MTA okays $1 billlion in spending

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board on Thursday approved spending plans for the nearly $1 billion in transportation money Los Angeles County expects to get from the $787 billion federal economic-stimulus plan. Sue Doyle in the Daily News.

The bulk of the spending - some $640 million - would go toward buying and repairing buses and railcars. The transportation authority also wants to use $100 million to get the 405 Freeway car-pool lane project moving.

While the state ultimately has to sign off on the plans, it is expected to do so if county agencies act promptly and have organized projects ready to go.