The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it awarded $115,000 in grants to two Los Angeles River education and revitalization projects.
The grants from the EPA’s Urban Water program include $59,965 awarded to the USC’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability to study the sources of pollution in the Compton Creek and $55,021 to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for a “river ambassador” education program.
The EPA awarded $2.08 million to about 36 organizations nationwide that familiarizes city dwellers with nearby waterways.
“Historically, many urban waterways have suffered from high levels of pollution and weren’t easily accessible,” Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA’s administrator for the pacific southwest region. “Projects like these help communities reconnect to their local rivers and streams which have so much economic, educational and recreation potential.”