TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), and all other documents and amendments related thereto, in order to receive up to $100,000 in funding from Metro to review and submit comments for the Draft Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/S) for the Caltrans I-710 Corridor project; and increase appropriations by $100,000 in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW).
(Districts 1,7,8,9)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and Caltrans are implementing a highway improvement project known as the I-710 Corridor Project. The proposed project will widen the Long Beach Freeway (I-710) between Ocean Boulevard and the Pomona Freeway (SR-60).
Several build options are under consideration, which range from the addition of one or two lanes in each direction, to additional lanes plus a four-lane elevated freight corridor for zero emission, automated guidance trucks with a toll option. The project is currently in the environmental phase, and the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/S) was released for public review June 29, 2012. The public comment period has been extended to September 28, 2012.
The proposed project will have direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on existing City facilities and arterial streets. Staff's review of the draft DEIR/S by all affected City departments is necessary to assure all potential impacts in City limits are identified and brought to the attention of Caltrans and Metro, and ultimately mitigated.
Staff has negotiated an agreement with Metro, which will provide funding in the amount of $100,000 to reimburse the City costs to review and submit comments for the DEIR/S.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 7, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on August 21, 2012, in order to execute the agreement prior to the end date of the public comment period, which has been extended to September 28, 2012.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase is requested in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW) for the $100,000 funding from Metro. There is no impact to the General Fund or local job impact associated with the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER