October 29, 2024
California Transportation Commission
1120 N Street, MS 52
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Support for SBCTA ONT Connector Project
Dear Commissioners:
On behalf of Inland Action, Inc, a non-profit, non-partisan corporation of public-spirited leaders who have joined together to be catalysts for the economic well-being of the Inland Empire region of California since 1962, I would like to express our support of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) application to the 2024 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) for the Ontario International Airport (ONT) Connector Project. Since obtaining local control of the airport from Los Angeles in 2016, ONT has been named the fastest growing airport in the United States providing non-stop commercial service to over 26 major airports. This innovative regional project will construct a four-mile subsurface tunnel from ONT to the Metrolink commuter rail station in Rancho Cucamonga and will use “on-demand” autonomous electric shuttles to create a “last mile” connection to ONT.
The ONT Connector will reduce congestion along Interstates 10 and 15 and local streets and roads, encouraging a mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles to public transit for travelers to and from the Ontario International Airport. Additionally, the project will improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution; improve safety; enhance accessibility; promote access for disadvantaged populations; and support economic development, job creation and retention, and efficient land use development in the area.
We appreciate SBCTA’s proven performance and continued commitment to delivering quality projects and programs for the benefit of the State and the Inland Empire region of Southern California, and we urge you to fund the SCCP grant application from SBCTA for the ONT Connector Project. Thank you for your consideration of this important project that aims to improve mobility for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Kevin Dyerly, Chair
Mike Burrows, Transportation Chair
Julie Michaels, Inland Action Executive Director
cc: Tanisha Taylor, Executive Director