$2 Million Secured For Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

AGOURA HILLS, CA — The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing became $2 million richer last week thanks to a $22 million funding package secured for a number of community organizations in the greater Los Angeles area.

The funding is part of a $22,601,025 sum of Community Project Funding for Los Angeles County secured through a spending bill that passed on Dec. 23, according to Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County).

Other projects set to receive funding include a supportive housing project in Marina Del Rey, scholarships for foster youth in Santa Monica, mental health crisis response teams in Hermosa Beach and a Boys & Girls Club initiative in San Pedro.

READ MORE: P-22's Death Sparks Renewed Hope For Wildlife Freeway Crossing

"These projects will help tackle some of the most pressing needs in our district including providing mental health and housing care for vulnerable people, endangered wildlife protection and supportive programming for young students," Lieu said in a statement.

Construction on the crossing started in 2022 and is expected to be complete in 2025, costing over $100 million. The massive bridge will sit over the Liberty Canyon Road exit on the Hollywood (101) freeway. Covered in grass and standing a sturdy 210-feet long and 170-feet wide, the bridge will offer the isolated Santa Monica Mountains pumas safer access to genetically diverse populations and respite from freeway traffic dangers.

A bill to potentially expand the Santa Monica Mountains' border and allocate more resources to the area also passed into law on Dec. 23, Lieu said. The National Park Service will conduct a three-year study to determine whether the Santa Monica Bay watershed should be added to the Santa Monica National Recreation Area, according to Lieu. If it's not added into the border, it will become its own national recreation area.