Funding for Corps Arroyo Study Inadequate
November 16, 2005 - Despite growing momentum for the Arroyo Seco Watershed Feasibility Study, the project only received a $100,000 appropriation in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2006 approved by Congress last week. This funding setback, if left unchanged, will significantly delay the progress of the study and setback efforts to restore the Arroyo Seco Watershed.
In August, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved their participation as the lead local sponsor in this $2.7 million study, pledging to provide half the funding for the study along with other local sponsors, including the cities of Pasadena, La Caņada Flintridge, South Pasadena and Los Angeles. On October 26, the kick-off meeting was held at La Casita del Arroyo in Pasadena. Now, however, it looks as it the project will have to wait until more substantial federal funding can be found to advance the project.
The $100,000 appropriation came out of the joint Senate/House Conference Report on H. R. 2419 and was approved by the House on November 9, 2005. The original House bill did not include any funding for the Arroyo project, but the Senate version recommended $300,000.
Project Description
The Arroyo Seco Watershed Feasibility Study is a partnership between the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the assistance of governmental agencies and environmental organizations within the watershed. The study will investigate solutions for water resource and environmental restoration issues within the Arroyo Seco Watershed.
County Approval
On August 9, 2005 the Los Angeles County Supervisors approved the partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a $2.7 million study of ecosystem restoration in the Arroyo Seco watershed. Local cities and community based organizations will also participate in the study through the Council of Arroyo Seco Agencies (CASA) and the Council of Arroyo Seco Organizations (CASO).
Kick-off Meeting
On October 26 at La Casita del Arroyo in Pasadena, the Corps, the County and other local sponsors hosted the kick-off meeting to provide an opportunity for agencies and community members to learn about the Arroyo Seco Watershed Feasibility Study process. The meeting was well attended and demonstrated enthusiastic support for the project. The public, agencies, and organizations submitted data and information pertaining to the study, including past and present activities within the watershed, environmental conditions, potential issues, and project alternatives that can be addressed in the Feasibility Study.
For More information about the Arroyo Seco Watershed Feasibility Study, please contact:
Tim Brick Managing Director Arroyo Seco Foundation 539 E. Villa St. #2 Pasadena, CA 91101 (323) 405-7326 tbrick@arroyoseco.org |
Brian Whelan Arroyo Seco Watershed Study Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2352 (213) 452-3795 brian.a.whelan@us.army.mil |
Dan Sharp Arroyo Seco Watershed Manager County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works 900 South Fremont Avenue, 11th Floor Alhambra, CA 91803 (626) 458-4345 dsharp@ladpw.org |