CA: Construction Authority Welcomes Newest Board Member and Thanks their Longest-Serving Member

March 27, 2014
Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen joins the agency’s board at tonight’s meeting, as the board also recognizes the achievements of outgoing member Lara Larramendi

On March 26, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority (Construction Authority) Board of Directors welcomes its newest member – Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen; while also recognizing the service and departure of its longest-serving member – former Monrovia mayor and councilmember Lara Larramendi.

A 30-year veteran of Caltrans and advisor on numerous transportation projects throughout California, Bowen will serve as the gubernatorial appointee, replacing Larramendi. She joins the nine-member board during a momentous period in the agency’s history. This year, the Construction Authority will continue construction of the nearly $1 billion Pasadena to Azusa light rail extension, ready the $1.18 billion Azusa to Montclair segment for construction, and continue planning for a final extension to Ontario Airport.

“The board welcomes Ms. Bowen,” said Construction Authority Board Chairman and Glendora Councilman Doug Tessitor. “Her extensive experience in overseeing and delivering major regional and state transportation projects will bring a new perspective on the board that will come in very handy as we approach the challenges of the future. I look forward to working closely with her to find possible ways we can improve our efforts as an agency.”

At the meeting, the board  recognized outgoing board member Lara Larramendi for her 11 years of service on the board. Larramendi was appointed to the board in 2003 by then-Gov. Gray Davis, and has served as one of the agency’s strongest and most outspoken proponents ever since. Her public service history includes serving 15 years as a Monrovia city councilmember, with two of those years serving as the directly-elected mayor. Larramendi began serving on the board following completion of the initial Gold Line segment between Pasadena and Union Station, and has helped direct the agency as it has completed the planning efforts for the Foothill Gold Line, the first half of which broke ground in 2010 and is on-schedule and on-budget to be completed in September 2015.

“I must truly commend Lara for the positive legacy she is leaving behind on our board,” stated Tessitor. “She has always been the first one in line to get the word out about the needs of the project, and has worked tirelessly on its behalf.” Tessitor added, “We will definitely miss her ideas, enthusiasm and energy.”