The Los Angeles River Revitalization project championed by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) was highlighted as one of the country's most promising ways to reconnect Americans with the natural world in a 50 state report released today by the America's Great Outdoors (AGO) federal coalition (which includes the Departments of Interior and Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Council on Environmental Quality).   The project was only one of two in California highlighted in the report, and follows a March 2011 letter spearheaded by  Roybal-Allard and signed by Los Angeles area House members urging the AGO to support the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan. Being identified in the report makes the Los Angeles River revitalization effort eligible for federal technical and financial support for the parks, trails, and habitat restoration aspects of the effort.

“I am excited that the AGO initiative has recognized the significant impact LA River revitalization would have on recreational and economic opportunities for all Angelenos,” said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34).  “I have been working diligently on the revitalization effort with community leaders and stakeholders and I am pleased to welcome our new federal partners. I commend local River advocates and city leaders like Councilman Ed Reyes and Mayor Villaraigosa who share my view that one day the Los Angeles River will be a point of civic pride.”

“The River Revitalization project is central to reconnecting Los Angeles residents with the environmental resources that are here in our backyard,” said Mayor Villaraigosa, “Working together with the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, we can build thriving communities with an emerald necklace of parks, walkways, and bike paths that will protect our natural resources and promote economic growth.”

"I am thrilled that the Los Angeles River is being highlighted as one of the most promising ways to connect people with nature as part of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative," said Los Angeles Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, who spearheaded the City's Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan. "I thank Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard for her hard work and dedication to improving the environment and health, especially in park-poor communities along the L.A. River. In doing so, we improve water and wildlife conservation, create jobs, and improve the lives of children, especially those who suffer from diabetes and obesity. Without her support this could not be achieved."

Rep.  Roybal-Allard is a longtime advocate on behalf of revitalizing the blighted areas along the LA River. From her position on the Appropriations Committee, she has successfully secured federal funds for LA River revitalization improvements, totaling more than $6.2 million to date.

Restoring water flows and providing recreational opportunities on the San Joaquin River and improving recreational trails along the Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River are among 100 projects nationwide that are highlighted in the report — two in every state — as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative to establish a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda and reconnect Americans to the outdoors.

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