Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) Applauds Enactment of $25 Million Authorization for Los Angeles River
Revitalization Projects Move Forward after Veto Override of Water Bill
Washington,
Nov 8, 2007 -
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) applauded the successful congressional veto override of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a measure that includes a $25 million authorization for restoration and revitalization projects along the Los Angeles River.
The President vetoed the WRDA conference report on November 2, prompting the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to vote to override the President’s veto and enact the WRDA bill into law without his signature. The veto override vote in the House was 361 to 54 on November 6, followed by the Senate vote on November 8 of 79 to 14. The legislation authorizes funding for the Army Corps of Engineers’ navigation, flood control and environmental restoration projects.
“The successful override of the President’s veto of this important water resources bill sends a clear message that Congress and the American people want a new direction in this country,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said. “As the override votes in both chambers show, Republicans and Democrats alike are not willing to blindly accept the President’s unreasonable policies at the expense of their constituents.”
“Enactment of the $25 million authorization for Los Angeles River projects ensures the long-term federal commitment to revitalize the blighted areas along the LA River and enables Congress to consider annual federal funding for new construction projects,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.
Plans for the 31 miles of the river include the development of parks, green space, pedestrian walkways, bridges, housing, and various economic development projects that will create jobs while maintaining the river’s vital function of flood control for the community.
“It is important to recognize the hard work of the many elected officials and stakeholders who helped to make this authorization for the LA River a reality, including Senator Barbara Boxer, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Ed Reyes, Supervisor Gloria Molina, Friends of the Los Angeles River, and other interested organizations,” Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.
Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said about the override and final passage of the authorization, “We have the opportunity to revive the literal lifeblood of Los Angeles. Thanks to Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's vision and leadership, we will have the resources to revitalize the river and help make L.A. the cleanest and greenest big city in America.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, who was the first to propose grand-scale revitalization of the concrete channeled LA River, added, "The Los Angeles River, the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, is a valuable resource to our City. Yet most people cannot see it, let alone enjoy the opportunities the River presents," said Councilmember Reyes, who spearheaded the City's L.A. River Revitalization Master Plan. "I thank Congresswoman Roybal-Allard for successfully fighting for much-needed federal funds for Los Angeles River environmental restoration projects. This historic congressional override means that the people -- not just locally, but at a national level -- see how revitalizing the LA River with improved water quality, flood control and environmental restoration will benefit all."
In addition to the final passage of the WRDA authorization bill, the House approved $1.65 million on July 17 for river revitalization efforts as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations process. That appropriation included $250,000 for the river’s “Cornfields” site, which will be used to complete a study to promote ecosystem restoration and assist the City of Los Angeles in converting the industrial area into parks or other community uses. The congresswoman previously secured an additional $3 million in federal appropriations for the river revitalization efforts over several years.
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