By Arthur Sohikian
Executive Director, NCTC
These are exciting times for transportation investment and improvements for north Los Angeles County. Critical roadway transportation mobility improvements are taking shape on Interstate 5, State Route 14 and SR138. Enhancement of transit services provided by Metrolink, the Antelope Valley Transportation Authority and Santa Clarita Transit are in the works. And the Golden State Gateway Coalition has a staunch and influential ally in its efforts to advocate for transportation safety and improved mobility.
NCTC Morphs Into JPA
The North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition (NCTC) is a joint powers authority (JPA) comprising the County of Los Angeles (5th District), City of Palmdale, City of Lancaster and City of Santa Clarita. The NCTC was first informally assembled in 1995 by then-County Supervisor Mike Antonovich as an advisory body — coordinating information and providing a forum for discussion on regional transportation issues of mutual interest and concern.
By May 2018, with the leadership of County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, it achieved legal status as a JPA. NCTC exists today to develop policies and strategies that lead to the implementation of projects and programs to address critical transportation issues, promote economic development and maximize transportation funding opportunities for member jurisdictions. Its members collaborate on transportation issues, mobility programs, safety initiatives and project feasibility studies.
Recent legislative developments such as Measure M and Senate Bill 1 gave the NCTC reason to formalize into a joint powers authority to advocate for the return of taxpayer transportation dollars to the North County Subregion. As a legal entity, NCTC can pursue available transportation dollars from federal, state and county programs.
The NCTC JPA is governed by a board of directors representing the four member jurisdictions, meeting quarterly in a public forum. At the meetings, public input is invited, transportation-related agency reports are made, and priorities and plans are established to improve mobility and safety for north L.A. County travelers and commuters.
Returning Your Tax Dollars for Transportation
You pay for transportation improvements in various taxes; federal and state gas taxes, sales taxes and vehicle registration fees. NCTC plans collaboratively for transportation improvement projects for the north L.A. County region and works with federal, state, local elected officials and transportation agencies like L.A. Metro, Caltrans and Metrolink to advocate for the investment of your tax dollars in mobility improvements in our region. The board’s quarterly meetings are open to the public — your participation and input are welcomed.
Please visit the NCTC website to learn more and to get involved at www.northcountytransportationcoalition.org or contact me, Arthur Sohikian, executive director, at sohikian@northcountytransportationcoalition.org.