Flood Control Center on the Parkway–Still the Fed’s Preferred Site
Does a 200,000 square foot office building belong here?
Regular readers will remember that we’ve already written about the gigantic, flood control facility proposed for construction along the American River Parkway, at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.
The proposal is still alive and kicking, and today’s Bee includes an article with some important information about the project.
Most of us who use the Parkway are concerned about adding significant traffic to an area already congested with vehicle traffic (Hazel Avenue and US 50), as well as impinging on a major recreation and bicycle commuting route.
The article highlights concerns that in the interest of security, the Parkway and adjacent roads may be closed, at a huge inconvenience to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
According to the Bee article, when questioned about this, Russ Grimes of the Bureau of Reclamation, admitted that certain “security problems” could require officials to close the bike path and adjacent roadways–but only for “a couple hours.”
There are other, more suitable sites that could be used for this project, including one at Mather Field. There is some speculation that the Feds are pushing the least suitable site in order to encourage the County to participate in a land swap.
It’s definitely worth reading the article, and then feel free to weigh in on the environmental review process. Comments are due November 7th, and the relevant documents can be found at the US Department of Reclamation’s website.
Be civil. Be informed. Be involved.
Meanwhile, I’ll do my best to keep you posted.