PORT OF LOS ANGELES RELEASES DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR USS IOWA RELOCATION PROJECT
45-day Public Comment Period Ends on March 7
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — January 23, 2012 — The Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles-based nonprofit group Pacific Battleship Center have prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the USS Iowa Relocation Project. The USS Iowa is one of the last surviving World War II-battleships, decommissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1990.
The Pacific Battleship Center proposes to relocate the USS Iowa battleship from its current location in San Francisco to Berth 87, part of the San Pedro Waterfront. The battleship would be moored year-round at Berth 87 with sufficient parking to accommodate visitor use. Portions of the Iowa will be available to the public for guided tours, special events, and educational programs. A second phase of the project may include, pending future funding, a two-story, 33,800 square foot (approximate footprint) landside visitor center, to include a museum and education center featuring historic artifacts, educational programs, concession areas; ticket booth, gift shop; and restroom facilities.
The draft EIR includes a discussion of the proposed project’s environmental impacts and identifies mitigation measures to reduce these impacts as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The public comment and review period is from January 23, to March 7, 2012. During this time, the Port will accept written comments and will host a public meeting on February 8, 6 p.m., at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building to present its findings and provide opportunity for public comment. A copy of the document is available for public review at the following locations:
- Port of Los Angeles website at this link.
- Port of Los Angeles Environmental Management Division, 222 W. 6th Street, 10th Floor, Suite 1080, San Pedro
- L.A. Public Library, San Pedro Branch, 931 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro
- L.A. Public Library, Wilmington Branch, 1300 North Avalon, Wilmington
- L.A. Public Library, Central Branch, 630 West 5th Street, Los Angeles
Comments on the draft EIR must be submitted in writing prior to the end of the 45-day public review period and must be postmarked by March 7, 2012. Please submit written comments to:
Christopher Cannon
Director of Environmental Management
Port of Los Angeles
425 S. Palos Verdes Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Written comments may also be sent via email to ceqacomments@portla.org. Comments sent via email must include the project title in the subject line, attached to the email in letter format, and include a valid mailing address in the email. Questions regarding this notice or the project should be directed to the Port of Los Angeles Environmental Management Division at (310) 732-3675. For more information, visit www.portoflosangeles.org.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port supports more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 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. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.