FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILMINGTON WATERFRONT PROJECT AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES
WINS TWO DESIGN AWARDS

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – June 5, 2007 – The Wilmington Waterfront Development Program at the Port of Los Angeles recently earned San Francisco-based design consultant Sasaki and Associates two prestigious design awards: The Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Northern California Chapter; and the Urban Design Citation Award from The American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter.

“The Wilmington Waterfront design represents a tremendous amount of creativity and input from our local community, Sasaki and Associates, and the Port of Los Angeles,” said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Port of Los Angeles executive director.  “It’s gratifying to see that the architectural community agrees that this is a great design.”

The Wilmington Waterfront Development Program encompasses 95 acres of land adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s leading container port.  The Program is made up of two separate projects:  The Harry Bridges Boulevard Buffer, which will provide open space and separation between the community of Wilmington and Port industrial operations, and the Avalon Boulevard Corridor project, which will provide public access to the waterfront near Banning’s Landing and commercial development opportunities.  Sasaki and Associates’ design brings a formerly industrial area alive with recreation areas and creates a destination location for the community to enjoy the view of the water and live theater of the Port.  The Harry Bridges Boulevard Buffer project is currently undergoing the environmental review process and is expected to begin construction in 2008, and the Avalon Boulevard Corridor is expected to begin the environmental review process this year.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port.  As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach.  For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port.  A brighter future.