Congresswoman Luz Rivas Secures $50 Million in Authorizations for the San Fernando Valley in Key Water Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA), which includes an authorization of $28 million for the City of San Fernando and an authorization of $22 million for the City of Los Angeles to improve its water infrastructure in the east San Fernando Valley.

"I am proud to secure $50 million in federal funding authorizations in this year's WRDA bill to help the Cities of San Fernando and Los Angeles improve water infrastructure," said Congresswoman Rivas. "This authorization will support the increased water demands that have been exacerbated by extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and the ongoing climate crisis. While Republicans may be in disarray, I urge them to quickly put this important bill on the House Floor for a vote so San Fernando Valley residents can have the resources and tools they need to access clean and usable water."

Background:

The Water Resource Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) is an omnibus legislation used to authorize various water resources projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is the agency that develops water resources projects, such as ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, flood and storm protection, and other water resources.

The bill was reported favorably from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure by a vote of 66-0, and will go to the House Floor for a vote. Authorizations that are included in WRDA must still have funds appropriated by Congress for implementation.

The following requests from Congresswoman Rivas were included in WRDA:

• $28 million for the City of San Fernando to improve their water infrastructure, including water supply and distribution systems;
• An additional $22 million to address the need for flood mitigation, stormwater and wastewater management in the East San Fernando Valley;
• A study on hydrology and expanding recreational opportunities at Hansen Dam; and
• The transfer of responsibility of four channels in CA-29 from USACE to Los Angeles County Public Works.

###