Southern California Water Infrastructure Priorities Included in FY21 Corps of Engineers Work Plan

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39), and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (CA-48) praised the inclusion of Southern California water infrastructure priorities in the Fiscal Year 2021 work plan released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"The funding announced today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will help address our local flood control and water supply needs," said Rep. Calvert. "The funding for the Murrieta Creek flood control project will help set the foundation for the project's future and additional resources to ensure the Temecula Valley has the necessary flood control protection. I'm also thankful to see funding allocated to the South Perris Desalter, which aids our efforts to produce additional local water supplies."

"In their short time in Congress, my California colleagues Rep. Young Kim and Rep. Michelle Steel have already made big contributions," continued Calvert. "The resources provided for the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project will help bring us closer to completion of the most significant flood control project in the western U.S. The Santa Ana River project already has another champion in Rep. Kim, who has demonstrated she is an effective advocate for her district. I'm also grateful for the tremendous experience Rep. Steel brings to the table to help on projects, like the dredging of Newport Harbor, which have regional importance."

"The Santa Ana River Mainstem Project is vital to mitigating the impact of increased flood flows in our community," said Rep. Young Kim. "I am pleased that more funding for this important project was announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and look forward to working with Reps. Calvert and Steel to ensure this initiative continues to be supported in Congress."

"This is exciting news, especially since I've worked closely for more than half a decade with the Army Corps, Members of Congress – including Rep. Calvert – Orange County Public Works, city leaders, and Orange County residents on the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project," said Rep. Michelle Steel. "This funding for Newport Beach Harbor will provide so many local benefits – like protecting our businesses, homes and coastline from damage and erosion - and an opportunity to nourish our local beaches with much-needed sand. I know there is still more work to do and I will prioritize our local water infrastructure projects in Congress to protect our coastline for generations to come."

Background:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2021 Work Plan includes the following:

• $500,000 for the General Reevaluation Report (GRR) for the Murrieta Creek flood control project. The funding will allow the Corps to initiate the GRR study in FY2021. The GRR will determine an updated scope of the project and economic analysis necessary for future funding.
• $4.75 million for the South Perris Desalter to expand the groundwater desalination project. The South Perris Desalter is a project of the Eastern Municipal Water District.
• $9.25 million for the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project to resolve outstanding issues in Reach 9, as well as complete hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and environmental analysis to complete the Seven Oaks Dam feature of the project.
• $6.7 million for the dredging of Newport Harbor and sediment removal. The dredging project will provide environmental benefits as well as improve the harbor's navigational channels. A significant local cost-share will be provided by the city of Newport Beach.