LA legislator advocates for equitable funding between LA transit agencies and high-speed rail projects
Senator Henry Stern Calls for Increased Funding for Southern California Transit Agencies
Senator Henry Stern (D) has announced a plan to seek a larger amount of state loans for transit agencies in Ventura and western Los Angeles counties. This call for funding comes in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to guarantee $1 billion annually for the high-speed rail project.
The proposed funding for the high-speed rail project will come from the state's trading program for greenhouse gases. Stern has expressed concern about the region's transit agencies not receiving a fair share of state transportation dollars. He believes that these agencies, which include Metro and Metrolink, are in the middle of critical capital projects and have major ridership potential.
Stern has been vocal about Southern California's eagerness to receive its fair share of state funding. He wants to ensure that the region's transit agencies are not at the back of the line for state transportation funding. In fact, he suggests that the region's transit agencies should receive $1 billion in ongoing funding.
The funding request is part of Newsom's spending plan. Stern does not oppose funding high-speed rail with cap-and-trade auction revenues. However, he believes that the state should also prioritise funding for local transit agencies that serve millions of people daily.
Stern's plan to seek a larger amount of state loans for Southern California transit agencies was announced in early 2024. The call for funding is specific to projects in Ventura and western Los Angeles counties, which are expected to significantly benefit from the additional funding.
The transit projects in question are crucial for the region's future transportation needs. With the increased funding, these projects are expected to move forward more quickly, providing much-needed improvements to the region's transportation infrastructure.
In conclusion, Senator Henry Stern's call for increased funding for Southern California transit agencies is a significant step towards ensuring that the region's transit agencies receive the funding they need to complete critical capital projects and serve the millions of people who rely on them daily. The funding request is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's spending plan, and if approved, it will provide a much-needed boost to the region's transportation infrastructure.
