House Authorizes Key Water Projects
for San Gabriel Valley

September 25, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Included in legislation approved by the House of Representatives this week are two critical water projects for the cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre as well as Upland. Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted this week to approve the Water Resources Development Act, H.R. 2257. It passed with broad bipartisan support, 412-8.

"Water issues are always of paramount importance to Californians," Dreier said. "I'm pleased these cities will receive federal support in the efforts to provide the best quality drinking water for their constituents and plan for development in an environmentally sensitive way. We have seen that federal, state, and local officials can work together on these issues with much success. We will continue to work together to improve the quality of life of all San Gabriel Valley residents."

The Cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre's Environmental Infrastructure Program received an authorization of $20 million. This funding will provide for improvements to ensure a reliable supply of drinking water, including the reconstruction of reservoirs and pumping station improvements, construction of additional wells, development of Arcadia and Sierra Madre system inter-ties, distribution main improvements, and back-up power for pumping stations and wells.

Under H.R. 2257, the City of Upland will be eligible for a Watershed Management grant. This grant would help deal with the construction of storm run-off and erosion management facilities within the Cucamonga Basin region. This program is administered with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers which provides technical planning and design assistance to non-federal interests for carrying out watershed management, restoration, and development projects.