Stalled work on California Gold Line may need federal funds to get going again

LA Metro wants billions of state surplus for light-rail projects.

Steve Hymon/LACMTA

The Gold Line extension in California was paired with the wrong partner, so Washington was called in to see if more officials could work together to get it done.

A week ago California lawmakers defeated a state funding bill that would have supplied a 3.3-mile extension, which would connect Pomona to Montclair, with some needed cash. The L Line funding, however, was tied in with money for high-speed rail construction, which is probably why the bill was turned down. A 9-mile leg from Azusa to Pomona is currently under construction and is 36% complete. Work has been stalled on the Pomona to Montclair segment.

Rep. David Price (D-N.C.), who is chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee and also is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was touring the extension route on Sept. 14 with Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona). Both Price and Torres believe money from the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that was passed by the Senate weeks ago would help the Gold Line Extension.

The Pomona to Montclair extension, which may not open for two years after the original finish date of 2028, will cost $540 million, and the cost of the full extension sits at $2.16 billion, which is $500 million over budget.

Local officials are expected to approach the state for funding next year.

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