San Diego Trolley extension project advances with release of environmental report

The draft environmental report on the Mid-Coast Corridor trolley extension project has been released for public review, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) officials announced Wednesday.

The report's release signals a "major step forward" for the $1.7 billion project, which would extend San Diego Trolley service to the University City community in San Diego, Calif., said SANDAG officials in a press release.

SANDAG will host four open houses and a hearing in June to provide the public with opportunities to learn more about the project and offer comments on the draft supplemental environmental impact statement and subsequent environmental impact report, they said.

Eight new stations are proposed along the route. A potential ninth station, proposed for the Veterans Administration Medical Center, also is included in the environmental review.

The project represents the first extension of the San Diego Trolley system since the Green Line to San Diego State University was completed in 2005.

SANDAG is spearheading the project in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Metropolitan Transit System. SANDAG is funding the project through the TransNet half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by San Diego County voters. The project also has been accepted into the FTA New Starts program. 

"The Mid-Coast Trolley extension will be a significant step forward for transit access in San Diego," said Ron Roberts, chairman of the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project Working Group.