GOVERNOR DAVIS APPROVES TRANSFER OF FORMER NASA SITE IN DOWNEY
4,000 Jobs Expected to Be Created; Cleanup Accelerated

SACRAMENTO -- Governor Gray Davis signed an early transfer of the former NASA Industrial Facility in Downey that will enable the city to complete an ambitious reuse project expected to create 4,000 new jobs.

"This transfer is good for the environment and good for the Southland's economy," said Gov. Davis. "Overcoming the final hurdle for this transfer paves the way for the creation of at least 4,000 new quality jobs and accelerates the cleanup of precious groundwater resources."

"I am pleased that Governor Davis granted my request to expedite this final land transfer agreement," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34th District). "This announcement from the Governor makes this a great day for the City of Downey and its residents. Our years of teamwork have paid off, and now the City can pursue the ambitious economic plan that they have developed for our community."

"As a legislator that represents Downey and its surrounding cities, I am thrilled that this land transfer will create thousands of jobs in my Assembly district. As a resident of the area I am grateful to Governor Davis for approving a project that will expedite the cleanup of contaminated groundwater sites that serve my family and my neighbors," said Assemblyman Ron Calderon (D-Montebello).

Governor Davis said the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has signed off on the transfer of the 96 acres to the City of Downey. The transfer has been five years in the making.

"The city has been working diligently to meet all the requirements and assure that the environmental conditions and potential remediation actions are handled properly," said Mayor Ricardo Trejo. "I am pleased that this early transfer will occur and bring family wage jobs to Los Angeles County." This growth will complement projects already underway and provide significant economic growth throughout the greater Los Angeles area."

"The acquisition and redevelopment of the NASA/Boeing site by the City of Downey will bring thousands of new jobs to the 50th Assembly District," said Assemblymember Marco Firebaugh (D-East Los Angeles). "The Southeast Los Angeles area will definitely experience a economic boost from this multi-use project. I commend Governor Davis and Downey City Officials for working together on this important project."

The transfer (96 acres) includes more than one half of the total 160 acre former NASA Industrial Facility bounded by Bellflower and Lakewood Blvds. and Imperial Highway. The City of Downey has already acquired 64 acres that were not contaminated.

The area is being developed into a mixed-use project known as Downey Landing. It will involve the development of a 400,000 square foot retail center and a one million square foot, Kaiser Medical Center, as well as the reuse of buildings where the original space shuttles were constructed as a major movie studio facility.

"By accelerating the transfer process, we are bringing new, quality jobs to LA County," said Gov. Davis. "We are unleashing the creative energy of a city and a region and creating an economic force that will help invigorate Downey for decades."

The City of Downey is acquiring the property for $21.5 million, of which $20.5 million will be allocated to complete soil and groundwater cleanup and provide significant levels of environmental insurance. Soil cleanup is already 80 percent complete. Construction is expected to begin as cleanup progresses.

The project is estimated to generate $750 million in new investment, $125 million in annual taxable sales and $2.5 million in annual property taxes.

According to Gov. Davis, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board recommended approval of the transfer. It found no evidence of environmental contamination that might present an immediate exposure hazard.

For more details on the project, see Downey's site at: http://www.downeyca.org/business_downeylanding_proj.php

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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.