Metro recently released its draft expenditure plan to divide the projected $120,000,000,000+ from a proposed ballot measure for November 2016. This measure, if done right, will help reduce commute times while reducing pollution and connecting people to work and outdoor places to play. Some parts of the plan call for good things like expanding the rail network and operations money to keep public transit affordable.
Unfortunately, the draft plan calls for only 2% of the funds to support regional Active Transportation (biking and walkways) — that’s eight times less than the allocation for highways! In the current draft, there are no funds set aside for improving the networks to allow access to parks and open space — a missed opportunity with the Goldline extending along the San Gabriel foothills, providing a launch point for shuttles into our mountains.
The good news: We still have time to improve the plan. This is just a draft and Metro is taking public comments. Attend the public meetings and take action by writing a comment. We’ll be asking that Metro edit their draft of the plan to put more focus on public transit, active transportation, greenways, river bike paths, railroad and utility corridors, green infrastructure, and regional mitigation plans. Join us! (Can’t make it? See the info below for submitting comments online or by mail.)
Tuesday, April 5th, 2016 , 6–8 pm – 29900 Ladyface Circle, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Thursday, April 7th, 2016, 6–8 pm – 3130 Tyler Ave., El Monte, CA 91731
Monday, April 11th, 2016, 6–8 pm – 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91401
Thursday, April 14th, 2016, 6–8 pm – 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745
Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, 6–8 pm – 38350 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550
Thursday, April 21st, 2016, 6–8 pm – 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Saturday, April 23rd, 2016, 10 am–12 pm – One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016, 6-8 pm – 16401 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
Thursday, April 28th, 2016, 6–8 pm – 915 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
Saturday, April 30th, 2016, 10am–12 pm – online meeting (log on at metro.net/theplan).
Those unable to attend can also send in comments. Email comments to theplan@metro.net or mail them to: The Plan
Metro, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop: 99-13-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952. Online comments can be submitted by form or on Facebook or Twitter.
