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Agency reports construction start for Tudor flood-risk project; Sutter Bypass repairs and other projects advance
Summary
Staff reported that the Tudor (Feather River West Levee) flood-risk reduction project has mobilized and entered construction, the Sutter Bypass East Levee design is at 90% review, and multiple other projects and grant applications are progressing.
Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency staff told the board May 14 that construction has begun on the Tudor flood risk reduction project and multiple other capital projects are advancing through design, permitting and grant applications.
Executive Director Michael Bassett said the Tudor project contractor has mobilized and the project is “in full construction mode now,” with weekly contractor meetings and early site activities such as levee mowing and surveys. The agency has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony in May and expects a two-year construction season, though staff said the contractor has asked about accelerating work into a single season.
Staff reported that the Sutter Bypass East Levee repair design package is at 90% and will be sent to the agency’s independent panel of experts and to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Section 408 review. Agency staff said they are shifting from one FEMA grant strategy to pursuing the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) after the previous FEMA grant program referenced in earlier materials was canceled.
On the Oroville levee repair project, the agency participated in a two‑day Army Corps levee safety inspection and expects a draft inspection report within about 75 days. Staff said federal partner approvals and staffing shortages at the Army Corps—headquarters and district offices reported to have lost about 30% of staff through retirements and attrition—may affect scheduling.
Other projects noted by staff include the OWA Robinson’s Riffle project (meetings with California Department of Fish and Wildlife underway), Thermolito Afterbay boat ramp and campground (approximately 90% design pending state review comments and additional fire marshal/state architect clearances), and continued participation in FEMA remapping for Sutter County. Staff said state and federal grant applications are in process for several projects and that the agency is coordinating with congressional offices on funding requests.
A letter of support from U.S. Rep. John Garamendi was on the dais; Bassett said he had also spoken with Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s office about grant language and that staff were “pivoting” grant strategy to apply for HMGP. The agency also expects its first credit-transfer payment from a partner (referred to in board materials as Sajafka) in June 2026, which staff said will affect operating fund receipts.
Staff described ongoing administrative activities including closeout of prior grant rounds, preparing reimbursement packages for the state, debt service management and development‑impact fee administration. The agency plans to present the final amended budget and operations contracts for administrators at the June meeting.
No board action was taken on project updates; staff asked the board for questions and none were raised beyond requests to include additional budget reconciliation information in the June packet.
