The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has earmarked $1.5 million to help fund sustainable planning for the Sacramento region, HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims said Friday. The money is being awarded to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and its planning partners through HUD's new Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program. A day earlier, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced Sacramento was among 45 regions to win a portion of nearly $100 million in grants created under President Barack Obama's Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The grant program is designed to boost regional economies through coordinated planning for housing, transportation, the env

U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui toured a Sacramento-based global leader in prismatic skylight technology Wednesday to spotlight the area's emerging clean energy industry. Matsui also used the visit to Sunoptics' South Sacramento manufacturing complex to focus on the need for federal and local support of green technology and manufacturing, and the jobs that come with it. Sunoptics' newest technology, which combines reflected LED lights with skylights, is currently being demonstrated at an energy conference at the Pentagon. Clean tech companies like Sunoptics can help the country's economy and the environment, she said. "We need the jobs to be here," she said. "With companies like this, we're goin

The Sacramento region will get nearly $87 million in federal flood protection funds after President Obama signed a key water and energy bill Wednesday. The 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides $63 million for Folsom Dam modifications designed to help decrease flooding risks in the American River watershed. That project is expected to provide 200-year flood protection for much of the area, according to U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, who fought for the funding. “Sacramento is the most at-risk river city in the country,” Matsui said in a written statement. “We live among one of the most important water projects in America today that provides water and

U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui on Thursday will host a Sacramento workshop to help small business owners learn how to access federal stimulus funds and other resources. Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Technology Center will provide information about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and federal grants, and how both can help people who own small businesses or who are considering starting them, according to a press release put out by Matsui's office. “Even in these challenging economic times, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a new business here in Sacramento, or for existing business to help make ends meet, build off successful busines