MONROVIA >> Hundreds of community members and elected officials gathered at the new $265-million Gold Line train operations and maintenance facility Saturday to celebrate the completion of the project and the near completion of a rail extension through the San Gabriel Valley foothills.
“Today is a momentous day for the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority,” said Doug Tessitor, chairman of the Foothill Gold Line board of directors during a dedication ceremony. “These past four years I watched this city block literally transform before my eyes … into an attractive state-of-the art sustainable project.”
The Foothill Gold Line Operations Campus, just south of the 210 Freeway off California Avenue, spans over 24 acres and has the capacity to house and maintain up to 84 light rail vehicles and 200 staff. The facility, which was open to the public for the day, is part of the six-station, 11.5-mile Gold Line rail extension project from Pasadena to Azusa.
• VIDEO: Dedication ceremony of the Foothill Gold Line Operations Campus in Monrovia
It is one of the largest facilities in the entire Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) system and the only facility thus far that meets U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold standards.
The train yard complex includes more than 700 solar panels that will generate approximately 22,000 kilowatt hours per month of electricity, as well as a storm water management system designed to capture 112,000 gallons of rainwater.
Also on site is a train car wash that uses recycled water.
“When we are facing times of congestion, times of pollution (and) when were facing the necessity to create different modes to move us around … we have to think out of the box,” said Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, D-West Covina. “I’m really confident that this project is answering that call.”
• PHOTOS: Foothill Gold Line Operations Campus
The operations facility was constructed on budget and completed a few months ahead of schedule.
Community members said they were impressed with the facility and expressed excitement about the near completion of the rail extension to Azusa.
“It’s amazing that they have it so organized and it’s going to take care of the trains top to bottom,” said Rosemead resident Terry Totten. “We’ve been watching the progress of the facility from the 210. It looks very modern. It’s very eye-appealing.”
Totten, 58, added that she was also looking forward to the second extension from Azusa to Montclair, noting that she’d like to visit friends in that area without having to drive.
Dennis Arnold, of West Covina, called the maintenance facility “beautiful” and said he was looking forward to hopping on the Gold Line at the Irwindale station once it opens.
“It’s amazing that they were able to get it completed ahead of schedule,” said Arnold, 53.