Funding Requested for Sepulveda Basin

The city of Los Angeles has applied for $2.8 million in the second phase of the county’s Proposition A grant program. The funds will be used to revamp the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

The City Council approved an application for several million dollars in Prop. A-II funding at its meeting Wednesday, including money for the basin.

City officials said that specific projects have not been determined for the funding, but at least $1 million has been earmarked for new bicycle trails.

Another $1 million would be used to restore the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area and develop a second native plant/wildlife area to the west of the existing section.

The restoration work, to be administered by the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks, would entail replacing native plants and protecting animal life in the area.

James Ward, grounds maintenance supervisor for the Valley region, said that initial concepts include a bicycle and pedestrian pathway throughout the basin, providing bridges and trails with up-close views of the native plant life.

“We want to pacify both the environmental needs and the bicycle needs with this project,” he said.

The proposal was written into the Prop. A ballot measure, so there is a good chance it will be granted, city officials said.

“We’re hopeful that this will be funded and bring an amenity to the Valley that we really want,” said Diana Brueggemann, an aide to Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents the area.

But funding is only the first step, Ward said.

Once the money is granted, the city will work with the Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land, to design the project.

Ward said that community groups will be invited to participate in that process as part of a volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Committee.