Former CalTrans exec turned Metro (MTA) exec Doug Failing will be the guest speaker at the monthly Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 4 at the Chamber board room, 388 W. Huntington Dr.
Prior to Failing, there will be a discussion and vote on a proposal by the League of California Cities – California to Potect Local Taxpayers & Vital Services.
About Doug Failing:
Mr. Failing is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Highway Program and the Interim Chief Planning Officer for Los Angeles County Metro where he is responsible for Delivery of the nearly $8 billion Measure R Highway Program and delivery of the Environmental Clearances for the nearly $16 billion Measure R Transit Program.
Prior to this Failing had served in the position of District Director at Caltrans District 7 from June 2002 until October 2009 where he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the nearly 2,600 Caltrans employees serving District 7, which includes Los Angeles and Ventura counties
Following the devastating Northridge earthquake of Jan.17, 1994, Failing was placed at the forefront of the recovery effort. He and his staff delivered three of the four major freeway rebuilding contracts — all in record time. The projects were awarded by competitive bid using a cost-plus-time system, which allowed reconstruction to begin within days, rather than months. It was the first time the system had been used at Caltrans.
In 2006, Failing was chosen by the Los Angeles Times’ West Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in Southern California.
In addition, Los Angeles Magazine highlighted Mr. Failing in their December, 2006 issue as one of the most influential people in Los Angeles.
Most recently, under Mr. Failing’s leadership, on November 15, 2007 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the early re-opening of the southbound Golden State Freeway (I-5) Newhall Pass truck lanes tunnel for thousands of motorists and big-rig trucks who daily depend on I-5. The tunnel had been closed since October 12, when a 31-vehicle pile-up ignited a devastating fire inside the tunnel, closing I-5 in both directions.  The emergency repair project involved slab replacement, concrete barrier and metal beam guardrail repair, drainage and landscaping. Structure work included partial ceiling replacement/repair and repair of abutment walls, including new rebar (reinforced metal bar) support. The tunnel was re-opened 15 days before the earliest projected opening date.
Failing earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton in 1980 and was hired at Caltrans in June of 1980 as a Junior Civil Engineer.