Overview
Metro Initiates Draft EIS/EIR
On January 22, 2009, the Metro Board of Directors authorized preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR) for the Westside Subway Extension. They also approved the results of the Alternatives Analysis (AA) Study for the Metro Westside Subway Extension. The AA recommended two build alternatives for further evaluation in the Draft EIS/EIR:
- Metro Purple Line Subway Extension via Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica; and
- Metro Purple Line Subway Extension via Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica plus Subway Extension from Metro Red Line Hollywood/Highland Station via Santa Monica Boulevard.
In addition, the Draft EIS/EIR must evaluate a “no-build” and a Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternative.
Background
Over the past 30 years, tremendous population and employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land uses and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s challenge to meet transit demand, have led to the need to improve mobility in the Westside Corridor.
In fall 2007, Metro began an Alternatives Analysis Study (AA) for the Westside Extension Transit Corridor Study. Over a year-and-a-half, the AA considered whether a transit improvement was needed in the area and evaluated various types of transit improvements and alignments. The AA was completed in winter 2008/09.
Draft EIS/EIR Process
The purpose of the Draft EIS/EIR process is to further refine the project alternatives, assess the impacts of those alternatives both during construction and once the system is operating, and to look at possible mitigation measures. Issues to be addressed as the alternatives are refined include decisions about station locations and ultimate alignments.
At the conclusion of the Draft EIS/EIR process, Metro will recommend a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). The LPA will identify the project that will move forward into the Final EIS/EIR process. Elements to be considered prior to identification of the LPA are defining the initial Wilshire Boulevard segment(s) as well as future segment(s), specifying station details, examining the cost effectiveness of various segments, and the timing and funding for the implementation plan.
The Draft EIS/EIR process begins in April 2009 with public scoping meetings which 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. Metro and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 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).
The Westside Subway Extension project is slated to receive partial funding from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in November 2008.
Study Area
The 38 square mile study corridor extends from the existing Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland and Wilshire/Western Stations to the Pacific Ocean. The northern boundary of the study area follows the base of the Santa Monica Mountains along Hollywood, Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards. The southern boundary follows Pico Boulevard. The overall study area is approximately 38 square miles. Study area map.
Draft EIS/EIR Study Schedule
| Public Scoping Meetings | April 2009 |
|---|---|
| Scoping Public Comment Period Closes | May 7, 2009 |
| Ongoing Community Update Meetings | Approximately Quarterly |
| Public Hearings on Recommended Locally Preferred Alternative | Summer 2010 (anticipated) |
| Metro Board Adoption of Locally Preferred Alternative | Fall 2010 (anticipated) |
More Information
Please go to News & Info to see Study information. If you have questions or want to be notified of upcoming meetings, please go to Contact Us.