** Crucial Flood Board Meeting #1, May 23! **
-Contract 3B is on the Central Valley Flood Protection Board's official discussion Agenda!
American River Trees (ART) has 20 minutes to present key concerns and less destructive alternatives that must be considered;
Big showing of Parkway supporters needed (respectful/courteous);
Stand with us; may get to state your name and "I agree with ART" (if we learn more logistics details, we'll update );
This is the Board's only technical discussion meeting before the Board meets to VOTE (date TBD, could be as soon as June 13)
They've planned the Library Galleria Room for a crowd; let's fill the room!
Can't come in person, but want to attend? Click here for meeting info, and Agenda with remote access details.
Please submit a public comment in advance! Email: jonah.knapp@cvflood.ca.gov
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To: jonah.knapp@cvflood.ca.gov
SUBJECT: Public Comment for May 23 CVFPB Meeting, Agenda Item #9
Dear CVFPB Members,
Please consider this as my public comment for the May 23rd Board meeting agenda item #9, American River Common Features 2016, Lower American River Erosion Protection Project Technical Discussion.
I am disappointed that the Final SEIS/SEIR did not include less destructive designs and approaches for Contract 3B to significantly reduce the project’s environmental, social, and economic impacts to the American River Parkway and stakeholders.
For the record, I would like to state the following about my position on the project:
1. I do not believe the final designs have reduced the project’s impact to the riparian habitat to the greatest extent possible in order to most effectively balance erosion control measures with preservation of this national treasure. For instance, an Engineering With Nature mentor was not assigned to evaluate and incorporate nature-based solutions.
2. I am concerned that decisions regarding this highly controversial project are being rushed, wherein more consideration, coordination and modifications should be implemented to ensure that the absolute best actions are taken for the Parkway and all stakeholders impacted by the work.
3. I do not believe the final designs have sufficiently factored the flood protection benefits of the existing riparian forest into the assessments and I am concerned that this project could make residents even less safe.
For the record, I request that the Board:
1. NOT approve the Contract 3B portions of the Final SEIS/SEIR due to CEQA violations, including lack of design alternatives, and other critical concerns.
2. Require the Army Corps to assign an Engineering With Nature Mentor to sufficiently analyze and incorporate less destructive, nature-based alternatives into project designs.
3. Extend the review period for at least an additional 60 days to allow the public and the Board to meaningfully examine the information presented in the Final SEIS/SEIR and its associated appendices, which include more than 8,000 pages of technical content.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Get May 23 Flyer:
Please note: this agenda item, and the amount of time you will want to stay, is expected to be longer than previous ‘Stand Up’ efforts. We anticipate the item to conclude by noon at the latest, however, the exact timing and duration are subject to the Board’s discretion.