Late 1930's/Early 1940's - The Corps designed and started construction of the Los Angeles River flood control facilities
February 1980 flood caused the lower Los Angeles River to reach channel capacity. County requested the Corps to review the level of flood protection provided by the LACDA system.
1987 Corps' LACDA Review Study concluded the lower Los Angeles River and Rio Hondo provide no more than a 40-year level of protection.
June 1992 Corps Feasibility Study defined scope of LACDA Project to restore a minimum 100-year level of protection.
First Federal Funding for construction included in the 1995-96 Federal Budget
First Construction Contract awarded by the Corps in September 1995
Original Project expected to cost $364 million and take 10 years (through 2006)
Flooding Impact
82 square miles of densely urban areas
$2.3 billion in flood damages during a 100-year flood overflow event
500,000 people
177,000 structures in 14 communities
Project Features
Los Angeles River from the Pacific Ocean up to the Rio Hondo (near Imperial Highway);
Rio Hondo from Imperial Highway up to Whittier Narrows Dam; Compton Creek from the
Los Angeles River to Artesia Freeway. Improvements include:
Raising the height of 21 miles of existing levees by building up the earthen levee embankment or constructing parapet walls on top of the levee. See Typical Cross Section.
Modifying 24 railroad, traffic, utility and pedestrian bridges
Landscaping and equestrian/bike trail enhancements including rest stops with trail maps
