ICMYI: Guest Commentary: The Gulf Hurricane is a Call to Action to Protect Californians from Catastrophic Floods

Guest Commentary: The Gulf Hurricane is a Call to Action to Protect Californians from Catastrophic Floods
Mayor Michael Tubbs of Stockton and former state senator Mike Machado
– MAVEN’S California Water 9/24/20

“The next state Flood Plan must deliver effective flood solutions for all of Stockton and our neighbors. 

“The good news is that we know the best way to prevent a flood disaster. Improving local levees is only part of the solution. A main focus of preventing a flood disaster should be to design a flood plan that works with nature to restore rivers while reducing flood risk.  In the Delta, we can do that by building the Paradise Cut bypass. This desperately needed infrastructure can protect Stockton in the South Delta, just as the Yolo Bypass protects Sacramento in the North Delta.

“Upstream on the San Joaquin, we must build ambitious multibenefit floodplain projects that dramatically expand the ability of the river to absorb high flows before they hit Stockton   This approach is universally supported, not only because of flood control but also as a result of its many other benefits. 

“Projects like Dos Rios at the confluence of the San Joaquin and Tuolumne Rivers show how restoring floodplain forests can provide a wide range of benefits; reduced flood risk, groundwater recharge, improved water quality, better habitat, reduced levee maintenance and a beautiful place for valley residents to visit.”

Read the full commentary.

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