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Press Release

GOVERNOR DAVIS AWARDS $4.2 MILLION IN GRANTS
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTIES

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gray Davis today announced the award of 34 traffic safety grants totaling $4.2 million for communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will administer the grants through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency to help improve and resolve traffic safety related issues on area streets and highways.

"California continues to raise the bar on traffic safety, particularly when it comes to the use of seat belts and child safety seats," Governor Davis said. "Funding for these comprehensive traffic safety programs will enable California to maintain that momentum as well as address those traffic safety issues that continue to be a challenge in a state as large and diverse as California."

In addition to the Los Angeles and Orange Counties grants, Governor Davis announced the award of 148 other grants across California, totaling $30.3 million statewide.

The newly funded grants include occupant protection, alcohol and other drugs, emergency medical services, police traffic services, bicycle/pedestrian education programs, traffic records, roadway safety, and outreach to community-based organizations throughout California.

As alcohol-related injuries and fatalities in California increased by four percent between 1999 and 2000, the funding includes a concentrated effort among numerous grants to deter impaired driving. Programs will also include an emphasis on improving California's already impressive occupant protection record.

"Although California enjoys one of the nation's highest seat belt use rate at 91.1 percent, as well as the highest child safety seat use rate at 87.6 percent, that doesn't mean it's time to lessen our efforts in this area," stated Governor Davis. "By doing even better, we can prevent the loss of life and prevent injuries."

Following are selected examples of local organizations scheduled to receive funds. (Please see attachment for a complete listing of Los Angeles and Orange Counties grants). Grant amounts are in parentheses:

Gardena Police Department ($447,500) will oversee the South Bay Regional DUI Task Force, a cooperative DUI enforcement and education campaign for the South Bay region of LA County, including 13 agencies and area CHP offices. The campaign will include 44 DUI enforcement patrols, a minimum of eight sobriety checkpoints, as well as a designated driver campaign and community outreach.

Brea Fire Department ($60,000) will purchase new extrication equipment to improve deployment at traffic collisions. The project will include training to maximize personnel capabilities and safety and public education and awareness for the Brea community through equipment demonstrations and displays.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works ($451,500) will conduct a pedestrian safety campaign aimed at a young audience in Los Angeles County. The campaign will include multi-language components to reach the target audience.

Los Angeles Police Department ($400,000) will establish a comprehensive traffic safety program aimed at reducing hit and run traffic collisions through public education and assistance from community-based organizations, as well as speed and DUI enforcement efforts.

Note to editors and assignment desks: For further information regarding OTS grants and programs, contact Marilyn Sabin, Assistant Director of Operations, at (916) 262-2978, or, (916) 798-6065. Visit the OTS Web site at www.ots.ca.gov.

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Regional Grant: 2003 Traffic Safety Grant Awards to Los Angeles and Orange Counties