California Assemblyman James Gallagher and Senator Megan Dahle are spearheading legislative efforts to address urgent public safety concerns in the Five-Mile Basin, a crucial flood control system in Chico and Butte County. The basin, significantly impacted by erosion following the 2024 Park Fire, faces increased flood risks due to recent storms. In response, Gallagher and Dahle have requested $7 million for emergency maintenance in a letter to the Assembly Budget Committee.
Gallagher highlighted the importance of timely action, emphasizing that addressing the issue now would be more cost-effective than dealing with potential system failures later. The Five-Mile Basin, constructed in the 1960s by the US Army Corps of Engineers, channels floodwater into Big Chico Creek, Lindo Channel, and Sycamore Creek. However, maintenance was paused in the early 2000s due to environmental concerns. The Park Fire, which burned 429,603 acres and affected 75% of Chico’s watershed, has exacerbated flood risks. A study estimated that 67,000 cubic yards of debris are obstructing the waterway.
Dahle stressed the need for balance and practicality, advocating for investment in the project and the elimination of bureaucratic hurdles. To expedite the cleanup, Gallagher and Dahle have introduced Assembly Bill 1000, proposing an exemption from environmental laws that could delay flood risk mitigation. A report from the Assembly Select Committee on Permitting Reform criticized the California Environmental Quality Act for hindering infrastructure projects.
Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds underscored the urgency, noting that the city lacks the resources necessary for debris removal, leaving it vulnerable to potential disasters. Tod Kimmelshue, Chair of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, also emphasized the critical state of the system, urging immediate action to prevent a disaster.
