This article was originally posted on the Pasadena Star-News website on October 27, 2011.

Funding shift keeps Gold Line extension project on track
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/27/2011 06:39:53 PM PDT

PASADENA – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved a funding change Thursday to keep the planned Gold Line extension between Pasadena and Azusa on schedule, officials said.

Metro elected to give the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority access to $208 million, more than doubling the original terms of the agreement, Metro spokesman Habib Balian said in a written statement. The Construction Authority previously had access to $103.6 million.

“Having access to the funds allows the Authority to provide (contractor) Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture an Interim Notice to Proceed for the Pasadena to Azusa design and preconstruction work, maintaining our current schedule of construction completion in 2015,” Habib said.

The funding amendment, which was requested by the construction authority, allows preconstruction work to begin while officials work to finalize funding agreements for other aspects of the project, Habib added.

Prices and terms to obtain the needed land for the Gold Line extension have been agreed upon by all but one private property owner, Metro officials said.

“The city of Monrovia has been barred from considering the Authority’s terms of purchase until after the State Supreme Court rules on pending lawsuits surrounding state redevelopment agencies,” Habib said. “A decision is expected in January.”

Meanwhile, construction workers continue working on the foundations of the project’s 210 Freeway bridge.

No closures due to the project were anticipated on the 210 Freeway though November.