As it progresses we should remember that the generation of engineers and public leadership who planned and largely built the massive state water system allowing California to become the state it has become, originally engineered the Shasta Dam to be 200 feet higher than it now is, which would have tripled the water storage capacity in Shasta Lake, and they also approved the building of the Auburn Dam.
The Sixties generation of environmentalists, with their virulent anti-development beliefs and lawyers with legal suits in hand, stopped both projects.
Had both projects been built as planned, there would be no need for massive levees in Natomas.
Huge levee project advances
Area flood board OKs first phase despite opposition from dozens of residents.
By Matt Weiser - mweiser@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Friday, November 30, 2007
A massive levee-strengthening project in Sacramento's Natomas basin got its first nod of approval on Thursday, despite objections from dozens of residents who fear they'll lose homes or property to the work.
The project, estimated to cost more than $400 million, will raise or widen nearly 25 miles of Natomas levees over three years. It is designed to double flood protection in the deep-flood basin and prevent levee underseepage that threatens the basin's more than 70,000 residents.
On Thursday, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency approved an overarching environmental impact report for the project. It also approved the first phase of construction in 2008, which involves raising and widening levees along the Natomas Cross Canal and the northernmost five miles of levee along the Sacramento River.
One fledgling group of property owners along the Garden Highway is considering a legal challenge to the project. And the project still must be approved by state and federal officials. SAFCA also plans another environmental study on subsequent construction phases.
More than 200 people attended Thursday's meeting, many of them Garden Highway residents opposed to the project. They want the project delayed for more analysis of impacts on residents of new levees that will be raised as much as 3 feet and widened by 300 feet.
