8:15pm | The Long Beach City Council has voted unanimously (8-0, Schipske absent) to enter into a cost-sharing agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with a Feasibility Study into possible options for reconfiguring the Long Beach breakwater with the goals of improving the marine habitat, water quality along the shore and in the Los Angeles River, and providing an economic boost without damaging residential or industrial property.
The City of Long Beach and Army Corps of Engineers will be equally responsible for the cost of the $8 million study. Many funding possibilities were discussed and will be pursued by City Management such as providing in-kind services (such as geotechnical studies, socioeconomic studies, real estate analysis, coordinating public involvement and more) and requesting grant funds as well as one-time money from the Port of Long Beach as well as money from the Tidelands Fund.
The move was the necessary next step in determining the best course of action for possibly altering the breakwater. The study will take an estimated four years to complete, with the goal of producing options for construction that could take several additional years and cost between tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. The City would be responsible for 30-percent of that cost when – if? – the time comes.
The study will not begin until Federal appropriations are handed down, which could be delayed due to this year’s slow-moving budget process. Long Beach Government Affairs Advisor Tom Modica said tonight that it’s possible the Federal Government will not provide the funding to the Army Corps of Engineers until January of 2011.
Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell, who introduced the approved motion, released the following statement:
“Tonight, I am proud to say that the Council took a historic step towards the restoration of our shore. The Council’s decision to direct the City Manager to enter into a Federal Cost-Share Agreement with the Army Corps for the Long Beach Breakwater Feasibility Study is a win-win for our residents and the region. We are one step closer to cleaner water, a more vital economy, and increased recreational opportunities.”
Councilmember Robert Garcia released the following statement:
“Long Beach took a bold and courageous step forward by supporting and funding the breakwater feasibility study. We now have a historic opportunity to remake our shoreline and bring waves and clean water back to our city. As we move forward, we will ensure that the study fully looks at protection of our coastal homes and the Port of Long Beach.”
More details to come…
Related Coverage
UPDATE: Army Corps Of Engineers Approves Interest In Breakwater Feasibility Study
O’Donnell Offers Surfing Lesson To Chamber CEO After Breakwater Statement
Councilmembers Take Sides On Breakwater Issue
Long Beach Chamber Opposes Funding Breakwater Study
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