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Council Approves Motion To Transfer Money From Recycling Fund To Repair City Sidewalks

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles City Council Friday approved a motion that would help aid in the repair of the city's tattered sidewalks.

KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports Councilman Jose Huizar's motion, which was unanimously approved, will transfer $250,000 from a discretionary recycling account to fund sidewalk repairs in his district.

Council Approves Motion To Transfer Money From Recycling Fund To Repair City Sidewalks

"$250,000 is not a lot of money to address our huge problem . . . but what I wanted to do in my council district is to start the process because we can't wait any longer," he said. "Safe and accessible sidewalks improve the quality of life for residents by increasing pedestrian safety and community pride while reducing city liability."

According to officials, about $6 million is spent annually to settle lawsuits filed by people who have fallen on city sidewalks.

Last week, city budget advisers recommended asking voters to raise sales taxes by a half-cent, raising about $4.5 billion dedicated to repairs.

"One of those folds in the sidewalk like that totally got me and I just sailed head-over-heels . . . and pretty much banged up my knee," Burbank resident Jeanne Carr said.

Mayor Garcetti has said the repairs are a top priority for the city's 2014 budget.

The money approved Friday will serve the cities of Eagle Rock, El Centro, Boyle Heights and parts of downtown.

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