Governor Schwarzenegger says his administration will release more than $200 million for several Northern California levee projects.
 
Schwarzenegger: “Right now, I’m happy that we can push the money out as quickly as possible.  And as I said, it has two main purposes.  One is, protection of the people, the businesses, the farmers, and everyone. And at the same time to create jobs.”
 
About a quarter of those funds will go towards strengthening the Natomas Cross Canal, a five-mile stretch in Sutter County.  Construction is scheduled to start in August, assuming the Army Corps of Engineers gives its approval.
 
The dollars will come from Propositions 1E and 84, both approved by voters in 2006.  They’ll be combined with local funds from Natomas residents through the Sacramento Area Flood Control District.