Massive flood damage in Sacramento will be avoided with the Auburn Dam controlling the waters of the spring Sierra snow-melt, pineapple express and global warming driven storms that produce more water than the current flood control facilities in the American River Watershed can; but the misdirected levees-only discussion still continues.
An excerpt.
Editorial: Sandbags and safety
Perata and governor gum up flood legislation
Published 12:01 am PDT Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers have just days to decide whether 2006 will be a historic year for flood legislation or a missed opportunity that puts more lives at risk.
Sadly, the clout of the Building Industry Association and some odd antics by President Pro Tem Don Perata could end up sandbagging 10 pieces of legislation to reform how the Central Valley plans, prepares and responds to flood dangers. You would think the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina would prompt state leaders to put public safety first, but that is not how things always work at the Capitol.
The most contentious -- and courageous -- legislation is Assembly Bill 1899, also known as the "show me the flood control" bill. Authored by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, this bill would require cities and counties to demonstrate that they have 100-year flood protection before approving new homes in floodplains, and that they have a plan for doubling that protection in 20 years.
This is only fair. California voters will be asked this November to endorse billions of dollars on levee upgrades. Those dollars should be spent upgrading levees in existing urban areas -- those with an action plan -- not earmarked for floodplains slated for speculative real estate.
