Train Riders' Association of California
(and publishers of California Rail News)
| Exposition L.A. to Culver City Light Rail Project | |
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On April 29, 2005 the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("Metro", heretofore "MTA") adopted a $640 million budget for the first half of its planned Exposition Line. By using nearly $400 million in local money, $11 million in state dollars and $230 million in other available federal funds, MTA was able to bypass the federal New Starts Program, bringing completion at least two years closer than would otherwise be the case.
The 9.6-mile route to Culver City will begin at the 7th Street Metro station in downtown L.A., head south to USC on one of two proposed routes, and continue west on an old train right of way along Exposition Boulevard to the intersection of National and Washington boulevards. MTA expects to review a final environmental impact report in September and then select a route for the line’s downtown section. It is planned that construction will begin in 2006. A subsequent phase of the program will extend the line to Santa Monica. TRAC has followed the Project closely and favors the faster and more direct Flower Street alignment over the slower and somewhat less expensive Hill Street Route. Through its Vice President, Roger Christensen, TRAC will continue to strongly support this important project. For additional details about the project please visit Metro's website MTA.net.
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