WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps hailed the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 1495. This important legislation authorizes several projects, including in Ventura County, for the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its mission of flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Although the Water Resources Development Act is intended to be authorized every two years, Congress hasn’t enacted legislation since 2000. At the request of Ventura County officials, Congresswoman Capps obtained an authorization of $144.5 million for the removal of Matilija Dam and restoration of the Ventura River. The federal government's share of the removal and restoration project would be $89.7 million.

“I am so pleased that this widely supported environmental restoration project is moving forward,” said Capps. “The massive build-up of sediment behind Matilija Dam is causing numerous environmental problems, including beach erosion and threats to steelhead trout. This authorization, and the funding I have previously secured for this project, will help ensure that the complete removal of the dam is carried out in a safe and environmentally sound manner. I will continue to monitor this bill as it moves to the Senate for final consideration and I hope that President Bush will put aside his veto threat and will finally enact this much needed legislation.”

The Senate is expected to pass its version of the WRDA bill later this week, after which the bill will be sent to the President for his approval.