Meeting_Body
REVISED
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 17, 2021
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS GARCETTI, SOLIS, KUEHL, KREKORIAN, AND NAJARIAN
LA River Bike Path Project Delivery
Active Transportation infrastructure along the Los Angeles River, separated from automobile traffic, can act as a spine for Class I bicycle infrastructure throughout the river’s 51-mile length across the county. High-quality, protected, and separated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that connects communities to transit and local destinations is a part of a transportation system that reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled and Greenhouse Gas emissions. Thus, the Class I bikeway along the LA River helps meet transportation climate goals set by state legislation and the Metro Board.
Additionally, Active Transportation infrastructure provides low-cost transportation that supports public health. Protected and separated infrastructure improves traffic safety for all users and provides a safe space for users of all ages and abilities to exercise more. The LA River passes through many historically marginalized communities that Metro has identified as Equity Focused Communities.
Completing the LA River Bike Path is a goal of both the County and City of Los Angeles, and projects to do so are contained in the most recent LA River Master Plans from both the County and City, as well as the City of Los Angeles General Plan Mobility Element, Mobility 2035. Metro’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Strategic Plan also contain projects to complete the path.
Specifically, Metro’s capital project portfolio contains three distinct projects to complete the LA River Bike Path along its length. The three projects are:
A. The LA Riverway in the San Fernando Valley, a 12-mile series of gaps along the LA River from Canoga Park to North Hollywood Studio City, is known as Complete LA River Bikepath in the Measure M Expenditure Plan. This project is entirely within the City of Los Angeles and, as such, is a City-led project. The City will perform all phases of development and, in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, will own and maintain the project after construction is complete.
B. The LA River Path through Downtown Los Angeles, an eight-mile continuous path from Elysian Valley to Vernon, is known as the LA River Waterway & System Bikepath in the Measure M Expenditure Plan. This project is within the Cities of Los Angeles and Vernon and, as such, is a Metro-led project. Ownership and maintenance responsibilities will be decided in partnership with the Cities of Los Angeles and Vernon and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
C. The Lower LA River Bike Path in the Gateway sub-region, consisting of one or more elements defined by Motion 22.1 authored by Supervisor Solis in October 2015. This project is within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW). LACDPW will act as the agency of record for environmental clearance and will construct, own, and maintain the project.
This action supersedes Board File 2018-0108 (May 2018).
Subject
SUBJECT: LA RIVER BIKE PATH PROJECT DELIVERY
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE Motion by Directors Garcetti, Solis, Kuehl, Krekorian, and Najarian that the Board of Directors direct the Chief Executive Officer to assume and maintain the following roles in the delivery of each section of LA River Bike Path currently in development and to report back within 90 days on the status of each project, including funding plans, Sustainability, and Equity Assessments, milestone schedules, and execution of agreements with partner agencies:
A. For the LA Riverway in the San Fernando Valley, Metro shall act as the funding agency administering Measure M and coordinating and supporting the pursuit of additional funds.
B. For the LA River Path through Downtown Los Angeles, Metro shall act as the funding agency administering Measure M and coordinating and pursuing additional funds, the agency of record for environmental clearance, the constructing agency, and a partner in operating and maintaining the completed project.
C. For the Lower LA River Bike Path, Metro shall act as the funding agency administering Measure M and coordinating and pursuing additional funds, and shall provide resources to perform the environmental clearance to LACDPW.