County light rail project earns federal endorsement

Another step toward a light rail project in Orange County -- which

would include Costa Mesa -- was taken this week, as federal

transportation authorities endorsed preliminary engineering plans.

The Orange County Transportation Authority secured approval from the

Federal Transportation Authority to proceed with preliminary engineering

for the CenterLine light rail project.

The 18-mile project would link key employment and entertainment areas

of Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and Irvine, such as Santa Ana Civic and

Transportation centers, the South Coast Metro area, Irvine Business

Complex, John Wayne Airport, UC Irvine and the Irvine Medical and

Transportation centers.

The line is expected to serve 40,000 to 45,000 riders daily, Orange

County Transportation Authority spokesman George Urch said.

Initial engineering of the project is expected to take 18 to 20

months, officials said, and would include an extensive outreach effort to

gather input from the public.

Information:o7 www.octa.netf7 .