Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the Northern California Category
Click here to view all posts

Deal settles Red Bluff Diversion Dam suit

Posted by: Maven on April 3, 2009 at 7:31 am

From the Chico Enterprise Record:

The Red Bluff City Council agreed Wednesday to drop its lawsuit against the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, as the two sides reached an agreement to work together to mitigate impacts caused by federally mandated operational changes at the Red Bluff Diversion Dam. The canal authority will pay the city $30,000 and offer other resources to be used in exploring ways to offset the loss of recreational activities at Lake Red Bluff.

The seasonal lake is formed when the dam gates are lowered. The raised water level allows water to flow into the canal. However the dam’s impact on migratory fish have limited its operation, and a pending court case might not allow the gates to be lowered at all this year.

The city agreed not only to drop its lawsuit, but support the canal authority’s efforts to secure funding for a water pumping and fish screen project. That $200 million project would replace the dam’s role in getting water into the canal that irrigates 150,000 acres of farmland.

Both sides also praised Assemblyman Jim Nielsen and especially Congressman Wally Herger for helping reach the compromise. Councilman Forrest Flynn said Herger’s commitment to look after the interests of the city and not just the canal authority was a deciding factor in his vote.

The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the authority by a 3-2 vote.

Read more from the Chico Enterprise Record by clicking here.

April 3, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

Comments

Leave a Reply