Building Trades News

Bonds, Sales Tax Would Provide Construction Money for MTA, LAUSD, LACCD

Los Angeles County voters are being asked to approve nearly $50 billion in funding for transportation and school infrastructure projects this November.
The largest measure on the ballot, Measure R, is a half-cent sales tax increase that could provide as much as $40 billion for county transit projects over the next 30 years. About 65 percent of that revenue would be used to expand the county's bus and rail systems, while 35 percent would be earmarked for highways, streets and potentially, for bikeways and sidewalks. The county's rail system comprises Metrolink, the Red and Purple lines subway system and the Blue, Green and Gold light rail lines. The MTA also operates one of the largest public-transit bus systems in the nation.

Thirteen mass transit projects and 16 road projects would split the money raised by the tax increase. There would also be about $6 billion to be shared by all the cities in the county for their own projects.
"This has the potential to provide funding for much needed transportation projects," said Douglas Failing, director of California Department of Transportation operations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. "It is a good mix of transit and road projects."

Currently, only one cent of the county's existing sales tax of 8.25 cents on the dollar is set aside exclusively for transportation projects. Voters approved a half-cent transportation tax in 1980 and another in 1990. The money has helped pay for bus purchases, construction of the Red Line subway and some light rail lines.

For more than two decades, the Los Angeles area has consistently ranked No. 1 in the country for the most time-consuming commutes. Today, studies show that the average motorist in the region is delayed 72 hours a year by traffic congestion – about double what it was 25 years ago.

If nothing is done, regional planners predict, the delay could grow by up to 80 percent in Los Angeles County by 2030, when the population, now 10 million, is expected to hit 12 million.

Measure Q: Funding for LAUSD
The November ballot will also contain Measure Q, a $7 billion bond for LAUSD school construction. The bond will help the school district reach its goal of creating smaller, less-crowded school campuses. The measure, which would be financed through property taxes, will require a 55 percent approval to pass.

"We have a bold and optimistic vision for LAUSD that includes the $7 billion bond proposal for November,'' LAUSD board president Monica Garcia said. "We will continue to work with stakeholders, teachers, parents and advocates to build the school district our students deserve."

"[This] vote is the first step in an unprecedented investment in our children's future," Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa said in support of the measure. "This bond isn't about slapping another coat of paint on the problem. It's about fundamentally transforming our district into small, safe and independent schools. Today we have shown parents, teachers and students that we are serious about reforming this district as we know it."

According to the mayor, the measure includes $1.6 billion for creation of small schools, $2.68 billion for school safety measures, $500 million for environmental improvements at schools and $450 million for charter school construction.

Measure J: Boost LACCD
Secondary education in the county will also get a boost if Measure J passes. The $3.5 billion bond would help the Los Angeles Community College District upgrade their facilities with state of the art buildings and classrooms. Most of those funds, about $2 billion, would go toward new construction. The remaining $1.5 billion would go towards modernization and upgrades at existing facilities.

The community college district has big plans, but they have secured all of the money they need to make those plans a reality, said Larry Eisenberg, LACCD Facilities Executive Director.
"The LACCD master plan called for a total of 44 new buildings. Eight buildings are already completed – and they are all LEEDs certified. Another 30 buildings are currently under construction."

Construction been financed by several propositions – Prop A & AA. But that money is almost gone, Eisenberg said. "We need to refill our coffers. We're on target with our master plan.. But we'll be finished spending the money within 8 months."

If it passes, Prop J will provide 29,000 man-years of labor on construction on campuses alone, Eisenberg said and when factor in multiplier effect (building suppliers, etc), Prop J will account for 78,000 man years of work.

The community colleges projects will not only provide construction jobs for craft union members, but the new facilities will also help enrich the lives Building Trades members and their families, said Robert Smith, Political Director for Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 36.

"A lot of our members not only work on these projects but they also attend these schools at night," Smith said. "Over the years I have taken classes at Mission College, Valley College, and Pierce College. I remember when students at Mission College were attending classes in satellite classes in strip malls. Now they have their own campus. It's great to see these campuses finally getting the classrooms, libraries and student services building that students need and deserve."