News Release (C-06-95)

For Immediate Release (C-06-95)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
February 17, 1995

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

Chula Vista Grant Award to Spur Growth of Environmental Technology Program

CHULA VISTA -  The City of Chula Vista was awarded a $2 million grant today by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), under the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund the Border Environmental Commerce Alliance (BECA) program.

Funding this program will serve as an important component of the state's Environmental Technology program, according to California Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Secretary, Dr. Richard Green. Cal/EPA serves as a primary partner in BECA, a regional economic development program intended to encourage and support the environmental industry in the San Diego region. Cal/EPA is committed to the promotion of California's environmental technology industry. BECA serves as an excellent example of this partnership, Green said.

Green noted the program will serves as a cornerstone to establish a Border Environmental Commerce Zone between the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego as outlined in Cal/EPA's "1994 Strategic Plan for Promoting California's Environmental Technology Industry".

The venture is expected to develop Environmental Resource Technology Centers, Eco-Industrial Parks, environmental technology incubator programs and strengthen and coordinate respective initiatives and liaisons with federal and local agencies, including the newly-formed California Environmental Technology Center (CETC) at the Scripps Institute in La Jolla. Gov. Pete Wilson announced the CETC partnership in May 1994, which provides research, development and tools for commercialization of new environmental services and products.

"Cal/EPA fully appreciates the uniqueness of BECA and its ability to leverage its strategic location on the California-Mexico border and the environmental business opportunities which are now emerging as a result of NAFTA," Green said. "BECA and its component programs will be strong catalysts for the expansion of a vibrant environmental industry in the San Diego region."

Dr. Green appeared with EDA Assistant Secretary William Ginsberg, Congressman Bob Filner, and city officials during the announcement at the Chula Vista Civic Center.

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