Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, today issued the following statement in response to concerns of the structural soundness of the Lewisville Dam located in the 26^th District of Texas:

“My staff and I remain in regular contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District regarding the proper functionality of the Lewisville Dam and the timeline for upcoming construction projects. Just this week, I toured the dam to view the slide, and despite its physical appearance, the engineers have assured me that the core of the dam is not in eminent danger of failure and a contract has been put in place to resolve the problem.

“This past June, when the lake reached the pool of record following torrential rainfall, the dam performed as designed, further laying testament to its structural integrity.

“The Lewisville Dam is over 60 years old and as such with structures of this nature and age, constant supervision and maintenance are required.

“For as long as I have been in office, the safety and funding of the Lewisville Dam has been a top priority of mine. Every year that I have represented the 26^th District of Texas, the Lewisville Dam maintenance project has received the requested level of funding—an average of $3.2 million appropriated each year with an increase to $4.2 million for fiscal year 2015.

“As always, I continue to have full confidence in the USACE’s emergency preparedness plans and their dedication to taking whatever action necessary to keep North Texans safe.”