Gov. Brown signs bill that helps Metrolink fund purchase of low-emission locomotives

California Gov. Jerry Brown last week signed legislation that will help Metrolink fund a plan to modernize its locomotive fleet, Metrolink officials announced.

The legislation will extend funding through the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. Earlier this year, the South Coast Air Quality Management District granted Metrolink $34.66 million in Carl Moyer Program funds to help pay for the purchase of 17 "Tier 4" locomotives. An additional $17 million that's needed to purchase three more locomotives was contingent on an extension of the Carl Moyer Program, which was set to expire in 2014.

The legislation signed by Brown extends the program to 2024.

"Modernizing Metrolink's fleet of locomotives through the Carl Moyer Program is a tremendous achievement for clean air and rail transportation in southern California," said Metrolink Chairman and San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris.

The funds will help Metrolink eliminate its "Tier 0" locomotives over a three-year period starting in 2015.