WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced several millions of dollars in federal funding for key projects throughout Ventura County as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus spending bill.  The bill is expected to be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives late tonight and the Senate is expected to pass the measure later this week.  

“I am pleased to announce this critical funding for important projects throughout Ventura County,” said Capps.  “These federal resources will help support key health, environment, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety programs in our communities.”

At the request of Congresswoman Capps, the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus spending bill includes funding for the following projects:

$799,000 for the Matilija Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration Project:
The funding will be used for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete pre-construction engineering and design work on the Matilija Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration project. 

“There is a broad coalition that supports this project and a clear consensus that we must remove the Matilija Dam in order to protect the watershed and restore habitat for endangered species, including Steelhead, and enable the natural flow of sand to the coast,” said Capps.  “I’m pleased that $799,000 for the Matilija Dam restoration project was awarded at my request and I will continue to work to support this important project as it moves forward.”

$1,000,000 for El Rio Forebay Groundwater Contamination Elimination Project:
The funding will be used for the conversion of El Rio’s residential, industrial, and commercial developments from septic sewage systems to a collection and central treatment sewage system. 

$500,000 for the Rice Avenue Interchange:
The funding will be used for enhancements of the Rice Avenue Interchange at U.S. Highway 101 in Ventura County. 

“This is good news for Ventura County residents and businesses” said Capps.  “This funding continues the ongoing efforts to improve the Rice Avenue Interchange, which will help alleviate traffic congestion, improve the region's air quality, and allow the free flow of trucks serving the Port of Hueneme.”

$246,000 for Santa Clara River Watershed Protection Plan Feasibility Study:
The funding will be used to identify flooding, erosion and sedimentation problems in the Santa Clara River watershed located in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.  The study will also examine ways to improve water quality, restore habitat, and increase recreational opportunities within the watershed.

$3.418 million for dredging in Ventura Harbor and $1.211 million for dredging in the Port of Hueneme: 
“Dredging local harbors are critical to maintaining a strong local economy, protecting vital infrastructure, and protecting the South Coast’s precious natural resources,” said Capps.  “This funding will allow these annual dredging projects to ensure access to our waterways and harbors, provide safe and secure recreational areas for our residents, and maintain the health and vitality of our local economy.”

$470,000 for the City of Oxnard’s Police Department’s new Police Records Management System:
The funding will be used the City of Oxnard’s Police Department to replace its outdated Records Management System with a more modern and dependable system.  This new Records Management System will provide real-time tactical, investigative and management information to department officials, increasing the accuracy and efficiency of investigations and freeing up precious staff time.

“This funding will help our police officers by providing them with all the tools and resources they need to do their jobs” said Capps.  “The purchase of this new Records Management System will result in more thorough investigations, quicker deployment of officers to respond to crimes.  It will also redirect approximately 28,000 annual staff hours, the equivalent of 13.5 full time staff positions, from keeping track of paperwork to more traditional police work.”

$390,000 for St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard for the Latino Health Care League's diabetes initiative: 
The funding will be used to increase education and collaboration among health professionals to ensure effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes.  The program also involves community outreach to improve the treatment of diabetes in high-risk, high prevalence communities.

“Diabetes is a debilitating and often deadly disease that affects far too many people in our community, especially Latinos” said Capps.   “Through preventive programs that provide education and health care, we can improve the treatment of those living with diabetes and prevent others from developing the disease.  I am pleased that this outstanding program at St. John’s Regional Medical Center has been allotted this much needed funding and I will continue my efforts to support their life saving work.”

$234,000 for the Ventura County Probation Office for their Juvenile Wellness Court:
The funding will be used for treatment and services for juvenile offenders with mental health and chemical dependency problems.

 “The Ventura County Juvenile Wellness Court is a remarkable program that takes an innovative comprehensive approach to helping our young people who are in trouble with the law and struggling with mental illness and/or chemical dependency,” said Capps.  “Their comprehensive approach has proven to be more successful in rehabilitating these young lives than traditional approaches.   I am pleased that that the Ventura County Probation Office has received this critical funding and I will continue my efforts to support this effective program.”

$146,000 California State University Channel Islands Nursing Health Information Technologies Competency:
The funding will enhance nursing education by addressing technological competency for faculty and students.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.