Los Angeles--After years of neighborhood activism, a government and community partnership secured a sound wall on the westbound Santa Monica Freeway (I-10). On Friday, February 3, 2006, Assembly Member Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and Caltrans, along with neighborhood groups, will announce the construction launch with a groundbreaking event. The ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Palms Recreational Center, 2950 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles.

“This is an important milestone for the community,” lauded Assembly Member Bass. “The I-10 sound barrier promises to save time, money and reduce noise.”

Local residents successfully advocated for the barrier construction as a critical solution to excessive noise pollution. The sound wall will be constructed on the westbound Santa Monica Freeway (1-10) between Motor Avenue and Military Avenue in West Los Angeles.

In 2002, voters approved Proposition 42 which directs funds from the gasoline sales tax to fund similar transportation projects throughout the state. The freeway 10 sound wall project will cost $1.38 million.

Cheviot Hills Homeowners Association, Westwood Gardens Civic Association and West of Westwood Homeowners Association leaders will join elected officials including County Board of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Councilman Herb Wesson at the ceremony.

For more information contact Sylvia Castillo at (323) 937-4747.