The massive marine research center planned for the Port of Los Angeles is a go: final plans were announced today, $57 million in initial funding has been lined up, and it has a name--AltaSea. The public/private redevelopment of the 100-year-old City Dock No. 1 is expected to cost $500 million and be completed in 15 to 20 years. But don't despair--phase one is expected to wrap up some time around 2018, and will be home to the Southern California Marine Institute, "a strategic alliance of 11 major universities in southern California that have marine science academic and research programs," according to a press release from the Port today. When all is said and done, the 28-acre campus will include:
-- 4,100 feet of waterfront dock and wharf space with direct harbor and ocean access.
-- Space for large research ships to dock.
-- Laboratories located directly on the harbor to allow immediate water access for marine science programs.
-- Auditorium, interpretive center, and classrooms for school and community events.
-- Natural saltwater wave tank for the most accurate wave and tsunami simulations.
-- Harbor promenade and other open space.
Outgoing mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was at today's announcement, said the development will position LA "as the premier location for addressing ocean-related environmental issues that are not only important to Southern California, but to the world." It'll also bring a bunch of construction jobs to the harbor area--more than 5,000 for both construction phases. San Pedro's really trying to earn that freeway renaming.
· MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, PORT OF LOS ANGELES OFFICIALS AND KEY PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS ANNOUNCE VISION AND FUNDING START FOR NEW URBAN MARINE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER AT LA WATERFRONT [Port of LA]
· City Dock One Research Complex Proposed for the Port [Curbed LA]
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