FTA issues milestone approval for Crenshaw/LAX light-rail project

Written by jrood

The Federal Transit Administration issued a Record of Decision on December 30, for the Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transportation Authority Crenshaw/LAX light-rail project based on LACMTA's Final Environmental Impact Statement/Report in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The ROD authorized LACMTA to go forward with project implementation, including property acquisitions, utility relocations and the purchase of any rail cars needed for the project. It also makes LACMTA eligible for any federal funding requested for the project.

“I would like to thank the Obama Administration and the Federal Transit Administration for being great partners on this job-creating project,” said LACMTA Board Chairman and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “The Crenshaw/LAX line will not only bring light rail to the residents of South L.A. and the LAX area, but it will create thousands of badly needed jobs. This is another step forward for a Measure R project, which voters approved in 2008 and will bring L.A. the 21st Century transit network Angelenos deserve.”

The 8.5-mile light-rail project will run between the Expo Line on Exposition Boulevard and the Metro Green Line. It will serve the Crenshaw Corridor, Inglewood, Westchester, and LAX area with six stations, a maintenance facility, park and ride lots, traction power substations and the acquisition of rail vehicles and maintenance equipment.

The project is schedule to open in late 2018.

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