DATE: June 6, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Jean M. Rousseau, County Administrative Officer / Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Continuation of the 2017 February Winter Storms Emergency Status in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status as a result of the 2017 February Winter Storms.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs.
DISCUSSION:
Storms in February filled reservoirs resulting in high water releases into rivers and streams posing a likely levee breach in the area of Tranquillity, and continue to cause stress to the levee system that protects community residents and property throughout the County. High flow in the San Joaquin River has weakened the levee system operated by the Tranquillity Irrigation District (TID). TID is currently monitoring approximately four miles of the levee system and has been repairing areas of seepage.
Staff from the County Sheriff's Office, Office of Emergency Services, and Public Works and Planning are working with CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), TID, and the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to mitigate the threatened levee breach and prepare for evacuations should they become necessary. DWR dispatched flood fighting personnel to provide technical support and resources to assist the County and the TID. High water releases are projected to last through July 31, 2017. County staff will continue to monitor water releases and have preparedness measures in place should there be a levee system breach.
On February 21, 2017, pursuant to ...
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