Project Overview
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority received an $893 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Metro’s $3.6 billion East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project.
The multiyear funding from the DOT will bolster the project’s construction, with utility work and street improvements set to start later this year. The 6.7-mile project will include 11 new light rail stations, slated to open in 2031.
Built along Van Nuys Boulevard, the light rail line will connect transportation across the San Fernando Valley, including Metrolink, Amtrak, the Metro G and B lines, and other planned Metro transit projects now in the works.
The light rail line will be the first local-stop, commuter-rail service on Van Nuys Boulevard in more than 70 years.
Scope and timeline of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project
The grant will be delivered through a Full Funding Grant Agreement governed by the Federal Transit Administration’s Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program.
Acting Federal Transit Administration Administrator Veronica Vanterpool envisioned ESFV rail riders “zipping through this corridor… seeing traffic congestion around you.” She enumerated the project’s broad suite of benefits – from improving mobility for transit riders, expanding access, increased economic activity, and improving air quality including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Padilla and Vanterpool were among the many local, state and national dignitaries gathered this morning to celebrate the Federal Transit Administration awarding Metro $893 million for the ESFV project. The funds come in the form of a multi-year Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) signed this morning.
Job Creation
Through construction and operation, the project is expected to add more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs to the Valley. Metro also plans to implement a local hire program to channel jobs to the community.
As an added consideration for the local community’s diverse demographic, Metro added a Cultural Competency requirement to the project contract, a comprehensive plan outlining workforce training and business opportunities to support the communities that reside along this corridor.
Approximately 19% of households in the eastern portion of the San Fernando Valley do not own a car and depend on public transportation, whereas 8.8% of households rely on transit in L.A. County as a whole.
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Congressman Tony Cárdenas, who has spent years working with Sen. Alex Padilla and others to secure the funding for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project, said in a statement that the nearly $900 million federal investment in the project is “transformational” for the district.
“This project has been in the works for decades, and transportation is not the only thing it is about,” Cárdenas said.
“This is a promise to our community that we will uplift our families by connecting them to better jobs, schools, and essential services.
Through opportunity provision, we are making sure that all residents get a fair chance at a brighter future.”
East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project’s Funding
ESFV rail funding comes from three main sources: Metro Measure M sales tax, California TIRCP (Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program) grant, and today’s federal FFGA.
In late 2022, Metro kicked off an early $9 million phase of pre-construction (mainly utility relocation). In early 2023, the state awarded $600 million for the project. Design and engineering work is ongoing via a Progressive Design Build (PDB) contract. Full construction is expected to get underway this calendar year, and is anticipated to finish in 2031.
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East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project Factsheet
Location: Van Nuys Boulevard, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA
Lead Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Total Budget: $3.6 billion
Grant Funding: $893 million from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Size:
- Length: 6.7 miles
- Number of New Stations: 11
Overall Completion: 2031
Construction Start: 2024
Job Creation: 18,000+ direct and indirect jobs
