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Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces $40 Million for Port Security from Proposition 1B Funding

"We must continue our efforts to upgrade the state's security infrastructure to protect lives and the economy of California."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced $40 million has been awarded to improve port security in California.  Eleven ports across the state will receive funds from voter- approved Proposition 1B, part of the Governor's Strategic Growth Plan to improve infrastructure, security and public safety.  The plan is part of the Governor's agenda to improve California's infrastructure while at the same time boosting the state's economy by creating jobs. The Governor and his Office of Homeland Security (OHS), led by Director Matthew Bettenhausen, have worked extensively with the state legislature to increase funding to secure California's ports. 

"From day one I have said that public safety is my number one priority.  That is why I championed Proposition 1B and added security funds to the measure for port and transportation security," said Governor Schwarzenegger.  "We must continue our efforts to upgrade the state's security infrastructure to protect lives and the economy of California."

$1 billion of the nearly $20 billion approved will be allocated to enhance security and safety in the ports and mass transit systems.   California voters approved Proposition 1B in November of 2006, which enacted the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006. California's ports handle nearly half of the nation's containerized goods.

"The threat to our port system is one of the most fundamental challenges we face," said Director Matthew Bettenhausen.  "The danger to California's economy is very real if our port system is vulnerable to a terrorist attack.   I applaud the Governor for his vision as we work to prevent and be prepared to respond to acts of terrorism or natural disaster."  

"Ensuring our ports' security is vital to a vibrant economy and will help keep California competitive on a global stage," said Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Dale E. Bonner.  "Over a million jobs are directly attributable to our ports, which serve as a lifeline to international trade.  Better and more efficient security will allow the ports to maintain and grow their customer base while protecting these jobs and enhancing safety."

Under the 2007/08 current year budget, Proposition 1B allocates a total of $40 million dollars to the eleven ports in California including:

  • Humboldt Harbor         $  586,500
  • Hueneme                      $  2,461,848
  • Long Beach                  $  8,368,345
  • Los Angeles                 $ 10,066,000
  • Oakland                       $  3,800,000
  • Redwood City              $  451,480
  • Richmond                     $  3,404,507
  • Sacramento                  $  1,026,728
  • San Diego                    $  2,550,000
  • San Francisco               $  3,117,512
  • Stockton                      $  4,167,080
The Governor's Office of Homeland Security is charged with administering the Proposition 1B funds.  It is part of a plan to protect 37 million residents from man-made or natural disaster.  Proposition 1B funding will supplement the nearly $171 million coming to California in 2008 from Federal Department of Homeland Security Grants funding.

In further actions to stimulate California's economy, the Governor this week announced more than $6 million in grants to help veterans as they return to the civilian workforce. Last week, he announced $69.5 million in permanent low-interest loans from the Proposition 1C housing bonds and expedited implementation of $211 million in Proposition 1E funds to four critical levee improvement projects. Last month, the Governor called an emergency meeting of his cabinet and instructed them to recommend ways to work with the legislature and speed the release of $29 billion in unallocated funds from the 2006 infrastructure bonds for the construction of roads, schools and levee repairs.  The Governor has also called for the broad use of Performance Based Infrastructure (PBI) and established the Strategic Growth Council to promote economic, sustainable growth and development and meet the state's skilled workforce demands with 20,000 new engineers over the next decade. 

Also last month, Governor Schwarzenegger joined with Pennsylvania Governor Rendell and New York City Mayor Bloomberg to reinvigorate federal investment in the nation's infrastructure by creating the "Building America's Future" coalition.