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The House-Senate conference report on the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA) was unveiled today and includes key legislation to authorize the Orestimba Creek flood control project along the northeast side of Newman, CA, which U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) fought for over the last several years. 

“This is a huge step for the community of Newman and all of the groups who have been involved in pushing this project forward,” said Rep. Denham. “I’ve been focused on Orestimba Creek since my time in the State Senate, so I’m pleased to see years of effort pay off. Including Orestimba Creek in the WRRDA bill we pass will help protect the people of Newman and the surrounding communities from future flooding.”

In a colloquy on the House floor in October of 2013, Rep. Denham urged Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) to include the September 2013 Chief’s Report on Orestimba Creek in WRRDA. Rep. Denham also sent a letter that same month requesting that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure review the competed Chief’s Report. The Chief’s Report is the result of many years of effort from the Army Corps of Engineers and Central Valley community groups. Its inclusion in the final WRRDA conference report authorizes construction to begin.

Orestimba Creek has historically overflowed its banks, often damaging the city of Newman and surrounding areas and threatening the well-being of area residents.

The conference report represents the agreement between legislators in both chambers of Congress. Both the House and Senate will vote to approve the report in the coming days before the bill travels to the President’s desk for his signature.

About WRRDA:
WRRDA is used to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, enabling the Corps to support the nation’s vital port and waterways infrastructure needs. Under WRRDA, the Corps also supports effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration projects across the country. This kind of authorization legislation has not been signed into law since 2007, though historically such a bill has been passed every two years. WRRDA provides direction to the Administration and to the Corp.