$1 Billion Natomas Project Finally Authorized

After a year long delay, the House of Representatives recently approved the Water Resources Reform and Development Act.  The bill authorizes, among many other projects across the nation, a $1 billion effort to strengthen the Natomas area levees.  The legislation also authorizes the strengthening of 41 miles of levees in the Sutter River Basin.

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, an agency formed by the County of Sacramento, the County of Sutter, the American River Flood Control District and Reclamation District No. 1000, began construction on the first 18 mile stretch of Natomas levees in 2008.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be reinforcing the remaining 24 miles of levees once the bill is approved by Congress.

The Senate is expected to approve a similar version of the bill, and the President is expected to sign the bill shortly thereafter.