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Washington, D.C. - The House passed legislation today that authorizes the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study to be conducted by the National Park Service – a study that Congressman Sherman has long been fighting for. The bill passed the Senate earlier in April, and now heads to the President.
This study will determine the potential impact of expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the mountains and valleys known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor, an area that includes the mountains encircling the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, as well as areas within the Santa Susana Mountains, just north of Granada Hills.
"The passage of this bill is the next step in the continuing efforts to protect the natural resources of this geographically and ecologically distinct region in Southern California,” said Congressman Sherman. “This legislation addresses the needs and interests of both private landowners and communities within the boundaries of the Rim of the Valley Corridor."
Since coming to Congress, Congressman Sherman has worked to help expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is the nation’s largest urban national park. It is estimated that annually, there are over 33 million visits to the recreation area’s pristine parks and world-renowned beaches. The Rim of the Valley Corridor contains accessible recreation trails for the use and enjoyment of the millions of residents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The expansion of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include this area would allow for the completion of the Rim of the Valley Trail. This trail will run 150 miles and offer sweeping vistas of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles basins. It will also link four mountain ranges.
"I also want to commend my colleague Adam Schiff for all his efforts and vital role in the passage of this bill in Congress," stated Congressman Sherman.
Local cities and agencies, as well as environmental groups, have taken strong positions in support of the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, including the City of Los Angeles, the City of Santa Clarita, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter.
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