Napolitano, Sánchez, Chu Announce $219.6 Million to Complete Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Upgrades

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Congresswomen Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Whittier), and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) announced that the President's budget is providing $219,591,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to complete the Whittier Narrows Dam safety upgrades.

"On behalf of San Gabriel Valley residents and millions more throughout the region, I am thankful the President has agreed with our efforts to fully fund the completion of the Whittier Narrows Dam safety project, one of the most important flood control projects in the country," Napolitano said. "Since first learning about flood risk concerns, we have encouraged the Corps to make Whittier Narrows the top budgetary priority, including holding a roundtable in my district and tour of the dam last year. I am glad the President and his administration have taken this request seriously. We will continue to work closely with the Corps as this project moves forward to ensure these improvements are completed in an expeditious manner."

"Restoring the Whittier Narrows Dam is a matter of life and death for the residents I represent. I am thrilled that the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to prioritize the millions of dollars needed to complete this critically important project," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "For decades, fighting for this project has been one of my top priorities because it will make our communities safer in the face of increasingly dangerous and damaging storms. I will continue to advocate for its completion and ensure the construction's impact on our community is minimized, including the City of Pico Rivera where the Dam is located. I am thankful for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and for all the community leaders who have fought with us to make this possible."

"Having toured the Whittier Narrows Dam up close, I have seen just how urgently it needs this critical funding," said Congresswoman Chu. "I thank the incredible engineers and professionals tasked with maintaining and repairing the Dam to keep it from threatening countless lives along the San Gabriel River. But I also know they cannot do it alone. That is why I have been proud to fight alongside Rep. Napolitano for years to secure the funding necessary to repair this dam. And I am so grateful to the US Army Corps of Engineers for prioritizing this project and providing the support needed to keep this dam in shape for years to come."

The Army Corps of Engineers' budget, which was released today, included $219,591,000 for construction of Whittier Narrows, CA (Dam Safety). Combined with the $192,500,000 Napolitano, Sánchez, and Chu secured last year, if approved by Congress, these funds will complete the dam safety project. The environmental work and design have already been completed, and Utility Relocation and Environmental projects are expected to be started this year, with full dam construction soon to follow.

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