Summary of H.R. 2156 - Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Act

This law is about creating a special memorial and a protected monument site to remember the people who tragically died when the Saint Francis Dam collapsed on March 12, 1928, in Los Angeles County, California.

Key Points Explained Simply:

• The Disaster: On March 12, 1928, the Saint Francis Dam broke, causing a massive flood that killed about 425 people and heavily affected many communities nearby.
• Why It Matters: The disaster was one of the worst engineering failures of the 20th century and caused huge loss of life and property, second only to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake in California.
• Memorial & Monument: The law directs the government to:
  • Create a memorial at the dam site to honor the victims.
  • Set up a national monument covering roughly 440 acres around the site to protect and preserve it.
• Management: The U.S. Forest Service will manage the memorial and monument, including planning, protecting historic resources, and providing public access.
• Planning and Public Input: Within three years of the law passing, the Secretary of Agriculture must suggest plans for the memorial’s design, boundaries, visitor facilities, and public access. These plans will be created with input from federal, state, local governments, and the public.
• Conservation & Usage Rules: The monument will be protected to keep its historical and natural values. Motorized vehicles will only be allowed on certain roads, and grazing (raising livestock) will be permitted under existing rules.
• Funding: No new money is specifically given by this law; the government will use existing funds to make this happen.

Why This Is Important:

The Saint Francis Dam failure was a tragic event in American history, and this law helps us remember the victims, preserve the site, and educate people about the disaster and its impacts. It also helps protect the area from damage or vandalism.

In short, this act creates a lasting tribute and a protected area to honor those who suffered and to remind future generations of this significant historical event.