CORONADO, Calif. - A yet-unnamed donor will come forward Tuesday with money that is expected to kick off a fundraising campaign to change the way the Coronado Bay Bridge looks forever.
The Unified Port of San Diego will announce what it calls a "major donation" during its Tuesday afternoon meeting. A spokeswoman said the donation is expected to kick off a fundraising campaign to pay for the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge Proposed Artistic Lighting Project.
The project will illuminate the bridge at night with LED lights, and it is expected to cost upward of $8 million.
The spokeswoman said the donor will be revealed Tuesday, as well as the total donation, which is expected to exceed $100,000.
"Let's say that'd be like putting the cherry on top of the cake," said Il Fornaio Coronado restaurant General Manager Luca Allieri.
Allieri's customers already have a view of the San Diego skyline at night. An illuminated bridge would give them something else to see.
"It'd be great for business," he said.
The spokeswoman said the Port does not have a timeline for the project but said it would take at least a couple of years for planning and construction.
"This is about the San Diego region becoming an even more iconic destination and facilitating pride among residents. We already have an iconic structure -- the bridge -- and it has the potential to be so much more," she said.
Port officials are looking to fund the project without using taxpayer dollars.
FINK Bridge Lighting Concept from Port of San Diego on Vimeo.
