Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) announced today the May 24 passage in the House of Representatives of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for 2006 that includes funding for major projects in the Los Angeles area.  Through the congresswoman's efforts, the measure includes continued funding for the dredging of the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor, the Harbor South Bay Recycled Water Project, and a feasibility study for a recreation and development project at the Cornfields site along the Los Angeles River.

"I am pleased that significant funding for several key projects in Los Angeles won approval in the House of Representatives this week," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard obtained $1.3 million for the Corps of Engineers to work with the City of Los Angeles and local groups in planning parks, recreation, and community improvement projects at the Cornfields site along the Los Angeles River.  The funds are to complete a feasibility study to convert the abandoned industrial site called the Cornfields into parks or other community uses.

"I have worked for several years with City Councilman Ed Reyes and local stakeholders to explore ways to convert the land adjacent to the Los Angeles River into parks, housing and economic development for our local communities," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.  "The Cornfields site is one of the most promising opportunities for these types of initiatives, and I am pleased that we can move forward with a feasibility study to lay out some of the possibilities."

The measure also includes funding for an ongoing dredging project in the Los Angeles Harbor.

"The $2.7 million included in the House version of the measure for the dredging of the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor is the minimum amount needed to keep this important project moving forward.  I will continue to work with Senators Feinstein and Boxer to increase funding for this critical project before the bill is finalized.  This project will enable the harbor to accommodate new and larger container vessels which, in turn, will enhance manufacturing and business opportunities and spur job creation in the Los Angeles area.  That's why this project is a high priority -- not just for our region, but for the continued vitality of our nation's commerce."

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach comprise the largest port complex in the U.S. and the third largest in the world.  Approximately 35% of containerized trade entering the U.S. currently comes through the port complex, located on San Pedro Bay. 

The measure also includes $4 million for the Harbor/South Bay Water Recycling project, which is a cooperative effort between the Corps of Engineers, and West Basin and Central Basin Municipal Water Districts.  The project will develop up to 48,000 acre-feet of recycled water for municipal, industrial, and environmental uses in the Los Angeles area.

In addition, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard worked with a group of local lawmakers to secure $150,000 for the Bureau of Reclamation to fund a study to be conducted by the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council.  The study called "The Los Angeles Basin Watershed Water Supply Augmentation Study" is looking at ways to capture stormwater runoff in the Los Angeles area in order to reduce pollution at local beaches.  The recycled stormwater would be used to supplement and recharge groundwater supplies.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 416 to 13, is the final House version of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.  Following expected passage by the Senate, the bill will be sent to President Bush for his signature.