LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Transportation, developer, and construction industry innovators will descend upon Los Angeles April 21 to lead the USC Sustainability in Transportation Symposium. In addition to addressing aviation, ports and highways, the 17th Annual University of Southern California Symposium will delve into issues including parking and traffic to encourage greener transportation in California. The Symposium, to be held at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live, is among the largest Earth Day-related events in the state.

The Symposium will encourage companies to implement and expand sustainable construction and business practices in California transportation projects including electric vehicle infrastructure. Discussions will include transportation planning for the proposed Farmers Field stadium in downtown Los Angeles, the NBC Universal Evolution Plan in Universal City and high-speed rail's role in California's push toward transit-oriented development. Participating agencies include Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority, CALTRANS, California High Speed Rail Authority, South Coast Air Quality Management Board and Los Angeles World Airports.

Highlights include a keynote address by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, who will be honored with the 2011 USC AGC Legacy Award for his decades of public service and pioneering role in the transportation industry. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Arthur Leahy will be recognized with the Visionary Award. As head of one of the largest transportation systems in the world, Leahy has been a leading advocate of public transit and innovative transportation solutions in California.

"This year's event will bring together leading U.S. experts on the topic of sustainable development in transit-oriented projects and also to improve Southern California's economy through these infrastructure efforts," Symposium co-chair David Perera said. Online registration is available at www.uscgreensymposium.com.

SOURCE USC Sustainability in Transportation Symposium