Los Angeles County is set to get a healthy dose of green, with over $17 million in grants awarded to increase parkland and open space by 623 acres. The boost comes from Measure A, a parcel tax passed by voters in 2016, targeting areas that are sorely in need of more public outdoor options. "I'm excited that these funds will reach areas where it historically has not, including the Antelope Valley ... and Palmdale, and other parts of north county," said L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger in a statement obtained by CBS News.
The grants, which range from a modest $2,000 to a substantial $2 million, are earmarked for a variety of localities across the county. With currently suffering from less park space, communities like South Central Los Angeles stand to benefit from the awarded $770,000 to develop a small urban farm. The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District also lauded the efforts through social media, announcing the noteworthy acquisitions such as the City of Palmdale scoring $2 million to conserve and create a new regional recreation area out of 125 acres. The full list of awardees can be found on their Facebook page, a proud shoutout to the #ParkEquity movement.
In addition to greening initiatives, the county revealed a new funding stream known as the RESTORE grant targeted at fire recovery and climate resiliency efforts. Aimed at supporting communities pummeled by environmental disasters, this program augments the grant funding, providing preliminary planning resources to open the door for further state, federal and philanthropic aid.
"These grants will directly improve the quality of life within Los Angeles County," Barger told CBS News. Indicative of the county's long-game strategy, she emphasized the importance of such investments as a marathon, not a sprint—a process dedicated to the long-term commitment to recovery and environmental resilience. The multi-faceted approach also touches on preserving natural habitats, with the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy receiving $1.2 million to conserve land in Altadena, showcasing a sustainable vision looking to bolster the county's ecological infrastructure.
