Sacramento officials plan flood protection contracts and address public access concerns

In a recent government meeting held in Sacramento County, officials discussed critical updates regarding flood protection projects tied to the American River. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to meet the state-mandated 200-year flood protection standard, which is crucial for urban areas by the 2025 deadline.

The discussion centered on the completion status of three key contracts necessary for achieving this flood protection level. According to officials, all required improvements have been completed except for these three contracts, which are scheduled for completion this year. The city and county expressed concerns about potential delays and have sought legislative support through Senator Ashby, who is sponsoring SB 639. This bill aims to extend the deadline for compliance to 2030, shifting state liability for any delays onto local governments.

One of the primary contracts involves the construction of a slurry wall along the Sacramento River, which is part of the American River Common Features project. Officials reported that all utility issues have been resolved, and the contractor is on schedule to finish the slurry wall work. This project is particularly significant as it directly impacts the safety and accessibility of popular recreational areas, such as Sand Cove.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about how construction might affect public access to Sand Cove during the summer months. Officials assured attendees that while there may be some lane closures on the adjacent Garden Highway, access to the park would remain open. However, detours will be necessary, and officials emphasized the importance of clear communication with the public regarding these changes. Plans for marked detour routes have been coordinated with local transportation authorities to minimize disruption.

The meeting underscored the importance of timely completion of flood protection projects, not only for safety but also for maintaining community access to recreational areas. As the deadline approaches, the potential extension of the compliance date remains a topic of concern, with local officials advocating for proactive outreach to inform residents about upcoming changes and detours. The discussions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that Sacramento County meets its flood protection obligations while balancing community needs.