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Obama's budget would fund more light rail in LA
The Red, Purple, Blue and Expo Lines meet at 7th Street/Metro Center Station in Downtown L.A.
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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..
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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.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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