Groundbreaking Ceremony for $2.8 Million Palm Ave. Improvement Project in Imperial Beach

Friday, 27 June 2008
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

Emergency vehicle access, pollution diversion system and public art all part of upgrades

A project to improve the western end of Palm Avenue at the oceanfront of Imperial Beach will kick off on Wednesday, July 2, with an official groundbreaking ceremony led by the Imperial Beach Mayor, Jim Janney, and Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners, Michael Bixler.

WHAT: Groundbreaking ceremony for Palm Avenue street improvement project

WHEN: 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2008

WHERE: Western end of Palm Avenue, at the Imperial Beach oceanfront

WHO: The Honorable Jim Janney, MayorCity of Imperial Beach

Michael B. Bixler, Chairman Board of Port Commissioners

Representatives from the Proposition 50 Clean Beaches Grant Program and the State Water Resources Control Board

SIGNIFICANCE: The multi-faceted project will beautify Palm Avenue by transforming its end into a park like setting. Colored concrete pavers, benches, landscaping and lighting will provide a public overlook for ocean viewing. It will also incorporate important environmental and safety features.

One of the primary goals of the project is to reduce pollution runoff onto the beach. This will be accomplished by installing a storm water pump station with a built-in pollution diversion system.

Other enhancements include installing ramps from the street end to the beach, providing direct beach access for emergency vehicles and individuals with disabilities.

Traffic improvements include a new turnaround, allowing two-way traffic and adding perpendicular parking to both sides of the street.

The end of Palm Avenue will also be the site for the upcoming installation of "The Spirit of Imperial Beach," an 18-foot tall bronze sculpture of a surfer and his longboard.

The $2.8 million construction project will be performed by Reyes Construction. It is being paid for by the Port and the City of Imperial Beach, with assistance from the Proposition 50 Clean Beaches Grant Program. The grant funding was attained through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and the City of Imperial Beach.

The estimated completion date for the project is January 1, 2009.