Loans to Meet Smog Rules Announced
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The Los Angeles Community Development Department will make available economic development loans to help small businesses struggling to comply with new regional air pollution regulations.
At a press conference Monday, Mayor Tom Bradley and City Councilman Robert Farrell said they fear many small manufacturers will go out of business unless they receive financial help in installing pollution devices that are required under a sweeping 20-year plan for the Los Angeles Basin.
City officials say 300 of these manufacturers are in the city of Los Angeles, and many employ low-income minorities.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has begun adopting rules affecting furniture makers, bakeries, dry cleaners and other small businesses.
The rules call for reducing emissions of hydrocarbons and other pollutants by as much as 80% over the next several years.
Bradley has directed the Community Development Department to establish a business hot line for information about the pollution requirements and funding sources.
Businesses can apply for up to $82.5 million in economic development loans administered by the city.
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