Senator Portantino Secures $2,500,000 for Living Sound Wall & Pollution Barrier in Atwater Village
For Immediate Release: August 10, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Secures $2,500,000 for Living Sound Wall & Pollution Barrier in Atwater Village
Atwater Village, CA - State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was proud to announce that his budget request of $2.5 million for the construction of a two-mile living sound wall and pollution barrier was approved in the 2023-2024 State Budget.
“I was very pleased that members of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council brought this idea to my attention. Constructing a living sound wall along the Los Angeles River is an innovative way to improve bike safety, public health, and protect our environment and ecosystem,” stated Senator Portantino. “We can improve air quality while making active transportation safer and more accessible. I am excited to have secured funding for this critical project that will foster sustainability in our region.”
The 5 freeway along the Los Angeles River is currently separated from the popular bike path and vital resources of the river by a chain-link fence, allowing contaminants and the roar of vehicle traffic to pollute both the water and the surrounding air. Furthermore, it does not provide physical protection for those making use of the bike lanes immediately adjacent to one of the busiest stretches of freeway in the area.
A living sound wall, which is a barrier made with mulch, compost, and other natural materials densely, will reduce the amount of dangerous particulate matter making its way into the water and the lungs of passersby and block sound and debris from the freeway. In addition to the environmental benefits, a living sound wall is far less expensive to contract than a concrete barrier.
“The idea of creating a living sound and pollution wall, protecting the LA River and bike path from the noise and particulate pollution spewed by the millions for cars traversing the 5 Freeway, has been a desire of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council for almost ten years,” stated Jim Muller, Atwater Village Neighborhood Council Board Member and River Committee Member. “But, no one was able to make it happen until Senator Portantino took up the cause. As an advocate for the Living Wall and a member of the AVNC River Committee and the AVNC, I would like to personally thank Senator Portantino for championing the Living Wall and celebrate his impressive ability to make this dream a reality.”
The Los Angeles River is a critical waterway that facilitates flood control and serves as home to many native and endangered species. The river also provides access to nature for many Angelenos who might otherwise not have the ability to go to a park or take a bike ride with family and friends. Protecting the river from pollution is essential to the long-term sustainability of the region and the broader ecosystem across Los Angeles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Portantino became a daily bike rider, which has given him greater exposure to active transportation and bike friendly infrastructure. In 2022, he logged nearly 6,000 miles on the road.
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