A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE METRO GOLD LINE FOOTHILL EXTENSION PROJECT
Meeting Date: March 3, 2009
Section: Consent Calendar
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE METRO GOLD LINE FOOTHILL EXTENSION PROJECT |
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution supporting the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Project.
COUNCIL GOALS: Develop Strategies And Take Actions To Minimize The Negative Impacts Of The Global Financial Downturn On Ontario’s Economy And The City’s Fiscal Health Invest In The Growth And Evolution Of The City’s Economy Pursue City’s Goals And Objectives By Working With Other Governmental Agencies
FISCAL IMPACT: The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Project is anticipated to create over 37,000 jobs during construction, 3,500 permanent jobs during the first 20 years of operation and more than 500,000 construction-related jobs to build transit-oriented developments – generating an estimated $40 billion in economic benefits throughout the region.
BACKGROUND: The Foothill Extension Project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and expand public transit options by adding light rail stations from Arcadia to Montclair. A feasibility study was recently conducted to evaluate extending the line further to the Los Angeles/Ontario International Airport. As such, the project is of critical importance to Ontario and its residents. The Foothill Extension is ready to be built – having its environment documents approved, right of way purchased, engineering and design at the stage necessary for design/build procurement and all cities along the corridor have signed agreements to move forward. On an expedited schedule, the Foothill Extension can be operational in 2013, adding more than 3.3 million passengers annually to the Metro system. However, the Metro Board’s draft 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) currently includes funding for the project at the latest point necessary to meet commitments made under Los Angeles County Measure R, resulting in an unnecessary four year delay in the project—or a loss of more than 13 million rides on the system.
The Metro Board can amend the draft 2009 LRTP to expedite funding for the Foothill Extension Project at the level necessary to begin construction in 2010 and approve a Fund Transfer Agreement allowing the transfer of funds to the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. These actions would avert the potential four year delay in construction.
STAFF MEMBER PRESENTING: Gregory C. Devereaux, City Manager
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