Rep. Chu Endorses 30/10 Initiative To Fast-Track L.A. County Transit Improvements

Statement

Today Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) announced support of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LA County MTA's 30/10 Initiative. The 30/10 program will take 12 transportation investment projects approved in the 30-year long-range plan and complete them within the next decade, fundamentally changing transit in Southern California.

"The 30/10 plan is the kind of innovative thinking we need in LA County. We have the worst congestion in the country forcing our residents to spend more time in traffic than anywhere else. County residents voted to approve a sales tax measure in the middle of a recession, because the situation is so bad -- but we need to do more," Rep. Chu said.

"With the 30/10 we can leverage our local dollars with help from the federal government and finally make the largest county in the country one of the best places to get around. I pledge my strong help in Congress to put this plan into action and get LA County Residents out of their cars and onto a brand new transit system."

The 30/10 Plan will boost the region's construction industry by generating 160,000 new jobs, while eliminating $3.4 billion in project construction costs over the long term. Together the 12 projects will reduce vehicle pollution emissions by 568,000 pounds annually, save 10.3 million gallons of gasoline per year and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating 208 million vehicle miles from roadways.

30/10 will be funded by a dynamic Public-Private Partnership with federal Transit Improvement Bonds and proceeds from Measure R- a new countrywide half-cent sales tax expected to generate approximately $35 billion over the next 30 years.

Source