Alameda Corridor Panel Changes Approved
Los Angeles and Long Beach late Tuesday agreed to fundamental structural changes in the panel that controls the planned $1.9-billion Alameda Corridor rail cargo project, removing representatives from small cities along the route from the decision-making process.
The two city councils and the two port commissions have approved a new structure that cuts the governing board of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority from 15 to seven--three from each city and one representative from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is to supply $350 million for construction.
Cities along the route, including South Gate, Compton and Vernon, had sued to win more power to help offset disruptions to their cities and school districts, but an appeals court threw out their claim. They are still hoping to win a decision from the California Supreme Court. Officials from Los Angeles and Long Beach acknowledged that the dispute may still slow construction of the long-delayed project, which is slated to open in 2001.
“It’s not over,” said Long Beach councilman Jeff Kellogg, one of the city’s representatives to the authority board.
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