Letter to Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army - Bureaucracy Stands in the way of Repairs While El Nino Storms Pound Damaged Breakwater

Letter

Dear Secretary Darcy,

I am writing because I am concerned about the damaged San Pedro breakwater and the funding needed to repair it. This breakwater protects the Port of Los Angeles, which is part of the busiest port complex in the United States.

In December, I asked the Army Corps of Engineers to inspect the San Pedro breakwater for damage. The Corps identified four areas of major damage and twelve areas of significant damage. I was told the severe damage would cost $7 million to be repaired. I requested the damage be fixed before El Niño storms arrived.

Last month, I toured the damaged San Pedro breakwater with Colonel Kirk Gibbs. With a strong El Niño pounding Southern California, I am extremely concerned these storms could cause the San Pedro breakwater to breach. Such a breach would likely be similar to what happened in 2014 during a storm to the Long Beach breakwater. The Long Beach breach resulted in four terminals being closed -- costing millions in damage to cargo and the Port.

I have been told that there is a lengthy bureaucratic process to getting the money to make these essential repairs. We could either wait and see if it is selected in early February through the funding and consideration process or declare it an emergency, which could take even longer. This entire process is very frustrating.

I urge you to be proactive and ensure that these repairs are made. To avoid further damage and costs, the Army Corps would be wise to make these repairs immediately.

Thank you for your attention on this important matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-8220.

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