THE United States Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has confirmed a more than $US 1bn grant allocation for the Inglewood Transit Connector project, a planned 2.6km, three-station automated people mover between Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) K Line and the city of Inglewood’s housing, employment, sports and entertainment centres.
The Capital Investment Grant (CIG) represents a commitment from the FTA to cover 50% of the anticipated total cost of the project, which the city says is designed to carry up to 11,000 riders per hour.
The project addresses a short gap between the K Line and Inglewood’s Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium, YouTube Theater, and the Intuit Dome, as well as housing and commercial destinations in the surrounding area.
The CIG award comes on the heels of a “positive rating” from the FTA, which reviewed the project’s costs, its potential for strong ridership and its strong community support.
The project had already secured $US 873m in local, state and federal funds.
The city has partnered with LACMTA to establish the Inglewood Transit Connector Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which will oversee the design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance of the system. LACMTA approved a Master Cooperative Agreement with the city in early 2023.
The JPA will now work to leverage those committed funds and the CIG grant to close what the city describes as a narrowing gap in construction, maintenance and operating costs.
Three prequalified teams are now preparing bids to implement the project, with selection expected this summer.
“By signalling their commitment to invest significantly in our project, the federal government is recognising the importance of providing better transportation options for our residents and to everyone in our region who wants to work and visit our city and its outstanding sports, entertainment, and commercial facilities,” says Inglewood mayor, Mr James T Butts.
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