"This outdoor recreational and beautification project is one from which Anaheim residents will benefit," said Mayor Pringle. "From its original historic basis of a rock quarry along the Santa Ana River under the name Burris Pit, the restoration of the natural surroundings and revitalization of habitat and wildlife will transform the area into a new community asset where Anaheim and Orange County residents can enjoy nature."

On Sept. 22, the City received $2.579 from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), as voted by the RMC Board.  The City previously received $841,610 from the RMC, $415,024 from the Recreational Trails Program, and $2.5 million from the California River Parkways for the same project.   With the receipt of this latest grant, the project is expected to enter its construction phase in the fall of 2009.

The Burris Basin/Anaheim Coves project will improve public access along the Santa Ana River via a new trail loop and interface with the Burris Basin, which is owned and operated by the Orange County Water District. The new 2.6 mile recreational trail loop will be ADA accessible, utilize permeable pavement, and will connect to an existing spur of the Santa Ana River Trail. Funds will also be used to construct two observation decks, interpretive panels, and trail signage. Staging areas off of Ball Avenue and Lincoln Avenue will include a restroom, drinking fountains, and parking. The project will remove non-native plants and install plants native to the region.

The Burris Basin/Anaheim Coves project received the highest score in the Tier 1 grant analysis for the River/Tributary Program Area, due to its multiple benefits which include low impact recreation, water quality improvement and habitat enhancement and protection.

For more information please visit www.anaheim.net.

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ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.