FEDERAL FUNDS FOR DOWNTOWN BUILDING

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard announced today that the 300 North Los Angeles Street federal building, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is likely to receive a $93 million renovation. Funding for the upgrade is included in President Bush's 2003 budget proposal.

Every day, more than 8,000 people conduct business at the 36-year old federal building. It houses offices of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Attorneys, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Despite its age, it has not been structurally upgraded or renovated. As a result, the building poses safety and seismic hazards. The problem of falling ceiling tiles is so serious that several lawsuits have been filed by public and government employees.

"This building is vital to the life of our city," said Roybal-Allard. "It houses several government agencies and serves many members of the public each day. Postponing these repairs could cause further injury and additional litigation. This project must be funded and completed without delay."

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard has advocated for funding for the renovation of the downtown federal building for several years. For the past three years, she has inserted language in appropriations bills directing the federal government to make renovations of the 300 North Los Angeles Street building a high priority.

"We have all seen the long lines of people waiting outside the 300 N. Los Angeles St. building," said Roybal-Allard. "This renovation will the make the basement a safe and usable area for people waiting for appointments at the Immigration and Naturalization Service."

The money will be used to improve the fire safety systems, replace ceilings, install energy-efficient lighting, make safety and energy-efficiency upgrades to elevators, manage hazardous materials like asbestos and lead, and do seismic strengthening for columns and foundations. Improvements will also be made to the exterior lighting, signage, and security.

-- ### --

Contact Lucille  |  Get Help  |  Meet Lucille  |  Our District  |  Latest News
Home	Back to Press Releases

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
Washington, D.C., Office: 2330 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-1766. Fax: (202) 226-0350.
District Office: 255 E. Temple St., Ste. 1860, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334. Phone: (213) 628-9230. Fax: (213) 628-8578.