Flood Control and Water storage

By Dale Detwiler

A permanent solution the perennial flooding inresidential and business areas of San Jose

In Alviso the river channels are very narrow, shallow and do not have the capacity pass the flood waters during high water and high tide conditions.

Our reservoirs and dams were built with flood control and water storage in mind. We come up short on both counts. During the rainy season our dams frequently overflow adding to the flood pressure. During the dry season we frequently run short of water and face water shortages and water rationing. Our dams and reservoirs are also a major recreational facility for San Jose and Santa Clara County residents. They provide water yesr round for our abundant wildlife.

When Anderson Dam was built in the late 1940's some predicted that the dam was so big and the area did not receive enough rain to fill the dam. They were wrong. The first rain filled the reservour and spilled much water over the spillway. The dam frequently fills and provides a spectacular water show.

My priorities for flood control and water conservation are:

1. Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water to construct new reservoirs in the watershed areas of Santa Clara County. The District has already identified 5 sites for reservoir construction.

2. Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and The Corps of Engineers to construct a 300' wide by 30' deep channel from Alviso to the Dumbarton Bridge. This would relieve the flood water pressure at Alviso.

3. Insure that the City prepares in advance for the rainy season by cleaning gutters and storm sewers, insuring that all flood control pumps are in good working condition and set on automatic prior to the start of rains.

On March 5th, vote for Dale Detwiler for Mayor

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