Rep. Chu Votes For Funding for L.A. River, Flint Aid in Bi-Partisan Water Resources Bill

Washington, DC – On Wednesday night, the House passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA), a bill which authorizes and revises 27 water resources development projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The final version of WRDA passed by the House included $1.36 billion to help restoration and recreational projects on the Los Angeles River as well as $170 million to assist with the water crisis in Flint, MI. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted for the legislation and released the following statement:

“The Los Angeles River is a centerpiece of our city. But after much neglect, it requires large investments for restoration. Cleaning up and building around the L.A. River would improve lives, opportunities, and communities for millions of people. That is why, for years, I have advocated for federal funding to support the LA River Project. And I am thrilled that, last night, we achieved that thanks to broad bipartisan cooperation. We have a responsibility to care for our environment, even as we increase access and use. And the Water Resources Development Act helps us to do so.

“We also have a responsibility to each other. And so I am glad that, at the last minute, an agreement could be reached that would allow us to finally do the right and necessary thing and provide support to the people of Flint who have been sickened by poisoned water through no fault of their own.”

H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act 2016, passed by a vote of 399-25. The final vote can be found here.