Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city was awarded $15 million in funding for a bridge and multipurpose path along the L.A. River in Los Angeles and Glendale.
Joined by Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Mitch O’Farrell, Glendale Mayor Paula Devine, and Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian, Garcetti said the funding will support two separate, yet connected projects.
“The L.A. River is an iconic destination for people across this region — and these investments demonstrate the strength of our coalition taking action to help it realize its full potential,” Garcetti said. “I want to thank Assemblymember Friedman for championing this piece of our historic waterway, which will provide Angelenos and visitors with better access to green spaces, as well as more places to walk and bike.”
As part of the funding, $5 million will support the Colorado Freeway Extension undercrossing and establish a safe and continuous path along the North Atwater East Bank of the River. The undercrossing will provide pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian with better access to parks, equestrian facilities, neighborhoods, businesses and recreation along the river.
Another $10 million will be used by the City of Glendale to complete the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Bridge, connecting Glendale and Griffith Park’s bike paths.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of investing in my district’s active transportation infrastructure,” Friedman said. “The 43rd (District) is home to incredible community amenities such as Griffith Park, the LA River Bike Path, the Chandler Bike Path, and Descanso Gardens. However, many of our neighborhoods and business districts lack the access necessary to realize the true potential of these community assets. By connecting our district’s treasures and providing people an alternative way to get around, we’re providing a better way of life not just for our residents, but for the entire region.”