Tunnel
Closure Progress Report
Summer/Fall 2003
Pump Station & Restoration
Start in September
After numerous delays,
the Placer County Water Agency pump station project in the canyon
below Auburn is finally underway. The long-awaited project, which
will include; closure of the Auburn dam diversion tunnel, restoration
of the river to its natural channel and reopening of a five mile
stretch of river to public recreational use, was delayed by a dispute
over the Bureau of Reclamation's decision to award the $17 million
contract to Manning Construction. The appeal of that decision by
the second lowest bidder has now been denied, and actual on-the-
ground work will begin by mid-September. Project completion is slated
for July 2005. What a great day this will be!
Doolittle Drops Opposition
to Folsom Raise
In a development that
greatly enhances Sacramento's chances of securing adequate protection
from American River flooding, Congressman John Doolittle has dropped
his opposition to proposed legislation that will authorize adding
seven feet to the height of Folsom Dam.
Sponsored by Representative Robert Matsui of Sacramento and California
Senators Boxer and Feinstein, the bill is part of the 2003 Water
Resources Development Act.With Doolittle's backing the bill now
stands an excellent chance of winning congressional approval.
When completed the Folsom raise will, together with already authorized
modifications to the dam's outlets and levee strengthening measures,
provide the Sacramento community with protection against a flood
event 50% larger than any that has occurred in the recorded history
of the watershed. It will also demonstrate that it is possible to
achieve sensible and cost-effective flood control without killing
rivers!
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