Pelosi Wins Parks and Flood Control Funding for San Francisco

Pelosi Wins Parks and Flood Control Funding for San Francisco

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that she secured close to $25 million in federal funding for the Presidio Trust, the San Francisco Maritime Historical Park, and flood control on Shotwell Street. The funds are included in the final Fiscal Year 2006 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which passed the House this afternoon and will soon be signed into law.

Pelosi secured $20 million in annual funding for the Presidio Trust. When the army base was decommissioned, Congress approved the new park but required it to be self-sufficient by 2013. Although the Presidio is making progress toward that goal, federal funds are essential for the costly restoration of the Presidio’s historic buildings, grounds, and ecosystems.

â€Å"These funds will enable the Presidio to continue its evolution as a unique, magnificent national park in the heart of San Francisco,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi obtained $4.35 million for extensive repairs to the Sala Burton Maritime Museum Building, the 1939 â€Å"art moderne” structure located at Aquatic Park on San Francisco’s northern waterfront. The roof, window frames, and a glass brick wall will be replaced, preventing further water damage and reducing annual maintenance costs.

â€Å"With these funds, the Maritime Park can protect this striking local landmark from the wear and tear of time and weather, preserving it for future generations to enjoy,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi also secured $500,000 for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to improve the sewer system on Shotwell Street in the Mission. The funds were obtained through an Environmental Protection Agency initiative for improving water and sewer infrastructure.

â€Å"Residents of Shotwell Street have suffered chronic flooding for years, with water rising several feet into their homes following heavy rains. It’s time to fix the problem,” Pelosi said.