An omnibus bill sent from Congress to the President this weekend includes $1.5 million of federal funding that will benefit the city of Long Beach. City officials expect the bill to be approved soon.
So where will the money go? Here’s a breakdown:
$1,000,000
Shoemaker Bridge improvement project
This money will be put towards the design and environmental clearance portions of the $140 million project to improve and replace the Shoemaker Bridge and its ramps. Shoemaker Bridge connects the I-710 Freeway to downtown Long Beach, and the redesign will increase safety and mobility while increasing the size of Cesar Chavez Park.
$100,000
Forensics Investigation Equipment
According to a City of Long Beach press release: These funds will allow the LBPD to acquire the necessary equipment for controlled substance analysis, firearms analysis, toxicology analysis, latent fingerprint analysis, and photographic documentation, all of which will enhance criminal forensic investigations and improve public safety.
$300,000
Long Beach Youth Career Academy
According to a City of Long Beach press release: The Long Beach Youth Career Academy, a joint partnership between the City of Long Beach’s Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), is designed to provide structured employment and educational activities to engage young adults who significantly contribute to delinquency, gang involvement, and other at-risk behaviors in the community, and connect workforce and education activities for younger youth as part of a larger intervention strategy.
$100,000
Regional Senior Services Collaboration Coordinator Program
According to a City of Long Beach press release: The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services requires funding for a Regional Senior Services Collaboration Coordinator Program, covering the areas of Long Beach, Signal Hill, Carson, Compton, and Willowbrook. This program will facilitate the coordination, assessment and evaluation of existing programs, activities and services throughout the region. It will also promote the inclusion of senior interests in regional and local planning to ensure a well-organized network and efficient system of services for seniors while minimizing the gaps, fragmentation and duplication of services.
Long Beach mayor Bob Foster issued the following statement today.
“We are pleased to receive these much needed funds,” said Foster. “These projects address some of the City’s most important services, such as public safety, infrastructure, at-risk youth, and services for seniors.”
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