Brad Mitzelfelt Vice-Chairman, Board of Supervisors CDAWG 2011 High Desert Corridor: The Cornerstone of High Desert Sustainable Communities Strategy

VISION STATEMENT We envision a complete county that capitalizes on the diversity of its people, its geography, and its economy to create a broad range of choices for its residents in how they live, work, and play. We envision a vibrant economy with a skilled workforce that attracts employers who seize the opportunities presented by the county’s unique advantages and provide the jobs that create countywide prosperity. We envision a sustainable system of high‐quality education, community health, public safety, housing, retail, recreation, arts and culture, and infrastructure, in which development complements our natural resources and environment. We envision a model community which is governed in an open and ethical manner, where great ideas are replicated and brought to scale, and all sectors work collaboratively to reach shared goals. From our valleys, across our mountains, and into our deserts, we envision a county that is a destination for visitors and a home for anyone seeking a sense of community and the best life has to offer.

High Desert Corridor (HDC) Vision for High Desert Impacts of AB 32, SB 375 Project Background Partnerships Making the Case for the HDC Highway of the Future

Vision for High Desert Desirable location for business and employees Unique Desert Lifestyle Broad Vistas Variety of housing choices, including low-density, large lots Local jobs, short commutes Access to recreation, amenities, culture

AB 32 Will Impact Local Economy Legislative Analyst’s Office Predicts Job Losses “Trade Exposed, Energy Intensive” industries most vulnerable (mining & manufacturing) Jan. 2010: MDAQMD Board Warns of “Regulatory Train Wreck”

AB 32 Impacts on Mining High Additional Costs Job Losses – Layoffs already due to recession – Plants operating at <50% capacity Potential increase in GHG emissions – Products must come from other states or countries – Fewer regs, longer transport Local Mining – Good for Economy – Good for Environment TXI-Riverside Cement in Oro Grande spent nearly $500 million on state-of-the-art expansion

SB 375 Aims to reduce GHG emissions through land-use planning Least effective emissions reduction strategy Technology will have greatest impact Anti-sprawl measure Targets rural, suburban living Mandates “Sustainable Communities Strategy” as part of Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Draft RTP/SCS to be released in December

Long Commutes 47% of Victor Valley workers commute >1 hour (round-trip) 36% would take 5% to 10% salary cut to reduce commute time Source: Inland Empire Annual Survey

Introducing the HDC The HDC Project proposes to connect Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County through the High Desert area. The new 63-mile, east-west facility would link State Route (SR)-14 in Palmdale with SR-18 in the Town of Apple Valley, components may include: – Freight Corridor – Green Energy Corridor – High Speed Rail – Metrolink Lancaster Palmdale Victorville I-15 US 395 SR-14

Partnerships Metro Caltrans HDC Joint Powers Authority (JPA) SANBAG SCAG Lancaster Palmdale Adelanto Victorville Town of Apple Valley Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino

Making the Case for the HDC Growth: – Population in the Antelope Valley projected to exceed 900,000 by 2035 – Victor Valley population is projected to exceed 650,000 by 2035 Inadequate Roadway Capacity: – SR-138, California Goods Movement Currently carries 15,000 vehicles per day – 10% trucks Projected to exceed 100,000 vehicles per day in 2035 – Regional airports in Palmdale and Victorville – Heavy traffic congestion and lengthy travel times Safety Issues SR-18, SR-14, I-15 are Subject to Closure in an Emergency Population Growth 2011 vs. 2030

Project Goals Economic Development (Jobs, Jobs, Jobs) Increase east-west freight capacity Enhance safety Improve intermodal connections between regional airports, rail and truck High Speed Rail and/or Metrolink Renewable Energy corridor SB 375 land use (Jobs/Housing Balance) Recreational Traffic (Las Vegas, River)

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Study by Economic Planning Systems Inc. projects 43,000 permanent jobs stimulated by HDC 16,200 immediate construction jobs Another 12,000 if High Speed Rail included Connects to, and supports, other regional job machine – SCLA Link with high-tech R&D in Palmdale, SCLA Local jobs = shorter commutes, reduced Vehicle Miles Travelled, SB 375 compliance

Multi-Modal Corridor Trucks (clean diesel, natural gas, biofuels, electric) High Speed Rail Could link California High Speed Rail with Desert Xpress Metrolink Renewable Energy Production/Transmission Utility Corridor

Highway of the Future Energy Self-Sufficient Solar Wind Electrified trains Carbon capture Charging stations Alternative fuel stations Green Truck Stops Laboratory for new technology

Conclusion Now is defining moment for High Desert Future must be determined by High Desert itself AB 32, SB 375 are the law (no matter how we feel about them) High Desert Corridor can be vehicle for compliance Must support local solutions and compliance Need your involvement and support

Thank You