| USA. Port of Los Angeles to build $3.1 million Youth Sailing Center |
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| Monday, 03 April 2006 | |
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Port news: The Port of Los Angeles will spend $3.1 million in community aesthetic mitigation funds to design and build a Wilmington Youth Sailing Center, and an additional $5.2 million to create a greenbelt on North Gaffey Street in Northwest San Pedro. Funding for these projects comes from the Port's Community Aesthetic Mitigation Program, created as part of a lawsuit settlement in 2003. "This is exactly what the community has been waiting for," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "The youth of Wilmington deserve to know the joys of water and sailing recreation and a sailing center in their community is long overdue. Equally, I am pleased to see that residents of San Pedro will see the greening and beautification of industrial thoroughfares." "It is great to see that we are finally spending China Shipping mitigation funds in our community to help mitigate years of negative port impacts on our neighborhoods," said Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "These projects were submitted by the community, approved by the Port Community Advisory Committee, and will improve and beautify both San Pedro and Wilmington. This is perfect use for this mitigation money." Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz added: "We're glad these two project proposals now have the Commission's approval to move forward. The Port is committed to working with the community to explore and bring to life additional mitigation projects that community stakeholders help shape and support, and also meet State Lands Commission approval." About the Projects The Wilmington Youth Sailing Center will be located within the Port's northern boundaries at the Consolidated Slip in Wilmington; the exact location is still to be determined. The facility will service low-income and at-risk youth throughout the region, exposing them to sailing, waterfront recreational activities and maritime educational programs. At a cost of $3.1 million, the project components include a community center, parking lot, boat slips and open dock space at Berth 200 in Wilmington. The Northwest San Pedro Beautification project is located along the east side of North Gaffey Street, generally bounded by Westmont Avenue and Channel Street in San Pedro. At a cost of $5.2 million, the Beautification project will include landscaping, a pedestrian and bike path, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, soil remediation and fencing. Included in the funding for this project are design, construction and the first year of maintenance to the improved area. The Port's Aesthetic Mitigation Fund was fully funded at $23.5 million. To date, two projects have been approved: Wilmington Youth Sailing Center and Northwest San Pedro Beautification. A balance of $10.2 million remains in the fund. The Port Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) has the authority to review projects and recommend them to the Harbor Commission. Three additional projects have been approved by the PCAC and are pending Board approval. The Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading container port in the nation and a critical hub in the international supply chain, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles also places a high priority on responsible growth initiatives combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. The Port of Los Angeles is a proprietary, self-supported department of the City of Los Angeles. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 03 April 2006 ) |
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