Local congressional leadership has gone to the Dutch for advice on flood protection, and we are most happy to see that and hope to see it replicated by other public leaders.
When you have a problem, it always pays to seek the advice of experts who have already solved it.
An excerpt.
Article published Oct 18, 2006
Dutch experts say plan now for disastrous flood
STOCKTON - The Dutch have spent billions building levees and giant barriers to protect their low-lying country from flooding.And they consider it a bargain.
"Prevention is very, very cheap. If you don't believe me, look at New Orleans," said Sybe Schaap, who heads a coalition of water boards responsible for building and maintaining levees.
A team of water experts from the Netherlands toured the Delta on Monday and Tuesday, saying its winding channels, straight-edge canals and miles of levees reminded them of their homeland. Talk of the Delta's water woes also sounded familiar.
The Dutch visit, orchestrated by Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, was intended to help experts from both nations swap ideas on flood control and levee stabilization.
The Dutch experts' advice: Plan now for a catastrophic flood. Rebuild levees allowing more room for rivers and the occasional, inevitable flood.
