Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JULY 27, 2017
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS GARCETTI, NAJARIAN and BONIN
July 27, 2017
Relating to Item 51, File ID 2017-0289: Call for Projects - First-Last Mile
Given the ongoing trend of falling transit ridership, it is important that MTA maintain and strengthen its commitment to First-Last Mile infrastructure.
In May 2016, the MTA Board unanimously adopted a landmark motion elevating the priority of First-Last Mile infrastructure. Point B.5. of the First-Last Mile motion instructed MTA to develop First-Last Mile plans for priority stations, including all Metrolink stations in Los Angeles County. Point B.2. of the First-Last Mile motion instructed MTA to prioritize the funding First-Last Mile projects through MTA grant programs, including the Call for Projects.
One of the projects recommended for funding in the 2015 Call for Projects was the Glendale Train Station First-Last Mile Regional Improvements project. According to the 2015 Call for Projects recommendation, this project includes "first-last mile complete streets improvements connecting Tropico and Atwater Village to regional connections through the Glendale's Amtrak/Metrolink station and Metro Rapid buses."
Due to a $2.3 million shortfall in another Call project, MTA now recommends shifting funding from the Glendale Train Station First-Last Mile Regional Improvements to fill the shortfall. The other project, a Compressed Natural Gas Fueling and Maintenance Facility Project serving Glendale Beeline, will lose its federal funding match if the shortfall is not filled.
MTA's intent is to compartmentalize the impacts within the City of Glendale. However, the de-funding of a First-Last Mile project is inconsistent with First-Last Mile policies adopted by the Board and described above.
Additionally, per a 1992 settlement, MTA is legally obligated to "design, finance, and construct" a pedestrian bridge across the LA River at the Taylor Yard Metrolink Central Mainte...
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