This article in yesterday’s Bee is an excellent addition to the public discussion around levee improvement related legislation currently working its way through the state legislature, and a key quote is:
“AB 3050 is just as bad and would serve only to prevent local governments from meeting its local housing needs. The bill says, "Even though we the state built and then forgot to maintain the levees, we think you local governments should be held responsible." That's not fair and that is not flood protection.”
Here is an excerpt.
Another view: Finger-pointing is not answer to flood risks
By Layne Marceau -- Special To The Bee Published 12:01 am PDT Sunday, May 21, 2006
Hurricane Katrina served as a giant wake-up call for Californians.
Thousands, if not millions, of Californians are already living behind levees designed and built to protect them. This awakened recognition that California has a substantial flood risk has certain members of the Legislature taking steps that would not only stop desperately needed housing from being built but do absolutely nothing to protect the residents already living behind those levees. All paths to higher levels of flood protection in this state begin with fixing and better maintaining the levee system we have relied upon so heavily for almost 100 years.
California homebuilders support a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to flood protection, beginning with fixing the levees. Specifically a comprehensive plan should include:
• Conducting systemwide risk assessments of the state's levees;
• Appropriating necessary public funding to repair and fortify the levees;
• Establishing a program for ongoing maintenance of the levees;
• Increasing public awareness about flood risk;
• Increasing the availability and use of flood insurance;
• Ensuring that local governments have and utilize adequate land-use safeguards.
