Rep. Doris Matsui Applauds Administration's Commitment to Sacramento's Flood Protection Priorities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202)225-7163
Rep. Doris Matsui Applauds Administration's Commitment to Sacramento's Flood Protection Priorities
FY 2012 Federal Budget Maintains Critical Funding Despite Overall Cuts
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) issued the following statement today following the release of President Obama's budget outline for Fiscal Year 2012, which cuts the overall deficit by $1.1 trillion, but continues to fund Sacramento's flood protection priorities:
In an incredibly austere budget environment, the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget proposal put forward by the Obama Administration will ensure that Sacramento's basic flood protection projects needs are met. In total, the budget clearly demonstrates the Administration's commitment to financial responsibility and cutting the deficit. Though I do not agree with all of the outlined cuts, I am encouraged to see that the plan calls for strategic investments in infrastructure projects that will create jobs, promote economic growth, and help us reach our flood protection goals.
The budget process is an important opportunity for the federal government to deliver for our region by improving our public safety and creating good jobs for Sacramento residents. Each one of our projects is a critical component in improving the flood protection of our entire region. Taken together, the projects help us achieve the flood protection levels that families and businesses throughout the Sacramento area need and deserve. In the coming days, my colleagues and I will continue studying these proposed funding levels to see if and where they can be improved, but this is a good start.
The President's budget outline for FY 2012, which was released this morning calls for the following funding levels for Sacramento's flood protection priorities:
American River Watershed - Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project - $21 million to continue construction on the auxiliary spillway, which will provide greater efficiency in managing flood storage in Folsom Reservoir. This project has experienced large cost savings due to the favorable construction climate.
American River Watershed Common Features - $25.5 million for work within the American River Watershed, including the American River Common Features General Re-evaluation Report, further design work in support of levee improvements in Natomas and levee improvements on the American River. This is an increase of $16.2 million over FY 2010 levels.
South Sacramento Streams Group Project - $5 million to fund levee and channel improvements. This is a substantial increase from FY 2010 levels.
American River Water Folsom Dam Raise - $1 million to raise Folsom Dam to help achieve 200-year-flood protection for the region.
Sacramento River Bank Protection Project - $10 million to repair critical erosion sites along the Sacramento River and its tributaries.
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