Extension of the San Diego Trolley Blue Line north to UC San Diego and University City received final environmental approval Friday, paving the way to begin construction late next year.
The SANDAG board of directors voted unanimously to certify the state environmental document, and planned to move forward with final engineering work and application for federal funding, which is expected.
“We have been working toward this milestone for many years. We look forward to securing federal funding for the project next year and starting construction on this long-awaited regional transit project,” said County Supervisor Ron Roberts, a member of the SANDAG board.
The $2 billion project would be financed half from federal funds and have from the TransNet half-cent sales tax.
“This project will not only provide additional travel choices for residents, it will also be a major boost to the regional economy,” said Santee Councilmember Jack Dale, chair of the SANDAG board. “Its construction will result in more than 14,000 local jobs, and it will provide a net economic benefit of more than $2.5 billion for the region.”
The Mid-Coast Trolley project is considered one of the region’s highest priority transit projects. It will provide a no-transfer ride from the international border and communities south of Downtown San Diego all the way to UC San Diego and University City.
SANDAG, the San Diego Association of Governments, is the regional planning agency for San Diego County and its 18 cities.
