File photo. 

The City of Long Beach announced it, along with the Port of Long Beach (POLB) and Long Beach Transit (LBT), received a $23 million grant from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Thursday.

The grant will go toward funding transportation and infrastructure improvement projects, according to a release issued Thursday.

“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 in a statement. “Long Beach truly represents the future with our vibrant and diverse urban center that provides bike, pedestrian, and transit friendly amenities.”

When broken down, the grant provides $12.4 million to Long Beach’s Department of Public Works for five projects that will extend the City’s bicycle network, enhance pedestrian experience, reduce congestion and implement mobile applications, in addition to connecting Los Angeles and Orange County bicycle networks.

Additionally, the funding grants the POLB $3.1 million in designing and building a coastal bike and pedestrian path that crosses the Los Angeles River at Ocean Boulevard, connecting the replacement for the Gerald Desmond Bridge, the City of Long Beach bicycle network and the L.A. River Bicycle path. Another $5.4 million will be allocated to the POLB to enhance pedestrian safety, expand terminals, and “enhance” the movement of cargo, the release stated.

“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 in a statement. “We thank our regional, state and federal partners for this funding opportunity to close a critical gap in the bicycle network.”

LBT will also receive $2.1 million to purchase zero-emission battery electric buses to replace old hybrid gasoline/electric buses, adding to the city’s “green fleet.”

“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 in a statement. “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.”