As California communities clean up from the aftermath of January’s series of atmospheric rivers, some are pursuing long-term solutions to aging infrastructure that will help minimize the risks of future flooding.
Members of the San José Conservation Corps pile sandbags along the San Francisquito Creek in East Palo Alto on Jan. 4, 2023. The creek spilled over its bank and into a nearby community during the storm on New Years Eve.Members of the San José Conservation Corps pile sandbags along the San Francisquito Creek in East Palo Alto on Jan. 4, 2023. The creek spilled over its bank and into a nearby community during the storm on New Years Eve.
Ramos said most of the residents did not have flood insurance. She questions whether the flooding amounts to negligence by the city, landlords, or the authorities that manage the creek. Atmospheric rivers, she said, will challenge the capacity of larger streams and rivers, especially when infrastructure like levees, freeways or bridges surround them. Waterways that used to sprawl into large marshy areas are often now contained to managed stretches.
"Climate change is going to affect everyone, but the most vulnerable communities are the ones that will suffer the most unless we join together," said Abrica. The project hinges on getting funding to finish it. Bruce said it would cost at least $50 million for the second stretch of creek. State or federal infrastructure dollars could help; otherwise, authority partners — East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, San Mateo County and Santa Clara Valley Water District — will have to pay to complete this next phase.
Still, the flood's damage puts a spotlight on finding money to address infrastructure, said East Palo Alto Councilmember Abrica."You can't just say it's your problem down there. Because then you condemn the poor communities to be flooded."
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