Link: High Speed Rail Authority eyeing San Gabriel Valley cities for a station - SGVTribune.com
High Speed Rail Authority eyeing San Gabriel Valley cities for a station
By Amanda Baumfeld, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/26/2009 04:16:16 PM PST
West Covina is the latest city thrown into a pool of San Gabriel Valley candidates being considered as a location for a proposed high-speed rail station.
The City Council recently penned a letter to the California High-Speed Rail Authority supporting the project along the 10 Freeway corridor and asking to be considered for a station at the Westfield mall.
West Covina joins El Monte, Industry and Pomona as potential station locations in the Valley.
"West Covina wants to be part of the conversation," said Councilwoman Shelley Sanderson. "I think anytime you have something like that, people will stop at the mall, have a cup of coffee, get gas - I do think it helps stimulate the economy."
The proposed high-speed train system would encompass more than 800 miles and provide intercity travel to Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego.
One local city will be able to reap the benefits of a transportation hub in their backyard, according to Genoveva Arellano, outreach manager of Arellano Associates, a consultant for the authority.
"It's mostly economic benefits, construction jobs and permanent jobs which brings a huge advantage for local cities," Arellano said. "The expectation is when you have a lot of people in one location synergy is going to happen."
Because the train is capable of operating at speeds up to 220 mph there will not be
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many stops.
There would only be one station in the San Gabriel Valley. The next closest locations could be Union Station in Los Angeles and possibly the Ontario Airport.
The proposed route is either going to align with the 60 Freeway or the 10 Freeway. Stations in West Covina, El Monte and Pomona are being considered along the 10 Freeway while Industry is being considered along the 60 Freeway, officials said.
"Obviously if you have it in either city it will be beneficial," said Industry Mayor Dave Perez. "A transportation link is very crucial in this area."
Pomona officials agree.
"You'll find the the same benefits across the board," said Mark Gluba, assistant to the city manager. "Positive exposure, increasing visitors to the city and economic development."
The authority expects all the environmental studies to be complete by 2013 and for the rail to begin operation in 2020.
"The majority of times the station area is like airports and it attracts economic development," Arellano said. "It can be a boom for local cities."
amanda.baumfeld@sgvn.com
(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2108
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