Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a $176.6 million spending plan Wednesday to fund expedited and expanded testing and cleanup of residential properties, schools, daycare centers and parks around the former Exide Technologies facility in Vernon.

The plan was detailed in a Department of Finance letter sent to the California State Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairs. It would ensure all public and residential areas within a 1.7 mile radius of the Exide facility would be tested and contaminated soil removed where lead levels were the highest and potential exposure the greatest.

The governor’s proposal would also expedite and expand efforts already underway, and include an exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act.

“This Exide battery recycling facility has been a problem for a very long time,” said Brown. “With this funding plan, we’re opening a new chapter that will help protect the community and hold Exide responsible.”