Gore to Announce Funding for Quake Readiness at Schools

Vice President Al Gore plans to pass out a little money on a visit to the Los Angeles area today--in addition to collecting some at campaign fund-raisers for Democratic candidates.

Gore is scheduled to announce that the federal government will spend $8.4 million on earthquake preparedness at 233 schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, according to a spokeswoman for the vice president.

The money will be used to put protective film on windows--to prevent them from spraying glass into classrooms during quakes--and to brace bookshelves and other large objects so they do not injure people.

“Minimizing the impact of future disasters is a top priority, especially when it involves the safety of students, faculty and staff in classrooms,” Gore said in a statement. “Money spent in reducing risks today will save lives, property and money in the future.”

The vice president is scheduled to make the announcement today at Sutter Middle School in Winnetka. The total cost of the program, which will be augmented with local funds, will be $11.2 million.

The federal government has already spent $79.5 million on safety measures at L.A. Unified campuses since the Northridge earthquake as part of a total $183.2 million expended on schools in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.

Also planned during the vice president’s visit are appearances at fund-raisers to support Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (D-Calif.) reelection bid and to help other Democratic candidates.