In the past, residents of Hamilton City eyed the Sacramento River with uneasy wariness when facing a series of major rainstorms. Now, they can sleep a little more soundly, knowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District has helped reduce the likeliness of flooding. Located 90 minutes north of Sacramento, Hamilton City has always been prone to flooding due to its location along the Sacramento River and reliance on an undersized stretch of earthen barrier called the J Levee. For decades, this non-engineered levee was the town’s only protection from the mighty Sacramento River. In fact, the community has had to fight to stave off inundation during several extreme weather events, participating in extensive flood fighting efforts in 1983, 1986, 1995, 1997, and 1998 to avoid levee failure.

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• USACE – News release: USACE awards construction contract for Folsom Dam modifications