Dear Metro: Fund the Gold Line Foothill Extension

Dear Metro: Fund the Gold Line Foothill Extension « I Will Ride Blog

Dear Metro: Fund the Gold Line Foothill Extension
Posted by Albert

A week from today, on May 28, the Metro Board of Directors will consider the agency’s 2010 budget. We need your help to ensure that the Gold Line Foothill Extension receives its fair share of Measure R funds so we can get the line open to Azusa in 2013. The proposed budget includes less than $127,000 for Foothill Extension, while giving tens of millions of dollars to projects that are still being studied. This level of funding will delay our project by four years.

Fortunately, there is a proposal to add $10 million in funding for Foothill Extension without taking a dime from any other project. Metro’s Budget and Finance Committee has recommended approval of the motion. We need you to attend the Metro board meeting next week so you can personally tell the directors that you support the Foothill Extension and you favor funding the line so the next phase can be built by 2013.

As you know, the Foothill Extension is ready to go, and it is the only rail project that could begin construction within 12 months. That means jobs. By delaying and minimizing Gold Line funding, Metro is losing the ability to get 3.3 million people off the road and onto trains every year past 2013. Metro board members and staff say they are committed to funding the Gold Line, but so far no guarantee has been made as to when the line will be funded.

We need you to join us in demonstrating to Metro that the San Gabriel Valley wants the Foothill Extension Funded Now!

Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Map

A couple of hours of your morning will make an impact in the lives of millions of San Gabriel Valley Residents.

The first 30 people who RSVP will receive a free t-shirt at the board meeting!

We can’t afford to wait! Tell Metro that the Foothill Extension can reduce freeway congestion and pollution and no other local rail project meets the "ready to go" criteria for economic stimulus.

To RSVP, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org/signup.php to sign up.