Mobility 21 warns of potential job loss, project delays if state budget impasse continues
Mobility 21 issued a statement this week to emphasize the urgency of passing a state budget to keep critical transportation projects moving, eliminate unnecessary taxpayer waste and prevent job loss. At least $2.1 billion ready-to-go transportation projects and at least $9 billion projects under construction will come to a screeching halt if the State Highway Account runs out of cash flow due to the lack of a state budget.
“The lack of a state budget is economically devastating to California’s businesses and residents alike. Beyond the existing crushing unemployment and wasted taxpayer funds, the lack of an operating budget means critical transportation and infrastructure projects are being halted – even local projects without state funding,” said Mobility 21 Board member Lucy Dunn, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council. “The budget delay means contractors don’t get paid for their work; more lay-offs; no economic recovery; and a bleak economic future is guaranteed. Sacramento: get the job done NOW.”
Here’s how you can help today. Call your legislators urging them to pass a state budget immediately to keep construction projects on track and prevent job loss. Visit the Mobility 21 website and enter your zip code at the top of the page to find your representatives.
SUMMIT SPOTLIGHT:
Mobility 21 to honor deserving
transportation dignitaries during Summit
Every year Mobility 21 recognizes individuals whose leadership in transportation has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation community. This year, Mobility 21 will award California Transportation Commissioner Joseph Tavaglione with the Leader of the Year Award and Mayor Art Brown, Congresswoman Diane Watson and former California Transportation Commissioner Larry Zarian with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“This year’s honorees are especially worthy of recognition,” said Mobility 21 Executive Director Marnie Primmer. “We are grateful for their tireless efforts and accomplishments in keeping Southern Californians moving on our buses, freeways, railways and bikeways.”
Register now to join Mobility 21 in congratulating this year’s honorees during an awards ceremony at the Summit luncheon on Friday, Oct. 29 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Mobility 21 honors new transportation leaders
More than 100 transportation professionals and industry leaders from Orange County convened in Irvine at a reception honoring Caltrans Director Cindy McKim and the recently appointed California Transportation Commissioner Fran Inman. Mobility 21 co-hosted the event with the Orange County Business Council’s OCMoves and WTS Orange County.
“We all know that investment in infrastructure is the surest way to create jobs and get California’s economy moving,” said Les Card, Chair of the OCMoves Steering Committee. “The reception was a great way to build stronger relationships between the public and private sectors, and for the region to work together towards common transportation goals.”
Bicyclists to receive valet service at Summit
Mobility 21 is proud to offer participants a full array of transportation options for attending this year’s Summit, including a bike valet service provided by Bikestation.
“Bikestation is excited to provide bike valet service for Mobility 21, said Andrea White-Kjoss, President and CEO of Bikestation. “We are helping make the Summit multimodal by encouraging and enabling conference attendees to bicycle.”
Bikers are encouraged to sign up for the bike valet service using the Summit online registration form.
Jobless in Chicago, New York, Miami?
L.A. Metro just might have the answer
Excerpt from Passenger Transport
With the nation’s jobless rate gridlocked at 9.6 percent, the biggest public works project in history is picking up steam in Los Angeles County – with tremendous implications for unemployment, as well as the transit industry nationwide.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s 30/10 Initiative for financing transportation projects is moving forward faster than a speeding subway. The proposal to complete a dozen major Los Angeles County transportation projects in 10 years instead of 30 is catching on in Washington and across the nation.
“We’re working very hard in Washington,” said Metro Board Chair Don Knabe, “and we really think that 30/10 could provide an impetus nationwide to allow other transit agencies to do other important projects.”
President Obama has referred to it as a template for transit expansion nationally. In a letter to 30/10 supporter Senator Barbara Boxer, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said he shares her belief “that the 30/10 model – leveraging a comprehensive long-range transportation plan and a sustainable local funding stream – has the potential to transform the way we invest in transportation projects across the nation.”
TRANSPORTATION EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Wednesday, Sept. 29
WTS Inland Empire luncheon: High Desert Corridor
more info | register now
Thursday, Sept. 30
WTS San Diego Business Mixer
register now
Oct. 3 – 5
CMAA Southern California: National Conference & Trade Show
more info | register now
Look for WTS San Diego membership booth! volunteer
Wednesday, Oct. 6
CSULB Center for International Trade Transportation: Panama Canal Expansion: The Battle for Jobs and Cargo. Who Wins? Who Loses? Who Decides?
more info | register now
Thursday, Oct. 7
WTS San Diego / ITE Joint Workshop: Bringing Smart Growth and Transportation Together in the San Diego Region
register now
Thursday, Oct. 14
CMAA Southern California: Transportation Night: Capital Program Update
more info | register now
Thursday, Oct. 21
WTS Inland Empire Workshop: Building Partnerships Through Clear and Concise Documents
Friday, Oct. 29
Mobility 21: Ninth Annual Southern California Transportation Summit
more info | register now
Friday, Nov. 5
Inland Empire Economic Partnership: Second Annual Energy Summit
more info | register now
Thursday, Nov. 11
WTS Los Angeles: Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner
more info
Nov. 14-16
Self-Help Counties Coalition: Focus on the Future Conference
more info | register now
Friday, Dec. 3
CMAA Southern California: Breakfast of Champions with OCTA
more info | register now
Thursday, Jan. 20
WTS Inland Empire: Sixth Annual Awards & Scholarship Dinner
more info