BB&K Team Helps L.A. County Get State Funding for Exide Contamination

26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0800

Best Best & Krieger LLP is pleased to have assisted the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in securing $176.6 million to test and clean up contaminated areas near the now-closed Exide battery recycling facility in the City of Vernon. BB&K attorneys John Holloway and Gene Tanaka, as well as BB&K’s Director of Governmental Affairs Syrus Devers, accompanied supervisors and community members at an Assembly hearing on the clean-up efforts and discussions with legislators in Sacramento to help secure funding from Gov. Jerry Brown.

Brown originally proposed just $8.5 million for the effort, which involves testing for and removal of lead-contaminated soil from the most contaminated homes in an approximately 1.7-mile radius from the plant. This long-standing and high-profile contamination matter arises from the emissions of a former battery recycling facility, which operated for more than 30 years without proper permits and safety upgrades. High exposure to lead can cause a host of health concerns, and the State estimates that up to 10,000 homes may be impacted.

“This funding will bring immediate relief to thousands of families who have been voiceless for too long,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a thank you letter to those who assisted in the effort. This week, the Board of Supervisors acknowledged the lead partners’ work on the Exide clean up with a Commendation “in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County.”

Critical Ecosystem Restoration Contract Secured by BB&K Team for Texas City

19 Oct 2015 00:00:00 -0800

Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Gerard Lavery Lederer, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs John D. Freshman and Legislative Assistant Annick C. Miller River helped the City of Laredo, Texas obtain an ecosystem restoration contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The $2.44 million contract was awarded to both Laredo and a private company as part of a cost-share partnership to restore and preserve part a swath of land along the Rio Grande river bend in Laredo.

The BB&K team facilitated the contract to ensure the wildlife and ecosystems of the 77-acre Laredo Riverbend site are protected. The area is a critical migration, foraging and breeding ground for a myriad of species, including three listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In addition, nonnative plants, stormwater erosion, recreational use and trails and roads have degraded the corridor. All of this will be addressed with this project, which includes plans to improve the river’s connection to surrounding water bodies and permanent nesting spaces for birds in the middle of two ponds.

This project is an example of BB&K’s ability to combine legal and advocacy services to ensure strong partnerships with great outcomes for our clients.

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BB&K Team Helps L.A. County Get State Funding for Exide Contamination

Critical Ecosystem Restoration Contract Secured by BB&K Team for Texas City