StreetsLA Awarded Grant Funds for Improvements in Underserved Communities

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which administers the Clean California Local Grant Program, awarded more than $295 million for 105 projects throughout the state. 100% of the funds goes toward projects either located in underserved communities, or projects with at least 50% of total grant request benefiting underserved communities.

“We thank the state for this grant funding that will enable us to provide much needed greenery and safety improvements in underserved communities of Los Angeles,” said Board of Public Works Vice President Aura Garcia.

“It is critical that we continue to focus on environmental and infrastructure equity throughout the City, and this incredible investment will go far to support our efforts.”

The projects receiving grants, which help toward meeting several goals of LA’s Green New Deal and City equity goals, are:
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Equity & Connectivity through Greening
($5 million):
On Martin Luther King Blvd between Hill Street and Central Avenue in South Los Angeles, this project will create an urban habitat and biodiversity at seven locations by converting paved median to raised landscaped medians with native/drought tolerant landscape and tree planting. Two pedestrian refuge triangles will be turned into green space along with improving sidewalk and bus stop conditions.

 Creating Urban Habitat & Biodiversity through Median Greening
($4.9 million)

This project will convert more than 92,000 square feet of existing turf and concrete medians with native/drought tolerant planting and water-efficient irrigation in six communities: Chinatown/Downtown LA, Van Nuys, Vermont Vista, Historic South Central, Leimert Park and Wilmington. It will increase urban habitat and biodiversity for these locations.

 Hollenbeck Park Adjacent and Interstate 5 Freeway Adjacent Beautification       
($4.9 million)

Adjacent to Hollenbeck Park and Interstate 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights, this project will improve safety access and enhance area where the park edges meet the public right of way space. Work includes installing new sidewalks, planting over 200 trees and adding new street and pedestrian lighting.

“This funding from the Clean California Local Grant Program gives StreetsLA the opportunity to work in communities which are in need of these enhancements,” said StreetsLA Executive Director Keith Mozee.

“We continue to apply for more grants, so we can do more of these important neighborhood improvement projects.”