Letter to the Editor- Job well done, Congressman

Napa Valley Register

Dear editor,

In Harm's Way, Citizens for Napa Creek Neighborhood Flood Protection, would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Rep. Mike Thompson, D - St. Helena, for his initiative and dedication that resulted in the allocation of $99 million to the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Prevention Project through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Rep. Thompson noted the absence of funding for the Army Corps of Engineers in stimulus-funding proposals. He took the initiative to ensure funding would be included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and by working with his colleagues, the Corps received a lump sum for funding projects nationwide. Since this lump sum was not project-specific, Rep. Thompson continued to work on our community's behalf to secure a portion of this funding for our flood project. The funding allocation we received exceeded our expectations, and In Harm's Way is very grateful to be one of the beneficiaries.

A portion of the allocation will fully fund the construction of the Napa Creek portion of the flood project. Floods that have repeatedly inundated our homes and businesses will be prevented, and residents and business owners alike will see an end to the economic hardship and emotional distress that follows each flood.

The remainder of the allocation likewise will benefit those affected by Napa River flooding and bring them one significant step closer to full flood protection. Many jobs will be created with this funding, stimulating our economy which is at the heart of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but the positive long-term economic and environmental ramifications of a completed flood project are immense.

Our neighbors, the businesses we frequent, the environment that is embraced by our project and the county as a whole are the real winners of Rep. Thompson's efforts. There is now a light at the end of the tunnel and it is growing brighter.

Rep. Thompson, we can't say it enough: Job well done!

Linda Kerr, spokesperson

In Harm's Way / Napa