LA's long-awaited Southeast Gateway Line project is finally getting the green light. The LA Metro Board gave the nod on a final environmental stamp of approval, putting the transit project on track for a groundbreaking later this year, as officials announced yesterday.
The Southeast Gateway Line, which will span 19 miles when fully complete, notches a victory, especially for the economically challenged neighborhoods dotted along its route. Supervisor and Metro Board Vice Chair Janice Hahn hailed the decision, "No more waiting and wondering, this project will go forward." She added that with this move, the era of Southeast LA getting the cold shoulder from new Metro rail developments is over. The first construction phase of the line will cover 14.5 miles from Slauson Station to Artesia, bringing relief to communities where a staggering 44% of residents live below the poverty line.
This nearly $7.1 billion venture is not just about transport but also about the local economy, set to generate up to 46,000 jobs and spark $5 billion in annual economic activity. Garnering over $2 billion from local and State funds, with sights now firmly set on federal funding, the Metro’s top priority project inches closer to becoming a concrete reality.
Support for the enterprise is palpable among local authorities. Artesia's Mayor Pro Tem Ali Taj said, "Many of our residents will depend on the Southeast Gateway Line to move around, and I look forward to welcoming visitors from across our region to Artesia." Paramount Councilmember, Vilma Cuellar Stallings expressed the enhanced connectivity prospects, "Once it's fully completed, the light rail line will provide a one-seat ride between our communities and Downtown LA."
The project is more than just transit lines and jobs; for communities like Huntington Park, it represents a long overdue transportation equity. Huntington Park's Mayor, Karina Macias emphasized the profound change it represents, “This community has been long waiting for rail transportation equity and this a big step today for that to happen. Southeast Gateway Line signifies new job and educational opportunities, and it will change the lives of many in our cities.” Echoing her sentiments, South Gate Vice Mayor Maria Davila stated her community's backing for the project that promises to make a significant difference to over 100,000 people she represents.
