Wolk bills for smart flood protection and land-use planning move forward

Bills strengthen flood protection planning, create standards and incentives

SACRAMENTO–Three bills by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to strengthen flood protection planning throughout the state moved a step closer to the Governor’s desk this week.

“California stands at a turning point in Central Valley flood protection,” said Wolk. “While the nearly $5 billion flood bond approved by voters in November 2006 is a lot of money, it's only a start for what we need. We have to spend that money wisely,” said Wolk. “We need to fix the current flood protection system in the short-term and redesign the system in the long-term. And we need informed, smart planning that anticipates the state’s future water supply and flood protection needs. These bills work together to meet these needs.”

Wolk’s Assembly Bills 5, 162 and 1452—Wolk’s package of flood protection legislation—were approved by separate policy committees in the State Senate. The bills are part of ongoing discussions on flood protection involving the Legislature and the Governor:

• AB 5, the flagship of Wolk’s package of flood protection bills, requires the state to develop a comprehensive flood protection plan for the Central Valley that includes flood protection standards and floodplain mapping. The bill also provides incentives for local communities that adopt the principles of the proposed state plan, giving these communities priority in receiving allocations of state funding, including current and future bond funds.  The bill passed yesterday from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

• AB 162 requires cities and counties in California to incorporate flood hazards in their general plans in order to minimize risk in flood-prone areas. The bill passed from Senate Local Government Committee today.

• AB 1452 sets priorities and establishes criteria for the best use of the $5 billion flood bond, giving top priority to emergency repairs for the state’s failing levees and rewards those who implement smart flood protection policies. The bill passed yesterday from the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

ll three bills will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.