Feuer Proposes Uses for Tobacco Settlement

Seeking to influence allocation of the $312 million expected from the nationwide tobacco company settlement, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Feuer said Wednesday he will recommend that the city use $10 million a year for curb ramps for the disabled, along with other programs for children and youth.

Feuer, who chairs a committee that has been reviewing the issue, said the settlement funds, which will be given to the city over 25 years, must be used to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. He said he thinks the curb repairs could take six years.

Mayor Richard Riordan and City Atty. James K. Hahn reached a similar agreement Tuesday over use of the funds. They believed, however, it would take eight years to comply with the federal law.

Feuer also wants to provide funding for curb repairs in residential neighborhoods.

“Obviously, this is a huge problem that we will only be beginning to address with these funds,” Feuer said.

Feuer also said he will recommend that the City Council fund an enforcement program, including signs and billboards promoting smoking prevention. He also called for recreational and other after-school programs for children.

Feuer is the chairman of the council’s Arts, Health and Humanities Committee. The tobacco settlement funds, which probably will mean about $12 million a year for the city, will now go before the full council.