PRESS RELEASE City of Long Beach

Public Information Office

411 W. Ocean Blvd,

Long Beach, CA 90802

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release # CM: 092415 Subject: Metro Awards $23 million for Innovative City, Port and Transit Transportation Projects in Long Beach

The City of Long Beach, Port of Long Beach, and Long Beach Transit were awarded a combined $23 million from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today for transportation infrastructure improvement projects in all funding categories by Metro. These projects will further cement the City’s reputation as a leader in sustainable transportation.



“I am delighted that the Metro Board recognized the City’s extensive efforts to serve all transportation needs in the City, particularly for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and goods movement,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Long Beach truly represents the future with our vibrant and diverse urban center that provides bike, pedestrian, and transit friendly amenities.”



The City’s Department of Public Works will receive $12.4 million for five projects that will extend the City’s bicycle network, enhance the pedestrian experience along major streets, reduce congestion, and implement innovative transportation mobile apps. This funding will help the City connect Los Angeles and Orange Counties’ bicycle networks via a bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the San Gabriel River at Atherton Street.



The Port of Long Beach will receive $3.1 million to design and build a coastal bike and pedestrian path crossing the Los Angeles River at Ocean Boulevard. The proposed path would connect the Bixby Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Path on the new replacement for the Gerald Desmond Bridge, the City of Long Beach Bicycle Network and the L.A. River Bicycle Path.



“The Port of Long Beach has worked closely with stakeholder and advocacy groups on our Green Port projects, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “We thank our regional, state and federal partners for this funding opportunity to close a critical gap in the bicycle network.”



The Port will also receive another grant for $5.4 million to enhance goods movement. The grant will fund the widening and realignment of Pier B Street in addition to improvements to pedestrian safety. With record breaking cargo volume, the Port’s widening of Pier B Street will allow for the timely transport of cargo to their final destinations.



Long Beach Transit (LBT) continues to lead the industry with adopting environmentally friendly low-to-no emission buses. The agency will receive $2.1 million from Metro to purchase new zero-emission battery electric buses to replace aging hybrid gasoline/electric buses. This will add to its existing green fleet of compressed natural gas and battery electric buses.



“Long Beach Transit is committed to continue seeking out innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint for the benefit of our community,” said Kenneth McDonald, Long Beach Transit’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With LBT’s upcoming battery electric buses, we are advancing our industry toward a zero-emission standard and taking an important step toward better air quality in Long Beach and the surrounding cities we serve.”



The award of the Metro grants reflects the commitment of the City of Long Beach, Port of Long Beach, and Long Beach Transit to advance projects that improve the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors in the City by leveraging federal, state, and regional funding.