Congresswoman Matsui, City Leaders and FEMA Announce Flood Map Revision for South Sacramento
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
CONTACT:
Jonelle Trimmer (Rep. Matsui) 202-225-7163
Olivia Humilde (FEMA) 510-910-2973
Congresswoman Matsui, City Leaders and FEMA Announce Flood Map Revision for South Sacramento
Announcement follows completion of two major Sacramento flood protection projects and means flood insurance is now optional for 3,500 homes and businesses
CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) joined Sacramento City Council Member Darrell Fong, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to announce that homes and businesses will be removed from the high risk flood zone in South Sacramento. Today's announcement follows the achievement of two major flood protection projects, and means that flood insurance is no longer mandatory for approximately 3,500 homes and businesses.
"This is good news for thousands of residents of South Sacramento for whom purchasing flood insurance is now optional. Many people in this neighborhood have waited many years for this day to come and the change in flood insurance rate maps represents the successful partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SAFCA for their mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of flooding in our region," said Congresswoman Matsui. "While these efforts have reduced the risk for flooding, it has not eliminated the risk. I continue to encourage homeowners to understand their flood risks and determine whether purchasing flood insurance is right for them."
This news follows the achievement of two major projects, the Morrison Creek Flood Wall Project completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Unionhouse Creek Project completed by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA). The Morrison Creek Flood Project, a 3,300 foot flood wall, was constructed in 2012 and 2013. The Unionhouse Creek Project, installed 1.6 miles of concrete channel lining was finished in 2012. The new flood insurance rate maps will remove approximately 3,500 homes from the high risk flood zone, and will go into effect May 14, 2014.
"The completion of the flood improvements along Union House and Morrison Creek has been a top priority for me since taking office. I am happy to say today the community is now safer. Homeowners who have been required to pay over a thousand dollars a year in flood insurance premiums, will now have access to a preferred rate plan. This project also provides the added benefit of saving homeowners millions of dollars annually in flood insurance premiums; dollars that can now be used in our local economy. I want to personally thank Congresswoman Doris Matsui for her leadership on this issue and commitment to public safety," said Sacramento City Councilmember Darrell Fong.
"Our community has waited and fought for so long for flood protection that would provide personal safety for our families and relief from high insurance rates. Today I am so proud of the residents of South Sacramento, City staff, and especially Congresswoman Matsui who was so instrumental in bringing this relief to us. We are safe, happier, and celebrating!" said Sacramento City Councilmember Bonnie Pannell.
"Floods happen here and we know it. So, please take the time to check your revised flood insurance rate map, make a plan and be prepared," said Nancy Ward, FEMA Region IX Regional Administrator.
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