Transportation Plan Gets Council Backing

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to endorse Gov. Gray Davis’ $5.2-billion transportation initiative, saying it would provide funding for important projects throughout the city, including the San Fernando Valley.

Davis’ proposal has already started to draw opposition in the Legislature and among some local agencies.

Los Angeles officials were outvoted last week when the plan was opposed by the regional council of the Southern California Assn. of Governments.

Other cities that belong to the association said the plan favors Los Angeles.

The initiative would boost from $145 million to $245 million the state’s share of a $291-million project to build a high-speed, east-west busway across the Valley. It would also provide money to expand and improve freeways serving the Valley.

“We are fortunate in the San Fernando Valley and in the city as a whole that a great deal of the surplus money in Sacramento is being allocated for very needed transportation projects,” Councilwoman Laura Chick said Tuesday.

The council motion also incorporated support for pending legislation that would have the Metropolitan Transportation Authority conduct a major capital improvement study to evaluate the growth of traffic congestion on the Ventura Freeway.

Chick said she is also asking Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks) for additional funds to improve the Ventura Freeway, and for $1 million to fix the city’s most dangerous intersections, eight of which are in the Valley.

“Our supporting the governor’s transport plan is one more step in getting the funds,” Chick said.