Here are a couple from the Bee today.
Letters: Flood control, health, etc.
No either/or in flood protection
- Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Re "Prop. 1E: California's one-legged flood control stool," Peter Schrag column, Sept. 27: The Bee deserves much credit for reporting on flood threats and for urging readers to support Propositions 1E and 84 for better flood protection.
So it was surprising to see Peter Schrag argue that Proposition 1E is insignificant without comprehensive flood reforms.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has never considered this an either-or issue. The governor understands that both flood management investment and reform are necessary -- and is championing both.
Well before Hurricane Katrina, the Schwarzenegger administration published "Flood Warnings: Responding to California's Flood Crisis," detailing the deficiencies in California's flood control system and outlining strategies to improve flood protection.
This year, the governor declared a state of emergency in order to fast-track the repair of 29 critical levee sites. He has increased funding for levee maintenance and provided money for advanced measures and emergency flood fighting.
Administration officials fought hard at the state Capitol for new laws to protect Californians living in floodplains. This year, legislative politics killed the administration's flood proposal and other flood reforms.
Schwarzenegger remains committed to protecting the public. His administration will renew efforts on real flood reform in the next legislative session.
- Lester Snow, Sacramento
Director, California Department of Water Resources
Levees need work immediately
Given the benefit of hindsight, I'm sure the people living in and around New Orleans would have liked the opportunity to approve a bond to shore up their levees a few years back.
If there is anything to be gained from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, it is to learn from the mistakes of others.
We know that California's vast, aging network of levees is inadequate and vulnerable. And if we don't move immediately to reinforce our levees and improve our flood control capabilities, we will be jeopardizing the homes, drinking water and farmlands serving millions of Californians.
Peter Schrag ("Prop. 1E: California's one-legged flood control stool," commentary, Sept. 27) has a point: The state needs a more enlightened policy on building in flood-prone zones, but that will take time to do right.
In the meantime, the most responsible course of action is to protect ourselves. We should vote Yes on Proposition 1E, which would provide $4.1 billion to repair levees and improve flood control.
- Jim Earp, Sacramento
Chair, Let's Rebuild California
