Hansen Dam Projects Bill on Bush’s Desk
A bill appropriating $780,000 to restore a long-lost lake and recreational facilities at Hansen Dam in the Northeast San Fernando Valley has been passed by Congress and awaits President Bush’s signature.
Another $475,000 for the project was approved by the state Legislature this month and sent to Gov. George Deukmejian.
The federal and state money would pay for taking the first step to create at least one lake for swimming, fishing and boating, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds and, possibly, hiking and horse trails in a lower-income area populated heavily by minorities.
Residents of the area have complained bitterly that Hansen Dam has been long neglected by government officials in the 15 years since the lake was filled in by sediment.
The original 130-acre lake, opened in 1949, had a sandy beach, boat ramp and grassy picnic area. But floods and fire on surrounding land inundated it with debris and sediment.
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