5:00pm | The Army Corps of Engineers has released their long-awaited Reconnaissance Study of possibly reconfiguring the Long Beach Breakwater and has determined that there is Federal interest in pursuing the effort in the interest of improving water quality and circulation while improving the habitat for several species of fish and aquatic invertebrates.

The report will be presented to the Long Beach City Council during their meeting tomorrow. The Council could then vote on whether or not to approve an agreement to move forward with a larger, extremely detailed Feasibility Study to be conducted by the Army Corps over the next four years. The City of Long Beach will be expected to pay for half of the Feasibility Study, or $4,145,700. Click here to read about the city’s options in coming up with the funds.

The Feasibility Study will include detailed reports on circulation, water quality, wave action, economic impact, environmental habitats, potential dangers to the Port of Long Beach, container ships, oil islands and all other property, alterations to the Long Beach Breakwater and the Los Angeles River, and more.

Click here to download and read the 35-page Reconnaissance Study released by the Army Corps today.

UPDATE 7:00pm | Three City Councilmembers have released statements concerning the report. They are from Gerrie Schipske, Robert Garcia and Patrick O’Donnell below:

Gerrie Schipske, from her blog:

Just hot off my email desk, I received the following email from our Government Relations Director regarding the Army Corps of Engineers study that indicates they will include water quality and waves in the study but did note that: Additionally, the Study lists the various constraints on the project such as the Port of Long Beach berths, Navy anchorage, Long Beach peninsula, THUMS islands, marinas and docks, and navigational safety, and states that these areas must not be adversely affected.

We need to improve the water quality and circulation of the waters behind the breakwater. I am still concerned about where we get the monies to pay for the study — I don’t think Tidelands is the answer at this point. I will read the entire report and listen to the presentation tomorrow before I make my final decision about my vote.

Robert Garcia

Now that the Army Corps has declared federal interest, we have a historic opportunity to remake our shoreline and bring waves and clean water back to Long Beach.  The funding for the Breakwater study is an investment that will activate our beaches, raise property values, and support current and new businesses.

Patrick O’Donnell

Move Forward on the Breakwater Study

Today we learned that the Army Corps of Engineers has declared a “Federal Interest” in furthering the breakwater reconfiguration effort. Restoration of our eco-system is part of the Army Corps mission and I am happy that they desire to address the need for clean water, more wave activity, and an improved local economy. This official declaration of support is necessary and monumental in our effort to address one of Long Beach’s most significant quality-of-life issues. On Tuesday night, the Council has the chance to stand together and move forward on this significant issue. I am confident my colleagues will join me in supporting the management recommendation to move forward.  

Include a Lower Portion of the Los Angeles River

In an effort to fully address our local water quality issues, it has been suggested that we include a lower portion of the Los Angeles River in the study. I am supportive of this as it will provide efficiencies within the study and allow us to address the entire environmental condition of our local waters with one effort and vision. We need to employ a formal effort that will engage the upriver cities that pollute our local waters.

Funding From a Variety of Sources

Funding for the Breakwater Study is an investment in our future and should come from a variety of sources. A significant portion of study costs will be borne by the federal government; however, the city must locate funding for its portion. City management will present a multi-year funding plan that spreads the cost among several sources. No one source can be responsible for this effort and we must be as creative as possible. Further, we will use a variety of in-house city services to lower the study costs. It is important to remember that this study is an investment in our future as it is estimated that a fix will pump $52 million into our local economy on an annual basis.   

Related Coverage
 
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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