Very expensive, and though allowing a much heavier release of water when needed, the scouring damage to the Parkway is considerable…but, a good project.
However, we still need to keep focused on the 500 year flood protection only the Auburn Dam would provide.
The cost of this project, barely raising our current protection much above the current 100 year level, is about 25% of the cost of Auburn Dam.
Report explores impact of proposed dam spillway
- Published 12:00 am PST Friday, December 1, 2006
An environmental impact study about a proposed spillway at Folsom Dam was released Thursday by federal officials.
As expected, the plan calls for a concrete spillway near the east embankment of Folsom Dam. It would be 1,700 feet long and 170 feet wide, with six submerged outlet gates, each measuring 23 feet by 33 feet.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation settled on this design as a joint project to achieve 200-year flood protection and to protect the dam from a worst-case flood that might overtop it.
The plan includes a variety of seismic and seepage improvements at Folsom Dam and its various earthen dikes. Depending on further study, it may also include an increase of 3.5 feet to the dam to gain more flood protection.
Reclamation bureau spokesman Jeff McCracken said the project is estimated to cost $800 million to $1 billion.
Copies of the study can be found in area libraries, on Reclamation's Web site at www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/ or by calling (916) 978-5309.
Two public hearings are planned: 2 p.m. on Jan. 9 in the Sacramento Library Galleria, 828 I St., and 7 p.m. on Jan. 10 in the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St.
