The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a $4.9 million construction project to enhance the long-term flood protection capabilities of Sierra Madre Dam, Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced on Tuesday.

“Capturing, cleaning, and storing water is our region’s best defense against the increasingly difficult challenges of water supply and water quality,” said Supervisor Barger. “Los Angeles County and its public and private sector partners are investing in projects, such as the Sierra Madre Dam, to do just that.”

Sierra Madre Dam is a critical piece of stormwater infrastructure that protects the downstream communities of Sierra Madre and Arcadia. It is part of a broad network of County-operated dams and debris basins that contribute to regional flood protection and water resiliency. Stormwater passing through the dam is diverted into the Sierra Madre Spreading Grounds, which are owned and operated by the City of Sierra Madre, to refresh underground aquifers.

Project improvements include the construction of a new concrete access road, upgrades to existing access roads, installation of a rockfall protection barrier, repairs to concrete slopes and other minor facility upgrades.

With the approval by the board of supervisors, Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works expects construction to begin in September and be completed by November 2021.

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