Comment period closing on 2.85 million-square-foot tribal industrial project in north Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Public comments close today on a major proposal from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to build a 2.85 million-square-foot industrial complex on tribal land at the north entrance to Palm Springs. The development, called the Desert Mountain View Business Park, spans roughly 217 acres between Interstate 10, Highway 111 and Tipton Road.

The tribe released its Draft Tribal Environmental Impact Statement earlier this fall, outlining the potential impacts of constructing four concrete tilt-up industrial buildings, along with truck and vehicle parking, internal roadways, stormwater systems and utility upgrades. The tribe is the lead agency under its Tribal Environmental Policy Act.

The development on open tribal land just west of Tipton Road, directly between Highway 111 and I-10 at the northern gateway to the city.

The Draft TEIS identifies several construction-phase impacts that could be reduced to less than significant with mitigation. But operational air-quality impacts from diesel trucks and vehicle emissions would remain significant, even after applying all feasible mitigation measures. Emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides would exceed South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds.

While the land sits inside city limits, the site is sovereign tribal trust land. Palm Springs can submit a conformity report, but does not have authority over whether the project is approved or built.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Mayor of Palm Springs for additional comment, including questions about potential traffic volumes, infrastructure needs and the expected number of jobs.

This story will be updated with additional info as it becomes available.