LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown proposes spending more than $176 million for testing and cleanup of properties contaminated by lead around a former Exide Technologies battery recycling plant in Los Angeles County.
Brown proposed Wednesday to borrow the money from the state's general fund and then try to recoup the funds from Exide.
The plan is outlined in a letter sent to the heads of the Senate and Assembly budget and appropriations committees.
It would encompass residences, schools, daycare centers and parks within 1.7 miles of the site in the city of Vernon.
More than $7 million has been spent for testing and cleanup, including removal of 10,000 tons of lead-contaminated soil.
Exide has already agreed to pay $50 million for the cleanup of the 15-acre site and surrounding neighborhoods.