Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Location
The Morongo Reservation is in the Banning Pass area of Riverside County, California, between the high peaks and vegetated canyons of the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountain ranges, approximately 15 minutes west of Palm Springs, CA and 90 minutes east of Los Angeles, CA. The Morongo Reservation consists of approximately 35,000 acres to the north and south of Interstate 10, at the Morongo Trail and Malki Road exits. This unique physical and human geography has been paramount in Morongo’s self-reliance.
History of TRMTC Involvement
Morongo Band of Mission Indians joined TRMTC in 2005. Morongo has participated in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conversations and learned the Morongo Indian Reservation is on an approved transportation route for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste, which has deeply troubled Morongo’s Tribal Council.
In keeping with Morongo’s proactive Emergency Management and Environmental Protection programs, we participate in the Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee (TRMTC) and the TRMTC Emergency Management Subcommittee (TEMS), from its formation, to stay updated and be prepared for any potential issues or concerns related to the relocation of these contaminated materials as they pass through the Morongo Indian Reservation.
Relevant Links
Primary TRMTC Contacts
Floyd Velasquez: Emergency Services Administrator, fvelasquez@morongo-nsn.gov, 951-755-5309
David Ellsworth: Emergency Manager, dellsworth@morongo-nsn.gov, 951-755-5277
Jesse Johnson: Emergency Management Coordinator, jjohnson@morongo-nsn.gov, 951-572-6071