[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             JOB WELL DONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere 
appreciation for the tremendous job that the Chairman of the Energy and 
Water Appropriations Subcommittee Representative Sonny Callahan and 
Ranking Member, Representative Peter Visclosky, and the conferees have 
done in preparing the FY 2001 Energy and Water Appropriations 
Conference Report. Congress is certainly no stranger to the constant 
public safety threat that potential floods pose to my constituents and 
I am most thankful for the continued support of this body in helping to 
greatly reduce these risks. Thanks to your efforts and the efforts of 
this Committee, Sacramento remains on track with providing improved 
flood protection.
  Sacramento's immediate flood risk consistently ranks highest among 
major metropolitan areas in this nation. A catastrophic flood in 
Sacramento would impact $40 billion of property, including the 
California State Capitol, six major hospitals, 26 nursing home 
facilities, over 100 schools, 3 major freeway systems, and 
approximately 160,000 homes or apartments. As Congress continues to 
determine the best long-term solution, I remain grateful that this 
year's conference report is consistent with capability estimates 
developed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Sacramento Area Flood 
Control Agency.
  While this legislation provides continued funding for a number of 
crucial flood protection projects, I am particularly grateful for the 
inclusion of construction funds for the South Sacramento Streams 
Project. This ``new start'' is of vital importance as the 100,000 
people and 41,000 structures that reside in this area are extremely 
susceptible to devastating floods. These funds will enable this area to 
eventually increase its woefully inadequate 50-year protection level to 
an acceptable 500-year protection level.
  Increasing Sacramento's mere 85-year level of protection is a 
daunting task, but the support of my colleagues to protect my 
constituents has been unwavering and strong. Time and again, the 
federal commitment has risen to the occasion. On behalf of my 
constituents, and myself I thank you for recognizing the grave danger 
that Sacramento faces and acting to alleviate those threats.

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