REP LIEU SECURES NEARLY $6 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE SOUTH BAY

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) announced that he secured nearly $6 million in federal funding for various community projects in the South Bay. The Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills were signed into law by President Biden on Saturday, March 9, 2024. These federal resources will support projects to mitigate the risk of landslides, make infrastructure improvements, support individuals with disabilities and more. This funding will support projects in Rolling Hills, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Torrance.  

“I am incredibly pleased to have secured nearly $6 million in community project funding that I know will have a strong impact on my constituents in the South Bay,” said Rep. Lieu. “It is an honor to represent parts of the beautiful South Bay in Congress and to bring back funding for each of these projects that will make a real difference in the lives of those in our community.” 

Rep. Lieu championed funding for seven projects that will directly benefit South Bay residents. These include: 

$1,000,000 for the Rolling Hills Landslide Mitigation Project: This project will improve wastewater flow in the City of Rolling Hills and mitigate the risks of landslides. A portion of the city is within the Flying Triangle landslide area where unique topography and excess soil moisture increase the threat of catastrophic landslides. By constructing new sewer mainlines, this project will prevent discharge that would otherwise contribute to soil moisture worsening the landslide risks in the community. The new sewer main line along Portuguese Bend Road will move wastewater to the Los Angeles County Carson treatment facility and out of harm’s way. 

$200,000 for the Downtown Lomita Stormwater Project: This project will divert stormwater from three county storm drains in the downtown area of Lomita to an infiltration gallery and a series of drywells, which will help prevent stormwater pollution. Stormwater is water from rain that does not soak into the ground and can collect and carry pollutants as it flows. If the water is not drained properly, it can damage property and leak into local waterways and the ocean. The project also includes bioretention areas, pervious pavement, drought-tolerant native plants, shade trees, benches, and a bike lane along Lomita Boulevard. 

$200,000 for the Peck Avenue Storm Drain Infrastructure Improvement Project in Manhattan Beach: This project will help mitigate flooding conditions for residential properties by funding the construction of storm drains and additional catch basins with water quality inserts. It would also include improvements to vegetation and biodiversity along Peck Ave. 

$1,466,279 for the Redondo Beach Marina Dock System Replacement: This project will help preserve the functionality of the Marina and enhance the local economy by replacing the docks, pile supports, gangways, and entry gates. The Redondo Beach Marina is an integral part of Redondo Beach’s waterfront landscape and plays a vital cultural and economic role for the community, serving as a hub for commercial and recreational boating. The Marina, which is situated along the International Boardwalk in King Harbor, is comprised of 60 slips that the city owns and leases to commercial and privately-owned vessels. This area has been identified as needing revitalization due to both the anticipated impacts of sea level rise and existing structural deficiencies induced by time and environmental factors. The improvements will also contribute to the overall commercial viability of the International Boardwalk, a commercial hub built around the Marina. 

$850,000 for the Columbia Park Water Conservation Project in Torrance: This project will remove existing grass turf sports fields and irrigation systems and construct environmentally-friendly artificial turf sports fields at Columbia Park. This is the largest park in Torrance, and it draws hundreds of youth sports and outdoor recreation users from the entire South Bay and neighboring cities in the region. Maintaining fields with intensive irrigation needs, grass growth cycles, and heavy use is not cost-effective or sustainable. High-quality artificial turf is a low-maintenance alternative that is better for the environment as it requires almost no watering, no use of harsh chemicals like pesticides, and no air-polluting equipment such as lawnmowers. The new synthetic turf will save valuable water resources and allow for year-round use. 

$963,000 for the Hermosa Beach Real Time Crime Center: The Real Time Crime Center will provide first responders with critical information to specific incidents, provide situational awareness ahead of officer arrival, and enhance investigative capabilities of the department. This project will improve the safety of innocent bystanders and first responders by using state-of-the-art technology to share real-time information with officers and detectives working in the field. Improving communication among law enforcement officials and first responders will ensure that Hermosa Beach remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. 

$1,000,000 for the California Abilities Network (ICAN) Individuals With Disabilities Workforce Training Center: This project will enable the California Abilities Network (ICAN) to open a new facility called the ICAN Workforce Training Center in the South Bay area to assist the growing number of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities—many of whom come from low-to moderate income backgrounds. ICAN’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to discover and achieve their own “I CAN” statement. ICAN has a five-year waiting list and, as such, cannot currently meet the current community need for services. The construction of the ICAN Workforce Training Center will benefit the community by supporting the economic mobility of adults living with disabilities.   

This year, in Fiscal Year 2024, Rep. Lieu secured over $11 million in federal funding for 14 local projects across Los Angeles County. The projects improve community infrastructure, protect the environment, address homelessness and more.