Why does the project have to take place now and why can’t it be postponed until after the COVID-19 pandemic?

We understand that this is a difficult time for many people during the ongoing pandemic. However, it is not feasible to postpone the Levee Improvements Project, and leave the City and its residents at risk both from flood or earthquake, and additional financial burden. The City must show progress on improving the levee to comply with the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to remain in a “seclusion zone” – i.e., temporary exclusion from being designated as a flood zone. Should progress be delayed at this point, FEMA could withdraw the seclusion zone designation, subsequently causing all of Foster City to be reclassified as unprotected (Flood Zone), requiring property owners with federally backed loans to acquire costly flood insurance. Additionally, the City has already issued $85 million in bonds as approved by Measure P, approved in 2018 with nearly 81% support.