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(Published
07.17.02) Capital improvements are part
of Lakewood's budget. Capital projects are major construction
projects to repair or replace the basic infrastructure of
the city -- its streets, water systems, buildings, and parks.
State budget actions have local impact
Historically,
city budgets are put at risk when California
runs into budget trouble. State officials look
to local funds for bail-out money to fix their
out-of-balance woes. The organizations below
are fighting to protect the local sources for
city revenues.
Leave Our Community
Assets Local (LOCAL Coalition)
The
LOCAL Coalition's focus is protecting local
community services by protecting local government
revenues from being further reduced to solve
state budget problems. See LOCAL's "Statement of Principals"
Additional LOCAL
Fact Sheets are here:
- Budget Recommendations
of the LOCAL Coalition
- Statement of Principles
- Senior Services at Risk
- Emergency Health Care
and Medical at Risk
- Local Police and Fire
Services at Risk
- Local Workforce and Union
Jobs at Risk
- Why California Businesses
Oppose Cuts to Local Government
- Revenues and Services
League of California
Cities (LOCC)
Most
California cities are members of this organization.
A key page on their site for information on
budget issues is the "Budget Alert" main page.
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Capital
improvement projects typically involve large outlays and cover
several years. These repairs and upgrades are vital when it
comes to "community preservation."
Here’s
a look at what residents can expect to see in water system
improvements, facility makeovers, street projects and public
safety service levels.
Street
projects - $1.1 million
The budget earmarks
$1.1 million for street resurfacing. Another $400,000 are
allocated for curb, gutter, and sidewalk repair as part of
the city's five-year program of local street improvements.
Since 1998, the city has invested nearly $6 million in street
maintenance.
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Street
resurfacing.
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West
San Gabriel River open space project - $1.0 million
One million
dollars in state grant funding has been allocated for the
West San Gabriel River open space project, set to open next
spring.
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Lakewood
is "greening" the San Gabriel River where
it runs between Rynerson and Monte Verde parks.
Photo shows the river running right to left, with Rynerson
Park (left-top,) Monte Verde Park (bottom-right,) open
space project area
(far right edge)
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The "greening"
of the western bank of the river, opposite Rynerson Park,
will include a half-mile-long meandering nature trail and
landscaping with a wide variety of California native plant
material.
Upon completion, the riverside project will provide a landscaped
buffer along the river that will complement Monte Verde Park,
Rynerson Park, and the Lakewood Equestrian Center.
Information
technology upgrades - $512,950
The budget
also includes $512,950 for information technology upgrades,
including the replacement of the city's 20-year-old financial
management system.
Park
improvements - $492,500
$492,500
will be used to begin facility improvements at Mae Boyar Park.
Mayfair
Park and Palms Park will receive new Tot Lot playground equipment,
as well as new playground surfacing.
Water
system improvements - $1.3 million
The Lakewood
Department of Water Resources plans to use $830,000 in water
fund revenue to complete the upgrading of water reservoirs,
rehabilitate three existing wells, and install a new well.
Once completed, the well is expected to produce 2,000 gallons
per minute.
The budget
also includes $500,000 for water main replacement projects
in the neighborhoods southeast of Del Amo Boulevard and Palo
Verde Avenue.
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