Washington, D.C. - Howard Berman (D-CA) announced today that the Energy and Water Appropriations bill passed by the House includes funding he had requested for three important projects in the 28th Congressional district.

 

These include:

 

1) $200,000 for the Sun Valley Watershed to address environmental restoration, water quality improvement, and flood mitigation in the area. This is an ongoing project for which Congressman Berman has previously secured federal funds. The Sun Valley Watershed is a $2,800-acre (4.4-square mile) urban watershed tributary to the Los Angeles River, located approximately 14 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Berman stated the following: The community has experienced severe, chronic flooding for well over 40 years. The underserved, urban Sun Valley community suffers a lack of recreational opportunities, aesthetics, and wildlife habitat. This project directly combats this problem. Project Contacts: Brian Moore, Army Corp of Engineers, 213-452-3971 or Donald L. Wolfe, Acting Director of County Public Works, 626-458-4309. 
 
2) $150,000 for the Tujunga Wash Restoration Project to provide increased groundwater replenishment, improved water quality and aesthetics, and enhanced habitat value in an area greatly in need of it.  This is also an ongoing project  for which Congressman Berman has previously secured  federal funds. The project will create a naturalized streamcourse along the west bank of a 3/4-mile reach of the Tujunga Wash within the City of Los Angeles. Berman explained, "The Wash is an environmental jewel and this project will both help improve and increase our groundwater supply and provide additional habitat area, passive recreation, and aesthetic beauty to the region. Project Contacts: Brian Moore, Army Corp of Engineers, 213-452-3971 or Donald L. Wolfe, Acting Director of County Public Works, 626-458-4309

3) $250,000 for the Los Angeles Basin Watershed Water Supply Augmentation Study to continue to develop and test innovative methods for capturing storm-water runoff and using that water to safely recharge groundwater supplies and reduce pollution to the ocean and local beaches.  Berman stated, “As our population increases we need to develop innovative solutions for maintaining our water supply and preserving our environment – this funding is an important step in the right direction.”