L.A. Metro kicks off public review of $120 billion sales tax measure

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) board late last week approved the release of a draft expenditure plan that outlines more than $120 billion in transportation projects.

The board's action begins the public review process, which will include community meetings, a series of telephone town hall meetings, and presentations across L.A. County. Residents also will be able to submit comments through Metro's website and social media channels.

The list of projects could become part of a possible November ballot measure, which ask voters to increase the countywide sales tax by a half cent for 40 years and to continue the existing Measure R half-cent tax for an additional 18 years.

Under the expenditure plan, the following projects would be completed within 15 years:
• the Crenshaw/LAX Line station and transit center to connect with a future people mover system at the Los Angeles International Airport;
• the Purple Line subway extension to L.A.'s Westwood neighborhood; and
• an extension of the Gold Line east from Azusa, Calif., to Claremont, Calif.

In June, Metro's board will decide whether to put the measure on November's ballot.