South OC Times

Yesterday, the House passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) (H.R. 8812), which Rep. Young Kim voted in favor of to support projects within the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works mission areas related to mitigating damage from floods, storms, and hurricanes, protecting shorelines, and restoring ecosystems.

WRDA authorizes local projects Rep. Kim advocated for, including:

- Directing the Corps to update Congress on the status of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project (SARP), which provides flood protection to communities in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

- Providing $6.5 million for construction of Yorba Linda Water District’s Well 24 which will provide a new water supply within the service area.

- Identifying the Westminster-East Garden Grove (WEGG) project as a priority project under the Corps’ existing Ability to Pay authority and expediting completion of the WEGG project. The WEGG Project will reduce risks to life, safety, and property from flooding due to current deficiencies in reaches of flood control channels located within 74 square miles of Orange County and save residents from collectively paying approximately $3.7 million annually in flood insurance premiums.

“Delivering for our community is my top priority as your representative,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to support the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act and ensure the Army Corps of Engineers prioritizes projects important to the public safety of our communities across California’s 40th District.”