cover of episode Not Built For This #5: The Little Levee That Could

Not Built For This #5: The Little Levee That Could

2024/9/3
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99% Invisible

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Hamilton City, a small town in California, faced constant flood risk due to a poorly constructed levee. Despite facing economic and bureaucratic obstacles, the town's residents, led by fire chief Jose Puente, embarked on a decades-long struggle to secure a new levee. This involved community fundraising, navigating complex federal regulations, and collaborating with environmentalists.
  • Hamilton City's existing levee was inadequate and prone to damage from burrowing animals.
  • The Army Corps of Engineers initially rejected the town's requests for a new levee due to an unfavorable benefit-cost ratio.
  • The town's residents formed the Hamilton City Citizens in Action (CIA) to advocate for a new levee.
  • The CIA organized levee festivals as fundraisers and to raise awareness about the issue.

Shownotes Transcript

Most of the stories in this series have been about places that are ill-prepared for the extreme weather that is coming their way. But this story is about a place that managed to get the kind of infrastructure that will actually help it survive climate change. How after more than two decades of tireless work, the residents of Hamilton City, California finally got the levee they deserved. 

Not Built For This) is a 6-part mini-series from 99% Invisible, with new episodes on Tuesdays and Fridays in the 99% Invisible feed. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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