Rep. Gallagher Secures WRDA Provision to Accelerate Black Butte Dam Safety Review

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) helped secure a key provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite its ongoing Safety of Dams study at Black Butte Dam, an important step toward improving water reliability and advancing future reservoir improvements across the Sacramento Valley.

The provision was included in the Water Resources Development Act as approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Accelerating the Army Corps' review will help move forward long-delayed work at Black Butte Reservoir, where floodgate improvements and other activities have remained on hold while the safety study is completed.

"Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the future of the North State," said Congressman Gallagher. "Expediting this study will help move an important project forward, strengthen long-term water reliability, and support the farmers, families, and communities that depend on a strong  water supply. I'm grateful to Chairman Graves and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for advancing this provision and delivering another win for Northern California."

Black Butte Reservoir plays an important role in flood control, water storage, and water management throughout the Sacramento Valley. Completing the Army Corps' review more quickly will provide the information needed to evaluate future improvements that strengthen regional water supplies and improve long-term drought resilience.

Zachary Dennis, Chairman of the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, praised Gallagher's efforts.

"Congressman Gallagher has hit the ground running in D.C. and is already making a difference for water supplies in the Sacramento Valley," Dennis said. "This act will enable an expanded water supply for farmers in critically dry years and ease the burden on our aquifers."

Kevin Donnelley, Board President of the Orland Unit Water Users Association, said accelerating the study will benefit the entire region.

"We thank Congressman Gallagher for recognizing the importance of accelerating the Black Butte Lake Study," Donnelley said. "Moving this effort forward will help provide the information needed to improve water reliability and strengthen long-term drought resilience for the Sacramento Valley."

Glenn County Supervisor Grant Carmon said Gallagher's work demonstrates an immediate commitment to the North State.

"Congressman James Gallagher is wasting no time getting things done for the North State," Carmon said. "He understands the critical importance of expanding surface water storage in our region. For several years, we have been working to have the Army Corps of Engineers complete a Safety of Dams study for Black Butte Reservoir. The late Congressman Doug LaMalfa secured the funding for this important effort, and now Congressman Gallagher is urging the Corps to expedite the work. We greatly appreciate Congressman Gallagher's swift action. Although he has only been in office for a few days, he has already demonstrated his commitment to addressing the North State's water infrastructure needs and moving this long-awaited project forward."

The Black Butte Dam provision is included in the Water Resources Development Act, which will be considered by the full House of Representatives.

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