted via regulations.gov. 

Written comments should be sent via U.S. mail to:

Federal Railroad Administration

Amanda Ciampolillo, Environmental Protection Specialist

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20590

Comments should include “Coachella Valley – San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service 

Program – Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Comments” in the subject line and the name of a contact 

person in your organization, if applicable.

8.6.3 Public Information Meetings and Hearings 

The purpose of the public hearings is to explain the Program and the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR 

evaluation. FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC have scheduled two public hearings as an important 

component of the NEPA and CEQA process. The virtual public hearings for the Program are 

scheduled as follows: 

June 22, 2021, 06:00 p.m.

June 26, 2021, 09:00 a.m. 

The format of the public hearing will consist of a Program overview. Following presentation of the 

Program, meeting attendees will be able to virtually participate and are encouraged to provide 

questions and comments on the Program. Comments on the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR from the 

public during the public hearing may be submitted virtually via court reporter. Spanish language 

translators will be present during the public hearings. People requesting Americans with Disabilities 

Act accommodations or additional translator services are encouraged to contact RCTC at 

(909) 627-2974 at least 72 hours in advance of the meetings.
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