They’ll be talking to government officials about important local issues. Long-term flood protection tops the list. 

Even though Governor Schwarzenegger couldn’t convince President Bush to fund levee improvements in the Sacramento area, members of the Cap-to-Cap delegation – like Linda Cutler - think they’ll have better luck. 

"Our message is that there can be no delay on fully funding the Doolittle-Matsui Compromise." 

That compromise would quickly provide the greatest amount of flood protection for the region including Folsom Dam improvements and levee repairs. John Lambeth heads Cap-to-Cap’s flood protection team. 

"And because we have over 400 people flying back to DC to talk about these issues it does make an impact on the decision makers."

Delegation members will also be lobbying for more transportation dollars to pay for extending light rail to the Sacramento International Airport and the creation of a Sacramento Intermodal facility.

The 5-day lobbying trip ends next Wednesday.