SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Dave Jones' (D-Sacramento) bill to provide the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) with a key tool to improve flood protection in the Sacramento region was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. 

“We must take decisive action now, in order to keep Sacramento from becoming the next New Orleans.  By giving our local flood control agency a key flood control tool, this bill takes an important step towards providing Sacramento with the protection it so desperately needs,” stated Assemblymember Jones. 

Specifically, AB 930 provides SAFCA with clear authority to negotiate to purchase flood protection easements.  It also contains a number of protections to ensure that easements are consistent with State and local plans and are pursued in a collaborative, voluntary way.

“This important flood protection measure enjoys strong bipartisan support.  I’ve worked with my legislative colleagues as well as local governments and other organizations to make sure that the flood control easements authorized by this bill are mutually-beneficial to rural and urban areas,” explained Jones.

AB 930 comes as flood protection easements have received significant interest not only at the state level, but also at the federal level.  Assemblymember Jones’ bill provides SAFCA with the authority it needs to take advantage of funding proposed by Congresswoman Doris Matsui in the 2007 Flood bill for flood easements in rural areas.

“My bill provides the necessary local and state authority for flood easement acquisitions of the type contemplated in Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s effort,” indicated Jones.  “While my bill doesn’t envision using any particular source of funding for the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency’s easements, federal funds like those contemplated under the Farm Bill are certainly one option.  These funds would be a win-win, providing Sacramento with increased flood protection while also compensating rural landowners and communities,” continued Jones.

AB 930 is sponsored by SAFCA and is supported by Sacramento and Yolo Counties, the City of Sacramento and the American River Flood Control District, the California Building Industry Association (BIA), the Planning and Conservation League and the Resource Landowners Coalition.