Meeting set Wednesday on port grants

Schools, daycare centers, convalescent homes, senior centers, medical facilities, shipping terminals and others are eligible for $15 million in Port of Long Beach grants to minimize the impact of Port operations on air quality and greenhouse gases.

The public can learn more about the grants and how the funds will be allocated in a series of informational sessions beginning 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Cesar Chavez Park, 401 Golden Avenue, in downtown Long Beach. 

A second hearing is set for 7 p.m. June 17 at Hudson Elementary School, 2335 Hudson St., in West Long Beach, and a third meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 24 at Memorial Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach.

The grants program is part of a comprehensive strategy to offset the impacts of port-related operations in the community, primarily air pollution risks for vulnerable groups such as children and seniors. Examples of projects that may be eligible for grants include air filtration systems at schools, daycare centers, and senior health care centers.

Port officials will discuss the grants and be available at the meetings to answer questions about grant eligibility and how the funds will be awarded. A citizen advisory committee will be formed to make recommendations to the Port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners. The $15 million in grants will be divided equally among three general areas: 1) Schools and related sites. 2) Healthcare and senior facilities. 3) Greenhouse gases project.

(Source: Transport Weekly)