“We need to invest in what is necessary to improve life safety, protect vital infrastructure and improve our environment,” said Jane Dolan, president of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.

Environmentalists, river runners and others had sought such a flood release ... hold back enough water to keep generating hydropower. In response under the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 ...

This action will refill dwindling groundwater reservoirs and increase flood protection by ensuring some water gets absorbed by the ground and moving the rest of it downstream over a longer period.