Congressman helps pass several projects Congress approved...

Congressman helps

pass several projects

Congress approved funding for a handful of environmental projects

after lobbying by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a spokesman for Costa Mesa’s

congressman said Friday.

In passing the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, Congress

approved funding for an Orange County reclaimed water program, a

flood-control project for the Santa Ana River and two water reuse

projects in Long Beach.

The bill provides $4 million for the Groundwater Replenishment

System, a joint project overseen by two county agencies to purify

wastewater for drinking.

The bill also gives $25.7 million for flood control efforts along

the Santa Ana River. The Army Corps of Engineers has been reinforcing

levies, raising dams and building new dams to shield Orange County

from potentially catastrophic flooding.

Once the project is complete, owners of Costa Mesa and Huntington

Beach homes in the flood plain will no longer be required to purchase

flood insurance.

In addition, the bill gives $700,000 for the Long Beach

Desalination Plant, which has not been completed. The plant will

provide “thousands of acre feet of water for Southern California,”

said Aaron Lewis, Rohrabacher’s spokesman.

Lastly, the bill provides $1.8 million for the Long Beach Water

Reuse facility, which will provide 3,000 acre feet of water per year

when running at full capacity.

Man who aided police

gets Mayor’s Award

Rick Miller is the latest recipient of the Costa Mesa Mayor’s

Award. The award recognizes people in the community who have

performed an outstanding act, service or good deed.

Miler was nominated for helping the city and grocery store

personnel capture a career criminal. In the middle of June, Miller

observed a robbery in progress in Costa Mesa and took immediate

action to ensure bystanders were out of harm’s way. He then followed

the robber, noting crucial descriptive information on the suspect,

the getaway vehicle and direction of travel.

These actions resulted in the suspect’s arrest while he was

fleeing on the freeway.

The Costa Mesa Police Department commended Miller’s bravery,

foresight and perception under pressure. Mayor Gary Monahan selected

Miller for the August mayor’s award based on these attributes. He

will be honored at the Aug. 4 City Council meeting.