Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit Project (LA ART Project)
Zero Emissions Transit (ZET) and LA Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies, LLC (LA ARTT LLC) are proposing the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) project to connect the regional transit system from Los Angeles Union Station to Dodger Stadium. The project would also include an intermediate station at the southernmost entrance of the Los Angeles State Historic Park (LASHP). The project would provide access between and connect El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Union Station, Chinatown, the LASHP, Mission Junction, Dodger Stadium, Solano Canyon and Elysian Park to the regional transit system accessible at Union Station.
California State Parks is initiating a General Plan Amendment process for LASHP to review and consider direct transit access via the proposed LA ART aerial gondola project.
State Parks has determined that a general plan amendment (GPA) to the LASHP General Plan is needed to allow for public transit to the historic park and allow consideration and review of the proposed LA ART public transit use and facility.
State Parks will gather public input and work with LA ARTT to identify and address the potential issues and benefits of the project to consider a draft GPA proposal in 2025. Once State Parks determines the GPA meets the required standards and conditions for consideration of action, the GPA would be scheduled for a State Park and Recreation Commission (SPRC) meeting agenda.
State Parks’ GPA process will involve a public outreach effort to gather input to help inform the department’s consideration of the LASHP GPA and the LA ART project. There will be multiple opportunities for the public to comment and provide input to the proposed action.
Upcoming Meetings:
The LASHP GPA public outreach effort is scheduled to begin in October 2024 and will extend into spring 2025.
If you wish to be involved and provide input, please sign up at LAStateHistoricParkGPA.com.
In February 2024, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) approved the proposed LA ART project and certified its Final Environmental Impact Report with mitigation measures and conditions, including this next step in the process: the LASHP GPA.
For more information on the LA ART project, see the Project Sponsor’s website at laart.la.
The project’s Environmental Impact Report and other information can be found on Metro’s website: metro.net/projects/aerial-rapid-transit/.
As of September 12, 2024
What was State Parks’ Role in the EIR?
State Parks is a responsible agency under CEQA as it has discretionary approval authority over the project due to the need for a GPA to authorize the portion of the project affecting LASHP.? State Parks cooperated with LA Metro as a responsible agency, including consultation in preparation of the Draft EIR and Final EIR. In particular, State Parks provided comments on the Draft EIR on those project elements and proposals affecting LASHP. In addition, State Parks determined that the project would require a GPA to be approved and authorized for LASHP. This process is noted in the EIR as are other post-EIR certification review and approval processes that will be required through the City of Los Angeles and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Who approved the LA ART Project Final EIR?
LA Metro is the lead agency under CEQA and the decision-making body that approved the project and certified the LA ART Project Final EIR.??
Does State Parks have a role in the overall approval of this project?
Due to the need to amend the LASHP General Plan, State Parks is a responsible agency for this project in accordance with CEQA. The SPRC is the decision-making body that has the approval authority over GPAs.
What are the next steps now that the LA ART EIR is approved?
The LA ART project is required to obtain a LASHP GPA, which would be necessary to authorize such a project in the LASHP. A GPA is subject to the review and approval of SPRC. Additional approvals will also be required from the City of Los Angeles and the Caltrans before the project is constructed.
Will there be opportunities to provide input and public comment during the GPA process?
State Parks’ GPA process will involve a public outreach effort to gather input to help inform the department’s consideration of the project. There will be multiple opportunities for the public to comment and provide input to the proposed action. This will include a hearing at a scheduled SPRC meeting.