Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) and other government and community leaders announced today that the City of Los Angeles has secured its first $3 million to pay for developing a plan to transform the Los Angeles River into a continuous greenway linking communities along the River.

"This is a historical moment and a major step toward mapping out a plan for the Los Angeles River , and the City of Los Angeles , for the next 20 years," said Reyes, who chairs the City Council's Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River . "How we nourish this River will determine how we nourish the neighborhoods around it."

The funding initiates the Request for Qualification process to make the specifications of the L.A. River Revitalization Plan available to firms so they can submit competitive bids.

"I am pleased to have secured $3 million in economic development funds for the Los Angeles River ," said Mayor Jim Hahn. "This money will help begin the process of developing the Los Angeles River into the vital community resource that I know it can be."

The Revitalization Plan focuses on 30 miles -- from Canoga Park to Boyle Heights -- of the 51-mile Los Angeles River .

The goals of the L.A. River Revitalization Plan include: neighborhood revitalization, enhancing water quality, environmental protection, increasing open space, providing public access, improving flood control, community outreach and economic stimulation.

Councilmember Eric Garcetti said, "Revitalization for the Los Angeles River is moving forward and today's announcement will insure that revitalization will mean less crime in neighborhoods along the river and improvements for our old industrial buildings, in addition to more habitat and open space."

The plan will address a zone of about 250 feet in width along the entire length of the River-the equivalent of two city blocks. Moreover, the plan will extend beyond the 250 feet in five undetermined communities along the River in an effort to create urban type villages.

"These funds bring us closer to truly revitalizing our river for the benefit of all Angelenos," said Councilmember Jan Perry. "Now, we can look at the LA River as whole--from Downtown to Canoga Park--and begin the work of seeing that this Los Angeles landmark reach its full potential as a tourist destination, recreation hot spot, and environmental haven."

The councilmember has studied riverfronts in Tempe , Arizona , San Antonio , Texas , and Denver , Colorado to help shape a vision for revitalizing the Los Angeles River .

Thursday's announcement is a culmination of about two years of work by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River .

The Committee expects the plan to result in projects such as new parks, a bike and pedestrian trail system, brownfield redevelopment, waterfront development, public transit, historical/cultural preservation and arts and educational programs.

"I commend City Councilman Ed Reyes, Mayor Hahn, and the Ad Hoc River Committee for their vision and commitment to revitalize the areas along the Los Angeles River . By forging a cohesive partnership between our communities, and our federal, state, and local governments, we will realize our shared vision of a Los Angeles River with recreational and business activities our many communities can enjoy and be proud of," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.

"This is an important milestone for the City and all Los Angeles River enthusiasts," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge, a longtime activist on behalf of a revitalized Los Angeles River . "With these resources, we are on our way to transforming the Los Angeles River from one of blight into one of beauty."

"We are excited that, with this funding, the city will embark on an effort to plan the future of the river," said Col. Alex Dornstauder, District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. "We pledge to work with the city and its stakeholders as they develop the plans that maximize the river's resources while recognizing the important flood control needs the system provides."