PRESS RELEASE
City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov
3/2/2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # CM: 030217
Subject:
City of Long Beach Celebrates Kick Off for Measure A Infrastructure Improvements
Contact:
Craig Beck
562.570.6771
Craig.Beck@longbeach.gov
Director of Public Works
562.570.6771
Craig.Beck@longbeach.gov
Director of Public Works
The City of Long Beach today celebrated the kick off for Measure A citywide infrastructure improvements. The improvements at the intersection of East Jackson Street and Walnut Avenue includes asphalt, sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs; slurry sealing; and ADA accessibility improvements, which are illustrative of the citywide street improvements funded by Measure A over the next several years.
“We are launching the biggest investment in our city in more than a generation,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We will fix more streets, sidewalks, parks, and storm drains than we have in more than 50 years.”
On June 7, 2016, Long Beach voters approved Measure A, a temporary sales tax increase to fix Long Beach streets, roads and alleys; repair the City’s infrastructure; maintain and add more police officers on our streets; maintain and improve 911 paramedic response times; and maintain and restore firefighters at critical locations. Measure A also created a special Citizens’ Advisory Committee to ensure the funding is allocated toward infrastructure and public safety.
"I am absolutely delighted to see these improvements and repairs throughout our community," said Councilmember Al Austin. "We are delivering on a promise made to our residents and business owners."
Measure A, approved by nearly 60 percent of Long Beach voters, adds 1 percent to the sales tax for the first six years, and then declines to a half-percent for four years, before ending. Measure A funds will also be used to enhance Public Safety Infrastructure and Community Facilities, such as libraries, parks, and related projects.
In addition, Measure A established a five-member Citizen’s Advisory Committee to review the City’s use of the revenues generated by the tax and to ensure the funds are spent in accordance with the ballot language and the Council’s intent to use the funds for public safety and infrastructure.
“Measure A is clearly helping to restore and improve our infrastructure,” said Steven Neal, Chair of the Measure A Citizens’ Advisory Committee. “These tax dollars are being spent specifically on infrastructure and public safety – exactly as promised.”
The first phase of the Citywide Measure A street improvements will slurry seal 39 street centerline miles across Long Beach, and is expected to be complete during summer 2017. In the coming years, crews will also work on arterial street reconstruction in various locations, sidewalk repair, replacement of select street signage, and the creation of an alley management plan.
“Public Works staff is looking forward to a busy and productive next few years,” said Craig Beck, Director of Public Works. “Thanks to the additional Measure A funding, Public Works will be able to reconstruct and repair many of the streets and sidewalks that need it the most.”
The temporary sales tax is expected to generate approximately $48 million annually for the first six years, and then approximately $24 million annually for the final four years. The first year of Measure A Plan includes an estimated $25.7 million for capital improvement projects.
Public safety restorations funded by Measure A include Fire Engine 8, Paramedic Rescue 12, the Police South Division and the Police Academy.
“We are launching the biggest investment in our city in more than a generation,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We will fix more streets, sidewalks, parks, and storm drains than we have in more than 50 years.”
On June 7, 2016, Long Beach voters approved Measure A, a temporary sales tax increase to fix Long Beach streets, roads and alleys; repair the City’s infrastructure; maintain and add more police officers on our streets; maintain and improve 911 paramedic response times; and maintain and restore firefighters at critical locations. Measure A also created a special Citizens’ Advisory Committee to ensure the funding is allocated toward infrastructure and public safety.
"I am absolutely delighted to see these improvements and repairs throughout our community," said Councilmember Al Austin. "We are delivering on a promise made to our residents and business owners."
Measure A, approved by nearly 60 percent of Long Beach voters, adds 1 percent to the sales tax for the first six years, and then declines to a half-percent for four years, before ending. Measure A funds will also be used to enhance Public Safety Infrastructure and Community Facilities, such as libraries, parks, and related projects.
In addition, Measure A established a five-member Citizen’s Advisory Committee to review the City’s use of the revenues generated by the tax and to ensure the funds are spent in accordance with the ballot language and the Council’s intent to use the funds for public safety and infrastructure.
“Measure A is clearly helping to restore and improve our infrastructure,” said Steven Neal, Chair of the Measure A Citizens’ Advisory Committee. “These tax dollars are being spent specifically on infrastructure and public safety – exactly as promised.”
The first phase of the Citywide Measure A street improvements will slurry seal 39 street centerline miles across Long Beach, and is expected to be complete during summer 2017. In the coming years, crews will also work on arterial street reconstruction in various locations, sidewalk repair, replacement of select street signage, and the creation of an alley management plan.
“Public Works staff is looking forward to a busy and productive next few years,” said Craig Beck, Director of Public Works. “Thanks to the additional Measure A funding, Public Works will be able to reconstruct and repair many of the streets and sidewalks that need it the most.”
The temporary sales tax is expected to generate approximately $48 million annually for the first six years, and then approximately $24 million annually for the final four years. The first year of Measure A Plan includes an estimated $25.7 million for capital improvement projects.
Public safety restorations funded by Measure A include Fire Engine 8, Paramedic Rescue 12, the Police South Division and the Police Academy.