The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved the programming of $482 million in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding that will be used for a variety of transportation projects throughout the region including the SR-138 Highway Project, the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project, and the purchase of new buses for L.A. Metro’s bus fleet.

The CTC adopted the five-year 2018 STIP, which includes $482 million for Los Angeles County. The 2018 STIP is a much needed boost of funding, particularly after the last STIP adopted in 2016 cut $754 million of funding from projects statewide.

“Our transportation network is the engine that powers our economy forward — and a catalyst that drives us toward a more sustainable and interconnected future,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “This new funding will ensure Metro can continue to deliver Measure M projects on time and on budget.”

The 2018 STIP provides Los Angeles and other counties the chance to fully restore projects deleted in 2016, as well as the opportunity to fund additional transportation priorities. In Los Angeles County, Metro in partnership with Caltrans is completing much needed safety improvements on the State Route (SR) 138 from Palmdale to the San Bernardino County line by widening the last three segments of the highway. Metro is also funding other major transportation priorities including the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor, a major Measure M capital project, and bus fleet replacements that are a critical state of good repair priority.

In approving Metro’s funding request, the CTC allocated $131 million toward the SR-138 Highway Project that extends from the SR-14 in Los Angeles County to the SR-18 in San Bernardino County. The funding is for all four components of the project.

In addition, $202 million was allocated to the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor project, a high-capacity bus rapid transit or light rail project that will connect the Orange Line Van Nuys Station to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station.

Another $47 million was awarded to Metro for a series of bus purchases to replace older buses in Metro’s fleet.

“We applaud the CTC with moving forward on the adoption of the 2018 STIP and we are excited that through this adoption, Metro will have the opportunity to recognize immediate benefit of SB 1 in funding critical investments in Los Angeles County,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington.