Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) announced today the May 24 passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for 2007 that includes funding for major projects in the Los Angeles area. 

Through the congresswoman's efforts, the measure includes continued funding for the dredging of the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor, the Harbor South Bay Recycled Water Project, the construction of the Vernon Corridor Extension recycled water pipeline, and a study pertaining to a recreation and development project at the Cornfields site along the Los Angeles River.

"The funding secured for these projects in the U.S. House of Representatives will ensure that progress on important water initiatives vital to the City of Los Angeles continue uninterrupted," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 404 to 20, is the House version of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007.  Following expected passage by the Senate, the bill will go to conference (where a final version is reconciled), and then forwarded to the President for his signature.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard worked with her colleagues to obtain $1.05 million for the revitalization effort along the Los Angeles River.  This money will enable the Corps of Engineers to work with the City of Los Angeles and local groups in planning parks, recreation, and community improvement projects along the LA River.  The over all revitalization river funding includes $500,000 for the river's "Cornfields" site, which will be used to complete a study to convert the industrial area into parks or other community uses.

"I have worked for several years with City Councilman Ed Reyes on the LA River Revitalization plan, and I appreciate the continued support of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other local stakeholders as we explore ways to convert the land adjacent to the Los Angeles River into parks, housing and economic development for our local communities," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.  "The Cornfields site is one of the most promising opportunities for these types of initiatives, and I am pleased that we can continue to develop a study to lay out some of the possibilities."

The measure also includes funding for the ongoing dredging project in the Los Angeles Harbor.

"The $2 million included in the House version of the measure to continue the dredging of the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor will keep this important project moving forward.  I will continue to work with Congressional leaders to increase funding for this critical project before the bill is finalized.  This project will enable the harbor to accommodate new and larger container vessels which, in turn, will enhance manufacturing and business opportunities and spur job creation in the Los Angeles area."

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach comprise the largest cargo container port complex in the U.S. and the third largest in the world.  Approximately 47 percent of containerized trade entering the U.S. currently comes through the port complex, located on San Pedro Bay. 

The measure also includes $800,000 for the Harbor/South Bay Water Recycling project, which is a cooperative effort between the Corps of Engineers, and West Basin and Central Basin Municipal Water Districts.  The project will develop up to 48,000 acre-feet of recycled water for municipal, industrial, and environmental uses in the Los Angeles area.

In addition, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard worked with a group of local lawmakers to secure $10 million for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund and $743,000 for the San Gabriel Demonstration Project.  The restoration fund will be used to contain and treat the spreading of groundwater contamination in the San Gabriel and Central Groundwater Basins.  The demonstration project will be used to construct a 12-mile pipeline of recycled water that will serve the cities of Vernon, East Los Angeles County, Commerce, and other neighboring areas.
 

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