These letters in the Bee from Friday, January 13th; some asking why the Auburn Dam isn’t mentioned in the Bee’s coverage about flood protection options, plus other flooding related issues, are excellent and clearly indicate the public [if not public leaders] is thoughtfully involved in the discussion about floods and being protected from them.
Here are some excerpts:
First Letter) “Why did the drawdown of Folsom Dam begin so close to the arrival of these intense storms? The long-term forecast predicted warmer, heavier rains than usual, and the series of December and January storms was predicted many days ahead of time. Yet the lowering of water levels occurred only a day or two ahead of their arrival, leaving the rivers at a very high level when the storms began.
The dam, of course, is to protect against drought as well as to control water flow into the Valley, but the consequences of flooding seem more frequent than the risk of drought, and they would be much more grave.”
Second Letter) “I have followed The Bee's excellent series on the flood risks facing our area, but note one omission from the discussion: What impact would building the Auburn Dam have in this equation?
As a relative newcomer to the area, I am somewhat aware of the white hot politics attached to the project (enviros vs. Rep. John Doolittle and developers, etc.), but am very short on a balanced discussion of the role the proposed dam would have on flooding risks.”
Third Letter) “I don't understand why so many people have blinders on when it comes to flood protection.
The worries year after year could be eliminated. We could have clear, clean drinking water, clean electric power, a vast amount of recreation and a 300-year safety net.
If we had the Auburn dam we could hold back water so the Sacramento River doesn't want to flood every year. Don't let the environmental wackos ruin something we really need. The dam would help keep back water pressure on the levees.”
Fourth Letter) “The Jan. 7 article "River flooding catches homeless off guard" suggests these homeless people are "camping" by the river. These people are trespassing. They leave garbage and hazardous waste (feces) where they trespass and make it difficult for those of us who do enjoy the American River Parkway and adjoining areas.”
