U.S. Senate Approves Feinstein Measure To
Protect Against Flooding in Colusa Basin
December 8, 2000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate last night unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) authorized federal matching funds for a comprehensive watershed plan to protect against flooding in the Colusa Basin.

“I am pleased that the Senate has approved this measure, Senator Feinstein said. “It will authorize funds so that the necessary infrastructure can be built in Colusa Basin and ensure that future flooding does not once again devastate the region.”

Flooding is a major problem in the Colusa Basin. Last year, flooding caused approximately $4.9 million in damage in the basin. In 1995 a major flood caused an estimated $100 million in damage to public and private property and crops.

Under this legislation, the Department of Interior will participate in the Colusa Basin project and provide matching funds to build facilities to catch flood water, control the rate of release, restore wetlands and vegetation and ultimately protect the area against flooding.

The measure was approved as part of Hawaii Water Resources Reclamation Act (S. 1694). The House of Representatives approved companion legislation to S.1694 in October.