PEDALING IN THE FED’S CASH Even though it will cost much more than the original estimate, and officials remain uncertain just where the funding will come from, city staff recommends spending $558,000 in federal money to begin designing a 1.3-mile bike path that will run from Centinela Avenue to 17th Street along Olympic Boulevard, along the Exposition rail line, according to a city staff report.
The money comes from federal transportation enhancement activity (TEA) funds, which were awarded in 1999 by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to the city of Santa Monica. The bike path is part of the Exposition Boulevard right-of-way regional bikeway that connects downtown LA to Santa Monica through the cities of Culver City and LA.
While funding for the design and construction of the project totals $2.9 million, the project has not yet been designed and construction costs have gone up significantly since the grant was obtained in 1999, according to city staff. The design team will focus its efforts on designing for the $2.4 million available for construction. However, there is potential for the project to go over budget. It also will result in increased ongoing maintenance and operating costs.
The project poses a number of challenging issues, including the transition with the city of LA, the multiple street crossings, preserving sufficient space for the future light rail line, coordination with hazard review activities and attention to future operating and maintenance costs, according to city staff.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2007 and is anticipated to take six months.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 14, 2006. Read the original PDF.