OROVILLE, CA - The City of Oroville has announced its intent to sue state water officials for damages caused by February 2017’s Oroville Dam spillway failure, which, at the time, caused thousands of residents throughout California to be evacuated. According to Sacramento, California’s Capital Public Radio, the city, along with city Attorney Scott Huber, will file the suit and hold a press conference at 1 p.m. PST today.

As we’ve reported previously, Lake Oroville was pushed to capacity in early February as California was hit with record rainfall last winter. According to CBS Sacramento, a crack the main spillway pushed officials with the Department of Water Resources to limit releases from the spillway, causing the lake to fill and the emergency spillway to be used for the first time. By February 12, officials had called for the evacuation of around 180,000 residents over fears the emergency spillway could fail and send a rush of water through the region.

The sources report that the city will contend that the design of the original spillway, as well as a lack of subsequent proper maintenance, led to the emergency. The City of Oroville is also expected to argue that the emergency damaged its roads and other infrastructure and has impacted the city's economy and tax base.

As more information is unveiled following today’s press conference, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.