California panel OKs funds for proposed light-rail line

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $482 million for transportation projects in the Los Angeles area, including a potential light-rail line in the East San Fernando Valley.

The commission approved the funds through the State Transportation Improvement Program. CTC set aside $202 million for the East San Fernando Valley transit project, which could involve building a light-rail line or bus rapid transit route.

The other funds will go toward highway and bus projects, according to a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) press release.

The East San Fernando Valley line would connect Metro's Orange Line bus stop on Van Nuys Boulevard to the Metrolink's Sylmar/San Fernando Station.

The project will also be funded through Metro's Measure M sales-tax measure, which was approved in 2016.

"This new funding will ensure Metro can continue to deliver Measure M projects on time and on budget," said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Chair Eric Garcetti.

The project is part of Metro's Twenty-Eight by 2028 initiative to build 28 major projects in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which will be held in Los Angeles.

The agency approved the Twenty-Eight by 2028 initiative in late January.