City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Lissette Melendez, Project Engineer
Subject
LA River Path Project Master Cooperative Agreement
Recommendation
A. Find that approval of the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it is a continuing administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. To the extent that the LA River Path Project requires CEQA analysis, the Project is currently undergoing an environmental review process led by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA or Metro); and B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator, to execute the Master Cooperative Agreement between the City of Vernon and the LACMTA, in substantially the same form as submitted, for the design and construction of a portion of the LA River Path Project.
Background
The LA River Path Project is an approximately 8-mile bicycle and pedestrian path proposed along the Los Angeles River from Elysian Valley through Downtown Los Angeles and the City of Vernon, to the City of Maywood. The northern limit of the project area is the terminus of the Los Angeles River Greenway Trail at Riverside Drive, and the southern limit is at Atlantic Boulevard where the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path begins in the City of Maywood. The purpose of the LA River Path Project is to:
1. Close the longest remaining gap in the LA River Path.
2. Create a safe and world-class active transportation corridor along the Los Angeles River.
3. Enhance and provide recreational opportunities, liveability, regional and local connectivity.
4. Provide an outstanding user experience, access to economic opportunity for historically underinvested communities, and separation from vehicular traffic for people of all ages and abilities.
The LA River Path Project will serve various cities and communities, including the City of Vernon.
The proposed Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) intends to facilitate the development and implementation of the LA River Path Project and, in particular, the City portion of the project.
The MCA also defines the LACMTA’s expectations of the City related to providing requested information, reviewing plans related to the public right-of-way within the City, and issuing permits. Based on discussions with Metro, City staff is satisfied that entering into the proposed agreement does not create any foreseeable financial burden for the City. The MCA has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. LA River Path – Master Cooperative Agreement