For Immediate Release
June 11, 2009

Contact: Michael Eagle
(202) 225-7924

Congresswoman Richardson Announces That Long Beach will be Among the Los Angeles County Recipients to Receive over $8 Million for Transit Capital Improvements

WASHINGTON —Congresswoman Laura Richardson announced today that the city of Long Beach will be among the Los Angeles County recipients to receive over $8 million in federal grant funding for transit capitol improvements.  The grants were made available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assistance programs and authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“Many have wondered about where much needed revenue for our communities would come from,” Congresswoman Richardson said.  “The allocation of $8 million in transit capital funds is a welcome receipt from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Transit capital improvement projects will help create jobs in our community and will make our transportation systems safer and more reliable for passengers.”

Specifically, the funding will invest in the following program in and around Long Beach:

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
~For traction power substation replacements along the Metro Blue Line~
• $8,185,197

To date, California has received $13,462,105,063 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In addition, Congresswoman Richardson recently announced that she had secured over $16 million in federal funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for critical projects in and around the 37th Congressional District. 

Federal Funding to Improve Port Operations
~Port of Long Beach Dredging~
• $2,455,000
~Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles Dredging of the Estuary at the end of the LA River (for the additional benefit of the Catalina Express)~
• $1,980,000

Federal Funding to Improve the LA River
~Los Angeles Drainage Area Projects (including vegetation and sediment removal)~
• $6,475,000

Federal Funding for Water Recycling
~The Harbor / South Bay Water Recycling Program~
• $5,129,000

“Investments in ports and water recycling will better our region and have tangible effects on the economy,” Congresswoman Richardson said.  “As a strong supporter of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, I understand that federal investment is the cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy to put Americans back to work and strengthen our infrastructure at the same time.”

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37th Congressional District.  She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security.  Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrooke and Signal Hill.

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