REVISED
Meeting_Body
FINANCE, BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
JANUARY 15, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: I-105 EXPRESSLANES PROJECT - TOLL REVENUE BONDS AND TIFIA LOAN FINANCINGS
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
ADOPT:
A. a Resolution (Attachment A) that authorizes the issuance and sale of a combined aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.7 billion for the I-105 ExpressLanes Project in the form of the Toll Revenue First Lien Bonds in one or more series, Toll Revenue Third Lien Bonds, and/or TIFIA Loan Agreement and the taking all other actions necessary in connection with the issuance of the bonds and/or loan; and
(REQUIRES SEPARATE, SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE OF THE BOARD)
B. the revised Toll Policy (Attachment B).
Issue
ISSUE
Authorization of Metro's inaugural toll revenue backed financing is required to support completion of the I-105 ExpressLanes Project ("Project"). The Project is currently advancing construction on segment 1, which began in February 2025, and is fully-funded. The Board approved the funding plan for segments 2 and 3 in October 2025, which is comprised of the State Solutions for Congested Corridors ("SCCP") grant funding, and toll revenue backed debt obligations.
To complete construction and minimize borrowing costs, the Project needs financing through the issuance of long-term toll revenue bonds and obtaining federal credit assistance. Both debt obligations will be repaid from toll revenues once the ExpressLanes are completed and placed into operation.
The toll revenue backed financing plan consists of issuing toll revenue bonds and executing a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act ("TIFIA") loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Specifically, an estimated total of $525 million of the Toll Revenue First Lien Bonds, Series 2026-A ("Toll Bonds"), together with the Toll Revenue Third Lien Bonds, TIFIA Series 2026-A Loan Agreement ("TIFIA Loan") in an estima...
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