(June 6, 2007) -- With Assemblymembers Laura Richardson (D., Carson-LB) and Betty Karnette (D, LB) both voting "yes," the Assembly has passed AB 995, a bill that would give funding priority under Prop 1-B (infrastructure bond passed by voters in November 06) to port-related infrastructure projects "with the highest benefits compared to cost" but was amended by the author in April to remove priority funding for "projects that reduce pollution."

The Assembly vote was 77-0 (June 5). The bill now moves to the State Senate.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, the bill's author, Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D., Santa Barbara), deleted the provision giving priority funding for "projects that reduce pollution" in an April 16 session of the Assembly Transportation Commission that he chairs...without audible dissent from Committee member Karnette or opposition from the City of Long Beach.