Saturday, May 20, 2006                                                                              Printable Version (PDF)

Sacramento, CA - Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) participated in the Folsom Dam 50^th Anniversary Rededication Ceremony.  Below are her remarks (as prepared for delivery):

“I’m very pleased to be with all of you on this historic occasion.

“For those of us who live and work here in the Folsom and Sacramento region, we know the important role Folsom Dam has played in our region’s history.  Built specifically to provide critical flood protection, over the past fifty years, its massive concrete wall has held back rainfall and snowmelt.  In doing so it has protected not only the over half million people in the flood plain, but the vibrant economy of the region and the capitol of our wonderful state.    

“When the Dam was dedicated in 1956, Governor Goodwin Knight stated that the dam would…contribute to the well-being of the people and the future of California.

“It has certainly done so and to this day continues to be an integral part of our flood protection efforts.

“The first 50 years of Folsom Dam’s history has been a testament to the value of investing in the future.  And I predict the next 50 years of its history will be as well.

“As many of you know, our partners – the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the state Department of Water Resources and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency – are about to embark on a combined federal project to improve the safety of the dam itself and increase the flood protection it provides. 

“This project, known as the Folsom Integration Project, will be the largest joint federal project for flood control and dam safety in the nation.

“I am very encouraged by the work of all of our partners.  Because of their hard work and dedication on this project, as well as the improvements to our levees, Sacramento will more than double our level of flood protection.  The region will be able to handle a storm 50% larger than it has ever experienced before.  This is a significant increase in protection, and it is expected to be completed in a little more than a decade.

“And we are helped along this year by the record level of federal funding for our efforts.  Just this past week the House Appropriations Committee designated nearly $72 million for Sacramento’s flood protection.

“While I’m extremely pleased with the funding levels this year, we all know our work will continue for many years.  For us to continue to be successful we need to maintain our laser-focus on funding these critical projects. 

“Being the most at-risk river city in the nation adds a unique urgency to our flood protection effort.  It is why I am so passionate and focused on Folsom Dam.  It will in the shortest time possible, provide us the highest level of flood protection.  Sacramento cannot afford to continue to be at risk. 

“And that is why Folsom Dam is so valuable to us.  Not just for its proud history, but for the important role it will play in securing our future.  Folsom Dam offers our region a great deal: flood protection, recreation, water supply and hydroelectric power.  Fifty years from its completion, Folsom Dam’s importance to the future of California continues to be significant.

“Thank you for allowing me to join you today for this celebration.”

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