L.A. Metro forms panel to oversee Measure M implementation

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) board has selected a seven-member panel to oversee the implementation of the Measure M ballot initiative.

The panel's job is to ensure the initiative is implemented as specified on the ballot, Metro officials said in a press release.

Los Angeles County voters in November 2016 approved Measure M, which is a half-cent sales tax that will fund transportation improvements, including three passenger-rail projects.

"This committee is an outstanding group of experts, and I am confident that their guidance and oversight will help us fulfill Measure M's promise," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who chairs Metro's board.

Metro's board also approved guidelines for how Measure M funds are administered. A policy advisory council developed the guidelines.

Meanwhile, Metro is moving ahead with environmental studies and other planning for Measure M-funded projects. In spring, the agency requested bids for the tunneling contract for the Purple Line extension's third section.

A station contract for the extension is scheduled to be released this summer. Metro also is preparing environmental studies for the Airport Connector rail project.