Sutter County OKs $400,000 for culvert repairs with Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority
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Summary
The board approved a cost-sharing agreement with the Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority, authorizing use of $400,000 in Calpine funds (including an estimated $270,000 environmental contract with ESA) to permit and begin repairs on up to 40 failed culverts over a multi‑year program.
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement with the Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority (BIDA) to formalize a long‑standing, informal cost‑sharing arrangement for failed pipe culverts in the basin.
Staff described the proposal as a partnership that funds environmental permitting and materials costs so BIDA crews can perform the pipe replacement and the county can repave impacted roadways. Development Services staff said the county is seeking a $400,000 transfer of Calpine funds; roughly $270,000 of that sum was described in staff materials as an environmental contract with ESA to prepare permitting and studies.
Neil Hague, Director of Development Services, told the board approximately 40 culvert locations were identified and BIDA and county staff hope to address them over about five years. Hague noted potential environmental mitigation requirements — including potential giant garter snake habitat — that could increase costs and that the county’s participation is limited to appropriations the board makes.
Supervisors asked about timing; staff said work will proceed as weather and irrigation scheduling allow and that some sites may proceed sooner if they qualify under existing BIDA maintenance agreements. The board unanimously approved the agreement and the requested budget action.
The approved motion authorizes the county to fund permitting and material costs as described, formalizes the cooperation with BIDA, and directs staff to proceed with prioritization and reporting back to the board.
