Report From DC: 30/10 On Right Track

Yesterday I wrapped up a three-day Washington DC trip packed with meetings with key officials. In these meetings I asked for two things: first, help us leverage the investment that LA County voters made in passing Measure R by accelerating our 12 transit projects so we can build them in ten years instead of 30; and second, help us rebuild our local economy with support for creating good jobs.

Washington DC is listening and is receptive to our requests.

Whether via a bridge loan, federal loan guarantees, or another federal funding source, the members of Congress showed encouragement and great interest. They understand what 30/10 means for local jobs--166,000 of them--local air quality, and mobility throughout the county.

Just prior to the trip, I met with Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA), Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and labor leaders. In a great kickoff to the week, Congresswoman Harman joined our 30/10 coalition. She said I could share what she wrote:

"I can think of no better job-generating use of federal transit funds than for the expedited build-out of our region's mass transit system. I'm pleased to partner with Mayor Villaraigosa on his 30/10 plan and to have brought my colleague and key Subcommittee Chair Peter DeFazio to the area to see first-hand our innovative and cost-effective approaches to confronting transit and employment challenges."

Los Angeles is lucky to have her support and enthusiasm.

She and I talked specifically about connecting the Green Line light rail to LAX. It's a no-brainer project, but until Measure R passed it had no funding. The two Green Line projects in Measure R will connect the South Bay to the transit network and dramatically improve accessibility to LAX. Our 30/10 proposal will build them much faster.

LAX is a major economic engine. Completing the Bradley West Project (which broke ground on Monday) and connecting the Green Line to the airport are two essential modernizations.

I want to thank all the elected officials who took the time to hear my pitch for 30/10 and to the growing coalition of business, labor, transit, environmental, and health advocates who will help us make 30/10 a reality.

Cross-posted at mayor.lacity.org

 

Follow Antonio Villaraigosa on Twitter: www.twitter.com/villaraigosa

Comments

[Stuyvesant73]

11:25 AM on 02/27/2010

Sad to see the mayor shamelessly shilling for Harman with this obvious awkward plug for a Congresswoman facing a challenge from her left and hence hustling to try to fill that gap in her credibility. As a longterm resident of the city, i don't know of very many non-elected peace-loving individuals who consider themselves "lucky to have [Harman's] support and enthusiasm." Many of us prefer a real Democrat, who favors changing our war economy to a green economy, who has a consistent anti-war record, and is running against Harman in the June 8 primary: Marcy Winograd. winograd4congress.com

[corwin]

09:46 AM on 02/27/2010

I guess I find it unlikely Congress will vote funding for something that only benefits those engaged in the construction and financing such a project. Still, I wa happy to comment, since no one else seems to take it very seriously.