Los Angeles, (April 23, 2003) – Members of the media are invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for modifications to Prado Dam. The groundbreaking will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25 at the dam.

Who: Scheduled speakers include U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert, Orange County Supervisors James Silva and Bill Campbell, Col. Richard G. Thompson, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Los Angeles District, Mr. Stan Oftelie, CEO and president of the Orange County Business Council and Yeager-Skanska Inc. vice president Jim Crews. Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Wilson will serve as emcee.

What: Groundbreaking for modifications to Prado Dam to protect downstream residents and businesses. The modifications that will occur in three phases over the next five to 10 years will:
• raise the dam height 28.4 feet, construct a new intake tower and replace and increase the outlet flows;
• construct 10 new dikes in the basin to protect property; and
• raise the adjacent spillway 20 feet.
The changes will add 140,000 acre-feet to the reservoir and increase the current 70-year level of protection to 190-year protection, preventing up to $15 billion in damages. The total cost of the improvements to Prado Dam is estimated at $420 million ($214 million federal, $206 million non-federal).

When: The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2003

Where: The ceremony will take place next to the Prado Dam. To reach the ceremony site, exit State Road 91 (Riverside Freeway) at Auto Center Drive in Corona. Proceed north on Auto Center Drive to the ceremony site. Corps personnel will direct visitors to parking.

Why: To recognize start of construction on a significant flood control improvement project in southern California. Elected representatives and engineering and design experts will be available for interviews.

For additional information about the dam or the groundbreaking, contact Greg Fuderer at 213-452-3923. For assistance the day of the event, call 909-898-6140.