West Sacramento agency cites $2.2 billion project estimate, Corps staffing losses and possible local lead on delayed Sac River North work

Agency staff told the West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency at its April meeting that the total authorized project estimate for the suite of levee projects is $2.2 billion and that the federal sponsor is responsible for 65% of that cost while nonfederal sponsors account for 35%.

Within the nonfederal share, staff said the state is responsible for roughly 70% and the local nonfederal sponsor (the agency) for about 30. Staff presented figures showing the combined state and local share totals roughly $766 million (state $536 million; agency $230 million). To date, staff reported, state contributions are about $141 million and the agency has expended approximately $58 million, leaving roughly $567 million in remaining nonfederal obligations (about $396 million state; about $172 million local).

Staff also described land‑related crediting and in‑kind contributions. They said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has an estimated $500 million line item for land easements, relocations and damages (often abbreviated LERRDs). The agency has submitted its first LERRDs package, which staff said totaled about $270,000, and reported a separate Section 221 credit submission of about $54 million, bringing the agency—s submitted LERRDs and credits to about $55 million so far.

Project timing and federal staffing were a central focus. Staff reported recent departures and resourcing losses at Corps district offices, including a program manager who left, and said those losses are likely to delay design work for portions of the Sac River North project. The segments identified as affected run from the Sacramento Weir to the Indian Heritage Center, through areas near the treatment plant and the CHP facility. The Corps, staff said, plans to stand up a contracting unit to reinitiate architectural and engineering procurement; until then some design work will be mothballed.

Staff told the board the existing partnership agreement allows the nonfederal sponsor to lead elements of the project if federal delays warrant it. Agency staff said they will meet with the state and their consultant team to evaluate whether the agency could assume design lead on affected segments, and how cost sharing and federal funding eligibility would be handled if the agency takes that approach.

In program updates, staff reported the Southport record of survey has been approved by the California Department of Water Resources and sent to the Yolo County Surveyor for review and recording, a milestone that facilitates transfer of easement rights to the state. Staff also said an emergency repair at the Yolo Bypass East Levee currently is protected by a temporary plastic wrap secured with sandbags; the Corps intends to remove and reinstall the temporary protection each flood season while a permanent repair is designed and bid, with construction likely in 2026. Staff said residents had called with concerns about the temporary wrap becoming loose and that Corps staff will increase oversight of the temporary protection alongside Reclamation District 900.

Board members asked whether a local lead on parts of the project would still allow federal funding; staff responded that federal funding could still be possible but that cost‑share mechanics and match details would need to be negotiated with the Corps and the state.

The presentation was informational; no formal board action was taken on the Corps staffing or the agency—s potential to lead design work, though staff said they would continue policy and funding discussions with federal and state partners.