Motorists and others frustrated by multiple closures of Indian Canyon at the wash each year are being invited to be part of the solution, but they need to step up soon.
Driving the news: The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) hopes to land $50 million in state grant funds in order to help fund a pair of small bridges over problem areas along North Indian Canyon Drive that often flood or close due to sand kicked up during high winds. CVAG representatives have until July 31 to apply for the funds.
Zoom in: As part of the application process, residents impacted by the closures are being asked to complete an online survey. It’s no secret that closures of major arterials into and out of the city cause lengthy delays for emergency vehicles trying to reach area hospitals, so CVAG is especially interested in gathering information from residents who are impacted personally.
- “We need to hear from you,” said Erica Felci, CVAG’s assistant executive director, as she spoke at an Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) meeting earlier this week. “We need to show the state how this impacts you.”
What we know: Traditional bridge projects can span miles and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. So CVAG, a partnership of multiple area governments, hopes to see smaller bridges built closer to the surface that cost only tens of millions. Felci is quick to point out that those plans — detailed in this report back in January — won’t be a permanent solution, but should be easier to complete.
- “This is not going to solve every closure,” she said. “But it’s going to solve many of them for sure.”
Details: Anyone can fill out the survey, but you must complete it before July 5. Those who do will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gas card. The grant award will be announced in early November.
