Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa Applauds Congress As Millions Flow Into The Los Angeles River

A bi-partisan veto override in Congress will allow LA River restoration and revitalization projects to move forward

November 8, 2007 -- LOS ANGELES – Calling it a win for the revitalization efforts of the Los Angeles River, Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa applauded the bi-partisan vote taken by the United States Congress to override President Bush’s veto and enact the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA), a measure that includes a $25 million authorization for restoration and revitalization projects along the Los Angeles River.

“Under the leadership of Senator Barbara Boxer and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, we are one step closer to reviving our river, the lifeblood of Los Angeles,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “Revitalizing the Los Angeles River is central to making our city the cleanest and greenest big city in America."

With the enactment of WRDA, $25 million will be given to Los Angeles to continue its restoration of the 31 miles of river that run through the city.

Restoration projects will include the development of parks and open space, pedestrian walkways and bike paths, and the renewing of the natural habitat for fish and wildlife.

On November 2, 2007, President Bush vetoed WRDA prompting both the U.S.

House of Representatives and Senate to vote to override the veto. Voting in a bipartisan fashion, the House took action on November 6 with a vote of 361 to 54, followed by the Senate’s vote on November 8 of 79 to 14.

Source: Los Angeles Mayor