Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement reacting to the Morris Dam being declared a National Historical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers today:
“The Morris Dam is an exemplary feat of engineering and today’s landmark declaration validates that fact. The dam plays a key role in our County’s water management and flood control in the region. This helps us keep the public safe from flooding and serves as a clean water source, so Morris Dam’s importance is real and deserves to be celebrated.
I applaud the American Society of Civil Engineers for their work in making today’s landmark designation come true. Their members and their advocacy help keep Los Angeles County, state, and government partners focused on investing in advancing innovative and modern engineering practices–the same elements that fueled the enduring design and construction of Morris Dam.”
Morris Dam is located in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa and was dedicated in May of 1934 by President Herbert Hoover. According to Los Angeles County Public Works, at full capacity, the dam’s northern reservoir can hold 9 billion gallons–enough to serve over a quarter million Los Angeles County residents for a year.