PORT OF LOS ANGELES RECEIVES APWA’S 2013 B.E.S.T. PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR SOUTHERN PACIFIC SLIP WATERFRONT PLAZA
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — December 10, 2013 — The Port of Los Angeles received the 2013 B.E.S.T. Project of the Year award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for its Southern Pacific (S.P.) Slip Waterfront Plaza, which pays homage to San Pedro's history as a commercial fishing hub, located on the LA Waterfront near Ports O’ Call Village.
“The Port is honored to receive this recognition from the American Public Works Association,” said Port of Los Angeles Interim Executive Director Gary Lee Moore. “The S.P. Slip is a landmark and the new waterfront plaza is a fitting tribute to the fishing industry in San Pedro.”
Winning in the recreation and athletic facilities category, the S.P. Slip Waterfront Plaza includes improved public waterfront access for pedestrians and vehicles and development of a 1.5-acre landscaped plaza that features the “Ghost Fish 102” sculpture, a 40-foot blue fin tuna by artist Carl Cheng, hung from a galvanized steel frame over the water at Berth 73. Teak benches by San Pedro woodworker Harold Greene were also installed near the public art display. The plaza was completed in December 2012 at a cost of $6.5 million.
The LA Waterfront features several beautification and redevelopment projects that cover more than 400 acres of existing Port property in both San Pedro and Wilmington. With miles of public promenade and walking paths, acres of open space, and scenic views, the LA Waterfront attracts thousands of visitors annually. For more information, visit www.lawaterfront.org.
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. The Southern California Chapter of the APWA seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, acknowledging the B.E.S.T. – Building Excellence, Shaping Tomorrow.
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 generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.