Doris Matsui: “I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, since I was elected to office in 2005, increasing the…”

“I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, since I was elected to office in 2005, increasing the level of Sacramento's flood protection has been my highest priority. Sacramento is the most at-risk metropolitan area for major flooding, as it lies at the confluence of two major rivers--the Sacramento and the American. Sacramento is home to California's State capitol, an international airport, and half a million people. If Sacramento were to flood, the economic damages would range up to $40 billion. We have a lot at risk. We are all well aware of our country's austere budget environment, but it is imperative that Sacramento's basic flood protection needs be met. The Federal Government must continue to fulfill its commitment to protect the lives and the livelihoods of the capital area of the largest State in the Union. I want to applaud the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee for including adequate funding for Sacramento's top flood protection projects: For the American River Common Features, the bill includes more than $6 million, which would be for work within the American River watershed, including American River Common Features General Reevaluation Report, further design work in support of levee improvements in Natomas and levee improvements on the American River.…”