Lofgren and Honda Announce $3.3 Million for Upper Guadalupe Flood Control

June 1, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) and Mike Honda (D-Campbell) announced that the Upper Guadalupe River Flood Protection Project would be receiving $3.3 million in construction funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for construction in fiscal year 2011. The Upper Guadalupe River Flood Protection project’s goal is to protect 7,500 Santa Clara County homes and prevent an estimated $280 million of flood damage. In 1995, flooding damaged over 150 homes in Gardner and Willow Glen, and forced the closer of Highway 97 and parallel light-rail lines. Damaging floods have occurred in area periodically, most notably in 1982, 1983, 1986, 1995, and 1998. The project also will provide long-term environmental benefits for local fish and wildlife habitat.

“This project will help give thousands of Santa Clara County homeowners peace of mind, knowing that their homes will be protected from flooding,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Having seen the destructive nature of past flooding in the area, I’m delighted that this project will move forward. Investments like this one benefit the entire community, raising property values, lowering insurance rates and putting people back to work.”

“I’m pleased that the Corps of Engineers will be dedicating much-needed funding for construction of the Upper Guadalupe River project,” said Rep. Mike Honda. “When it is completed, this project will free area residents from the worry that flood waters will force them from their homes and businesses or cause a commuting nightmare. As a member of the Budget and Appropriations committees, I am working to ensure that funding is available in the Corps budget for next year as well.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her ninth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.