LA Metro Faces Funding Hurdles for 2028 Olympics

LA Metro’s Olympic Transit Plans Face Federal Funding Uncertainty. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Trump administration’s threats put LA Metro’s Olympic plans at risk. Local officials actively track impacts on rail and bus funding.

LA Metro relies heavily on federal dollars for operations and big projects. The agency builds the Purple Line extension and East San Fernando Valley line with $900 million from Biden.

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Officials diligently evaluate risks to promised federal funding amid shifting priorities. Because no disruptions have hit cash flow yet, optimism persists despite uncertainties.

“We’ve consistently collaborated with Congress and administrations to push our agenda,” Michael Turner, LA Metro’s executive officer, confidently stated. And the agency plans to maintain this approach regardless of changes.

A critical question remains: will Trump’s team approve last year’s $3.2 billion Olympic request? LA Metro urgently needs $2 billion to lease 3,000 buses for 2028.

“We’re proceeding as if full funding is secured for our goals,” County Supervisor Janice Hahn declared. So the agency assumes cooperation will ensure project success.

The Department of Transportation’s memo prioritizes funding for regions with high marriage rates. Hahn interprets this as a subtle threat to redirect funds elsewhere.

“I hope they won’t alter criteria, but we’re cautious about shifts,” Hahn explained. Because of this, LA Metro braces for possible changes in support.

LA Metro Explores State Funding Options

Although Hahn recalls smooth cooperation during Trump’s first term, state needs may grow now. Thus, the agency explores alternatives if policies shift significantly.

Assemblymember Nick Schultz recently proposed a $20 billion transportation bond for 2026 voters. LA Metro strongly backs this bill to secure extra project funds.

“Los Angeles voters have historically supported transit via sales taxes,” Eli Lipmen from Move L.A. noted. But concerns linger about federal impacts on mega-projects.

The Department of Transportation currently scrutinizes California’s high-speed rail, facing review. Secretary Sean Duffy labeled it a “crappy project” with $13 billion spent.

LA Metro Prepares for Tariff and Rail Challenges

Transit experts warn that cutting rail funds could disrupt other state projects. And rising tariffs on steel might inflate infrastructure costs further.

“Tariffs clash with goals to lower costs for Americans and projects,” Rep. Laura Friedman argued. So she champions California’s case as a donor state.

“California contributes far more to the federal pot than it receives,” Friedman emphasized. Thus, she advocates retaining funds for Olympics and recovery efforts.

LA Metro’s ambitious Olympic transit plans hinge on navigating these funding challenges. And with proactive strategies, the agency aims to keep projects on track.

Source: www.latimes.com

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