Projects to Get California Moving

Southern Californians are understandably eager for new federal funds for local infrastructure projects that may come from President Clinton’s proposed “investment plan.” But freeing up additional state and local funds is also necessary. Several worthy transit projects offer a lesson in point: Federal funds are key to the completion or acceleration of some, but others depend more on shaking loose--or reallocating--funds from Sacramento or City Hall.

In recent years, local agencies have embarked on an ambitious effort to improve regional transit. Wisely, those plans focus on integrating major modes of ground transportation (rail, bus and auto) instead of relying on the building of yet more freeways.

Additional federal funds would significantly accelerate the completion of some projects on this list that are already under way. These projects will generate new construction jobs-- and improve the flow of people and goods and reduce air pollution, both keys to long-term economic growth. Creative state, local and private-sector financing ventures could facilitate other valuable projects. Examples:

--A farsighted proposal to build child care centers at two Metrolink stations--Chatsworth and San Fernando--would do much to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transit by working parents. The centers would be privately operated but constructed with a combination of state, local and possibly federal funds. If approved by the Los Angeles City Council, construction could begin soon.

--A worthy program is already under way to add an HOV or high-occupancy-vehicle lane to virtually every freeway in the region. Eventually more than 300 miles of HOV or “car-pool lanes” will be added in Los Angeles County alone. Some segments are already in use; addition of all the proposed HOV lanes could take 15 years, but more federal funds will significantly speed completion.

--Currently about 55 express bus routes operate in L.A. County. As the network of car-pool and bus lanes expands, so too should the network of express bus routes using those lanes. Again, federal funds could help.

--New federal spending could accelerate the planned Union Station Multimodal Gateway Facility, designed to ease commuter transfers in the region’s growing network of bus and rail routes; and the addition of new stations along existing Metrolink train routes serving San Bernardino and Orange counties. More federal funds directed toward these capital projects could free up state and local funds for other worthy projects that cannot use federal dollars. One example is the electrification of existing bus lines. Funding is already in place for two lines; others could be electrified with reallocated state/local funds. The effort will produce cleaner-running buses and better air quality.