LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District joined City of Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and his staff in recognizing the collaborative efforts to improve, preserve and revitalize the Los Angeles River during a special City Council presentation at City Hall June 7.
“It's important that we mark this occasion every year and highlight the benefits, the potential and the successes along the Los Angeles River,” said O’Farrell. “This city was founded in 1781 on the banks of the Los Angeles River and some 150 years later we began aggressively channelizing the river after a series of devastating floods that changed the river erratically and some people think forever.”
Before the council presentation, O’Farrell’s staff and District team members joined exhibitors in the rotunda and hallway leading to the council chambers providing information on the District’s strategic in-channel, non-native vegetation, trash and debris removal in the Los Angeles River.
“I really enjoyed meeting with my city partners and the opportunity to inform the public who visited our table about the work we are doing in the Los Angeles River,” said Eric Nguyen, a project manager with the District’s Asset Management Division’s Operations and Maintenance Section.
During the city council presentation, O’Farrell thanked the Bureau of Engineering, the Bureau of Sanitation, and the Department of Recreation and Parks for their partnership. O’Farrell was joined by Gary Moore, chief of the city’s bureau of engineering, and Maj. Scotty Autin, deputy commander of the LA District.
“Without the Army Corps of Engineers, we wouldn't be able to do anything in the Los Angeles River. The Army Corps of Engineers oversees the river. They're partners with what we want to accomplish at the Los Angeles River,” said O’Farrell.
Autin addressed the council members and public who filled the council chambers.
“As some of you may be aware, last week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our partners reopened two sections of the Los Angeles River, in the Glendale Narrows and in the Sepulveda Basin, for recreational, non-motorized boating,” said Autin. “This highly successful program, begun in 2014, is part of a joint effort with the city and others to offer the public expanded access to the river.”
The District and the city are continuing to work toward the restoration of the Los Angeles River between Griffith Park and downtown Los Angeles, including segments at Glendale Narrows, Cornfields, and downstream near the trailer and container intermodal facility near Main Street and First Street.
Autin also took the opportunity to recognize last month’s National Safe Boating week.
“So as we move into the summer, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that our oceans and waterways can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. It's essential for the well-being of those around the water that I remind boaters and all who visit the river this summer to be safe around the water and always wear a life jacket,” said Autin.
For more information on Corps operations and maintenance activities, please click here.