Funding for Sierra Madre Villa & Chinatown Intermodal Centers and Phase II of Gold Line extension Included in Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Adam Schiff announced today the procurement of federal funds for several Los Angeles-area transportation projects. The projects were included in the 2003 Federal Appropriations bill that passed the House today. The bill included $1.5 million to assist the Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Construction Authority in the construction of the Sierra Madre Villa Intermodal Center on the Pasadena Gold Line Light Rail project, another $1.5 million for the Chinatown Intermodal Center, and $2.9 million for preliminary engineering for Phase II of the Gold Line extension project. Congressman Schiff worked with Representatives David Dreier, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Hilda Solis, Grace Napolitano, Gary Miller and Xavier Becerra to ensure that funding for these worthwhile projects would be included in the 2003 Federal Appropriations Bill. The bill is expected to pass the Senate and be signed by the President in the next few days.
"Traffic congestion and air pollution are serious issues for Los Angeles and, indeed, for all of Southern California," said Congressman Schiff. "I am pleased that the Committee supported these forward-looking projects to help solve our area’s transportation challenges, and I will work hard to ensure these projects and other progressive transportation efforts continue to be supported in Congress."
The Sierra Madre Villa Center will link the San Gabriel Valley with the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport and the five surrounding Southern California counties via the Metro and Metrolink systems. The Center will provide eastern Los Angeles County commuters a low-cost alternative to their commute to downtown Pasadena and Los Angeles, as well as provide easy transfers between numerous modes of travel: MTA, Foothill Transit buses, automobiles and bicycles. The Chinatown Center is located within an Empowerment and Enterprise Zone and will be key to fostering development adjacent to the station.
Phase II of the Gold Line will extend the light rail system between downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena 24 miles east to Claremont, California. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments in cooperation with the LA-Pasadena Light Rail Construction Authority initiated the extension. The Authority is currently completing construction of Phase I of the Gold Line, which is expected to open next summer.
Congressman Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.