WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced several millions of dollars in federal funding for key projects in San Luis Obispo County as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus spending bill.  The bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives late tonight by a vote of 253 to 154 and the Senate is expected to pass the measure later this week.  

“I am pleased to announce this critical funding for important projects throughout San Luis Obispo County,” said Capps.  “These federal resources will help support key environment, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety programs in our communities.  I hope that President Bush will finally approve this much needed funding to meet America's infrastructure, transportation and needs.”

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

$ 1, 320,000 million for dredging in Morro Bay: 
“Dredging Morro Bay’s harbor is critical to maintaining a strong local economy, protecting vital infrastructure, and protecting the Central Coast’s precious natural resources,” said Capps.  “This funding will allow this annual dredging project 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.”

$188,000 for the San Luis Obispo County’s Criminal Justice System:
The funding will help San Luis Obispo County replace its outdated and unreliable Records Management System (RMS) with a more modern and dependable system.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 go a long way towards helping our sheriff and court officials 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 improve the speed, consistency, and accuracy of shared information throughout the County’s Criminal Justice System and is essential for ensuring the public’s safety.”

###

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