PORT OF LOS ANGELES RECEIVES NEARLY $2 MILLION IN EPA RECOVERY ACT GRANT FUNDING
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — October 1, 2009 — The Port of Los Angeles has been awarded nearly $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), under its American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.
U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced the Port of Los Angeles award today along with approximately $24.5 million in other Southern California “green” funding grants for diesel emission reduction projects under ARRA.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., were among the officials on hand for the announcement in Long Beach earlier today.
"I am proud to be here today with EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Governor Schwarzenneger to announce these grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, said Mayor Villaraigosa. “These resources will further support innovation, emission reduction and job creation in Los Angeles, specifically at the Port where we've already demonstrated that initiatives to clean the air, like the historic Clean Truck Program, work.”
“We need to continue to take every opportunity to remove equipment reliant on dirty diesel,” added Mayor Villaraigosa. “This isn't just about the quality of air; it's about the quality of life for all Angelenos and residents of Southern California so they do not get sick from diesel pollution. This funding will help Los Angeles further its role as a leader in sustainable, clean technology."
The $1,991,750 in ARRA funding will be used by the Port of Los Angeles and its tenants to replace, repower or retrofit a total of 27 pieces of equipment currently in operation at the Port. The types of equipment to be modified include trucks, forklifts, cranes and other cargo handling equipment. The emission reductions achieved from this project will improve air quality and health in the surrounding areas.
“As we mark the one-year anniversary of the successful Clean Truck Program, we’re grateful that the EPA is assisting us in our efforts to reduce port air pollution on other clean diesel fronts,” said Dr. Knatz. “These funds will help us re-power and clean up some essential Port equipment.”
For information about the Port of Los Angeles, visit http://www.portoflosangeles.org. For information on EPA’s implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in California, visit http://www.epa.gov/recovery. The Port of Los Angeles, also known as “America’s Port,” has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy and 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 generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 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.