Greenway Plan (Photo – sgvgreenway)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially approved the Final San Gabriel Valley Greenway Network (SGVGN) Strategic Implementation Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), marking a monumental step in the county’s effort to transform approximately 130 miles of flood control corridors into a connected regional greenway system.
By News Desk
This approval signifies a major milestone in a long-awaited project aimed at revitalizing and improving mobility across the San Gabriel Valley by creating safer, greener spaces for walking, biking, and recreation. The initiative is designed to improve access to vital resources, such as transit, schools, jobs, and other key community destinations, while enhancing environmental resilience and stormwater management.
Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District, emphasized the transformative potential of the greenway network for the region. “This plan offers a transformative opportunity for the San Gabriel Valley,” Solis said. “By creating safer, greener, and more accessible corridors for walking, biking, and recreation, we are investing in the health, mobility, and environmental resilience of our communities—particularly those that have historically lacked access to open space.”
A Collaborative Effort
The SGVGN Plan was developed with input from 30 cities across the San Gabriel Valley, as well as extensive community engagement. Over the past six years, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works organized eight workshops, 18 pop-up events, 71 community activities, and thousands of online interactions to ensure the plan reflected the needs and desires of local residents, community groups, and organizations.
Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the final plan. “With the release of the Final Plan and PEIR, Los Angeles County is ready to accelerate greenway projects that improve mobility, expand open space, and strengthen climate resilience. This work was shaped by thousands of community voices and reflects the County’s commitment to providing residents with state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure that is safe, resilient, sustainable, and equitable.”
A Comprehensive Vision
The SGVGN Plan presents a vision for a multi-modal, safe, and accessible greenway system that balances environmental, mobility, and recreational needs. The project also plays a critical role in the county’s ongoing efforts to manage stormwater and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, equity and environmental justice have been central to the plan’s funding and implementation strategy, ensuring that historically underserved communities will benefit from the project.
The PEIR evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the plan and proposes strategies to mitigate any adverse effects. This comprehensive environmental review is an essential part of the planning process, ensuring that the greenway network is both sustainable and aligned with the county’s flood management responsibilities.
Next Steps for the Greenway Network
With the plan and PEIR now approved, the focus shifts to accelerating the implementation of greenway projects. Consistent design standards and cooperative agreements between cities and agencies are expected to streamline the process, helping to bring the vision to life more quickly.
In early 2025, the community will have another opportunity to engage with the project during a public review period, with events and additional outreach expected to reach over 1,300 residents.
For more information, including access to the full plan and environmental impact report, visit sgvgreenway.org.
Leave a Reply