Levees

    The Commission promotes the protection of life and property through the maintenance and improvement of Delta levees, and by facilitating coordinated emergency preparedness and response. This includes long-term planning for ongoing, cumulative levee improvements to address new issues as they arise over time.

    Delta Flood Risk Management Assessment District Feasibility Study

    We completed the Delta Flood Risk Management Assessment District Feasibility Study in May 2018 that identified feasible financing options to pay for levee improvements and other methods of reducing flood risk in the Delta. The study evaluated the potential of assessing a variety of entities with an interest in preventing Delta flooding to share in the capital investment and maintenance of Delta levees and recommended the most feasible procedures. The final report concluded an assessment district was not feasible. It did support the Delta Plan recommendation that “the Legislature should create a flood risk management assessment district to provide adequate flood control protection and emergency response for the regional benefit of all beneficiaries, including landowners, infrastructure owners, and other entities that benefit from the maintenance and improvement of Delta levees, such as water users who rely on the levees to protect water quality.” (Delta Plan Chapter 7, Recommendation RR R2).

    The study was developed in collaboration with State agencies, local reclamation districts, Delta landowners and businesses, and other stakeholders.

    Delta Levee Investment Strategy (DLIS)

    The Commission has been closely following the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Levee Investment Strategy (DLIS) effort. The Commission takes a keen interest in the outcome of the DLIS, as it will determine the revised Delta Plan priorities for Delta levees. Delta levee policy is critical to protecting and enhancing the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource and agricultural values of the Delta.  In its role as the voice of the Delta, the Commission has submitted comment letters throughout the DLIS process.

    For more information contact Bruce Blodgett.