A Dynamic Vision For Sacramento

By Doris Matsui

Increasing public safety through flood protection. Sacramento is the most at-risk river city in the nation. A major flood along the American River would cripple this economy, causing between $7 and $16 billion in direct property damages and likely result in significant loss of life. In 2003, Bob Matsui led Congress to a historic step in Sacramento flood protection by authorizing a suite of capital improvements. Doris Matsui knows that Congressman Matsui's work is not finished, and she will secure the essential funding needed for these projects and help ensure Sacramento has the flood protection it deserves.

Energizing the downtown community and businesses through development. Sacramento is steeped in a rich history that is the backdrop for its downtown. The area's low unemployment and high job growth provide an opportunity to link this employment base and existing attractions to develop a more vibrant urban core and increased housing options. Doris Matsui knows the Sacramento of the future--Old Sacramento and the waterfront connected to downtown, an improved Tower Bridge with widened sidewalks and a new intermodal transit center at the redeveloped rail yards--requires continued federal investment to become a reality. She believes the federal government should play an important role in downtown development to create new economic opportunities, increase employment options, advance cultural activities, and further promote Sacramento's strong sense of community.

Improving transportation options through expanded light-rail and bus service. Doris Matsui will help the community alleviate traffic problems and improve the quality of life for Sacramento residents by fighting for federal investment to repair our roads, invest in infrastructure, and expand public transit. Three quarters of Sacramento freeways lanes are congested and 72% of California's major roads are rated in poor or mediocre condition. Reauthorizing federal transportation programs will increase public transit access and options, address highway safety and traffic issues, and improve air quality. This investment will also bring needed jobs to Sacramento, and help stimulate our economy.

McClellan reuse and development. Sacramento has made great strides to recapture jobs lost when McClellan Air Force Base closed in 2001 with a creative public-private redevelopment alliance that has created and retained 6,000 current jobs. Doris Matsui will build on this start by ensuring the government continues to invest in the conversion of the campus to civil use, creating new jobs and stimulating the economy.