Flood plan hearing slate changed

The comprehensive flood document, which will significantly impact urban, agriculture and conservation policies, and could require monumental changes to the levee systems, bypasses and other drainage systems, is rapidly heading toward approval consideration.

However, a series of public information meetings are scheduled in April to give the public an opportunity to speak on the issues.

The updated schedule:

• April 5: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., California Natural Resource Building auditorium, 1416 Ninth St., Sacramento

• April 6: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St., Marysville

• April 9: 1-9 p.m., Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton

• April 11: 1-9 p.m., Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 625 Court St. Room 206, Woodland

The plan is the result of the state losing a major lawsuit after Linda was flooded in 1986 and the Hurricane Katrina aftermath.

Consequently, part of the objective of the proposed plan, officials have said, is to shift that liability onto local jurisdictions by forcing them to decide whether to allow developments in flood plains.

The plan also calls for various levels of levee protection, including 200-year event protection in more populated efforts, and that could significantly impact farming interests.