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Agency updates levee projects and pump‑station testing, aims for 200‑year protection by 2038
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Summary
West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency staff briefed the board on multiple projects — Sac River North design options, outreach to utilities over roughly 70 levee encroachments, REY Engineers' surveying, an energized Yolo Bypass pump station with testing underway and a planned ribbon cutting — and said the program aims for 200‑year protection by about 2038.
Staff briefed the board March 19 on a range of project updates tied to levee improvements and flood protection work across the West Sacramento program.
Rick (agency staff) began with the Sac River North project, saying the design team is evaluating alternatives for levee improvements around the I Street UPRR line and the new bridge; he warned the chosen tie‑in could materially affect the amount of real estate required and said staff are considering seepage berm options, including versions with a drainage component.
He said staff (including Ryan Tevis) are sending letters to utility companies because there are "I think... 70 encroachments into the levee of various utilities" that could require relocation or accommodation during construction. Rick reported REY Engineers have completed a first drone flight to support surveying work and soil testing to quantify available import borrow material for levee work; a separate RFP will be issued for longer‑term surveying and real‑estate support.
On the UPRR rail‑line work, Rick said the railroad will consider only four alternatives, and the Sacramento District has asked West Safeco to lead the design effort; staff expect to issue an A&E RFP to carry design from 0 to 100 percent in the coming months. He attributed part of the Corps’ request to internal staffing and contracting constraints and said West Safeco leading the effort could shorten timelines and reduce costs.
Rick also reported the Yolo Bypass North pump station installation was completed and PG&E energized the plant last week; staff and contractor testing is underway to ensure it operates with generator backup if needed. A ribbon cutting is being planned with invitations hoped to include Congresswoman Matsui’s office, the board and the Corps colonel.
When Director Alcala asked why land acquisition is needed, Rick explained some levee corridors lack formal, perfected easements and that the agency must secure permanent or temporary easements for construction, staging and ongoing maintenance. Director Dean and Rick discussed in‑kind credits: work done and documented can count toward the non‑federal sponsor’s share (the non‑federal sponsor is responsible for up to 35% of total project cost), and staff track those credits toward that obligation.
Rick said staff plan to present an adequate progress report to the city council in about two months summarizing investments to achieve 200‑year flood protection; he said the agency’s internal schedule aims for completion by 2038, which would be earlier than the legislative deadline cited in the discussion.
