Senate clears 'Subway to Sea'

L.A. officials announced that the Senate has finally approved the repeal on Wilshire Boulevard subway tunneling. This is a tiny step in the long-shot bid for a $5 billion "Subway to the Sea." Release from the city:

By an overwhelming vote of 88-7, the U.S. Senate today approved its version of the FY08 Transportation Appropriations bill. The $104.6 billion spending package includes language that repeals the longstanding federal ban on subway tunneling along the Wilshire Corridor. The provision, which was inserted by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, is identical to that which was also included in the House Transportation Appropriations bill. In addition, the Senate spending measure includes $70 million in New Starts funds for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension.

Comments

[Bill Gordon]

It would be amazing if they could build a connector up Fairfax with stops at 3rd, Santa Monica and Sunset!

[Ryan]

Now let's build it. We need the political will to get this started. But this isn't just about poiltics. It is about changing the social mindset. Angelenos need to realize that taking public transit does not degrade quality of life, but actually improves it. It may cost a lot initially, but the longterm benefits will certainly outweigh any initial expenditures.

[Jeremy R]

Alright. 20 years too late, and over 200 billion lost in economic development, but better late than never. Build this thing. Bring back our internationl inverstors, and lets get LA up off the ground.

[Dan W.]

Oops, that should have read "between Red and Purple Lines".

The "Pink Line" is what is informally referred to as the West Hollywood connector into the system, probably at least partially down clogged Santa Monica Blvd.

But it's great news. I'm envisioning a stop right at Constellation and Avenue of the Stars. Even though I don't live and work in Century City, I'm still envisioning it.

[Dan W.]

Yay!!! That's great news.

Now build that sucker, and make sure it goes to/through Century City and UCLA, not just down Wilshire. And don't forget a connector through West Hollywood between the Red and Pink Lines.

This is exciting.

Now I may finally forgive Waxman if he actually leads the fight for some money to build it.