Obama's budget would fund more light rail in LA

President Barack Obama's new budget has $330 million for continued funding of light rail construction around Los Angeles.

If Congress approves, it would funnel $115 million to help build a 1.9-mile segment of light rail called the Regional Connector. It would connect the Gold Line to the Blue Line downtown. Once built, riders could go from Pasadena to Long Beach without transferring to another train.

Parts of the Purple Line subway that will someday connect Downtown L.A. to Westwood are also up for more federal funding. The Purple Line ends now at Wilshire and Western Ave., and construction of the first phase of its westward extension is underway.

The president would send $215 million dollars to build the second segment from Beverly Hills to Century City. That money would also pay for subway stations in Beverly Hills near Wilshire and Rodeo, and in the heart of Century City at Constellation and Avenue of the Stars..

A half-cent sales tax that consumers pay in L-A County also funds that construction.

Of course, Congress would need to approve Obama's budget. The Purple Line is scheduled to be completed in 2035.