Costa joins Sheriff Warnke on Tour to See Flood Conditions and Impacts

MERCED, CA — Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) joined Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke on a helicopter tour to see the current flood conditions and impacts in Merced County.

"The rain is letting up but efforts to address current flood conditions in Merced County are still in full force," said Rep. Costa. "I commend Sheriff Warnke and the county Office of Emergency Services for their due diligence in bringing together all levels of government to address the flood impacts throughout the County. It is imperative that long-term investments are made in California's water infrastructure, so that dangerous flooding can be avoided and rain can be captured and stored during future wet years. I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Washington and Sacramento to find ways to repair outdated water infrastructure and build new water infrastructure projects, like Temperance Flat Dam, raising the spillway gates at New Exchequer Dam, which will provide more storage capacity, and possibly raising San Luis Reservoir Dam."

"We are continuing to monitor all weather impacts and planning accordingly," said Sheriff Warnke. "Our pledge is to keep the "people" up to date with the latest information and any plans of action that may pertain to them, should a problem erect. Everything is currently going well, and no one should worry."