Residents warn of flooding disaster from proposed project

Residents of Upper Lake voiced strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed project that they believe could exacerbate flooding risks in the area. Community members highlighted that the project’s location could obstruct critical drainage systems, particularly the Rotterman Slough, which is vital for managing floodwaters. They referenced a feasibility study conducted by the Sacramento Valley Flood Commission and Water Resources in December 2021, which indicated that the area is prone to significant flooding.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the Scenic Highway designation of Highway 20, with residents arguing that the project does not comply with state guidelines that prohibit such developments on scenic highways. They expressed frustration over the lack of attention to this issue, attributing it to changes in departmental leadership over the years.

Community members advocated for relocating the project to an industrial site further down the road, arguing that this would mitigate potential flooding impacts and better align with agricultural land use in the region. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion among the commission members, as they considered the residents' concerns and the implications of the proposed project.