Residents Invited to Weigh In on Regional Transportation Plan

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The Southern California Association of Governmentsannounced today the start of a monthlong public comment period on two regionaltransportation planning documents outlining nearly $48.5 billion in proposedtransportation investments across six Southern California counties. The public comment period runs through Aug. 4 for the draft 2027Federal Transportation Improvement Program and Connect SoCal 2024 DraftAmendment 2, which together identify transportation projects and long-rangeplanning priorities for Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, SanBernardino and Ventura counties, according to SCAG. ``Public input is an important part of this process,'' SCAG said in astatement. ``Feedback from community members, stakeholders, and organizationsensure(s) that transportation investments reflect local needs and prioritiesand improve the quality of life across Southern California.'' The draft transportation improvement program includes approximately1,836 projects involving highways, public transit, bicycle and pedestrianimprovements, safety upgrades and other transportation investments intended toreduce congestion, improve mobility and expand travel options throughout theregion. Connect SoCal, the region's long-range transportation plan, is beingupdated to reflect changes in project costs, funding and construction schedulesso projects can continue moving forward, according to SCAG. The documents can be found at andhttps://scag.ca.gov/connect-SoCal-2024. SCAG will host virtual public hearings at 6 p.m. July 21 and 10 a.m.July 28. Residents can register at scag.ca.gov/connectsocal-zoom. The meetingswill present the same information and provide opportunities for public comment. After the public comment period closes, SCAG officials will review thefeedback, make any appropriate revisions and present the final plans forconsideration and adoption, officials said. More information can be found at Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc. For more Coachella Valley News visit NBCPalmSprings.com