The extension is part of a 12.8-mile project to link Sacramento with its namesake international airport. The Green Line also is designed to serve Natomas-area riders, offering LRT service to a neighborhood that has reportedly quadrupled in population since 2003.

When completed, the airport extension will include 13 LRT stations and a light-duty maintenance operation, according to the Regional Transit District (RT).

RT's first 18-mile LRT line debuted in 1987. Last week RT received approval from the Federal Transit Administration to enter final design for its Blue Line to Cosumnes River College (CRC) LRT project, also known as South Line Phase 2.