The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved the award of $516 million in SB-1 discretionary grant funding that will be used to advance a variety of transportation projects throughout the region including expanding the Metro ExpressLanes network on the congested I-105 freeway, improving traffic flow at the SR 57/60 interchange and speeding up bus service as part of Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan.
"Our transportation network doesn’t just move Angelenos from place to place — it’s the engine that powers our economy, connects our communities, and reimagines our region as a more sustainable home for all," said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. "Our latest round of new funding will help us accelerate key transportation projects, rev up prosperity in the L.A. area, improve our quality of life, and kick a world-class transit system into gear for all Angelenos."
The CTC awarded the funding from three state-funded SB 1 discretionary grant programs – the Local Partnership Program (LPP), Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) and the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP). This is the second cycle of grants from SB 1, the landmark state transportation package that became law in 2017. Each of these competitive grant programs fund much needed transportation infrastructure improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion throughout the state; investing in the communities that experience the worst air quality.
Across the three programs, CTC approved the award of $516 million to Metro, for projects with $1.4 billion in total project costs. The recommended awards represent 25 percent of total awards statewide, which is a similar share to what Metro received in the first cycle of SB 1 grants.
The following awards were made for Metro projects:
- $150 million in Solutions for Congested Corridors Program funds for the I-105 ExpressLanes Expansion.
- $25 million in Local Partnership Program funds for NextGen Bus Improvements to provide faster and more frequent bus service to Metro riders.
- $5.5 million in Local Partnership Program funds for La Canada Flintridge Soundwall Improvements along the busy I-210 freeway.
- $217.9 million in Trade Corridor Enhancement Program funds for the SR 57/SR 60 Confluence Chokepoint Relief Program to make the notorious interchange safer with improved traffic flow.
- $118 million in Trade Corridor Enhancement Program funds for SR 91 Goods Movement Corridor Projects.
Among the projects submitted for consideration included those from the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles and city of Long Beach. Overall, our region was awarded nearly $560 million — 27 percent of the recommended funding statewide. Metro supports SB 1 and will continue to advocate for a fair share of funding for Los Angeles County projects and programs.
"We are very pleased by these funding awards and the significant state partnership they support," said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. "We are also extremely appreciative of the staff of the California Transportation Commission during this challenging selection process and their work with LA Metro. We applaud the Commission’s action on these funding awards and we’re confident these projects will greatly improve mobility and the quality of life for Los Angeles County residents."
About Metro
.png "Metro logo")
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comments
There are no comments yet for this item
Join the discussion