Congresswoman Makes Annual Visit to West Sacramento
Apr 09, 2024 03:08PM ● By Angela Underwood
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Congresswoman Doris Matsui made her annual visit to West Sacramento, focusing on flood control, transportation, and fire safety, on March 28.
West Sacramento public information officer Paul Hosley calls the congresswoman a “hands-on leader” who prioritizes learning the needs of the communities she represents, including how the federal government can help them achieve their goals.
“These annual visits offer an invaluable opportunity for city staff to discuss the city’s federal priorities for the year so that the congresswoman can most effectively advocate for the city in Washington, D.C.,” Hosley said of the March 28 meeting. “We know we are lucky to have a leader in Congress who cares deeply about our city.”
Matsui, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and ranking member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, also serves on the Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee. According to Hosley, it is rare for members of Congress to take time out of their busy schedules to have in-depth conversations with city staff.
“Knowing that Congresswoman Matsui is committed to representing the city’s interests at the federal level provides a morale boost to staff and encourages our departments to continue to think big and push forward with major investments because we know we have a great champion for our interests in the nation’s capital,” Hosley said.
One department head thinking big is Fire Chief Steve Binns, who is working with the congresswoman to help secure FEMA SAFER grants for the fire departments that add additional positions.
“For federal grant applications to be successful, it is critical to have the support of elected representatives,” Binns said. “The city is very thankful for Congresswoman Matsui’s support for the Fire Department’s FEMA SAFER grant application.”
According to the fire chief, if successful, this application will allow the Fire Department to hire nine additional firefighter positions and a new fire engine.
“These positions are necessary to meet the city’s current and future fire protection needs and will provide a 25% increase in WSFD’s (West Sacramento Fire Department’s) ability to distribute the workload of escalating call volume, thereby reducing call response times, the likelihood of injuries, and other stress and burnout-related issues for its personnel,” Binns said.
Matsui also discussed transportation projects, including the Enterprise Bridge, Light Rail Extension, and bike and pedestrian traffic with city staff.
“The City of West Sacramento is committed to providing a transportation network that is safe and reliable for all modes of transportation, including bicyclists and pedestrians, while efficiently moving people and goods within, into and out of the city,” Hosley said. “It is important for us to keep the Congresswoman up to date on our transportation improvement plans so that she and her staff can advocate on the city’s behalf.”
Thus far, West Sacramento has worked extensively with the federal government, investing in the city’s transportation infrastructure with the replacement of the I Street Bridge, the light rail connection to Sacramento, and the bike and pedestrian trail network.
Hosley said West Sacramento, like all local governments, relies heavily on federal funding to provide these transportation connections.
“The city has benefitted greatly from Congresswoman Matsui’s stalwart advocacy for these investments in Washington, D.C.,” Hosley said.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui, who governs the seventh district overseeing West Sacramento. Photo Courtesy of Doris Matsui
