Action
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) intend to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for proposed transit improvements in the South Bay Metro Green Line Extension Transit Corridor. LACMTA operates the Metro transit system in Los Angeles County. The proposed project would improve mobility in southwestern Los Angeles County by introducing high-frequency transit service options; enhance the regional transit network by interconnecting existing and planned rapid transit lines such as the proposed Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor and the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) planned People Mover; provide an alternative mode of transportation for commuters who currently use the congested I-405 corridor; improve transit accessibility for residents and employees who live and/or work along the corridor; and encourage a mode shift to transit, reducing air pollution and Greenhouse Gas emissions. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The EIS process will evaluate alternatives recommended for further study as a result of the planning Alternatives Analysis approved by the LACMTA Board on December 10, 2009 and available on the LACMTA Web site (http://www.metro.net/southbayextension). Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.123(j), at the conclusion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) circulation period, LACMTA will prepare a report identifying the locally preferred alternative (LPA). Prior to commencement of a Final EIS, the LPA will be adopted by the LACMTA Board and included in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan identifying sufficient Federal and other funding for the project, in order to be evaluated under the NEPA process. LACMTA does not currently anticipate applying for 43 U.S.C. 5309 New Starts funding. LACMTA will also use the EIS document to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The purpose of this notice is to alert interested parties regarding the intent to prepare the EIS, to provide information on the nature of the proposed project and possible alternatives, to invite public participation in the EIS process, (including providing comments on the scope of the DEIS, to announce that public scoping meetings will be conducted, and to identify participating and coordinating agency contacts.