99% Invisible Not Built For This #5: The Little Levee That Could
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Sep 3, 2024 Discover the inspiring tale of Hamilton City, California, where residents band together to advocate for crucial levee improvements amid climate change threats. From grassroots festivals to innovative collaborations between farmers and conservationists, their determination shines through. Explore the challenges of securing federal funding and the unique 'Tamale diplomacy' strategy employed by locals to bring attention to their plight. This journey of resilience showcases the community's relentless fight for a secure future as they navigate the complexities of infrastructure development.
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Flood Fight Memories
- Jose Puente, Hamilton City's former fire chief, recalls numerous flood fights during his youth.
- He recounts a scary night piling sandbags with friends to save the town, highlighting the old levee's inadequacy.
Benefit-Cost Ratio Bias
- The federal government uses a benefit-cost ratio to determine levee funding, prioritizing property value.
- This system favors wealthy areas, disadvantaging low-income communities needing protection like Hamilton City.
Forming the CIA
- Jose Puente, determined to get a new levee, formed Hamilton City Citizens in Action (CIA).
- Their goal was to address the levee's inadequacy and secure necessary government assistance.