$1 Million Federal Grant for Levee Improvements Project Moves Ahead
For immediate release: July 21, 2022
Contact: City Manager's Office, (650) 286-3220, manager@fostercity.org
A collaborative effort with the federal government to protect Foster City from sea level rise, flooding, and climate change took a significant step forward with the House Committee on Appropriations agreeing to allocate $988,600 toward the Levee Improvements Project. The federal grant is intended to help alleviate the taxpayer burden for Foster City residents who in 2018 supported Measure P, the $90 million general obligation bond financing construction of the City’s largest ever infrastructure project. The proposal has passed the House and is slated to move onto the Senate for final approval.
Congresswoman Jackie Speier was integral to helping advance the grant as part of legislation that will total $16.9 million for 15 local community projects that she requested to help improve the lives of individuals and families, advance infrastructure needs, create jobs, and support the economy in California’s 14th congressional district. Congresswoman Speier also secured $54.5 million for San Francisco Bay restoration efforts.
Foster City Mayor Richa Awasthi expressed her appreciation for the close partnership with Congresswoman Speier that paves the way toward critical funding for the Levee Improvements Project.
“The City of Foster City is immensely grateful for the leadership shown by Congresswoman Speier in helping acquire this grant,” said Mayor Awasthi. “The funding will benefit both the Foster City community and San Mateo County region by helping enhance our environmental sustainability and protecting us from the potential threats posed by sea level rise and climate change.”
The Levee Improvements Project will maintain FEMA accreditation of the levee and protect Foster City homes, schools, businesses, and essential city services, and infrastructure during storms and high tides, and from future sea level rise. The improved levee will be be more resistant to earthquake damage and would prevent FEMA designation of the city as a flood zone, thus avoiding requirements for homeowners to purchase expensive, permanent flood insurance.
For more information about the Levee Improvements Project visit the project website at www.FosterCityLevee.org. Residents can also receive weekly updates and reminders by following Foster City on social media including Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Any construction-related issues or general project inquiries may be reported to the project hotline at 1-800-213-6320 (calls will typically be returned within 24 hours).
###
