Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) today announced that the House Committee on Appropriations has passed $23,602,000 in federal funding for a series of projects throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties.  The projects, requested by Woolsey earlier in the year, were included in the FY ’09 Commerce, Justice and Science, FY ’09 Labor Health and Human Services, and FY’ 09 Energy and Water appropriations bills.  The bills are now headed to the House floor.

“I am grateful that the Committee has recognized that these are important projects for residents of Marin and Sonoma and has decided to support them,” said Woolsey.  “This funding will be used to address immediate needs in Marin and Sonoma Counties such as flood control efforts, strengthening emergency readiness, and restoring local wetlands.  That’s why I will continue to do whatever I can to get this funding signed into law.”

The funding requested by Woolsey would support a number of environmental and security related projects throughout the North Bay including:

• $300,000 for the Petaluma River Flood Control Project;

• $3,088,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the San Rafael Canal;

• $14,000,000 for wetland rehabilitation at Hamilton Airfields;

• $500,000 to fund the North Bay Water Reuse Project which will provide recycled water for local agricultural use;

• $4,814,000 to fund maintenance efforts at the Warm Springs Dam at Lake Sonoma;

• $300,000 to continue Corte Madera Creek flood control efforts;

• $200,000 to support continued salmon research by scientists and conservation agencies;

• $190,000 to improve emergency readiness in Sonoma County by increasing the interoperability of emergency communications;

• $200,000 for Center Point of San Rafael to help people formerly incarcerated transition back into their communities;

• $10,000 to help confront gang violence by supporting the Santa Rosa Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force.

“I am proud to work on behalf of my constituents to ensure that they are receiving a fair share of federal funding,” Woolsey said.  “These are projects that will make a big difference in our local communities and I am proud to support them.”

Woolsey efforts were quickly recognized by local officials –

"Congresswoman Woolsey has always understood the importance of the Santa Venetia/Gallinas Creek Flood Zone projects and has supported the community from the beginning,” said Marin County Supervisor Susan Adams.  “Over the years, she has been a true partner with the County of Marin on a wide range of needs, from breast cancer to transportation to flood control, and we are thankful for her continued support."

"Congresswoman Woolsey has always shown her support for Santa Rosa and for the entire region through funding requests and legislation,” said Santa Rosa Mayor John Sawyer.  “This is just one more example of her hard work on our behalf."

A complete list of Woolsey’s spending requests, along with project descriptions, can be found on her website - a move that she made in order to expand the transparency and openness of the appropriations process.