PORT OF LOS ANGELES MAKES $7.6 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR
AESTHETIC MITIGATION PROJECTS IN WILMINGTON

Applications for Projects Being Accepted Through February 16, 2007

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — January 30, 2007 —The Port of Los Angeles is seeking conceptual projects that benefit the community of Wilmington, and is making $7.6 million available for these projects. Proposals will be accepted through February 16, 2007, and information and proposal requirements are available on the Port’s website at www.portoflosangeles.org.

Funding for these projects comes from the Port’s Community Aesthetic Mitigation Program, created as part of a lawsuit settlement in 2003. A total of $10.7 million was set aside for projects in the Wilmington community. To date $3.1 million has been approved for the development of the Wilmington Youth Sailing Center at a site that is still to be determined.

“We know there are people in the community with great ideas for port-related projects that will make Wilmington a better place to live and visit,” said Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “We want to hear ideas and help bring the most suited ones to reality.”

Port staff will be available to answer any questions on the proposal application process at the February 6 meeting of the Port Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), Wilmington Waterfront Development Subcommittee meeting. The meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Senior Center, 1371 Eubank Street, in Wilmington.

Types of conceptual projects being sought must provide a nexus between the proposed project and the impact of Port operations. Viable concepts include: open space and parks; landscaping and beautification; and educational, arts or athletic facilities. Project proposals will be reviewed by a PCAC working group, and those selected will be forwarded to the California State Lands Commission for evaluation of consistency with the Tidelands Trust and the Public Trust Doctrine. Once this review is complete, the PCAC will vote to prioritize the projects they wish to forward to the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners for consideration and potential funding. It is the Board of Harbor Commissioners who will ultimately make the decision on funding of projects.

Those having questions on the proposal process may call the Port’s Environmental Mitigation Coordinator, Teresa Scognamillo, at (310) 732-3057 or e-mail her at tscognamillo@portla.org.

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.