Sherman Secures $621,000 For Studying And Improving Valley Ecosystem

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Brad Sherman announced that Congress approved $621,000 in federal appropriations funding for ecological studies in the San Fernando Valley.

The $618,000 in federal funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2009, which passed the Senate today, and is heading to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

“The Army Corps of Engineers’ studies are the first step toward revitalizing and restoring the Sun Valley Watershed and the Los Angeles River,” said Congressman Sherman. “I am thankful that my colleagues share my concern for the Valley’s watersheds and waterways.”

The Los Angeles River Revitalization Study, which was awarded $478,000, will build upon an existing study by the Army Corps of Engineers. This study will explore alternatives for ecosystem restoration in and along the river and incorporate input from the City of Los Angeles’ Master Plan for the Los Angeles River.

The Sun Valley Watershed Feasibility Study will receive $143,000. The Sun Valley Watershed is a 2,800 acre (4.4 square mile) urban watershed tributary to the Los Angeles River, located approximately 14 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The urban Sun Valley community suffers from a lack of both recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. The community has also experienced severe, chronic flooding for over 40 years.

These federal funds will be used by the Army Corps of Engineers to study whether it is feasible to pursue environmental restoration, water quality improvement, and flood mitigation projects, among others, in the Sun Valley Watershed. The Los Angeles County Flood Control District, represented by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, will work with others to provide the required local match for the development of this study. Congressman Howard Berman also supported this request.