The Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC) Project has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a positive rating from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This rating designates the project as eligible for funding from the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, bringing it one step closer to full funding and groundbreaking. Inglewood, a city poised for transformation and economic growth, welcomes this achievement as a positive step towards enhancing connectivity and transit accessibility for its residents and visitors.
Key Highlights:
Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. Acknowledges the Achievement: Mayor Butts expresses gratitude to the FTA for advancing the ITC Project, emphasizing its potential to improve access to housing, commercial centers, and world-class sports and entertainment venues. The project aims to create job opportunities and contribute to the overall upliftment of Inglewood and the region.
Rigorous Effort to Earn Positive Rating: To secure the positive rating from the FTA, the City undertook a rigorous effort to demonstrate the ITC’s ridership potential, alignment with FTA’s land use and economic development goals, and its financial capability to deliver the project.
Importance of FTA’s CIG Program: Projects like the ITC must maintain a ranking of “medium” or higher to qualify for federal funding through the FTA’s CIG program, which has supported over 150 projects nationwide, spanning subway systems to rapid transit bus lines.
The ITC’s Significance: The ITC is envisioned as a 1.6-mile automated people mover that will bridge the transportation gap between the Metro K Line and Inglewood’s major employment and destination hubs. This includes iconic locations such as the Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium, YouTube Theater, the Intuit Dome, and housing and commercial destinations in Hollywood Park.
Environmental and Economic Impact: The ITC holds the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled to and from Inglewood. Furthermore, it is expected to create numerous construction and permanent jobs, boost economic investment, and foster broader economic development in the region.
Commitment to Diversity and Local Workforce: The project aims to benefit disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), with a requirement for 16% of contract values to go to DBEs. Additionally, a Community Workforce Agreement ensures that a substantial portion of construction hours will be worked by local hires, transitional workers, and apprenticeships.
Partnership with LA Metro: The City has collaborated with LA Metro to establish the Inglewood Transit Connector Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which will oversee and manage the project.
Project Progress: The ITC Project has made significant strides, including compliance with environmental regulations and securing over $873 million in local, state, and federal funds. The City anticipates securing a CIG grant to cover 60% of the project’s anticipated costs.
The ITC Project stands as a transformative endeavor for Inglewood, addressing transportation challenges, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable public transit. As the project advances, Inglewood is poised to further elevate its status as a dynamic and vibrant city.
For additional information about the project, visit www.envisioninglewood.org
