Los Angeles is a major trade, manufacturing, and distribution center for the United States, the Pacific Rim, and the world. Its leading economic sectors include shipping, manufacturing, communications, finance, and fashion. Its port is among the busiest in the United States, handling $113.9 billion in cargo value during 2001. Los Angeles is also a center for advanced industries, notably high technology and information-related concerns. It is a leading producer of aircraft, aerospace, and military equipment, with several large firms engaged as U.S. government defense contractors. It is also the world capital of the motion picture, television, radio, and recording industries.
Los Angeles Department of Public Works is the City's third largest Department, is responsible for construction, renovation, and the operation of City facilities and infrastructure. The Department builds the City streets, installs its sewers, constructs storm drains as well as public buildings and service facilities. As Los Angeles keeps pace with the needs of its people, the Board of Public Works continues its leadership tradition after more than 90 years of service. The Board of Public Works is the City's only full time, policy-making board. The Bureau of Sanitation provides refuse, recyclables and yard trimmings collection, sewer and storm drain maintenance and repair, wastewater collection and treatment, and many other related services to the residents of Los Angeles. To accomplish these tasks, the Bureau has more than 2,600 employees distributed throughout 15 divisions. The Bureau of Street Lighting designs, constructs, operates, maintains and repairs the City's streetlights. It is also responsible for the financial administration of the Lighting District. The Bureau of Street Services provides roadway maintenance, improvement, resurfacing and reconstruction of streets and related structures and engineering design of streets and streetscapes in the City of Los Angeles.
One-third of the water supply for coastal areas of Greater Los Angeles comes from local ground-water sources.....................
