LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded more than $1.8 million to help fund a cleanup and revitalization effort for 700 acres of open space along the Los Angeles River from Griffith Park to downtown, local officials announced today.
The funding will go toward preconstruction engineering and design for the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Project. The project received $400,000 in 2016 and $100,000 in 2017.
``The L.A. River is an iconic treasure, a place that holds a special place in the history of our city and limitless potential for the future of our communities,'' Mayor Eric Garcetti said. ``Thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we will have the funding to help our river reach its full potential, restore an incredible natural habitat in the heart of Los Angeles and connect more Angelenos to this remarkable resource in our own backyard.''
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, called the funding ``an important milestone in the decades-long effort to restore the Los Angeles River to its original natural beauty.''
``I will continue working with the city of Los Angeles and the Corps to build further momentum on this project to revitalize the river's aquatic ecosystem and provide much-needed green space for all Angelenos,'' he said.