Torres Highlights Studies on Economic Benefits of Gold Line, Advocates Expansion to ONT
ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) applauded two studies that revealed the significant economic impact of the Gold Line. The reports, prepared by The Maxima Group and Beacon Economics, quantified the economic growth that resulted from the Gold Line’s first segment and measured the potential development that could take place during Phase 2 of the project.
“These studies prove what many of us already know: investing in transit boosts our local economies,” said Torres. “As people move further east and businesses look for opportunities to take advantage of everything this region has to offer, our transportation infrastructure must keep up, or we risk squandering all of our untapped economic potential.”
According to the report, $6.7 billion of private capital has been invested along the corridor since it opened in 2003. Such investments include: 1,400 hotel rooms along the corridor, the creation of over 12,500 new housing units, and the establishment of 3.6 million square feet of commercial space. Nearly 50,000 indirect and direct construction jobs have been created along with 20,000 on-going jobs. It was also found that Phase 2 would add 17,000 more housing units and 10 million additional square feet of commercial space and would create tens of thousands of jobs both during the construction period and with the operation of new businesses.
“The information released this week only reinforces the importance of extending the Gold Line into San Bernardino County and to Ontario Airport,” continued Torres. “While plans for the Gold Line currently end at the county line, our residents aren’t bound by these boundaries, and countless San Bernardino County residents commute long hours into LA. Rapid economic growth is expected as businesses move or expand into the Inland Empire, and that growth will only increase as Ontario airport transitions to local control and housing development continues. Comprehensive, regional transportation planning that includes a Gold Line expansion will give us the opportunity to create a truly interconnected region with more mobility options, a diverse economy, and vibrant livable communities.”
The Gold Line Construction Authority released both reports on October 25th. The reports can be found in full HERE and HERE.