Dreier Promotes Economic Benefits of Gold Line Extension

March 26, 2008

MONROVIA, CA - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), joined community leaders and fellow Members of Congress today in promoting the economic benefits of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension.  Dreier said the Foothill Extension would serve a growing population and support economic development already occurring in the Foothills and Inland Empire.

“The population growth extending from the Foothills through to the Inland Empire is increasing traffic and increasing the need for this extension,” Dreier said.  “There’s a clear need for the Foothill extension and we are working hard to build support for it.  Today’s show of community support demonstrates how committed we are to making it happen.”

A recent study indicated the tremendous need and potential benefits for the region.  The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Transit Oriented Development (TOD) study measured economic development benefits resulting from transit oriented development within a one-half mile radius around each of the Foothill Extension station sites.  The most significant elements of economic development benefits are from private development activity, new household spending, and property taxes.  The economic development estimate measured the potential impact of TOD through the year 2030.

Currently the San Gabriel Valley is home to 784,000 jobs.  Of those 213,000 jobs are located in Foothill Extension cities, and 123,000 of those jobs are located along the corridor within 2 miles of the stations.  By 2035, there will be over 262,000 jobs along the Foothill Extension.  50% of that projected job growth can be accommodated within walking distance of the stations. 

There are over 28,000 students and 3,500 faculty/staff within a half mile radius of Foothill Extension stations including those at Citrus College, University of La Verne, Azusa Pacific University, and the Claremont Colleges. 

Dreier also noted that significant resources have been committed to the Foothill extension.  “Over $2 billion in private investment has already been committed to transit-oriented development projects along the Foothill Extension.  We need to move forward on this important project for the good of the entire Los Angeles region.”