Jason Campbell, executive director of the Secondary Flood Control Agency (Safeco), told the board at its Oct. 16 meeting that a delayed federal fiscal budget and an unpassed continuing resolution (CR) could affect some federal reviews tied to local levee and dam work. “So again, we are in shutdown mode,” Campbell said, adding that the Bureau of Reclamation currently appears most likely to be affected and that some staff who do reviews and coordination on work at Folsom Dam could be furloughed.

Campbell said Safeco is continuing routine work while monitoring the federal situation and standing ready to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if needed. “Most everything else is continuing as needed,” he said, and noted Safeco has rescheduled planned meetings in Washington, D.C., pending clarity on the federal budget.

He also briefed the board on state-level legislation, saying the governor signed Senate Bill 639, which extends the deadline to 2030 for certification of the ULOP (level of protection) for levee systems. “Fortunately and finally the governor signed the bill so we do have an extension to 2030 for certification of the ULOP or level of protection for our levee systems,” Campbell said. He added Safeco will continue to provide certifications and adequate progress findings as they become available.

On local project progress, Campbell reported work at the Sweetie Ranch pump station. “You can see we're finally out of the ground and the levee is being backfilled and we're making great progress,” he said, describing the team’s continuing work on the pump station and levee backfill.

Campbell also said staff have begun early work on the fiscal year 2027 budget but that FY-26 issues must be resolved first. “We're trying to get started with that piece but I think they need to get to 26 first,” he said. He invited questions at the conclusion of his report.

No formal board action was taken on the items Campbell discussed; his report was received and filed as part of the meeting record.