FOLSOM, Calif. -- Folsom Dam is about to get a facelift, which is expected to vastly improve downstream flood protection.

The changes will be made at the base of Folsom Dam.

"The dam, right now, is operating fine as it was originally designed. We want to do some work on it to give it greater flexibility to help increase flood protection downstream," said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Col. Michael Conrad.

When dam operators need more room in Folsom Lake to hold Sierra runoff, river outlets below the dam are opened, releasing water into the American River. The problem is they're too small, and the dam has to be near capacity before water can be released. So, in big weather events, they don't work fast enough, according to engineers.

In the dam upgrade, the current outlets -- eight in all -- will triple in size, and two more will be added. And when finished, the outlets can be used before the lake fills up.

"Just like your bathtub, if you have a bigger outlet, the water goes out faster. That gives us greater flexibility to store more water behind the dam," Conrad said.

The changes are part of an overall project that would double Sacramento's current level of flood protection. Those changes, along with levee improvements that are underway, should have a major impact on homeowners' pocketbooks.

"Those of us who live along the American River will get to reduce our insurance premiums. And in fact, you'll be able to drop your flood insurance," said Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency spokesman Steve Cohn.

Local, state and federal dignitaries are vowing to continue their efforts to fund the $207 million project.

"My hope is that as this project continues on. As it is completed, certainly, it will create more safety for our children, our grandchildren and obviously our future generations," said Rep. Robert Matsui, D-Sacramento.

Dam modifications should be underway by spring of 2005 and finished by 2013, according to officials.

the dam facelift is part of the American River Watershed Project. Other projects in the works include continued levee improvements, raising the dam by seven feet and construction of a new bridge over the American River.