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Despite an anticipated $1 billion cut in state funding, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has developed a draft fiscal-year 2004 budget that would push forward major projects but leave jobs behind.



The $2.8 billion budget is up six percent compared with last year’s, and MTA plans to compensate by eliminating 104 positions, cutting administrative costs, reducing workers’ compensation costs and providing no wage increase for employees unless specified in labor contracts. The proposed budget also includes fare restructuring.



Still, MTA has earmarked $498 million for Metro Rail operating costs and construction, including funds to open the 13.7-mile Los Angeles-to-Pasadena Metro Gold Line, begin construction on a six-mile Eastside extension of the line, and purchase 50 new light-rail cars and overhaul others. The authority also plans to appropriate $41 million to help subsidize commuter-rail operations.



On May 15, MTA plans to hold a public hearing on the budget, which the authority’s board expects to consider adopting May 22.