July 23, 2024

CORREA SECURES WINS FOR ORANGE COUNTY IN HOUSE-PASSED WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT, AWAITS SENATE PASSAGE

Correa, Orange County Priorities Include Protecting Green Space Along Santiago Creek, Studying Anaheim’s OC River Walk, And More

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 and ensured inclusion of several key priorities for Orange County families, businesses, and community groups.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a comprehensive legislative package that provides for the conservation and development of water and related resources. It authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to conduct studies, construct projects and research activities that can lead to the improvement of rivers and harbors of the United States. WRDA is strictly authorizing legislation; it does not include funding. 

“Putting the needs of Orange County has always been my top priority, and I’m happy that today—with House passage of this key authorizing legislation—that some of our community’s most-needed projects will be on track to get the green-light they so desperately need,” Correa said. “From the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project, including Santiago Creek here in Santa Ana, to OC River Walk in Anaheim, we must continue to deliver vital water resources to our neighborhoods that have both recreational and economic benefits.”

Two of Correa’s individual requests were included in the legislation that passed the House today, in addition to three requests that were sent on behalf of the Orange County delegation—including Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), and Michelle Steel (R-CA). 

The requests included in the House-passed WRDA are:

Santa Ana River Mainstem Project – Santiago Creek

Correa requested a modification to the Santiago Creek component of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project. This request would amend the current authorizing language to better address the needs and concerns of the community for a specific stretch of the Creek component located in Santa Ana. The effect of this language would be to prevent the initiation of construction by the Corps unless the project is redesigned to minimize the impacts on existing trees located in or adjacent to the portion of the project downstream of the I-5 Interstate Highway to the confluence with the Santa Ana River.

OC River Walk – Study

Correa requested to authorize a study of the OC River Walk project for California's 46th District. This is a dynamic and multi-functioning project with tremendous water resource, recreational, and economic benefits. OC River Walk is a vision to transform the Santa Ana River Corridor into a primary connective open space uniting the Southern California region. The goal of the OC River Walk project is to transform the Santa Ana River into an iconic regional destination for recreation and entertainment.

Santa Ana River Mainstem Project – Reimbursement Authorization

Correa and the Orange County delegation requested to modify the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project to authorize the Corps to reimburse the Orange County Flood Control District, the non-federal sponsor, for incurred costs.

Santa Ana River Mainstem Project – Appraisals/Settlements

Correa and the Orange County delegation requested to modify the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project is to specifically grant Corps personnel at the South Pacific Division the authority needed to approve Project appraisals and litigation settlements up to $20M when presented by Orange County Flood Control District, the non-federal sponsor, with substantiating documentation and a memorandum of no-objection from the Los Angeles District.

Specifically, on the House-passed language for the Santiago Creek, Correa said that “this hard-fought for change will put a pause on the work in the channel portion of the Santiago Creek project running through several neighborhoods from I-5 to the Santa Ana River until an acceptable plan is crafted—one that that does not damage the bird sanctuary in one of the few remaining green spaces in Santa Ana by cutting down the trees that line the channel.”

“I would like to thank Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen for including this much needed modification in WRDA that I requested on behalf of the Santa Ana community,” he concluded. “While similar language is not included in the Senate bill, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this language remains in the final version of WRDA 2024.”

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