Rep. Mike Levin Hails House Passage of Water Resources Development Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) voted for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which authorizes the development of locally-led projects in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The bill includes authorizations for key local projects and studies, including the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project in Oceanside and the Del Mar bluffs shoreline project. It also includes language directing the Army Corps to expedite the long-delayed Oceanside Special Shoreline Study.
“With over 50 miles of beautiful California coastline and a number of treasured lagoons and estuaries in our District, the Water Resources Development Act is a critical piece of legislation for local communities,” said Rep. Levin. “I’m proud that the bill includes key provisions I fought for to make progress on the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project, the Del Mar bluffs shoreline project, and the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. These projects can help save lives, property, and important ecosystems for generations, and I’ll continue to work with the Army Corps and local governments to see them completed.”
Specifically, the Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Post Authorization Change Report (PACR) that is being developed for the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project in Oceanside. This long-stalled project needs additional federal funding before it can be completed and turned over to the City of Oceanside. By including the PACR in WRDA, Congress will approve an increase to the authorized project cost. The bill also authorizes a feasibility study for the Del Mar bluffs shoreline project, which is intended to address the erosion threatening the only rail line linking San Diego and Los Angeles. The Army has designated the rail corridor a part of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network and the Navy has said that it is essential for the five major military installations in the greater San Diego area. Finally, the bill includes a provision that will expedite completion of a feasibility study for the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. Rep. Levin worked to ensure that the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study was added to the bill when it was considered in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Click here for a fact sheet on the Water Resources Development Act prepared by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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