August 8, 2008

VTA board votes to continue Eastridge light rail project, slowly

The VTA board of directors voted unanimously to keep moving on the light rail to Eastridge but stopped short of affirming the project’s full support due to less than expected Measure A monies.

The 12-member board, which includes five members of the San Jose City Council—Mayor Chuck Reed, and Council members Forrest Williams, Sam Liccardo, Nora Campos and Nancy Pyle—reaffirmed their support for the project and told the VTA staff to continue working on it slowly. Meanwhile, the staff will research and determine later this year whether there is enough money to continue the Eastridge and other projects county residents voted on in Measure A.

Nearly 25 members of the public—including residents from Evergreen and as far away as Willow Glen—spoke in favor of continuing the project, most because they voted for the increased sales tax in Measure A.

VTA staff had put the Eastridge light rail project on hold earlier this year because Measure A funds did not appear to be enough to complete the project. Design and engineering portions have been completed.

—By Carol Rosen