Focus on Natomas basin levee work
Published 12:00 am PST Wednesday, December 19, 2007
SACRAMENTO – The state Reclamation Board on Friday will review the first phase of a massive levee project in the Natomas basin.
The board will consider only the work on the Natomas Cross Canal, which is to raise and widen 5.3 miles of the canal's southern levee and build a slurry wall within the levee.
The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency hopes to start construction next summer on the canal, as well as on the northern five miles of Sacramento River levees in Natomas. But the board will review only the cross canal work at 1:30 p.m. Friday at 1416 Ninth St.
SAFCA approved the projects last month as the first phase. It also approved an environmental impact report for the entire $400 million Natomas project, which involves raising or widening nearly 25 miles of levees protecting 70,000 people.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also must approve the construction and is drafting its own environmental study. Comments are being accepted on that study through Jan. 18. They should be sent to Elizabeth Holland, U.S. Army Corps, 1325 J St., Sacramento, 95814; or e-mail Elizabeth.G.Holland@usace. army.mil.
An informational meeting on the report is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at 1321 Garden Highway.
– Matt Weiser
