The US Congress authorized a flood protection project in the City of Napa in 1965 but no funding was provided . Needing matching funds at the local level to gain federal funding , local officials attempted to gain voter support twice in the 1970s but tax measures failed . A severe flood in 1986 regenerated interest and the Army Corps of Engineers was petitioned to reactivate the project . Nine years later , they presented a plan design to the local sponsor , the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District . This design was not well received , as it relied on traditional flood control measures including straightening the main channel and constructing high floodwalls . Napa City Councilmember Cindy Watter described the COE design as a " gulag . " Environmental organizations and regulatory agencies were concerned that the proposed project would increase sediment transport and negatively impact native species , including the anadromous steelhead trout . Locals were concerned that the project would reduce access to the river for recreation and inhibit economic development
severe flood in 1986
Napa River flood of 1986
Napa River Flood Project