Great perspective from one of the letters to the editor today from an organization long supporting the gold standard of flood protection—at the 500 year level—the Auburn Dam (and only the Auburn Dam) can provide to Sacramento.
LETTERS: THE MIDEAST, SCHOOLS, ETC.
Will Dems' leaders give a dam?
The article, "Auburn dam returns to limbo," Nov. 19, suggests that because Democrats returned to power in Congress, they probably will not support an approved study for an Auburn dam, nor part of the cost of its construction. It states Sen. Barbara Boxer may chair the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee and Sen. Dianne Feinstein may chair the Senate Appropriations panel controlling funding for flood control issues. Further, Rep. Nancy Pelosi will be House speaker. These three Californians will hold powerful congressional seats that could assure that the Sacramento Valley and the capital city get flood protection that is desperately needed.
Sacramento's flood protection is under the 100-year storm level, lowest of any major city in the United States. Local officials agree a 200-year storm level should be the minimum. However, the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency supported an Auburn dam, which would provide 500-year flood protection. At this level, the lives of more than 250,000 people and billions of dollars in real and personal property would be protected. Further, an Auburn dam could provide more than 300 megawatts of clean hydroelectric power and additional water supply for the future.
It is inconceivable that they would intentionally deny Sacramento such protection.
-- Joe Sullivan, Sacramento
Executive Director,
Sacramento County Taxpayers League
