LOS ANGELES - the University of Southern California's Lusk Center has formed a research institute to address the state's infrastructure challenges. Michael and Linda Keston provided the initial funding gift for the research center, which will be called the Keston California Infrastructure Institute.
Initially, the Keston Institute will focus on issues of transportation, open space, water, power and other utility and sewer systems, according to Stuart Gabriel, Ph.D., director of the Lusk Center.
Recent studies have concluded that California's infrastructure is inadequate to support its rapidly growing population and economy.
California's population is projected to increase by 5 million people per decade to reach 45 million people by 2020. The development and financing of public infrastructure could cost the state more than $175 billion over the next 10 years, Gabriel said.
Findings of the institute will be disseminated though special reports, public policy forums, workshops and conferences.
Michael Keston is an adjunct professor in the USC School of Policy, Planning and Development and chairman and chief executive officer of the real estate investment firm Larwin Co. in Encino. He was named chairman of the board and senior fellow of the institute.
A nine-member comprised of members from the corporate, academic and public sectors will advise the institute.
Edward Hamilton, chairman of Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Alschuler Inc., will conduct the search for an executive director of the Keston California Infrastructure Institute.