March 25 , 2008 Contact: Rick Jager/Marc Littman Metro Media Relations 213.922.2707/922.4609 www.metro.net/pressroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro to Hold Public Hearings in Santa Clarita, Lancaster and Palmdale to Determine Use of Transportation Funds

Metro will conduct public hearings in Santa Clarita, Lancaster and Palmdale to receive ideas and suggestions from the public for meeting public transportation needs in the North County, per requisite of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 8 funds.

All hearings will be open for public comment until the last speaker, or one hour, whichever comes first. Those unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments to Metro by May 2, 2008. Comments should be sent to: Metro Article 8 Hearing Record, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Attention: Susan Richan.

The three North County hearings will be held as follows:

The first hearing will be held in the afternoon in Santa Clarita on Wednesday, April 9, beginning at 2 p.m. The location of the Santa Clarita meeting will be the Santa Clarita City Hall – Orchard Room, 23920 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita.

A second hearing will be held on Friday, April 18, in Lancaster at the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) Board Room, 42210 6th Street West, starting at 10 a.m.

A third hearing will be held in Palmdale, also on Friday April 18, starting at 2 p.m. The location of the Palmdale meeting is, the Palmdale Chimbole Cultural Center – Lilac Room, 38350 Sierra Highway (near Sierra Hwy & Palmdale Blvd).

Article 8 of the TDA stipulates that a proportional share of the sales tax revenue be allocated to areas in the County that do not have Metro service. This applies to approximately 5 percent of the County population. TDA Article 8 funds must be spent for public transit purposes when a legitimate need for transit service can be identified. However, if no “unmet transit needs” are found, sales tax revenue may be used for street and road purposes.

Each year, Metro holds public hearings in areas outside the Agency’s service area to determine if any unmet transit needs exist. Following the hearings, and after receiving input from the Hearing Board and Social Services Transportation Advisory Council, Metro will decide whether there are unmet transit needs in the affected areas.

For information regarding TDA Article 8 funds or the public hearing process, contact Susan Richan at (213) 922-3017.

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