Three members of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors were lobbying members of Congress last week for funding of public infrastructure and community safety.

    Board Chair Mat Conant and supervisors Karm Bains and Dan Flores were joined by recently hired Sutter County Economic Development Director Scott Powell in Washington, D.C. as part of a delegation of political and business leaders from the Sacramento region.

    The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce arranges an annual visit of dozens from the region to meet with elected representatives and officials of various federal departments to discuss federal funding priorities.

    During the trip, Sutter County officials met with staff from the offices of California senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, as well as directly with First District Congressman Doug LaMalfa, to discuss several county priorities. They stressed the importance of federal investment in infrastructure, public safety, community amenities and health and human services. Specifically, they discussed a need to make physical improvements at Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health Services, secure a backup generator for the Robbins Wastewater Treatment Plant, and funding for prosecution of criminal cases.

    "We are extremely grateful for Congressman LaMalfa taking a personal interest, along with the staff of Senator Padilla and Senator Butler for taking the time to learn about these key issues," Conant said. “This was an ideal time to visit our federal representatives to not only advocate for the greater region but for the needs of Sutter County and its residents.”

    "A county government that has well-functioning infrastructure and is a safe place to do business is paramount to growing the Sutter County economy," Powell said.

    The County expects to hear in the coming months whether any of the projects discussed will be funded.