Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board approved $798 million to fund the final 3.2-mile, two-station construction for the Foothill Gold Line, officials said Thursday.
According to a press release from Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, the Metro Board approved an amendment to continue funding between the two agencies. Now, the amendment goes on to the Construction Authority board for ratification. Once ratified, the final funding will be provided for the line between Pomona and Montclair. Under the terms of the agreement, Metro will use money from a State of California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant to pay for its portion of the program.
“Completing this project is essential to the future of this corridor and to the region,” Construction Authority Board Chair and Claremont City Council Member Ed Reece said. “This project will expand mobility with reliable and sustainable transit, reducing emissions and improving quality of life for all. We sincerely appreciate Metro’s commitment to completing this number one priority project.”
Additionally, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) has dedicated $80 million of state and local funding for the portion of the project in San Bernardino County.
The approved funding amendment agreement outlines the processes needed for Metro to fund the work, collaborate with the Construction Authority, and identify a detailed budget and means for distribution.
“Bringing Metro rail to the residents of the northern San Gabriel Valley has been a priority for Metro for more than two decades,” Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. “Today’s approval allows that vision that so many in these communities have been waiting for to become reality, and I look forward to breaking ground on it next year.”