March 17, 2009 Contact: Dave Sotero/Marc Littman Metro Media Relations 213.922.3007/922.2700 www.metro.net/pressroom

Metro to Hold Upcoming Public Scoping Meetings for Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will be conducting several public scoping meetings in late March and early April for the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project and invites public participation and input.

The purpose of the project is to connect the Metro Gold Line with the Metro Blue Line and Expo Line through Downtown Los Angeles. By providing continuous through service between these light rail transit lines, the Regional Connector will improve regional mobility, minimize transfers, reduce station crowding and improve access to both local and regional destinations.

Meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Monday, March 30, 2009, 4:30 - 6 p.m., University of Southern California (USC), Alumni Room, Davidson Conference Center, 3415 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Lake Avenue Church, 393 N Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91101
• Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Japanese American National Museum (JANM), 369 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Thursday, April 2, 2009, Noon to 1:30 p.m., Board Room, Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The scoping meetings start the Draft Environmental Impact Study/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR) process. Metro will be preparing a joint document that meets the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

This environmental review, which follows the just completed Alternatives Analysis phase, was authorized by the Metro Board at its January 2009 meeting. The Alternatives Analysis narrowed 33 conceptual Build alternatives to just two build alternatives and included extensive opportunities for public input.

The two build alternatives moving forward for analysis in the Draft EIS/EIR are an at-grade emphasis alternative via Temple, Main/Los Angeles, Second and Flower Streets, and an underground emphasis alternative via Second and Flower Streets. A “No Build” alternative and a Transportation Systems Management alternative are also required within the Draft EIS/EIR.

The scoping meetings will provide the public an opportunity to comment on the project purpose, alternatives, and the potential effects of construction and operation that should be considered in the Draft EIS/EIR.

At the conclusion of this phase of evaluation for the project, the Metro Board of Directors will be asked to select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Selection of an LPA precedes final environmental review, final engineering and construction.

Content presented at these meetings will be identical so members of the public can attend at the time and location most convenient for them.

Written comments must be received by May 11, 2009 and should be directed to Ms. Dolores Roybal Saltarelli, Project Manager, Metro, One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-22-2, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

For additional information or questions, please visit the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project web site at metro.net/regionalconnector.

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Editors Note: “Metro” should be used when referring to this agency.

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