Work on Natomas Levee Repairs to Restart

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Water Resources, Reform and Development Act by a vote of 417-3. The bill aims to shorten the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review process, which critics say delays projects and increases costs to taxpayers. In addition, the bill authorizes a broad array of water-related infrastructure projects across the country, including the completion of the Natomas Levee Improvement Program.

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency finished improvements on an 18 mile stretch of Natomas levees in December 2012. Since that time, the project has been stalled, waiting for Congress’ approval to complete the additional 24 miles of levee work. This delay has caused Natomas residents to continue to suffer under a flood insurance mandate and a de facto building moratorium. Congress’ approval of the bill is a step in the right direction, but residents will have to wait a little bit longer before the requirements are lifted. The bill has to be signed by the President and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has to remove the requirements, which can be done on a preliminary basis while the remaining construction is underway.

While the bill authorizes the Army Corps to begin work on the remaining levee repairs, it will be some time before construction actually begins. The Corps needs Congress to appropriate money for the work and additional land must be acquired in the Natomas area for larger proposed levees.