Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) voted in favor of House passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) (S.4367) to support projects within the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works mission areas related to mitigating damage from floods, storms, and hurricanes, protecting shorelines, and restoring ecosystems. The House version of the bill passed in July 2024 with Rep. Kim’s support.
WRDA authorizes local projects Rep. Kim advocated for, including:
- Directing the Corps to update Congress on the status of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project (SARP), which provides flood protection to communities in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties;
- Providing $6.5 million for construction of Yorba Linda Water District’s Well 24 which will provide a new, affordable water supply within the service area; and,
- Identifying the Westminster-East Garden Grove (WEGG) project as a priority project under the Corps’ existing Ability to Pay authority and expediting completion of the WEGG project. The WEGG Project will reduce the risks to life, safety, and property from flooding due to current deficiencies in reaches of flood control channels located within 74 square miles of Orange County and save residents from collectively paying approximately $3.7 million annually in flood insurance premiums.
“Protecting public safety is one of my top priorities as your representative,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to support this bipartisan WRDA bill that ensures the Army Corps of Engineers prioritizes projects that keep our communities across California’s 40th District safe.”
