Politics & Government
LA Eyes Private Donations To Help Maintain Sixth Street Bridge
Since opening in 2022, the $588 million bridge has been faced with graffiti, copper-wire theft and other upkeep problems.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday instructed staff to being the process of establishing a dedicated fund for the purpose of maintaining the Sixth Street Viaduct Bridge.
In a unanimous vote, council members approved a motion introduced by Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown neighborhoods where the bridge is located. Jurado described the maintenance trust fund as an innovative funding mechanism allowing the city to accept, retain and expend donations from private entities.
Funds from this account would be used for sanitation services, graffiti abatement and beautification for the bridge.
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"The Sixth Street Bridge is an iconic gateway inseparable from the character of our Downtown and Eastside neighborhoods, yet it still lacks the investment necessary to remain as the vibrant, welcoming fixture it was designed to be," Jurado said in her remarks during Tuesday's City Council meeting.
"This trust fund would create a dedicated place to receive contributions and put them toward stewarding the viaduct's ongoing cleanliness and long-term prosperity," she added.
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Jurado has also partnered with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) to provide additional beautification services dedicated to the Sixth Street Bridge and Council District 14.
LACC would continue to supplement services provided by LA Sanitation through graffiti removal, brush and weed abatement, bulky item pickup, and trash pickup on an ongoing basis.
The $588 million Sixth Street Viaduct Bridge has been impacted by copper wire theft, among other issues, since it came online in 2022. It replaced the original 1932 structure that was demolished in 2016 due to structural issues.
Underneath the bridge, city officials recently announced they would be delaying the opening of the new $60 million, 12-acre Sixth Street PARC, or Park, Arts, River and Connectivity project, until next year. The Bureau of Engineering has stated the issue stems from the installation of playground equipment. It was originally slated for opening in the fall.
Residents and business owners have raised concerns about how the city will keep the peace and maintain the park. Some residents worry the park may be overrun by homeless individuals or encampments or turn into a site for crime.
Councilwoman Jurado has stated she is working with city departments to enact a safety plan once the park is open.
City News Service
