(May 21, 2008) Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) and Laura Richardson (CA-37) welcomed Dr. Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, to our nation’s capital to speak with California Members of Congress about the port’s ground-breaking Clean Air Action Plan and Clean Trucks Program.  The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest container port. It is administered by the City of Los Angeles under the leadership of Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa. The port has committed to a truck replacement program and an air quality improvement plan that will reduce harmful emissions at the port by 50 percent over the next five years.  In addition, Dr. Knatz spoke to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard about the port’s main channel deepening project. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard has secured nearly $55 million in federal funds for the dredging project. They also discussed homeland security challenges at the port.  In addition, Dr. Knatz spoke with Congresswoman Laura Richardson, who is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, about the port’s transportation and goods movement needs, in preparation for next year’s expected consideration of a major surface transportation authorization bill in Congress.