House approves St. Francis Dam legislation

The House of Representatives gave Congressman Steve Knight the green light on the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Act, pushing it forward to the Senate.

Under the bill, a memorial would be created to recognize the 431 lives lost in the 1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster in San Francisquito Canyon.

“Our community suffered a great loss after the St. Francis Dam Disaster and this legislation will finally commemorate the tragedy with the respect it deserves,” Knight, R-Palmdale, said in a statement.

“Santa Clarita Valley has never forgotten this tragedy and recognition, on a national scale, is greatly appreciated. Families of those lost will know their loved one is not forgotten.”

If the legislation is passed, private donations would fund the 440-acre memorial.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed the bill unanimously last month after Knight introduced it in April.

Coauthored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, a similar bill was proposed in the last legislative session.

The House passed the first bill unanimously as it did this time, but the legislative session ended before it could go to the Senate.

“This request for a memorial has been an ongoing effort for years and I look forward to future movement of this bill in the Senate as it serves as a great tribute to the devastation of the St. Francis Dam disaster,” Knight said.