THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Federal funds have been allocated for the Natomas Levee Improvement Project for the first time, according to Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s office in Washington, D.C.
According to a press release issued today by Matsui, the Army Corps of Engineers work plan for fiscal year 2014 provides $106 million for Sacramento flood protection projects – including $1 million for the Natomas Levee Improvement Project.
The first-time federal money is earmarked for engineering and design work on the Natomas levee project.
“The funds allocated in the work plan will go a long way toward strengthening our levees and ensuring our entire region has a robust level of flood protection,” Matsui said in a prepared statement. “I am especially pleased that the work plan includes funding for project engineering and design work for the Natomas Levee Improvement Project.”
Lifting a building restrictions on all new construction in the Natomas Basin still hinges on federal funding and passage of the Water Resource Development Act, now being debated in a bipartisan conference committee. The WRDA bill would OK work already done by the Army Corps and provide additional federal funds for Natomas levee projects.
“This funding demonstrates the Corps’ commitment to Natomas Levee Improvement Project, and helps ensure that work can start promptly on this critical project upon congressional authorization,” Matsui’s statement read. “I am optimistic that Congress will be voting on a final Water Resources Development Act by spring and that it will include congressional authorization for the improvements to Natomas’ levees.”
Natomas-area residents have voted – twice – to tax themselves to pay for the local portion of needed levee upgrades.
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