The following excerpts appeared in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on October 31, 2024. To read the full article (may require subscription), click here.

LA Metro awards full funding to extend light-rail line into San Bernardino County – San Gabriel Valley Tribune

The Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority received $798 million from the LA Metro board on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The money allows the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority to build the line’s extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair, along with $80 million from San Bernardino County. It would become the first extension of an LA Metro train into San Bernardino County. Seen here is an artist rendering of the Montclair A Line Station to be built at the Montclair Transit Center. (image courtesy of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority).

By Steve Scauzillo

October 31, 2024

[excerpts]:

No tricks, only treats were in the bag for future light-rail riders from eastern Los Angeles and western San Bernardino counties on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31 from LA Metro, which awarded $798 million for building a short but historic A (Gold) Line extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair.

For the first time in LA Metro history, the agency funded the construction of a light-rail train line across county lines that will reach the Inland Empire city of Montclair for service that is expected to draw thousands of commuters between the two counties and reduce car trips on the 210,10 and 60 freeways.

“This is great,” began Habib Balian, CEO of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, the agency awarded the grant money for the 3.2-mile project. “This is the biggest moment for a project that can happen. Getting the funding in place that allows us to award a contract.”

…

“The cities all came together. What was not clear was whether the state would step up to the plate,” said Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, a long-time supporter of the line from Pasadena to Pomona, and going into San Bernardino County.

…

What the Montclair connection will do is bring a light-rail line into the Inland Empire, home to 4.7 million people, [Pomona Mayor and Metro Board Member Tim] Sandoval said. “A lot of young families are moving in that direction. So It’s important we have this line,” he said.

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