Wild, Scenic bill goes to Assembly: Both sides see certain passage
By Tim Omarzu - Sat, Jun 26, 1999
Senate Bill 496, which would give state Wild and Scenic status to a 39-mile stretch of the Yuba River,
goes before the state Assembly's Committee of Natural Resources on Monday.
Supporters and opponents of the bill expect it to pass.
"We're predicting victory. We've received assurances from a majority of the committee that they'll be
supporting the bill. We've met with them and addressed all their concerns about flood control and water
supply," said John Regan, Wild and Scenic campaign coordinator for the South Yuba River League,
co-sponsor of the bill.
Assemblyman Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) is vice chairman of the committee.
"There's no doubt that (SB 496) is going to pass" the committee, said Aanestad spokesman Brett
Michelin.
Aanestad is "opposed. At this point, there's no threat to the river. It would be years before a dam
would be able to built," Michelin said. But "if Wild and Scenic goes through, you can't do any more
flood control studies for the citizens of Yuba County," which Aanestad also represents, Michelin said.
The Yuba County Water Agency on Thursday released the latest update of a study which named
possible flood control options, including Edwards Crossing dam on the proposed Wild and Scenic
section of the South Yuba; and Narrows Dam, which would flood Bridgeport, which also is in the
proposed Wild and Scenic section.
Wild and Scenic status is intended to stop new dams.
There are about 20 bills on file for the committee to consider Monday. SB 496 will be heard at or after
1:30 p.m.
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© Hank Meals |
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