LA Celebrates Federal Loan to Crenshaw LAX Line

Transit advocates joined elected officials in Los Angeles to celebrate the approval of the federal $545.9 million loan to build the Crenshaw/LAX line.

The loan, made possible through a $20 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) II grant, paves the way for MTA to construct a new light rail transit line along the Crenshaw corridor.

“The Crenshaw/LAX line will be a vital link in our regional transportation system,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “We are grateful and proud that the Obama Administration recognizes the importance of investing in Los Angeles.”

The Crenshaw/LAX line will run 8.5 miles between Exposition and Crenshaw Boulevards to LAX.

Metro will break ground on the $1.75 billion line in early 2013 and is expected to complete it by 2018. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates that the rail line will generate more than 18,000 jobs directly related to the project.

“In 2008, the voters of Los Angeles cast their ballot in favor of a world class public transportation system by voting yes on Measure R.  Today, we take a moment to celebrate yet another milestone in our steady progression towards building that transportation system,” said LA Councilmember Bill Rosendahl. “Each new rail line in our transit network induces new ridership across the entire system by connecting new communities. The Crenshaw Line will provide a vital north/south connection through the great community of Westchester and provide the initial spur that will finally bring a robust public transit connection to LAX.”

The 8.5 mile long Crenshaw/LAX line will connect existing rail service on the Metro Green Line with the Metro Exposition Line, which recently opened for service. The increased connectivity will make it easier for low-income residents, seniors and other riders to reach downtown Los Angeles, the Westside, the South Bay and the cities of Inglewood, Hawthorne and El Segundo. The project includes a new transit vehicle maintenance and storage facility.

Read more on this story on Metro’s The Source.