Fed funding to buoy levy

Hamilton City will receive $8.6 million from the federal government this year for the construction of the Hamilton City Flood Damage Reduction & Ecosystem Restoration Project. Though authorized in 2007 by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, it has been on hold since 2010 due to a ban on new projects by the House of Representatives.

According to a press release from the local sponsor of the project, construction will include, “6.8 miles of levee … degradation of the existing ‘J’ levee, and restoration of approximately 1,400 acres of native habitat.”

“I am very pleased,” said Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones. “Hamilton City has been evacuated six times in the last 30 years due to the threat of flooding.” Along with the $8.6 million, the project will receive an additional $3.8 million in 2015. The overall estimated cost of the project, to be constructed in phases, is $52.4 million.