Billions being spent to strengthen Sacramento's flood protection
SACRAMENTO — This weekend's storm dumped more than an inch of rain in some places, and it's another reminder that Sacramento is one of the most flood-prone places in the country.
Billions of dollars are being spent to protect the city from flooding.
"Multiple construction projects are underway across the region, all designed to lower the flood risk," said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Arnett with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Because the City of Sacramento has approved development in a flood hazard zone, it is required to achieve a 200-year level of flood protection by the year 2025.
"We're doing everything we can to try and prevent flooding," said Rick Johnson, the executive director for the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency.
To the north and south of downtown Sacramento, crews are strengthening river levees and installing an underground concrete wall down the center that's as tall as a 15-story building.
To the west, work is underway to expand the 106-year-old Sacramento weir.
"We are working to nearly double the size of this relief valve in order to lower the river elevation and the flood risk for the Sacramento region," Ltc. Arnett said.
Last month, the City of West Sacramento completed strengthening a two-mile-long stretch of the Yolo Bypass and built a new berm on the backside to prevent seepage.
"Yolo Bypass levees were deemed the most critical repairs for our system," said Greg Fabun, the West Sacramento Flood Control manager.
Crews are also building a new levee further away from the river.
"These projects all help to widen the floodplain and reduce the risk to lives and property," said Jane Dolan, the president of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.
To the east, a major project is underway at Folsom Lake to raise the dikes and dam gates more than three feet higher so more water can be stored during strong storms.
"We all know that water always wins and we certainly have learned that," Dolan said.
Flood managers say work won't stop once these current projects are complete.
"We're working on the next generation of projects that will get us back up to about 500-year level protection," Johnson said.
If Sacramento does not meet the 2025 flood protection deadline, all new construction projects could be suspended.
