Legislators push for repairs to Central Valley levees ahead of winter rains

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.-01) urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to immediately prioritize and allocate sufficient resources to repair levees in the Central Valley before another winter of likely heavy precipitation and flooding.

The letter comes after the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, the California Central Valley Flood Control Association (CCVFCA), and flood districts throughout the valley submitted hundreds of requests for Public Law 84-99 assistance to repair flood damage caused this winter and spring within the San Joaquin Basin, Sacramento Basin, and Delta region.

The ability to make repairs to the levees has been delayed by high water since spring and limited manpower to conduct inspections.

“Many regions in California are critically dependent on the California State Plan of Flood Control, a network of levees in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds. These levees have proven to be vital in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses,” wrote the lawmakers. “However, the relentless storms of 2023 caused extensive damage to this network, leaving numerous communities susceptible to potential levee failures during the upcoming flood season. The consequences of such failures would be devastating, resulting in property damage and destruction, severe economic setbacks for our constituents, and even potential loss of life.”

“In light of NOAA’s projections and the already damaged state of the levees, we strongly urge the Corps to take immediate action to prioritize the necessary emergency repairs and allocate the requisite resources under the provisions of P.L. 84-99,” continued the lawmakers. “By doing so, the Corps will be taking critically important steps to protect lives, safeguard property, and maintain the strength of our local economy.”

In addition to Senator Padilla and Representative LaMalfa, the letter is also signed by Representatives Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.-05).