1) By most estimates there is need for at least two more bridges over the American River (between Watt and Sunrise) and the other—in Folsom replacing the Folsom Dam bridge permanently closed after 9/11—is being built, and that is wonderful news. An excerpt.
“The newly named Folsom Lake Crossing, an estimated $132 million commuter bypass road and bridge minutes from downtown Folsom, has been under construction for a year and is expected to open in June 2009.
“Not that many would know.
“Unlike most urban road projects, the two-mile parkway and its lean bridge over the American River are taking shape in a desolate, fenced-off canyon of oak, pine and dry grass.”
2) As long as this water bond includes funds to build new dams, and move water past the Delta, as the governor and Senator Feinstein desire, it will help resolve many years of water storage and conveyance related legislative inaction that has caused unnecessary suffering, economic dislocation, and environmental unbalance. An excerpt.
“In a last-ditch effort to place a water bond on the November ballot, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein proposed a joint $9.3 billion plan Thursday that they believe addresses environmental and oversight concerns.
“Democratic lawmakers and the Republican governor have disagreed on how to structure a water bond for two years, largely due to environmental concerns related to Schwarzenegger's desire for new dams in California.”
