Watershed board approves cooperation agreement with state for Middle Creek culvert rehabilitation

Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, supervisors approved a local cooperation agreement with the Central Valley Flood Protection Board to allow repair and lining work on culverts at Middle Creek. The board voted 5-0 to authorize the chair to sign the agreement.

Water Resources Director Paul Anupagia said the Central Valley Flood Protection Board (with Department of Water Resources participation) inspected the system and identified 12 culvert locations "which were critical" and determined rehabilitation was the best course. "They did an inspection almost a year ago, and they identified 12 culvert location which were critical," Anupagia said. Staff said the work is funded and managed by the state and will not draw on county maintenance budgets for construction costs.

Linda (staff member, last name not specified) described the rehabilitation method: "the liner goes in and they bake it in place, and it gives the life of the culvert another 15, 20 years." Staff said the work will involve limited gravel and vegetation removal at culvert inlets and outlets and that the state agency will cover construction and inspection costs. Upper Lake Water District has agreed to assist with on-site water needs during the work.

Committee members asked whether the county would need to assume future maintenance obligations. Staff said the project is intended to extend the life of aging culverts and that routine inspection and small maintenance will still be needed; staff also said no new Lake County levee system LSA (local approvals) is required because the project is led and funded by the state.

The board approved the agreement without recorded amendments.