fu ete Tones Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce PACE Meco ae-MS CML eo CRS CCE M Cina (661) 702-6977 * (661) 702-6980 May 17, 2016 Receive The Plan Metro, MAY 2 0 2016 One Gateway Plaza Mail Stop: 99-13-1 Office of the CEO Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952 Re: Comments on Funding for Metrolink and Arterial Roads in SCV/North County Dear Metro Board Members and Staff: In June, 2025, a letter was sent to then-Metro Board Chairman Eric Garcetti, describing and prioritizing the needs of the greater Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), containing the third most populous city in Los Angeles County. It was signed by the Mayor of the City of Santa Clarita and the chief executives of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, the SCV Economic Development Corporation, the Valley Industry ‘Association of Santa Clarita and the Golden State Gateway Coalition. We asked that Metro's plan achieve the following: 1. Expedite and complete Interstate 5 capacity enhancements through the Santa Clarita Valley ‘and beyond; 2. Expand Antelope Valley Line Metrolink service, infrastructure and frequency, to improve ‘mobility and connect job centers, and establish a Vista Canyon Transit Center in Santa Clarita; and 3. Design, fund and build a multi-modal High Desert Corridor project, including planned improvements to the existing SR 138. Now, Metro has developed a draft expenditure plan that describes how the proposed extension of the Measure R program, plus new revenues from a proposed % cent sales tax increase, would be invested in new L.A. County transportation infrastructure and operating systems to meet current and future needs. Based on our review and analysis of the plan, we believe that Metro Board and staff have been responsive to our stated needs. We appreciate the time, care and effort expended by Metro in this innovative undertaking and appreciate the inclusion of much of what we need, and asked for, in the draft plan. TSYEARS, & ASCREDITEDHowever, there are two areas within the Proposed Ballot Measure that generate concern: ‘The first area relates to the groundbreaking start dates outlined in Attachment A of the Initial Ballot Measure Expenditure Plan, as considered by the Metro Board of Directors at their meeting of March 24, 2016. On Lines 71 and 77 of the Multi-Year Sub-regional Programs, relating to Arterials in the North ‘County Sub-region and the Highway Efficiency Program, the plan identifies a Groundbreaking Start Date ‘of 2048 with an Expected Completion Date of 2057. There are many roadway transportation needs within the Santa Clarita Valley and throughout the North County that cannot wait 30 years to be addressed. A more equitabl ,e to schedule the funds so Id be available on a iodic basis over the entire. lifetime of the measure, not just in ten’ ‘The second area relates to the Regional Rail (Metrolink) funding commitment over the life of the proposed measure. Unlike many areas of Los Angeles County, the North County's sole rail alternative is Metrolink. While we are appreciative of the Metro Board's commitment to increasing Metrolink’s ‘overall funding through the new measure, prioritizing the Antelope Valley Line, and opening new competitive funding opportunities, we remain concerned over a lack of guaranteed funding during the period of 2040-2057. The current proposal reduces Metrolink’s secure funding in 2039 by 50% and places a 1% cap on increasing funding for the 2040-2057 time period. As the third most heavily patronized line within the Metrolink system, the Antelope Valley line provides a critical transportation option for North County residents. The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to recommend that the ballot measure proposal be modified to permit the Metro Board of Directors in 2039 to increase Metrolink’s funding by at least 1%, Furthermore, if at that time an increased level of funding is warranted, based upon verifiable service improvements and needs, the Board would have the flexibility to provide an enhanced funding level. This guaranteed minimum level of funding, equal to the levels, enjoyed during the first portion of the Proposed Ballot Measure’s implementation will enable Metrolink ‘to engage in long-term planning without fear of needing to make drastic service reductions during the latter portion of the new measure's life. ‘Again, thank you for proposing a plan that is inclusive of the current and future transportation needs of ‘our growing Santa Clarita Valley and North County. ~t ) | Curtis WO6ds, Chairman C: Hon. M. Antonovich, Hon. Ara Najarian P. Washington S. Wiggins