Rep. Juan Vargas Votes to Pass Water Resources Development Act, Support for San Diego Projects

Rep. Juan Vargas Votes to Pass Water Resources Development Act, Support for San Diego Projects

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This biennial legislation authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program projects to improve ports, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure in communities across the country, including in San Diego County. Then, eligible funds must be appropriated for the projects by Congress through separate legislation.

Rep. Vargas helped secure several key priorities in WRDA 2024, including authorization for:

• $200 million to help address water infrastructure needs and assist the region's response to sewage pollution in the Tijuana River Valley;
• A feasibility study to investigate flood risk management in the San Diego Bay;
• A regional study to improve flood and coastal risk management in San Diego County; and
• A feasibility study for a project to help ensure the long-term viability of the Sweetwater Reservoir amidst California's frequent drought conditions.

"This legislation includes critical measures to help improve our resilience to extreme weather events, protect our ecosystems, and combat cross-border pollution in the Tijuana River Valley," said Rep. Juan Vargas. "I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure these wins for south San Diego County residents. I look forward to seeing the President sign this bill into law."

This measure represents the final version of WRDA, as negotiated over recent months to reconcile the two different versions of WRDA legislation passed earlier this year by the House and Senate.

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