San Joaquin County in California is planning to implement additional flood protections for Acampo, which was severely impacted by record-breaking winter storms.
Despite a $2.5 million drainage system installed four years ago, it was unable to handle the extent of the flooding.
The county is now seeking $2 million in funding from the federal government to move water away from town to improved roadside ditches, with the aim of intercepting drainage from the upper part of the watershed, diverting it towards the colony river and some into burned fields for groundwater recharge.
The new project will cost a total of $5.5 million, with the county hoping to secure an additional $3.5 million for the construction phase.
While many residents are still recovering from the effects of the flooding, they remain optimistic that the new project will prevent future flooding incidents.
However, planning is expected to take between 18 months and two years before construction can begin.
