Support for H.R. 2740

Floor Speech

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Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2740, the minibus appropriations bill, which includes funding for Energy and Water Development. I applaud the Committee's addition of funds for the programs of the Army Corps of Engineers, especially for continuation of flood control work in my district, which includes Sacramento and West Sacramento. The bill contains funds for continuation of construction of levees in the Natomas Basin and for continuation of design of the West Sacramento Project. Those initiatives are essential steps in providing adequate protection for my constituents, who live in one of the most flood-prone areas in the country.

I also strongly support the Committee's inclusion of additional undesignated funds that the Corps of Engineers will distribute through a Work Plan to be developed after the bill is signed into law. Furthermore, I appreciate the Committee's allowance for six undesignated construction ``New Starts,'' which is critically important to West Sacramento. As the bill moves forward, I urge the continued inclusion of robust funding for a Work Plan and of an adequate number of New Starts for flood control to address these needs.

My district can benefit immensely from these provisions. The Corps has recently indicated that additional funds will be needed in Fiscal Year 2020 for the Natomas Project due to cost increases and weather delays. Additionally, it is my understanding that the West Sacramento Project is making very good progress and will soon be positioned for a New Start and accompanying initial construction funding. With this in mind, I plan to continue working with the leadership of the Corps of Engineers, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, and the West Sacramento Area Flood control Agency to determine the optimum funding and New Start designation for my communities.

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