City Of LA Pulls Plug On Yacht Project
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — City officials announced Wednesday that the multimillion-dollar Angelena Project has been canceled.
The yacht was used to give tours of the city-owned port of Los Angeles.
According to authorities, a plan to install a hybrid motor in the yacht was introduced nearly two years ago. It has still not been approved for use by the Coast Guard.
CBS2's David Goldstein spoke with Port Director Gene Seroka, who admitted that media coverage may have played a part in the decision.
"I have no representation at this point to give me confidence going down the line that this boat will be seaworthy," Seroka said.
So far, more than $4 million in public money, including a $571,000 federal grant, has been put into renovations on the yacht.
According to Seroka, the original projection for the yacht was $700,000.
"Knowing the amount of money that has been spend to date," Seroka said. "I cannot authorize another dollar spent on this project."
Cutting its losses, the port plans to sell the yacht or will dismantle and sell it for parts.
The Angelena Project originally began under former Port Director Geraldine Knatz, who has since retired.
