California has declined to consider Los Angeles’ request for a six-year extension on three major street improvement projects funded by over $100 million from the state.
The projects, located in Boyle Heights, Skid Row, and Wilmington, aim to enhance mobility by repairing sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and installing traffic-calming measures.
The exclusion of the request from the California Transportation Commission’s June agenda leaves the future of these projects uncertain. Los Angeles had requested more time due to staffing and funding constraints in its public works and transportation departments. The city initially secured the funds through the state’s Active Transportation Program in 2022 and 2023.
According to LAist, the city is facing challenges in implementing the projects on time, as it has more grants than it can currently manage. Shirley Lau from the Bureau of Street Services highlighted the need for more staff, stating, “We just don’t have enough bodies.”
If the extension is not granted, the funding for the environmental review phase will lapse, forcing the city to seek alternative funding sources. This could also impact Los Angeles’ ability to secure future grants.
Councilmembers Ysabel Jurado and Tim McOsker, representing the districts involved, have been advocating for the extension rather than canceling the projects. Jurado’s spokesperson, Alejandra Alarcon, emphasized the importance of securing the extension and hiring necessary staff to move forward with the projects.
The California Transportation Commission, which administers the grant program, has yet to make a decision on the extension request. If the request is not addressed, the city risks losing the funding for the initial phases of the projects.
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