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SAFECA executive director outlines $5 billion in flood projects, updates on Folsom Dam, Mormon Island and Natomas work
Summary
The Sacramento Flood Control Agency’s executive director told the board on Jan. 16 that six major construction projects—together representing about $5 billion in investment—are under way across the flood protection system, with significant work at Folsom Dam, Mormon Island, Natomas and the Sacramento Weir bypass.
At the Jan. 16 meeting, the Sacramento Flood Control Agency’s executive director delivered a detailed update on active construction across the flood protection system, saying the agency has about six construction projects totaling a little over $5,000,000,000 in investment and that 11 major construction contracts are currently underway.
On federal funding, the executive director said Congress had not completed FY‑25 appropriations and that the Corps of Engineers was operating under continuing resolutions. "So right now we're funded through March," he said, requesting that the board note the funding status as it affects Corps work and project schedules.
The report summarized progress on several major efforts: - Folsom Dam modifications (Joint Federal Project): The executive director said the project—built about 20% by the Bureau of Reclamation and 80% by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—represents roughly $1,100,000,000. It is complete and operational, though coatings on some rods are being replaced over the next few years. - Mormon Island and related raises: As part of a raise project, the agency is raising eight dikes and four dams about 3.5 feet and retrofitting gates. The director said the raises and gate "top sealing" increase available storage; the raise contributes roughly 40,000–50,000 acre‑feet of storage, and top‑sealing the gates and related operations can add a larger increment (the transcript cited an additional approximately 150,000 acre‑feet in certain scenarios). - Natomas levee work: The agency completed nearly 18 miles of levees using state funding while awaiting federal authorization; the total Natomas effort was described as approximately $1,500,000,000 with the Corps building the remaining portions. - Sacramento Weir and bypass widening, erosion protection and levee seepage/stability work: The executive director described ongoing erosion protection along the American and Sacramento rivers, seepage and stability work on Sacramento River east levees and construction at the Sacramento Weir bypass.
When asked whether the Mormon Island work increased flood protection levels, the executive director said yes, explaining that the original embankment’s impervious core did not extend to the top, which made the structure vulnerable to prolonged inundation; a slurry wall and floodwall will allow higher flood levels without endangering the embankment. He said that when the listed projects are complete the system will provide "well over 300‑year level of protection" and that additional projects are planned to move toward a 500‑year level.
The executive director also noted the systemwide nature of the improvements: the effectiveness of work at Folsom depends on complementary work (erosion protection and widening the Sacramento Weir bypass) to increase the volume the system can pass during large events.
The board asked several clarifying questions about how projects interact to increase discharge capacity and local effects for upstream areas; the executive director said widening the Fremont Weir and other Yolo bypass pinch points would provide additional upstream relief.
The executive director’s update was provided as an overview; staff indicated written materials and photos were available in the executive director’s written report.
