South Bay : Port Expansion Bill Signed

President Reagan this week signed a water-projects bill that includes authorization for the first phase of a proposed $4-billion expansion of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The bill also authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to study landslide areas in Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills to determine what can be done to stop shoreline erosion at the foot of the Portuguese Bend slide and to stabilize the Flying Triangle slide.

The legislation, approved by Congress last month, authorizes the deepening of both Los Angeles and Long Beach ports and the creation of an 800-acre landfill island in San Pedro Bay. The project, expected to cost $630 million, is the first of a proposed three-phase development plan that would provide 2,600 additional acres of cargo-handling facilities for both ports by 2020.

“Because our ports have virtually run out of space for commercial expansion, it is vital that we move ahead with a balanced plan of controlled, yet steady growth,” said Rep. Glenn M. Anderson (D-Harbor City), who helped negotiate the final version of the legislation and who was instrumental in getting the port project included, according to port officials.

The legislation calls on the federal government to pay for half of the project, but actual federal financing must be provided in separate future funding bills.