Senator Portantino Introduces Legislation to Create New Gold Line Construction Authority to Facility Line’s Completion to Ontario Airport
Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) has introduced SB 1390 which will create the Montclair to Ontario Airport Construction Authority. This construction authority will award and oversee all design and construction contracts for completion of an extension of the Metro Gold Line light rail project from the City of Montclair to the Ontario International Airport.
“I am happy to be introducing SB 1390 to help connect the Ontario International Airport to more people in the great 25th Senate District. Access to transportation is necessary for our communities to thrive and I will continue to help where I can. I am additionally proud to be introducing this bill as it is a local bill that will directly improve the lives of the residents of the San Gabriel Valley. Connecting the Gold Line to the Ontario Airport has long been a goal and empowering the communities in San Bernardino to oversee the effort seems like a good way to do it,” commented Senator Portantino.
The Ontario International Airport has seen large increases in passenger volume in recent years and the region must keep up with this fact. By extending the Gold Line to the City of Montclair, this legislation does exactly that. The extension of the Gold Line to a larger population will be greatly beneficial to the community. Increasing access to public transit helps create a more equitable public transportation system. SB 1390 will directly help everyone in the area, but in particular it will benefit those who might struggle to afford parking at the airport or are using an expensive Taxi or ride sharing service. Increasing access to public transportation networks also reduces the amount of cars on the road for everyone in the region and is beneficial for the environment.
“We are honored that the bill is modeled after the legislation that created the Construction Authority more than 20 years ago. It is a tribute to the leadership of elected officials that allowed the Construction Authority to be successful, building the first two segments of the project on time and on budget; we applaud Senator Portantino’s initiative. Ultimately, it is a model that continues to work. The Construction Authority is readying the third project segment for major construction starting this summer, as we continue to seek the remaining funding needed to complete the project to Montclair,” added Habib F. Balian, CEO, Foothill Gold Line.
