That Sacramento needs to replace and fortify its existing levees is no surprise, and much of the delta region requires levee modification as well. The thing to watch is to what extent riparian areas must be restrained.

With thousands of miles of levees in the Valley, the government is strengthening some levees, but also classifying some areas as "flood zones." Flood zones are considered to be lands that don't have the federal minimum level of flood protection. Recently in Sacramento, the Army Corps of Engineers classified the Natomas neighborhood to be in a flood plain. Existing homes, of which there are thousands, must obtain flood insurance. A building moratorium may also be placed on the area, prompting developers and government officials to try to speed up projects in process. This includes an expansion to the Sacramento International Airport.

Makes you think. If Sacramento was hit by a major flood, what if the airport was flooded? Wouldn't that block at least some relief efforts or evacuations? Even if lands between the airport and downtown were affected, it could be even worse.

Neighborhoods throughout Sacramento are potential flood zones. The Pocket Area is surrounded on three sides by the Sacramento River. Downtown could be flooded, as much of it was a lake prior to being drained by early American settlers.

A flood would be devastating to the local economy, and could potentially take the lives of countless people. Worst of all would be the knowledge that if enough resources had been spent to secure levees, no disaster would occur at all.

Labels: American River, Levees, Natomas, Pocket, Sacramento, Sacramento River

# posted by Dan @ 12:00 PM