Washington, D.C. -   Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) introduced the Public Safety Enhancement Act today.  The bill will allow construction of new fire or police stations to take place in urban areas such as Natomas, where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is remapping the area's flood zone designation. 

"It is important that as FEMA updates flood zone maps for the region we ensure that vital public safety buildings, such as police stations and firehouses are able to be constructed.  If passed, the Public Safety Enhancement Act will provide the City of Sacramento the ability to build needed public safety facilities in Natomas in order to better serve the public," said Rep. Matsui.

The City of Sacramento wants to build a multi-use, public safety facility in Natomas, which is home to over 70,000 residents.  The facility would house both police and fire personnel.  In recent months there have been a number of house fires in the area, highlighting the need for such a facility. 

On December 8, 2008, FEMA will issue new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Natomas Basin.  The maps will move Natomas from a moderate-risk "X" flood zone to a higher-risk "AE" flood zone. In addition to flood insurance requirements stringent building regulations will go into effect.

"Since learning of the FEMA remapping of the Natomas area, I have been working to protect homeowners from increased flood insurance costs by requesting a one year extension of current rates.  I have also worked to ensure that Natomas has the vital infrastructure it needs.  The bill I introduced today will allow for sensible building in the interest of public safety."

In addition to introducing the Public Safety Enhancement Act, Rep. Matsui sent a letter on November 18, 2008 to the FEMA Administrator David Paulson urging him to allow Natomas residents to carry a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) for an additional year. 

A Preferred Risk Policy written for the maximum National Flood Insurance Program coverage levels costs about $350 a year.  After changes to the FEMA maps, flood insurance policies for residents in the Natomas basin will cost approximately $1,300 a year.  Allowing residents an additional year at their PRP rate will give hardworking families the ability to make ends meet while ensuring homeowners own flood insurance policies and pay into the National Flood Insurance Program.

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