Rep. Waxman Statement on Westside Subway Extension

Rep. Henry A. Waxman released the following statement on the Metro Board consideration of the Century City stop proposals:

“Decisions for the Westside Subway must be driven by safety and the best available science.  I am pleased that Metro CEO Art Leahy reaffirmed these fundamental principles in his response to my letter, as the Metro Board prepares to complete its environmental review.

“It is imperative that the system include a stop in Century City as the line extends to West Los Angeles.  The proposed location for the Century City Station deserves particular scrutiny because of the major seismic challenges foreclosing station options on Santa Monica Boulevard and the concern that a stop at Constellation Boulevard would require tunneling under Beverly Hills High School. 

“It is vitally important that Metro abide by all of the provisions stated in their geotechnical and seismic studies and their responses to the scientific studies commissioned by the City of Beverly Hills regarding tunneling construction safety measures on the Constellation alignment.  Many of these recommendations were also identified by the Independent Review Panel commissioned by Metro.  I am committed to ensuring that Metro fully complies with these safety measures at every step of the process.”

Rep. Waxman’s letter is available online here.  Metro CEO Art Leahy’s response is available online here.