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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Federal Funding for Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and Metro Rapid Included in House Omnibus Spending Bill
- Bill Lifts Prohibition on Subway Tunneling
The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval today to a massive omnibus appropriations package that provides funds for the Eastside Extension of the Metro Gold Line as well as other transportation programs, clearing it for the President’s signature.
“The final version of the omnibus spending bill is very good news for Metro,” said Metro Board Chair Pam O’Connor. “It represents a down payment on the larger investments needed to improve mobility for LA County residents.”
The bill approved today includes a provision sponsored by Congressman Henry Waxman that repeals the longstanding federal prohibition on subway tunneling along the Wilshire Corridor. The bill also includes $78.4 million in New Starts funds for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and $16.3 million in Small Starts funds for the Metro Rapid System Gap Closure Project. In addition, the omnibus bill provides $400 million for transit security grants, an increase of 45% over last year’s enacted level.
“The funding provided for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension by congress is another positive step towards the successful completion of this vital transportation project,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Gloria Molina.
President Bush is expected to sign the omnibus appropriations bill into law before the end of the week.
“This year’s successful outcome on Capitol Hill could not have been possible without the hard work and advocacy of the entire Los Angeles County Congressional Delegation, with special appreciation to Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard and Henry Waxman and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer,” said Metro CEO Roger Snoble.
Snoble also noted, “Metro Board Chair Pam O’Connor and the Metro Board members have worked tirelessly together as a team on this very successful advocacy effort. These are important victories for Metro. I am greatly appreciative to Chair O’Connor and the entire Metro Board, for devoting significant time and effort in advocating for Metro’s priorities."