Public's input sought on Natomas levee plan
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, October 17, 2007
SACRAMENTO – The public will have a chance Thursday to comment on a massive levee strengthening project planned to begin next year in Natomas.
The $400 million-plus project aims to widen or raise nearly 25 miles of levees on three sides of the Natomas basin – mostly on the landward side of the levees. It also includes erosion repairs in several spots at water's edge along the Sacramento River.
The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency will have a public hearing about the plan at 3 p.m. Thursday in the City Council Chambers, 915 I St.
A final vote is set for Nov. 29.
The project is likely to be controversial, especially along the Sacramento River, where SAFCA will have to purchase homes and other property on the landward side of the levee.
The new levee, adjacent to the current one, will be up to 300 feet wider.
Many trees also will have to be removed for the project, but SAFCA intends to plant thousands of trees in a habitat strip along the new levee.
Environmental studies can be viewed online at www.safca.org
The deadline for written comments is Oct. 29. For information, call SAFCA at (916) 874-7606.
– Matt Weiser
