The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is slowly changing its approach to the Los Angeles River. The executive leadership of the Corps took a major step in a new direction yesterday, when it recommended a $1 billion plan to revitalize the river bed.
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it has decided to recommend approval of an ambitious, $1-billion proposal to restore habitat, widen the river, create wetlands and provide access points and bike trails along an 11-mile stretch north of downtown through Elysian Park," reports Louis Sahagun. By recommending the plan, which goes by the prosaic moniker of Alternative 20, the Army Corps moved beyond its September recommendation for the less ambitions $453-million Alternative 13.
The Corps' recommendation is a major policy victory for river advocates and Mayor Eric Garcetti, but questions about Congressional approval and funding still remain. "The bulk of the federal money would come from the Army Corps, with the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'looking to aggressively bring money to the table as well,' Garcetti said. 'The rest of the money will come from local and state sources,'" reports Sahagun.
A separate article from October provides additional information about the details of the proposed river revitalization as well the Congressional approval for construction and funding that will be required for the project.
FULL STORY: Army Corps to recommend $1-billion L.A. River project
Los Angeles Wants its River Back From the Feds
Regional officials don't think the federal government is doing enough to warrant continued ownership of the Los Angeles River flood control channels that cut a 40-mile path through the city and county.
The Need for an Equitable L.A. River Revitalization
Jon Christensen urges Los Angeles to ensure that new park amenities serve, rather than displace, the river's low-income communities.
Reality Check: The Los Angeles River Can Still Flood
Sometimes it seems like it will never rain again in Los Angeles, but the river running through the city is still a significant flood risk.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont