The US House of Representatives has voted to authorise US$2.4B over five years for 161 new or modified water projects around the country. The legislation, passed by a 418-5 vote, is similar to a measure that floundered last year due to a controversy over several flood control and water supply provisions for California. The provisions this year include increasing flood protection along the American and Sacramento rivers and a study to raise the Folsom dam by 6.5 feet. The Senate has also passed a similar bill and a committee from both houses will attempt to work out a final compromise.