Investment in Levees

There are more levees in California than in any other state. The levee systems in California are fragile and subject to the risk of failure. Estimates put the cost of bringing the state’s levees and flood control system up to good condition at $42.2 billion. In February 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency for the California levee system to address the problems. Voters in the state agreed with the need for comprehensive repairs and modernization and approved a multibillion-dollar bond issue to begin the funding process in 2006.

Photo courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams.