SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) announced that she personally secured over $15,000,000 in state funding for the 43rd Assembly District to go towards critical infrastructure and transportation projects in the district as part of the 2021-22 Budget.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of investing in my district’s active transportation infrastructure,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman. “The 43rd is home to incredible community amenities such as Griffith Park, the LA River Bike Path, the Chandler Bike Path, and Descanso Gardens. However, many of our neighborhoods and business districts lack the access necessary to realize the true potential of these community assets. By connecting our district’s treasures and providing people an alternative way to get around, we’re providing a better way of life not just for our residents, but for the entire region.”
As part of the Legislature’s budget process, Assemblymember Friedman requested $10 million for the City of Glendale for the completion of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Bridge, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would make a long-needed connection between Glendale and Griffith Park’s bike paths. Friedman had previously secured $20 million in initial funding for the project in 2017.
“We thank Assemblymember Friedman for her continued commitment to bringing the Glendale Narrows Bridge project to fruition by providing an additional $10 million to close the funding gap for the construction of this iconic bridge,” said Roubik Golanian, City Manager of Glendale. “The Glendale Narrows Bridge is a unique community amenity that will increase access for Glendale residents and visitors to the Los Angeles River and Griffith Park. Glendale is excited about the ability to access the vast array of outdoor recreation in Griffith Park, and for its economic and recreational benefit to the City and the region.”
She was also successful in her budget request for $5 million to the City of Los Angeles to establish an integral undercrossing that will create a safe and continuous path for active transportation users along the North Atwater East Bank of the LA River. On completion of the project, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians will be better connected to parks, equestrian facilities, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreation along the river.
"The L.A. River is a remarkable treasure that deserves investment to help us realize its full potential," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "Assemblymember Friedman is a true champion of this natural, civic, and cultural resource, and thanks to her advocacy, Angelenos and visitors have gained not only a new space to walk, bike, and interact with nature, but to connect with our City's rich history."
Last month, the Legislature passed the major budget bill, Senate Bill 129, which was sent to Governor Newsom and signed into law on July 12, 2021.
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Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.