The House of Representatives passed a final appropriation bill for this fiscal year to fund a $300,000 fire training facility at the Angeles National Forest property in Arcadia and $12.35 million for water infrastructure in Arcadia and Sierra Madre.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved $20 million in funding for the water infrastructure system of Arcadia and Sierra Madre. The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate. The action was announced by Congressman David Dreier.
Reserve funds that were set aside for city infrastructure improvements may have to be used to deal with state budget cuts, as proposed by city manager Bill Kelly.
Arcadia and Sierra Madre's water supply to benefit from $1.8 million federal grant. Arcadia will get $900,000 of the grant. This will fund the next phase of an on-going, 5-year program to ensure emergency water for its citizens, following any potential seismic activity.
The new fiscal year will bring about changes in the city. Most notably, construction will begin on a new $16 million police station. Other possible projects include moving fire stations around, new signs, upgrades to infrastructure and more.
After five years of filing applications and lobbying in Washington, D C., Arcadia and Sierra Madre will share $6.5 million in federal funding to improve the earthquake safety of both cities' reservoirs.
Cities of Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia are seeking funding for fire training from the federal government (FEMA). They want to establish a training facility on federal property in Arcadia near the 210 Freeway and Santa Anita Avenue.
Arcadia police and firefighters have voted to defer a portion of their salaries and health benefits to help close the city's budget shortfall. In total, employee pay and benefit deferments will free up about $300,000. The city is trying to close a $600,000 deficit this fiscal year in its $48 million general fund budget.
Arcadia City Council has approved a list of a dozen projects to lobby for with the federal government. The projects will be pursued by city lobbyist, the Ferguson Group, by Mayor Mickey Segal, and a representative from Sierra Madre, as they try to coordinate lobbying efforts in Washington DC. On the list is a $20 million request jointly with Sierra Madre, for continuing programs to ensure safety of the water supply in case of seismic problems.
Arcadia City Council approves Water Master Plan update, presented by Pat Malloy, Public Works Services Director. The guide outlines a ten-year improvement program for over $44 million.
The city has awarded a contract to Den Boer to improve the seismic reliability of the city's water system. Den Boer is to work on the water supply well at Chapman Water Facility.
Arcadia City Council has approved a contract with Bucknam and Associates to continue consulting on a joint effort with the city of Sierra Madre. The company will ensure local water supply is protected from interruption by earthquakes.
Arcadia City Council to vote on approval of Parks Rehabilitation Master Plan and an associated, six-year appropriation to correct identified safety hazards at Arcadia playgrounds.
Heavy rains triggered a mudslide along Santa Anita Canyon Road, blocking access to the Angeles National Forest and prompting city officials Thursday to declare a local emergency. Recent storm-related problems caused an estimated $1 million in damage to private and public property.
Due to heavy smoke from the Williams Fire in the Angeles National Forest, schedules at schools were cut back including the postponement of the tennis and water polo matches at Arcadia High School.