River LA and Friends of the LA River congratulate California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin de León for their leadership and support for the Los Angeles River. Today, $100 million in Prop 1 funding passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor.

"We want one great 51-mile river and greenway, says River LA's Executive Director Omar Brownson, "Having Pro-Tem de León and Speaker Rendon lead the way to bring together the various local agencies and stakeholders, along with the financial resources to make a difference is huge. There are 2100 acres of land within the flood control channel that we want to unlock for increased public benefit. This investment is key to moving this vision forward."

This is a momentous occasion that demonstrates the State’s commitment to partner with Southern California in transforming this vital resource to truly serve the needs of our region. These leaders, along with Mark Stanley and Joe Edmiston, Executive Directors of the Rivers and Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancies respectively, are helping to empower the community to create a healthy, more accessible, and vibrant public resources for all. 

“This is a historic moment for the Los Angeles River,” said Marissa Christiansen, Executive Director of Friends of the Los Angeles River.  “Pro Tem de León and Speaker Rendon have demonstrated the type of unified, collaborative leadership that will ultimately lead to a thriving natural resource for all Angelenos.  This funding comes at a pivotal moment in the River’s history and will truly make a meaningful impact in its progress forward.  As we say, River restoration ‘takes a Friend.’  Today, we are thrilled to have a Friend in both these leaders.”

River LA and FoLAR are working together towards the revitalization of the Los Angeles River. For almost a century, management of the river has been singular in focus: to protect the residents of the river basin from rare but potentially devastating floods. Now, the region is looking to transform this river of concrete into a healthy, resilient resource for all.

About River LA

River LA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure the 51-mile Los Angeles River integrates design and infrastructure to bring people, water, and nature together. We believe in championing river-oriented policy, sustainable public spaces and creating innovative models for community betterment and participation. For more information please visit Facebook and Twitter.

About FoLAR

Founded in 1986, FOLAR is the nonprofit credited with starting the Los Angeles River Movement.  Our mission is to ensure a publicly accessible and ecologically sustainable Los Angeles River by inspiring River stewardship through community engagement, education, advocacy, and thought leadership.  We envision a Los Angeles River where humans and habitat coexist and thrive. Jump in the River at FoLAR.org.