MAYOR REX RICHARDSON
CITY OF LONG BEACH
September 10, 2026
Stephanie Wiggins
CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority RE: Shoreline Drive Realignment: Proposed $35 million Funding Details Dear Ms. Wiggins,
As outlined in a separate letter, the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project is in need of $35 million to fully fund the construction phase of the project, preserve the significant federal investment, and complete a transformative regional mobility and community-connection project in Downtown Long Beach.
To address the remaining funding needed for the Project, the City respectfully submits the following draft term sheet for Metro’s Board of Directors’ consideration:
Total Project Cost
o $73 million estimated total project costs based on the recent construction bids received.
Available Project Funding
o $30 million from U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities Grant Program.
o $4,700,000 Metro Measure R
o $3,300,000 Traffic mitigation, TDA, local Measure A, & gas tax funds Total Amount Requested:
o $35 million
Agreement Type:
o Structured as a grant, with local return match requirements.
Disbursement Terms:
o Metro to provide $35 million in funding to the City in Fiscal Year 2027, to allow construction to be fully funded and phase 1 to begin immediately.
City Repayment Terms:
o The City will contribute $11.5 million in future Metro Local Return funding. o The City will begin repayment in FY 2033. Funding up through FY2032 has already been programmed as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Repayment
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starting in 2033 will be captured and taken into account during future CIP planning process.
o Beginning in FY 2033, the City will repay $1.15 million annually in local return Metro Measure R and/or Measure M funds to Metro through FY 2042 (10 years total = $11.5 million in payments).
o Payment structure and detailed terms to be determined and outlines in a subsequent agreement.
This funding structure provides Metro with assurance of the City’s continued financial commitment while making resources available immediately to advance the Project into construction. The City believes this approach appropriately balances the need for near-term project delivery with Metro’s long-term regional funding priorities. The $35 million will solely be utilized for the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project and any available funding leftover will be returned and will not be utilized for any other project, including the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project.
The City remains committed to delivering this transformational project for Long Beach residents and visitors. The Shoreline Drive Realignment Project advances our shared mobility, safety, sustainability, and equity goals and represents a timely, high-impact regional investment ahead of the 2028 Summer Games. Metro’s support would also help protect the $30 million federal grant from expiring or going unused.
I look forward to continuing our partnership and working collaboratively with Metro staff to finalize a mutually agreeable terms sheet for consideration and approval by the Metro Board of Directors and the Long Beach City Council. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Patterson, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Rex Richardson
Mayor of Long Beach
CC: April Walker, Assistant City Manager, City of Long Beach Joshua Hickman, Director of Public Works, City of Long Beach Dawn Henderson, Deputy Director of Public Works, City of Long Beach Sarah Patterson, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, City of Long Beach