Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to provide an additional $1 billion for Los Angeles-area high-priority transportation projects to move people seamlessly in time for the Olympics in 2028 could provide another source of funds for the light-rail line planned to end in Whittier.
This could be good news for the proposed Gold Line extension from East Los Angeles through Commerce, Montebello and Santa Fe Springs, ending at PIH Health in Whittier, according to Whittier Councilman Fernando Dutra, who also represents the southeast area of Los Angele County on the Metro board.
“What this means for Whittier is the likelihood that the Gold Line will be initiated or started before 2028 is better now because of funding from the state,” Dutra said. “For the region, it’s an amazing opportunity that we’ll get that money.”
The Gold Line extension is included in the so-called “28 by ’28” list of transportation projects.
“The whole purpose is to have all of the regional transportation opportunities open by the time people come here in 2028 for the Olympics,” Dutra said.
Newsom’s budget proposes an $11 billion investment in the state’s transportation system, Phillip A. Washington, Metro chief executive officer, said in an emailed statement.
Newsom’s proposal also includes $1 billion in priority rail and transit projects, $2 billion for state highways and local roads and bridges, $1.4 billion for the electrification of buses and trucks, and $500 million in active transportation projects, Washington wrote.
But caveats remain on whether the Gold Line gets the money.
First, the state Legislature still must approve the appropriation and Metro has yet to decide how the money will be split up.
“While it is too early to speculate on which specific projects might benefit from the funding, Metro looks forward to working with the legislature as they now begin their deliberations on the state budget,” Washington said.
Also, the Gold Line still is in environmental study and advanced conceptual engineering work The environmental impact report is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in spring 2022, Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo said in an emailed statement.
The route from East Los Angeles to Whittier initially was one of 47 proposed 14 years ago. That eventually was winnowed down to two and then one about a year ago.
“It goes to show you how the stuff we’ve been working on for the last 14 years has come to fruition,” Dutra said.
