Video of Congressman Sherman in Action
By Congressman Brad Sherman
Earlier this year, joined by Councilmember Tony Cardenas, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and representatives of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, I welcomed the completion of the $5.2 million Bull Creek Channel Ecosystem Restoration Project located at the Anthony C. Beilenson Park in the Sepulveda Basin. The Bull Creek project, for which I secured $2.5 million in federal funds, fulfills our promise of restoring wildlife and native habitat in the channel while providing park visitors better access to this unique recreational area in the San Fernando Valley.
The Bull Creek Channel Ecosystem Restoration Project features nearly 28 acres of aquatic, riparian and native upland habitat along the channel just south of Victory Boulevard. Pedestrian bridges provide public access to trails within the project area that connect to the Lake Balboa pedestrian path and offer opportunities to view wildlife in the channel.
For years, I have worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to bring new life to this corner of the Sepulveda Basin, by developing environmental and recreational projects, improving the environment, and providing places where children and families can play and enjoy nature.
As you may know, the Sepulveda Basin is a 2,097-acre federally owned flood control area, of which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently leases nearly 1,600 acres to the City of Los Angeles for recreational purposes. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is comprised of Woodley Park, Beilenson Park, three golf courses, Hjelte Sports Field, tennis courts, Balboa Recreation Center, a dog park, cricket fields, the Japanese Garden Center and numerous playing fields and picnic areas.
Since going to Congress in 1997, I have successfully secured over $26 million to improve the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area and to acquire parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Strengthening clean air and clean water regulations, and protecting and improving our national parks are also important goals of my commitment to the environment and recreation – policies which go hand-in-hand with restoring and expanding wilderness areas.
This year, I introduced legislation to allow California to impose fuel economy standards that were tougher than those imposed by the federal government. This proposal, which was endorsed by President Obama was announced as part of a historic national policy that will improve fuel economy for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States.
I want to assure you that I will continue to fight for improved carbon emission standards in order to secure clean energy jobs, reduce our dependence on imported oil, and address global warming.
Congressman Brad Sherman represents portions of the San Fernando Valley.
