Deal to Ease Impact of Alameda Corridor Project

A deal struck between the city of Vernon and the governmental agency overseeing work on the Alameda Corridor rail project will smooth the way for construction of the project while easing the impact on businesses in the city, an agency spokeswoman said Friday.

Vernon is the last of the so-called corridor cities--cities that lie along the path of the project--to reach agreement with the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority. The cities of Carson, Compton, South Gate, Lynwood and Huntington Park have negotiated similar terms, said agency spokeswoman Veronica Soto.

In the agreement, Vernon promised not to obstruct construction plans. The agency will implement street and signal improvements and provide compensation for loss of tax revenue from disruption to businesses during construction, Soto said.

The whole package is worth an estimated $6.7 million to the city, according to Vernon officials.

The Alameda Corridor is a $2-billion transportation project designed to speed the movement of cargo between the county’s ports and rail yards in downtown Los Angeles.