ARCADIA, CA-Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority hosted a pre-proposal conference with 80 representatives from local consulting firms to both push the Metro Gold Foothill light rail line extension project to design/build procurement. The project has already received environmental clearance, and the Construction Authority plans to issue Request for Proposals in January 2014.

"Our job is to advance this project as far as we can while we continue to look for construction funds," says Habib F. Balian, Construction Authority CEO. "We are fortunate to have the funding available from Measure R to complete the advanced conceptual engineering work, the reason for today's pre-proposal conference."

The 12.3-mile extension will run between Azusa and Montclair, connecting Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona and Claremont. Potential contractors and subcontractors attended to learn about the project and design and construction opportunities. The speaker's panel included Balian, Chris Burner, chief project officer, and Mitch Purcell, chief contracting officer.