The Feather River West Levee Project
“The Feather River West Levee Project, which is the first project of Sutter Buttes Flood Control Agency, will improve 37 miles from the Thermalito Afterbay south to four miles north of the Sutter Bypass but property owners are not pleased when it comes to eminent domain.
Appraisals and offers are being done for the properties to be acquired and local property owners wish there were some way out. A permanent 30 foot right-of-way along the levee in the 37 mile stretch means some are losing their barns and orchards.
Residents are quick to point out that although they will be paid for the land acquired, not everyone is going to benefit from the eminent domain. Many of these residents are longtime residents and resent being told they must sell part of their property. According to property owners, they are to be paid a certain amount of the assessed value in the near future with the remainder to be paid for permanent usage so that motor vehicles can be driven on the properties.
Destruction of the affected properties is set for April 2014 once the assessing, staking and purchase of the land has been completed.
De Hay, Lisa. Gridley Herald 7 August 2013.