Left to right: Claudette Moody (CAM Consulting), Les Hopper (Michael Baker International), Erin Brooks (SoCalGas), John Engstrom (Bechtel), Jessica Duboff (HNTB), Aaron Hake (RCTC), Judy Chu (Calif. Congresswoman), Darren Kettle (Metrolink), Paul Granillo (Inland Empire Economic Partnership), Ray Wolfe (SBCTA), Lisa Maurath (Parsons).
Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle met with federal lawmakers and members of the Biden Administration as part of the Mobility 21 Coalition’s delegation that visited Washington, D.C., in early June. Attendees sat down with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Congresspersons Judy Chu (D-28) and Ken Calvert (R-41), and Deputy Assistant to the President for Infrastructure Implementation Samantha Silverberg, among others.
Members of the delegation advocated for several of the coalition’s key priorities, including the need for Congress to continue honoring the transportation investment levels outlined in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Meetings also focused on effective implementation of the Build America Buy America provisions that establish a domestic content procurement preference and the importance of ensuring California receives its fair share of goods movement and freight corridor investments.
Darren engaged with elected officials and other decision makers about Metrolink’s capital and operations needs in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also advocated for Metrolink’s pending federal grant applications, including potential support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for two Antelope Valley Line projects, and matching dollars for the procurement of environmentally friendly Tier 4 locomotives.