Rep. Lofgren Votes to Override Veto on Water Resources Bill

Bill Authorizes $359 Million for Local Water Development Projects

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today voted to override the President’s veto on H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The House voted overwhelmingly, 361 to 54, to override the President’s ill advised veto. This bipartisan bill authorizes vital Corps of Engineers flood control, navigation, beach erosion control, and environmental restoration projects across the country. The bill also includes provisions authorizing $359 million for local water development projects.

“The projects authorized in this bill are essential investments in our nation’s infrastructure,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “For far too long this administration and its Republican supporters in Congress have ignored the infrastructure needs of our communities. This veto override sends a clear message. Congress will no longer sit idly by while the administration fails to invest in much needed infrastructure.”

The funding authorized for Santa Clara County projects includes:

Upper Guadalupe River: Authorizes $244.5 million for protecting commercial and residential interests in downtown San Jose and improving the quality of the Guadalupe River.

Llagas Creek: Authorizes $105 million for flood protection improvements that will protect 1,100 homes, 500 business, and over 1,300 acres of agricultural land.

South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study: This project will restore up to 25 square miles of habitat and provide flood protection to businesses in low-lying areas.

Santa Clara County Advanced Recycled Water Treatment Plant: Authorizes $5.5 million which will help provide a reliable, constant supply of high quality recycled water for industry and irrigation to support sustainable, urban water use and protect Silicon Valley’s economy.

San Francisco Bay/Santa Clara Desalination Project: Authorizes $4 million for increasing water supplies in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her seventh term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She also Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.