Water Agency in final stretch of relicensing

“A new license could last another 30 to 50 years, so that’s the biggest significance of this whole thing. That’s the way stakeholders look at it, that this is our one chance in 30 to 50 years to have changes in the project,” said Curt Aikens, YCWA general manager.

The agency – formed in 1954 – was issued its first license to use public waters for energy generation and other purposes in 1966. After a few years of implementing different measures and requirements associated with the license, the Yuba River Development Project began.

The entire project includes New Bullards Bar, two diversion dams, three powerhouses, and various recreation facilities along the Yuba River and Oregon Creek.

That initial license expired April 30, 2016, though the agency

were still inside: one as the other hostage and the other two as suspects.

Once SWAT members forced entry through the garage door (using a stun grenade, a nonlethal tool to temporarily disorient a suspect), they “shot” one suspect, wounding him and saved the second hostage.

The second bank robber, though, had snuck into a neighboring house, prompting SWAT members to have to think on their feet and change tactics.

The team then deployed the city’s police dog, Gunner, a Belgian Malinois visibly and audibly too excited to be stuck in the patrol car any longer.

Gunner – outfitted in his new bulletproof vest – conducted a search on the home, located the suspect and bit at the protective sleeve given to the cadet, who was all smiles following the training.

CONTACT