PARAMOUNT - The Southern California Association of Governments will host a series of meetings to gather public input regarding possible re-use of the West Santa Ana Branch of the existing 20 mile-long Pacific Electric railroad right-of-way.The meetings are part of a 22-month study to identify new transportation options, station locations, and recreational and development opportunities. The study will also consider the benefits and challenges associated with different types of transportation, including light rail, street cars, dedicated bus lanes, commuter rail and high-speed rail options. Twenty-one cities and agencies are involved in the study, including Downey. The Pacific Electric railroad right-of-way is currently not used. SCAG members said it is their intent to form a connection between Union Station and Santa Ana. Public meetings will be held June 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Cerritos Park East Community Center, 13234 E. 166th St. in Cerritos and June 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza's West Auditorium, 15500 Downey Ave., in Paramount. For more information, call Philip Law at (213) 236-1841 or visit the project website at www.scag.ca.gov/perow.

********** Published: June 17, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 9