Matsui Secures $86.5 Million for Critical Sacramento Flood Protection Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 1, 2009

CONTACT: Mara Lee

(202)225-7163

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, which will provide $86.5 million in federal funding for Sacramento flood protection projects, reflecting the priorities put forward by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) on behalf of her constituents. The large infusion of federal funds will go a long way to increase Sacramento's protection against flooding as we move toward our goal of 200-year flood protection.

"Sacramento is the most at-risk river city in the country. This funding bill clearly demonstrates that our flood protection projects are a national priority," stated Representative Matsui. "I have fought extremely hard for the last year to ensure these projects are fully funded, and am proud to announce that we have secured an additional $27 million more than last year. Especially at a time when state and local budgets are shrinking, it is imperative that federal money continues to flow into the region, and that we do not lose any time toward achieving our flood protection goals."

Rep. Matsui has been instrumental in making Sacramento flood protection a priority in Congress and securing federal funding for local projects. A long-time champion for Sacramento's flood protection priorities, Congresswoman Matsui believes that today's passage of the Energy and Water Conference Report is an important step in the right direction. Rep. Matsui also acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to reach 200-year flood protection for the region.

The Conference Report adopted today now goes to the Senate for final approval, and is anticipated to pass as early as next week. It will then be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.

The $86,584,000 for Sacramento flood priorities included in the Conference Report includes money for the following projects:

American River Watershed (Folsom Dam Modifications) - $63,016,000

The project involves construction of a 3,500-foot long auxiliary spillway having six submerged tainter gates at the existing Folsom Dam. The Joint Federal Project (JFP) meets the shared goal of a reduced risk of flooding in the Sacramento area in an expedited and cost-effective manner. When completed it will give much of Sacramento over 200-year level protection.

Sacramento River Bank Protection - $14,171,000

The project solves and prevents levee erosion problems while providing fish and wildlife mitigation features. The existing Sacramento River levees are constantly threatened by erosion and unless continued corrective measures are taken, levee failures may occur with catastrophic damage and possible loss of lives.

American River Watershed (Common Features) - $6,330,000

The Common Features project consists of installation of slurry walls on the Lower American River levees, modification of the Sacramento River east levee in the Natomas Basin, installation of telemetering gages above Folsom, modification of the strengthening of levees, installation of a closure structure at Mayhew Drain and modification of Natomas Cross Canal Levees flood warning system.

Earlier this year, this project also received $14,000,000 in funding through the economic stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), supported by Rep. Matsui.

South Sacramento County Streams - $2,500,000

The South Sacramento County Streams project includes channel and levee improvements, detention facilities, ecosystem restoration and recreation features which will protect Sacramento from high water from the Mokelumne-Cosumnes River system, as well as the Morrison Creek watershed.

Earlier this year, this project also received $4,000,000 in funding through ARRA.

American River Watershed (Folsom Dam Raise) - $567,000

The authorized Raise project consists of the selected 3.5 foot raise of Folsom Dam reservoir dikes, reconfiguring the Folsom Dam penstocks and the ecosystem restoration projects.

Earlier this year, this project also received $3,000,000 in funding through ARRA.