The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved funding Sept. 5 for an important Southern California transportation project that was delayed in August because of the state budget stalemate.

The CTC approved funding for 35 transportation projects, including $315 million for the Exposition Light Rail project, which is slated to reach Santa Monica once completed.

Construction has already begun on the first phase of the light rail project — which will travel from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City — and is estimated to cost $640 million, of which more than $550 million will come from state funding. The state government has already allocated approximately $250 million, bringing the total amount in the coffers to approximately $300 million — enough to take construction halfway of the 8.6 mi. of track in phase one. Phase One is scheduled to open in 2010 and Phase Two, which is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment, in 2015.

The total value of the 35 transportation projects approved by the CTC is $674 million, of which $225 million is funded from Proposition 1B, $60 million from Proposition 42, and $389 million from the Public Transportation Account. The CTC had deferred action at its July 25 to 26 CTC meeting on these projects pending approval of the 2007-08 state budget.

Highlights of the CTC’s funding allocations include:

• Northern California — $10 million to widen State Route 4 in Contra Costa County from Somersville Road to State Route 160. The project will improve safety and reduce congestion on this major regional corridor.

• Central Coast — $14 million to widen State Route 46 in San Luis Obispo County from Airport Road to Genesco Road. The project will relieve traffic congestion for the traveling public on this goods movement and regional corridor.

• Central Valley — $56 million to widen State Route 180 in Fresno County from Clovis Avenue to Fowler Avenue. The project will relieve traffic congestion on this regional corridor.

• Southern California — $13 million to widen Interstate 215 in Riverside County from the Interstate 15/215 interchange to the Nuevo Road Interchange. Interstate 215 is a major interregional, regional and goods movement corridor, and this project will relieve traffic congestion for the traveling public.

For a complete list of allocated projects, visit www.dot.ca.gov/hq/transprog/ctcliaison.htm and click on “Addendum to September 5, 2007 FE Workshop Agenda w/Vote List.”

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