The Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program will give away more than $46 million over the next 12-15 years to help those most affected by Port-related impacts. The grants help address the effects on air and water quality, traffic, and noise on local schools, health-care centers, senior facilities and the wider community.
During the program’s 12-15 year lifespan, $46.4 million will be funded in three specific categories:
- Community Health;
- Facility Improvements;
- Community Infrastructure.
Future development projects could provide more grant funds at the Harbor Commission’s discretion.
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The investments are added to the $17.4 million the Port has awarded since 2009 under its previous Mitigation Grants Program. Along with the new funding, the total amount is nearly $65 million.
The Port has also set out criteria for eligible projects and programs and the types of organizations and facilities that can apply. All funding is now subject to final Board approval.
In addition, two geographic zones help determine the most eligible grant recipients. While the city of Long Beach is eligible for grant funding, there is a priority zone covering downtown and extending north along the Interstate 710 corridor. Both zones also include parts of Wilmington, Carson, Compton and Paramount.
What is more, the Port prioritizes expenditures that benefit sensitive populations, including children, pregnant women, senior citizens, the chronically ill and those with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders and diseases.
Specifically, the Facility Improvements Program funds projects at facilities that limit impacts regarding port-related air pollution, noise pollution and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects include:
- Air filtration;
- Window/door replacement and sealing;
- Insulation;
- Boiler/chiller replacement;
- Energy-efficient lighting;
- Solar power generation;
- Solar heating;
- Electric fleet vehicles;
- Trees and landscaping;
- Noise barriers.
Moreover, Community Infrastructure Program funding is awarded to capital projects that reduce port-related impacts on air and water quality, traffic and noise. These projects include:
- Parks and open space;
- Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure;
- Water quality and stormwater;
- Sound walls and noise barriers.
