WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps voted with 360 of her Republican and Democratic colleagues to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 1495.  This important legislation authorizes water projects across the U.S. including a flood control and rehabilitation project for Lower Mission Creek in the City of Santa Barbara.  Although WRDA is intended to be authorized every two years this legislation has not been enacted since 2000, creating a backlog of critical infrastructure projects requiring federal authorization.  Earlier this year the legislation passed both the House (381 to 40) and the Senate (81 to 12) with strong bipartisan support. 

The 2000 WRDA bill, the last WRDA bill to be enacted, included an authorization of $18.3 million to address flooding concerns regarding Lower Mission Creek.  This project seeks to reduce flood damage in the Lower Mission Creek area through a combination of channel improvements and bridge replacements.  Lower Mission Creek possesses the greatest unresolved flood hazard of any stream in Santa Barbara County.  The urban portion of the creek is fully developed, was subject to flooding in 1995, 1998, and 2005, and it continues to have a very high potential for serious damage in the event of future flooding.  Since 2000 the cost of the project has increased.  Congresswoman Capps worked with Senator Boxer (D-CA) to increase the authorization for the Lower Mission Creek project to adequately address the additional costs of the project, and they were successful in securing an authorization of $30 million in the 2007 WRDA bill.  

“I am glad that we are moving forward to reduce the threat posed by the flooding of Lower Mission Creek,” said Capps.  “The Flood Control and Rehabilitation project for Lower Mission Creek is an excellent partnership between the City of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, and the Army Corps of Engineers that will help resolve this potential hazard.   This legislation, and the funding I have previously secured for this project, will help protect against future flooding of Lower Mission Creek and reduce flood damage to the area if flooding should occur.  The President’s veto of this strong bipartisan bill that will enhance the safety and security of millions of Americans was irresponsible.  I am proud Congress is taking quick action to override the veto and ensure that these critical infrastructure projects move forward.”

The Senate is expected to override the President’s veto this Thursday, leading to the enactment of the legislation over the President’s opposition.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.