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In 1991, RT completed a Systems Planning Study, which examined several corridors to explore the potential for future light rail extensions within the Greater Sacramento Metropolitan Area. As part of this effort, RT completed a route refinement study to assess and preserve right-of-way options for the future construction of a transit extension in an alignment running from downtown to the Airport through Natomas. An alignment for light rail in the DNA corridor was identified and incorporated into the city's South and North Natomas Community Plans.
In 1993, the concept for expanding light rail progressed with the Transit Master Plan (TMP) and the development of detailed studies in three corridors. Subsequently, federal, state and local funding was secured for the construction and operation of two corridor extensions, the South Sacramento and the Folsom extensions.
In 2001, RT completed a Multi-Corridor Study that identified the DNA corridor as a potentially cost-effective transit corridor, and the RT Board of Directors directed staff to advance the DNA corridor into the Alternatives Analysis phase. Several different alignments were examined during the Alternatives Analysis. In December 2003, the Alternatives Analysis resulted in selection by the RT Board of the locally preferred alternative, light rail extension, generally following 7th Street and Truxel Road from downtown Sacramento to the airport.
In 2007, a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) was prepared that addressed the entire project area from downtown to the airport. The PEIR was certified in April 2008.
RT is now conducting 30% design, referred to as preliminary engineering, and an Environment Impact Report (EIR) for the MOS-1. This first section of the DNA line, which will extend light rail from downtown Sacramento to Richards Boulevard along 7th Street, is anticipated to open for service by the end of 2010.
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