The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced its intent to obligate funds to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for the first phase of the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor light rail line.
The project is the second one to be considered as part of the DOT’s Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) Pilot Program. The announcement came in a letter of intent issued Tuesday.
“The eastern San Fernando Valley Corridor is one of the busiest transit corridors in the nation,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This announcement is a big step toward creating more transit options, a better commute, and cleaner air for residents in the San Fernando Valley and all of Los Angeles.”
Officials said the 6.7-mile line would connect residents to local and regional destinations and activity centers between Pacoima and Van Nuys. As the latest rail line in LACMTA’s transit network, the project will link 11 stations along the line to Metro’s G (Orange) BRT line and the Metrolink Ventura County line.
The FTA said LACMTA must meet several conditions over the next two years to be considered for a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). The maximum federal share of the project would total $908.75 million, or 25 percent of the current capital project cost of $3.635 billion.
“This project will give residents all over the Los Angeles metro area a convenient and reliable option to get to work, school, shopping, recreation, and healthcare,” said Ray Tellis, FTA Region 9 Administrator. “Adding this line will help reduce traffic jams and alleviate the climate impact that comes with them.”