Washington, DC— Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 238, a bill to repeal a prohibition on the use of federal funds for tunneling in certain areas with respect to the Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley Metro Rail Project, California.  This bill will have the effect of permitting the Los Angeles Metro Red Line Subway to be extended to the Pacific Ocean.  Congresswoman Watson issued the following satement:

"I am delighted that the House of Representatives has voted to repeal the prohibition on tunneling on the West Side of Los Angeles.  This change to federal law paves the way for us to begin planning the extension of the Metro Red Line Subway.

"The restriction was put into law years ago, after the tragic methane explosion in the Fairfax district in 1985.  In the two decades since then, tunneling technology has advanced to the point that experts agree that a subway tunnel can be dug safely on the West Side.

“There is still much work to do before the subway can be extended.  Planning and design must be conducted.  Surveys of the area must be made so that we ensure the tunneling can indeed be done safely.  The residents who live in the Wilshire Corridor must be consulted and included in the planning and visioning process.  And our elected officials in Washington must secure the federal funds necessary to move forward. 

“I will be working with my colleagues in the California delegation to secure funds for the subway extension, as well as for the Mid-City Exposition Line and for Rapid Transit in the Crenshaw Corridor, to make sure that all my constituents have access to safe, reliable and convenient transit options.”