keeps projects on aggressive 30/10 timetable

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa today celebrated the notification from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that the Westside Subway Extension and Regional Connector have been given formal approval to begin preliminary engineering, moving both projects closer to construction.

“These two projects represent tremendous job creation, mobility, and environmental benefits for the Los Angeles region,” said Mayor Villaraigosa.  “Today the federal government has given a strong signal that the Westside Subway and Regional Connector are likely to be supported with New Starts funding and that our aggressive timeline for 30/10 is not out of reach.” 

Today’s approval also means that the first installment of federal funds could be included as quickly as next year’s federal budget.

Furthermore, the FTA again has given strong indications that they support the subway being built quicker than originally planned. Under the current long-range plan, the subway would reach Westwood in 2036. Through 30/10, MTA would accelerate the subway’s completion to 2022.

“I am grateful for the strong support of the Obama Administration, Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the L.A. delegation, and the many transit advocates and supporters who have joined our coalition supporting the Measure R transit projects and our proposal for innovative transportation financing and accelerated construction,” added Mayor Villaraigosa.

Both projects are currently in their final environmental study phase, which is expected to be finished in 2011. Preliminary engineering work is scheduled to be complete for the Subway Extension in late 2011 and the Regional Connector in early 2012. 

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