THE US ARMY’S CHIEF OF Engineers, Lieutenant General Robert B Flowers, has signed a Chief of Engineers report that recommends a 2.13m raise in the height of Folsom dam to reduce flood damages and restore ecosystem functions and values along the lower American river in California.
His report endorses the recommendations of the US Army Corps of Engineers division and district commanders in California and has been forwarded to the Secretary of the Army for transmission to Congress.
The recommended plan would strengthen the dam and reduce the annual probability of flooding in Sacramento. It also includes environmental restoration features for wildlife habitat along the lower American river parkway.
In addition, temperature control shutters at Folsom dam would be mechanised to improve the regulation of water temperature to increase native salmon and steelhead populations.