Posted on December 14, 2022
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) last week secured the inclusion of the Conn Creek Dam Safety Project study and the Napa River Dredging study in the National Defense Authorization Act.
The NDAA passed the House by a vote of 350-80.
“Napa’s waterways are vital to the economic well-being and environmental protection of our community,” Thompson said in a news release. “Proud to have secured the inclusion of the Conn Creek Dam Safety Project study and the Napa River Dredging study in the NDAA. These studies will help our community maintain our waterways and protect us against the impacts of flooding and climate change.”
According to Thompson’s Office, the feasibility study of the Conn Creek Dam spillway will determine improvement requirements to sustain maximum flood levels and prevent spillway overtopping and failure of the earthen dam due to 24-hour maximum precipitation hitting the tributaries of Lake Hennessey.
“Congressman Thompson’s assistance in procuring funding for the Conn Creek Dam Spillway Project is integral to the safety of the City of Napa and neighboring communities in light of our changing and probable maximum storms,” said Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley.
The Napa River Dredging study will ensure the needs of Napa and surrounding communities are considered, includes climate change impacts, and adheres to the Living Napa River concept.
“In concert with the Conn Creek Spillway work, ” Sedgley said, “the Napa River Dredging Study is critical not only for the environmental health of the Napa River but for the efficiency in moving stormwater to the Pacific Ocean.”
