Statement from Congressman Calvert Regarding Victor V. Veysey Dam Legislation
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Statement from Congressman Calvert Regarding Victor V. Veysey Dam Legislation
"When I first introduced HR 1152, a bill to re-designate the dam located on the Santa Ana River as the "Victor V. Veysey Dam" on March 8th of this year, it was my firm hope and clear purpose to honor a man of great distinction who had served our area with statesmanship and foresight. Given his early leadership in the area of flood control for our region, I believed that naming our local dam at Prado after him would be an appropriate tribute. At the time I introduced the idea I spoke with the Corps of Engineers and, based on that conversation, I believed that the proposal would be met with approval. HR 1152, was cosponsored by a number of my regional colleagues and the Democratic Dean of the US House, Rep. John Dingell, who had served with Rep.Veysey.
As a lifelong resident of Corona, with family roots here, I only wish to act in what I regard as the clear and compelling interests of our region and the public I serve. Therefore I am announcing that when Congress reconvenes in January I will ask the committee of jurisdiction to withdraw my proposal to re-designate the Prado Dam as the "Victor V. Veysey Dam."
The positive support for retaining the traditional name of the Prado Dam has been manifest and clear. Most important to me were the friends and citizens of the old families of Corona and Riverside who have privately shared their advice with me. These are people who my family and I have known for over fifty years and whose opinions I value above all others. As the good friends and neighbors they have always been to me, they have counseled me to respect the traditional Prado name and to find another venue to honor Victor Veysey. This is what I will do. I will seek their counsel and advice as to an appropriate and acceptable manner and venue in which Victor V. Veysey may be honored in our local community. I have explained my decision to the Veysey family and know that they join me in honoring the proud heritage of the Prado Basin and wish to work constructively to find a way to honor their father, a leading proponent of modern flood control in Southern California."
http://calvert.house.gov/pressreleases.asp?ARTICLE4024=10610&PG4024=1