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Asm. Robert Rivas Applauds Groundbreaking for Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project

Rivas’ AB 271, to help ensure the timely, expert completion of the project, awaits Governor’s signature

For immediate release:
Asm. Robert Rivas pictured on a neighborhood street smiling wearing a blue button up and a dark grey, textured blazer.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Rivas (D-Salinas) issued the following statement in honor of the Anderson Dam Groundbreaking event:


I’m proud to see the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project, after many years of careful preparation, officially commence with today’s groundbreaking event. The project is urgently needed to ensure the area’s water supply and safeguard neighboring residents and businesses from potential flooding in the event of a major earthquake. Amid the current climate crisis and spreading drought, I cannot overstate the importance of completing this project at the earliest possible date.

As author of Assembly Bill 271, I have worked to ensure the safe, expert, and timely construction of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project. This bill received wide bipartisan support in the Legislature and now sits on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting his signature. Under current law, Valley Water is required to select the contractors offering the lowest bid, regardless of which contractor is offering the best combination of price, quality, safety, and experience. Given the seriousness and complexity of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project, AB 271 will allow Valley Water to pick the best firm to construct this project, not the cheapest. This is the second bill I’ve carried in the legislature, fighting to complete this critical and long-overdue project in a safe and expeditious manner.

I am incredibly grateful for the joint efforts of Valley Water, our area’s Congressional Delegation, Mayor Rich Constantine of Morgan Hill, and others who have worked tirelessly for years to overcome the obstacles necessary to make today possible.

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Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) represents California’s 30th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of the cities and towns of Aromas, Big Sur, Chualar, Gilroy, Greenfield, Gonzales, Hollister, King City, Morgan Hill, Salinas, San Martin, San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Spreckels, and Watsonville.