News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

October 2, 2002

Harman Announces Progress In Work To Secure Funds For Key Environmental Projects

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) announced today that the House Appropriations Committee has approved funding for several key projects in the South Bay. The funding was approved at Harman’s urging as part of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill currently working its way through Congress.

Among the Southern California projects slated for federal funds are Ballona Creek, the Coastline of Los Angeles County, Marina Del Rey Harbor, and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“These projects are at the heart of the South Bay economy and our quality of life,” said Harman.

“By maintaining and improving our beaches, ports and harbors, the funding in this bill will help our ailing economy by bolstering tourism and trade.”

The spending bill includes funding for the following South Bay projects:

$60,000 for the maintenance and continued operation of Marina del Rey’s channel and marina entrance.
$300,000 for the continued development of a plan to remove dredged material from the entrance of Marian del Rey Harbor.
$200,000 for the continued restoration of Ballona Creek.
$150,000 to continue development of a long-term plan to prevent contaminated sediments from being dumped into Marina del Rey, the Los Angeles River Estuary, Ballona Creek, and the Ports of Los Angles and Long Beach.
$15 million to deepen the Port of Los Angeles’ Main Channel to allow larger state-of-the-art container ships to move in and out of the port more safely and efficiently. This will reduce pollution, while bringing improved jobs to the South Bay.
$250,000 to develop a management plan for Los Angeles County’s 30 miles of public beaches, much of which is located in Harman’s congressional district. The management plan will assess long-term shoreline changes and help officials protect beaches, coastal shorelines, and wildlife habitats.

Harman stated, “As this spending bill moves forward, I will continue to push for these funds to strengthen the South Bay economy and to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for our children.”

The spending bill now goes to the House floor for a vote. No vote on the legislation is currently scheduled. Although the 2003 fiscal year began Oct 1, 2002, it is unclear if the Republican Leadership in the House will permit a vote on appropriations bills in October or wait until February after the 108th Congress convenes.

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