Congresswoman Luz Rivas Announces $25 Million Federal Grant to Improve Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility in Mission Hills

LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) announced a $25 million Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). This funding supports repurposing medians along Sepulveda Boulevard's Mission Mile in Mission Hills into pedestrian and bicycle lanes.

"The $25 million to transform Mission Mile is the kind of significant investments we need to fight extreme heat and keep residents safe while walking around Sepulveda Boulevard," said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. "From new bike lanes and integrated walking paths to fresh landscaping and gathering spaces, the improvements and upgrades to Mission Mile will help residents feel more connected to their neighbors and to their community. I am proud to partner with SCAG and Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez to help our neighbors safely bike and walk in Mission Hills."

"This new funding builds on the $40 million I secured from the state's Active Transportation Program and moves us closer to establishing Mission Mile as the San Fernando Valley's model transportation corridor," said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. "From the onset, I've worked to transform Sepulveda Boulevard into a safer, more accessible corridor that increases walkability, adds beautification, expands transportation options, and provides a higher quality of life for local residents and businesses. I'm grateful that investment from all levels of government - from local to now federal - are helping see this transformative project through."

"SCAG is proud to support the implementation of the Mission Mile Sepulveda project," said SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise. "Through the administration of federal STBG and CMAQ funds, we are investing in projects that deliver meaningful regional benefits. Mission Mile Sepulveda will enhance street safety and strengthen transit connections in alignment with our regional plan."

Background:

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program provides federal transportation funding for projects that preserve and improve the conditions and performance of highways, bridges, and public roads; pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; and transit capital projects. These funds are distributed by state and local governments such as the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) provides a flexible funding source to State and local governments for transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The Mission Mile Sepulveda project is located in Mission Hills and North Hills spans along Sepulveda Boulevard between Rayen Street and Rinaldi Street. Currently, Sepulveda Boulevard and Brand Boulevard consist of six travel lanes, and vehicles often travel at high speeds through the corridor.

Due to the high number of pedestrian- and bicycle-related collisions, both Sepulveda Boulevard and Brand Boulevard are listed in the City of LA's High Injury Network (HIN). The project aims to repurpose medians into protected pedestrian and bicycle spaces. The medians will integrate walking paths, a two-way cycle track, gathering spaces, and landscaping. The project includes upgraded ADA curb ramps, pedestrian lights, shade trees, street furniture, and traffic signals.

The project aims to establish connections to neighborhood parks and cultural sites, such as Andres Pico Adobe, Brand Park Community Center, and the San Fernando Mission.

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