TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept Measure R funding from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the amount of $301,611 to facilitate the distribution of air filtration systems and tree replacement near Metro’s proposed EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane Project;
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $198,141, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Business Assistance Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $17,470, offset by grant revenue; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $86,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will add an auxiliary lane along a 1.4-mile freeway segment on eastbound State Route 91 between Interstate 710 and Cherry Avenue in North Long Beach, known as the EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane Project (Project). The City of Long Beach (City) requested Metro to contribute $1 million for air filtration systems for residents and businesses near the Project, in addition to resources to support additional tree replacement. The Project requires the removal of nearly 200 trees, and Metro plans for only 153 replacement trees, which falls short of the City’s goal of two-to-one tree replacement.
On January 27, 2022, the Metro Board approved a motion
(Attachment A) to provide no less than $1 million for air filtration systems for homes and businesses located within 750 feet of the Project and to ensure funding for at least a two-to-one tree replacement. Following the Metro Board action, Metro staff have met with City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Departments of Economic Development, Health and Human Service...
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