(CNS) Posted Wednesday January 5, 2011 – 5:50pm
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority got federal approval today to start doing engineering work for a Westside light-rail system and a $1.37 billion ``regional connector.'
The Federal Transit Administration's approval means federal funding could be available in the city's next fiscal year, which begins July, according to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's staff.
``These two projects represent tremendous job creation, mobility and environmental benefits for the Los Angeles region,' Villaraigosa said.
``Today, the federal government has given a strong signal that the Westside Subway and Regional Connector are likely to be supported with New Starts (federal) funding and that our aggressive timeline for 30/10 is not out of reach.'
Both projects were among a dozen originally expected to completed over 30 years using money from Measure R, a half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008.
Under Villaraigosa's 30/10 plan, the federal government will accelerate funding for some projects. If the Westside light-rail project is included, the $4.2 billion line would reach Westwood in 2022, instead of 2036.
If accelerated funding for the 1.9-mile regional connector is included, the underground line, which would be built downtown, would be completed by 2019.
In considering a route for the Westside line in October, Metro's board voted for a roughly 9-mile extension from the Wilshire-Western station to the Veterans Administration campus in West Los Angeles.
Metro officials, citing a study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., said the Westside project should provide about 40,300 jobs, while the regional connector might create about 11,400.
News Tip? Email bgaren@bhcourier.com
Twitter:
@bhcourier
Facebook:
@bhcourier
Youtube:
@beverlyhillscourier
