Expected Future Growth Raises New Proposals for San Diego Regional Infrastructure San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Supports Plan for New Regional Infrastructure & Transportation Authority, RITA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, CONTACT: Beth Binger, Beth Binger Communications (619) 232-9292 Fax (619) 232-9222 or Mitch Mitchell, Vice President of Public Policy San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce (619) 544-1360 Fax (619) 744-7460 April 28, 2000     San Diego, April 28, 2000 – Following its April Board of Directors meeting, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its support of the concept embodied in Senator Peace’s tentative plan (SB 329) to create a regional infrastructure and transportation authority (RITA). The vote was taken after presentations were made by some of the key agencies affected by the proposed plan otherwise known as RITA. Speakers included; Ron Trim, Senior Aide to Senator Steve Peace; Art Madrid, Chairman of SANDAG; Leon Williams, Chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Department Board and David Druker, Chairman of the North County Transit Department. Chamber board members agreed that as San Diego County continues to expand, a fluid and comprehensive decision making process needs to be developed to help solve the present and future infrastructure and transportation issues of the region. According to Kelly Cunningham, Director of the San Diego Regional Chamber’s Economic Research Bureau, one million new residents will call San Diego home by the year 2025, making regional infrastructure and transportation issues of paramount concern.   (In the tentative proposal, SB 329 would consolidate the following governing boards: SANDAG (the San Diego Association of Governments), APCD (Air Pollution Control District), Metropolitan and North County Transit Boards and the Port of San Diego. Current research funding and decision making authority would be converted to RITA and its elected board. "This organization is looking forward to working with Senator Peace and other affected parties to help craft a plan that will help us adequately address the future needs and growth within the region" stated San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Jessie J. Knight, Jr. "This Chamber intends to focus its thoughts on a few areas of concern regarding the proposed plans and its related outcomes." Before crafting the final version, Senator Peace has been receiving input regarding the plan from essential state and local entities. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1870 by Alonzo Horton. The Chamber is a nonprofit business advocacy group representing more than 3,500 members who in turn represent more than 40 percent of the employee base in San Diego. The Chamber is actively involved in public policy, business events and providing valuable resources for its members, such as benefits, discounts and business opportunities.
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