ESHOO THANKS GOVERNOR, SEEKS ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO REPAIR EAST PALO ALTO LEVEES

PALO ALTO, CA - In a positive response to the urgent request of Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), Governor Schwarzenegger confirmed in a March 29, 2006 letter that he has asked the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to identify additional levee sites that may require expedited repairs to be added to the 24 sites that have already been identified for immediate repair.

Eshoo issued an urgent plea to the Governor on March 10, 2006, for state funds and for state personnel to perform emergency repairs to a damaged levee in East Palo Alto.

"The state is now prepared to assist local first responders should they be needed. DWR Flood Fight staff will work with the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services to coordinate and offer assistance in the event of a flood emergency."

"I'm also grateful that East Palo Alto's request for state funding has been granted. This represents a provision of up to 75 percent reimbursement by the state for necessary permanent repair."

Today, Congresswoman Eshoo sent a follow up letter to Governor Schwarzenegger to thank him and requested additional assistance on behalf of their mutual constituents because of continuing rain and the worsening condition of levees.

"Because of the time it will take for the City to digest and negotiate a bureaucratic process, I'm asking you to send staff experts to assist the City right away. Most importantly, I urge you to consider calling in the California National Guard to assist with immediate repair work before it's too late. I know first hand how exceptional the men and women of the California Guard are and I trust them to get the job done."

Congresswoman Eshoo has also urged San Mateo County Manager John Maltbie to share the County's expertise and resources with East Palo Alto to begin repair work immediately.

Rep. Eshoo continues to work to secure federal funding for the Army Corps of Engineers for a plan that will provide a permanent solution to protect all the communities along San Francisquito Creek.