Metro

A rendering of how the underground Regional Connector might look under 2nd street.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A new round of Regional Connector input meetings will kick off Monday, soliciting input on what should be considered in the project's environmental documents. The project, which would connect the light rail lines entering 7th / Metro station to the Gold Line in Little Tokyo, was officially approved by the Metro board in January.

Now that the project is "real", it must go through the steps required to certify necessary environmental documents. The first of those is a set of scoping meetings very similar to those held in November of 2007. Those thinking of attending should take note that these meetings are intended to solicit comments, not to create a conversation, so don't expect immediate answers to any questions raised. Given that, interested parties may find it more convenient to simply submit comments via email.

The Alternatives Analysis done for the Connector settled on two possible build alternatives, one largely above-ground and one largely underground. Costs for the two options run from $709 - $910 million. During previous community meetings, speakers have overwhelmingly favored the underground option.

For those interested in attending a meeting can . Downtown options are Wednesday evening and Thursday mid-day. Comments .