In FY 2002-2003 the MSRC, under its Local Match Program, provided matching funds for PM10 reduction projects in the Coachella Valley. One of the eligible funding categories was the allocation of up to 11.47% in MSRC matching funds for qualifying Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement(CMAQ) PM10 projects. Under the CMAQ program, the County of Riverside was approved to receive federal funds for improvements to two roads within the Coachella Valley. CMAQ funding provides 88.53% of a project's cost.
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When a vehicle travels on a dirt road, the force of the tires on the dirt road cause pulverization of surface materials thereby increasing PM emissions. Due to the pulverization caused by vehicular traffic on dirt roads such as Old Morango Road and 53rd Avenue, the County determined to pave the roads with asphalt concrete.
To implement the project the County obtained an environmental clearance, performed a preliminary survey, prepared design documents, advertised and awarded the construction contract.
The objective of this project was to reduce PM-10 emissions generated by vehicular traffic on unpaved roads by paving the roads. The County of Riverside received CMAQ funding for two paving projects in the unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley:
Old Morango Road - from Painted Hills Road to approximately 0.4 miles northerly. Old Morango Road is located north of the City of Palm Springs and south of the City of Desert Hot Springs. The unpaved road is 24 feet wide.
53rd Avenue - from Van Buren Street to Calhoun Street, approximately 0.5 miles in length. 53rd Avenue is located east of the City of La Quinta and west of the City of Coachella. The unpaved road is 24 feet wide.
Construction of the roads consist of clearing and grubbing, excavation, paving, signing and striping and other incidental work.
Paving the dirt roads reduces the amount of PM 10 emissions which in turn reduces the amount of health risks and environmental concerns.
Both projects are complete.
Old Morongo Road was a 24 foot wide dirt road. Based on traffic counts in July 2002, the average number of vehicles traveling on this road was 19 per day. Traffic on this road is mainly local traffic consisting of passenger cars and light trucks.
53rd Avenue was a 24 foot wide dirt road. Based on traffic counts in August 2002, the average number of vehicles traveling on this road was 46 per day. Traffic on this road is mainly local traffic consisting of passenger cars and light trucks.