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The Expo Construction Authority Board has approved a $1.5 billion Phase 2 funding agreement and a $541.7 million design-build contract to clear the way for construction to begin on a light-rail line extension from downtown Los Angeles and Culver City to Santa Monica, Calif.

The funding agreement between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the construction authority provides the guidelines by which LACMTA will fund the project through the Measure R half-cent sales tax revenue, as well as state and local funds. The $541.7 million contract with Skanska/Rados calls for the firm to design and build the Expo line.

Meanwhile, the authority approved incorporation of a project labor agreement covering local hiring provisions. In addition, the L.A. City Council has agreed to commit $5.3 million in funding to cover the cost of adding a grade separation and aerial station to the project.

With the agreements in place, the construction authority expects to kick off the design-build process with a series of community meetings along the project corridor in early May.