Local News in Brief : Governor OKs Study of Soil Conditions
Gov. George Deukmejian has signed legislation authorizing a study of the corrosive soil conditions that have caused housing foundations to deteriorate in La Palma, Cypress and Lakewood.
The bill was nearly identical to one vetoed by the governor last year. Assemblywoman Doris Allen (R-Cypress), who sponsored the bill, credited Deukmejian’s turnaround to a campaign of phone calls and letters by affected residents.
The bill will appropriate $350,000 to the Division of Mines and Geology to contract with a university or college to study the causes of the deteriorating foundations.
Sulfates appear to be the primary cause, but the problem has occurred in a wide area under differing conditions, Allen said. If it can be shown that the problem is a natural condition, the next step would be to seek long-range assistance for homeowners as if they are victims of a natural disaster, she said.
More than 400 homes in one La Palma tract are damaged and repairs are estimated at $50,000 to $150,000 each, she said.
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