Congress of the United States ‘Washington, DC 20515 May 19, 2016 Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas, Chair Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012 RE: Long Range Transportation Plan ~ Draft Potential Ballot Measure Expenditure Plan Dear Chairman Ridley-Thomas: We write to express appreciation for the coordinated effort in analyzing and determining the priority of the proposed projects in the Draft Potential Ballot Measure Expenditure Plan, Metro Transit Authority’s thoughtful approach to take performance-based planning and geographic equity into account when balancing competing priorities for this plan is to be commended. We support Metro’s goals of improving accessibility, congestion, safety and the economy while enhancing quality of life. Upon review of the Draft Potential Ballot Measure Expenditure Plan, we ask the Metro Board to reconsider the schedule of funds for the I-5 Corridor Improvement Project from the I-710 to the 1-605. This project is a ten-lane highway widening project that has not just regional, but national significance. This highway is used by over 275,000 vehicles, including over 25,000 cargo vehicles each day. It is estimated that by 2030, the daily flow for this segment will reach over 500,000 vehicles. Considering its proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, this highway serves an integral role in national goods movement, This project is needed to help alleviate congestion along this major north-south interchange highway. This is a major chokepoint that hinders freight and goods movement, causes major congestion and traffic delays for residents of ‘communities throughout the region, and creates significant health issues because of the diminished air quality caused by the exhaust spewed by the thousands of idling trucks and passenger vehicles stuck at the bottleneck every day of the week. In addition, this project would provide continuity for the I-5 widening project that is currently taking place just south of the I-605, which is expected to be completed by 2020. Continuity of the I-5 widening project will be significant in improving mobility, reducing congestion, and lowering idle times on the highway and adjacent coordinators. As members of Congress we understand the challenges in balancing competing priorities and allocating resources fairly. We do, however, also understand that a project of this significance is a key priority and needs to be treated as such. We implore Metro to revise the Long Range Transportation Plan timeline to reflect the phased nature of construction and allow for access to current funding or future funding as it becomes available. It is estimated that the project requires approximately $20 million to complete an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).Without having an approved EIR, it is very difficult to secure additional funding, which is needed to design and construct the highway. This is a major project with significant costs, which is why itis important to start the project early in order to secure all the funding options that will be available. We look forward to continuing to work together to address the regional and federal transportation needs of Los Angeles County. Sincerely, . . Puy x a Mod. T. Sed =a Gil We ‘Linda T. Sanchez Lucillé Roybal-AHlard Member of Congress ‘Member of Congress cc: Phil Washington, Los Angele Metro Chief Executive Office Los Angeles County Metro Board of Directors