LA City Council To Create Plan Addressing Risk Prone Areas Of Flooding

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council today approved a
motion calling for a plan that would identify risk prone areas in the city
likely to flood during adverse weather, and invest in infrastructure to prevent
impacts to life and property.

Without discussion, the council approved the motion in a 12-0 vote
with council members Eunisses Hernandez, Tim McOsker and Paul Krekorian absent
during the vote. The motion directs the Emergency Management Department and
other relevant departments to report on areas of the city that are continuously
at risk during extreme weather events.

The report will include a priority list of projects and action items
that can be implemented to reduce risks in these areas as well as find the
appropriate funding for improvements in infrastructure, such as drainage,
sidewalks and streets.

Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced the motion on Sept. 6.
According to the motion, in the last year, the city has seen a ``large amount
of rain events, from the atmospheric rivers during the winter and spring months
to the most recent Tropical Storm Hillary.''

The city's Emergency Management Department activates the Emergency
Operations Center, which coordinates the city's response with the aim of
preventing loss of life and property.

``We as a city have learned that when weather incidents happen many of
the same areas are constantly at a higher risk. Ranging from flooding in
the San Fernando Valley due to a lack of proper drainage, to higher than normal
level of water through the Los Angeles Riverbed, and including mudslides in our
hillside communities,'' the motion reads.

Rodriguez notes the city must begin ``building a plan to address risk
prone areas of the city'' to ensure public safety and the possible loss of
property during adverse weather events.

— By City News Service, Inc.