Earlier in December, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced $3.55 million in State grants which will yield further improvements to the L.A. River.  

“The L.A. River is central to our city’s history — and our investments now will ensure that it’s a natural treasure far in the future,” said Garcetti in a news release. “These grants will allow us to restore river habitat, give Angelenos better access to the outdoors, add new places to walk and bike, and advance our vision of sustainability in the heart of our city.”

The funding includes a $2.2-million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering for the construction of a 2.2-mile multi-use path in Atwater Village.  The North Atwater East Bank Riverway - slated for the east side of the River between Los Feliz Boulevard and the 134 Freeway - will become part of a six-mile loop connecting with the recently-finished North Atwater Multi-Modal Bridge and several other crossings.

Separately, the City of Los Angeles has also applied for up to $4 million in additional funding from the State of California to complete a 500-foot undercrossing at Colorado Boulevard, connecting the two segments of the East Bank Riverway.

The second grant, totaling $1.35 million, comes from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, and will be used to support wildlife habitat along a 4.5-mile stretch of the river.

“This is another step towards creating greater connectivity along the Los Angeles River and restoring the wildlife habitat at the city’s urban core,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell in a statement. “I introduced a motion in Council earlier this year to start the process to apply for this grant funding, and I appreciate the river stewardship of the Bureau of Engineering for its work on several projects that will better serve the area. I look forward to the continued partnership with our local stakeholders as we collaborate to improve this existing service road into a greenway along the East Bank.