USDOT commits $1.6B in grants, loans to second section of LACMTA Westside Purple Line extension

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx at the ceremonial signing Jan. 4, 2017, for the federal funding for the second section of the Purple Line extension.
Juan Ocampo/LACMTA

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced a commitment of approximately $1.6 billion to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to support the completion of the second phase of its Westside Purple Line Extension.  

 

The announcement marks continued federal funding needed to expand subway service farther west in what is described as one of the region’s busiest corridors.

“The Obama administration is making an important investment in the future of the Los Angeles region,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Thanks to a strong local vision and federal support, Los Angeles will continue its transformation from the nation’s car capital to one that embraces sustainable, multimodal solutions that increase access to opportunity.”

The Purple Line extension will span 2.6 miles and travel through Beverly Hills and Century City, and representatives say it is expected to significantly improve commuters’ access to jobs, educational centers and other area attractions. The total project cost is $2.5 billion.

The federal funds being allotted include a construction grant agreement for $1.187 billion through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant program, a loan agreement to cover up to $307 million through the USDOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program. The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program is also providing a $169 million commitment to the extension. The federal funding will be allocated throughout a period of 12 years on an annual schedule and will be subject to Congressional appropriations.

“FTA is awarding highly competitive grant funds for this project because, as Los Angeles residents and visitors well know, there is a clear need for alternatives to traffic-congested corridors like Wilshire Boulevard,” FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers said. “The Purple Line extension will offer Angelenos better options for getting to and from their jobs, classrooms and all that the area has to offer.” 

The extension’s second phase will bring the addition of two stations at Wilshire/Rodeo and Century City/Constellation, serving areas in Beverly Hills, Century City and the Golden Triangle. The new stations are set to open in 2026 and facilitate more than 36,000 daily rides within a decade.

Representatives say the Purple Line extension’s first section is under construction between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega.

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