Overhead view of Sacramento

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Bipartisan Comprehensive Appropriations Bill

October 4, 2017
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 15, 2014

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Bipartisan Comprehensive Appropriations Bill

Matsui supports bill's funding for Sacramento's flood protection priorities however is concerned that bill guts the Health Prevention Fund

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement in response to the House passage of H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014:

"I am pleased that the House and Senate were able to work together in a bipartisan and bicameral manner to craft and pass a comprehensive appropriations bill. It has been far too long since Congress has done its job and passed any of these bills, and today's vote demonstrates that we can deliver for the American people when we work together and compromise in a bipartisan fashion.

"I am especially pleased that the spending bill includes more than $72 million in funding for Sacramento's flood protection projects. Flood protection is essential to the safety and economic vitality of our region, and this funding will help our region achieve 200-year flood protection, protecting lives, property and infrastructure. The spending bill passed today also includes a $90 million "Reserve Fund" set aside for additional flood control work. In the months ahead, I will continue to advocate strongly for our flood protection projects to receive a portion of these Reserve funds.

"There is no question that the passage of this spending bill is an important step, however it is by no means a perfect bill. While I strongly support the flood protection funding, there are a number of provisions that concern me, particularly the gutting of the Prevention and Public Health Fund established under the Affordable Care Act. Not only is this fund critical to improving our nation's public health and reducing the spread of disease, it will also save millions of dollars in health costs over the long run."

The spending bill passed today includes the following funding levels for Sacramento's flood protection projects:

  • American River Watershed Common Features - $2,500,000
    For levee work along the American River Watershed, including further design work in support of levee improvements across Sacramento.
  • Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project - $66,400,000
    To continue construction on the auxiliary spillway, which will provide greater efficiency in managing flood storage in Folsom Reservoir and 200-year level of protection to much of Sacramento.
  • Folsom Dam Raise - $3,150,000
    To raise the Folsom Dam to improve the region's flood protection.

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