East San Fernando Valley Rail Line Secures Federal Funding

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY -- The Federal Transit Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, on May 12 signaled its intent to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) to provide funds for the first phase of the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor light rail line.

This is the second project to be considered as part of DOT's Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program.

"The eastern San Fernando Valley Corridor is one of the busiest transit corridors in the nation," U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg said in a statement. "This announcement is a big step toward creating more transit options, a better commute, and cleaner air for residents in the San Fernando Valley and all of Los Angeles."

The project is expected to help connect residents to local and regional destinations and activity centers. The 6.7-mile line would add a north-south connection between Pacoima and Van Nuys and improve mobility. It's planned to include 11 stations and would link to Metro’s G (Orange) BRT line and the Metrolink Ventura County line.

As the latest light rail line in LACMTA’s growing transit network, the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor would potentially help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and lessen congestion, according to the DOT.

The maximum federal share of the project would be limited to $908.75 million which is 25% of the current capital project cost of $3.635 billion. FTA intends to obligate either $908.75 million or 25% of the final net capital project cost, whichever is less.

"Adding this line will help reduce traffic jams and alleviate the climate impact that comes with them," FTA Region 9 Administrator Ray Tellis said.