Press Release

The House of Representatives yesterday passed a package of fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills, which included two amendments by Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) that provide increased funding for levee protection and repairs, and supports reliable access to a clean water supply.

"Over the past few years, California has endured both severe flooding and severe droughts," said Rep. Bera. "My amendments will give Sacramento County the flexibility we need to respond to both these events. I am proud that I could help secure these important wins for Sacramento, which is home to more than 250 miles of levees and also important water projects that supply clean and safe water to our community."

Levee Safety

Bera's amendment provides an additional $3 million to the National Levee Safety Initiative which helps develop comprehensive safety guidelines for levees, maintain the National Levee Database, and provides funding assistance to states to set up participating levee safety programs.

Water Recycling and Reuse

Bera's amendment provides an additional $2 million to help Western states, including California, build water reuse and recycling projects to ensure a reliable and clean water supply. This funding will help support important projects like the Sacramento Regional Water Bank project, currently being developed in the Sacramento region, to store more water underground during wet years so that they can be used during periods of drought.

Rep. Bera has long been a strong advocate for protecting Sacramento's environment and waterways, including investing in clean energy jobs for the 21st century. Click here to find more information on his work to ensure a healthy and clean Sacramento.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact Travis Horne, Communications Director, at travis.horne@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5716.