City OKs Reduction of Hansen Dam Lakes

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved long-planned changes in the Hansen Dam Recreation Project that call for reducing the size of two lakes now under construction.

A council motion written by Councilman Richard Alarcon called for the city to release about $4.6 million in Proposition A funds from the county for construction of the lakes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is co-funding the project, was expected to exhaust its share of the spending by the end of this month, officials said.

Initially slated as a $10-million endeavor that would be funded equally by the city and the Corps, the Hansen Dam project is now expected to cost more than $14 million by the time it’s finished next year, federal and city officials said.

“I’m pleased that the project is moving forward but I am very disappointed with the cost overruns,” Alarcon said.

The swimming and recreational lakes were initially designed to occupy 15 acres. Last year the Corps announced the lakes would be reduced to 10.5 acres.

In January, the city Board of Recreation and Parks postponed the transfer of Proposition A funds after residents complained about the handling of the project by the Corps.

The council Wednesday also voted to form a citizens oversight committee consisting of appointees of six lawmakers whose districts include the dam and surrounding area.

The council called for language to be written into the city’s agreement with the Corps safeguarding the city against any further escalation of costs and placing a limit on the amount of administrative costs.