Researchers present final reports on World Logistics Center settlement-funded studies

UCR researchers presented findings from the Health‑Based Truck Route Assessment for the Cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley, funded by settlement proceeds from the World Logistics Center litigation. The study modeled alternatives such as restricting truck access to routes (examples: Arlington Avenue or Victoria Avenue) in Riverside and designating additional truck routes (examples: Eucalyptus/Redlands Boulevard) in Moreno Valley. The presenters reported that certain scenarios—removing Victoria Avenue from truck access in Riverside and adding Redlands Boulevard as a truck route in Moreno Valley—generated benefits across mobility, emissions reductions and reductions in resident exposure; the Riverside scenario could reduce the number of residents subjected to high levels of exposure by about half according to the study’s metrics.

The Community Translational Research Institute (CITRI) presented final findings on community screenings and youth behavioral health supports that were funded via settlement proceeds. CITRI reported screening several thousand middle and high school students with high participation rates in participating schools, identifying elevated rates of adverse childhood experiences and elevated symptomology for depression and anxiety compared with typical school‑survey baselines. CITRI described referrals to services, co‑location with Haruba Unified School District programs, and development of community‑based behavioral health supports and pilot service contracts.

Both research teams recommended further work and described tools and partnerships to apply the methods regionally. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about methods, participation rates and next steps; presenters said tools are suited to broader application across the Inland Empire.