Different versions of a Water Resources Development Act bill have passed both houses of Congress and are awaiting reconciliation. Currently, the versions agree that the federal government should fund 42-miles of levee projects on the Sacramento River.
Sacramento City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby says she is confident the funding will be approved by both houses and then the President. She says the city could then apply to lift a building moratorium that's been in effect for five years.
"We do get ourselves in a position to build in our community which is a big deal," she says. "Because, we have people -homeowners that have sustained damage to their homes as well as schools that need to grow and infrastructure that needs to be put in."
Flood insurance will still be required for Natomas until the Army Corps of Engineers completes repairs on the levees and they are certified at a 100-year-level of protection.
That could happen within five years.
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.