FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024
Contact: Kevin G. McGuire | (202)-538-2386
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined her colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This legislation makes critical investments in the nation’s ports, inland waterways, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.
“I am proud to vote for a WRDA bill that includes important authorizations for clean water and water conservation projects for the communities of South Gate, Carson, Lynwood, and Lakewood in California’s 44th District,” said Rep. Barragán. “This is an important first step to help provide these communities access to safe, affordable, clean water.”
WRDA 2024 includes many important provisions requested by Rep. Barragán for California’s 44th Congressional District, including $48 million funding authorization for multiple projects in South Gate, Carson, Lynwood, and Lakewood to support the installment and improvement of water supply infrastructure. The WRDA 2024 is the first necessary step to develop the following projects and secure appropriation of funding in the future:
- $5 million to remove PFAs contamination from an impacted water well in South Gate by installing a new treatment facility that will provide a clean drinking water supply.
- $11 million to reduce reliance on imported water in Carson by expanding use of recycled water by 840,000 gallons per day to irrigate local parks.
- $9.5 million to replace deteriorated sewer lines in Lakewood and Lynwood to prevent sewage backups and other potential problems in the local waste water systems.
- $10.5 million to build a new water storage tank and pump station facility in Lynwood to increase reliability of groundwater supply.
These water supply infrastructure projects can provide safe, clean water and improve flood and water management, while simultaneously improving public health and bolstering climate resilience, particularly in underserved communities. The legislation now heads to the Senate, which is also working on a WRDA 2024 bill to negotiate with the House.
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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues. She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).