DWR to Fund Rice Farm Project Aimed at Stopping Delta Subsidence
Posted on: Tuesday, 1 April 2008, 12:00 CDT
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced plans to fund a rice cultivation project that could stop, or even reverse, sinking land in the Delta.
Studies show that rice farming has the potential to stop and possibly reverse the sinking of land (subsidence) as well as to store carbon as organic matter. Economic benefits to the local area through commercial rice farming will also be part of the evaluation. The project will be made possible via Proposition 84 flood control activity funds.
Local public agencies meeting the criteria defined in California Water Code Section 12311(a) are invited to apply for the funding. A Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) is available online at: http://www.dfm.water.ca.gov/dsmo/docs/Final_Draft_PSP_Rice.pdf
The minimum size of the rice growing plot is 300 acres and the required average depth of peat underlying the site is seven feet. It is the department's intent to have one funding recipient for a multi-year project lasting up to eight years.
A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss the PSP with potential applicants at the following time and location:
April 10, 2008
10 a.m. - Noon
Walnut Grove Public Library
14177 Market St., Walnut Grove, CA 95690
Subsidence
For more than 100 years, as West Delta islands have been reclaimed and farmed, the land (which is primarily comprised of peat) has been disappearing, or "subsiding," because of oxidation and strong winds. The elevation of some islands has been reduced more than 25 feet and the land continues to "sink" by one-half inch to one inch per year. As the land subsides, more hydraulic pressure is exerted on the levees, increasing the risk for levee failure. Millions of dollars are spent every year maintaining these levee systems to protect the islands from flooding.
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.
Source: Business Wire
Related Articles
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Selects SDI to Build Critical Infrastructure Through E-Rate Program
- Hidalgo Mining International (HMIT) Announces LOI to Expand Fifa Land Project Ownership
- Fossil May Explain Man’s Evolutionary Transition From Water To Land
- Weingarten Realty Announces Ross Dress for Less As Co-Anchor for Clermont Landing Project
- California Water Plan Update 2009 Public Advisory Committee Announced
- New Fossil Evidence Marks Transition From Water to Land
- New Fossils Fill Gap Between Water and Land Animals
- Proposal to Protect Land for Public Use; State Negotiates Deal to Buy 18,512-Acre Easement From Timber Company
- Monthly DEP Water Meetings Closed to Public
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds