Return to the
Flood Control page.
Most of the Delta lowlands are protected by nonproject levees as shown on the map. "Nonproject" distinguishes these levees from those that are part of federal flood control projects (see Federal Flood Control Project Levees). Improvement and maintenance of nonproject levees is very challenging because of poor foundations and regulations to protect levee wildlife habitat. Local districts responsible for maintaining these levees are reimbursed for a portion of the costs under the Delta Levees Subvention Program established in 1973. The Delta Flood Protection Act of 1988 significantly increased reimbursement opportunities but also added a major environmental mandate to ensure no net long-term loss of habitat. The boundaries of these maintenance districts are shown on this map.
The Reclamation and Levee Maintenance Districts map can also be seen in two parts: part one which shows the northern section of the Delta and part two which shows the southern section of the Delta.