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Board authorizes delegation to award Thermolito Afterbay boat-ramp contract pending FERC review
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Summary
The Sutter Buttes Flood Control Agency approved delegating authority to its executive director to award a contract to R and R Horn for the Thermolito Afterbay boat-ramp and campground project if FERC approves; the board also authorized a 30‑day bid-guarantee extension and a 10% contingency.
The Sutter Buttes Flood Control Agency on a unanimous voice vote authorized staff to sign a 30‑day extension of a contractor’s bid guarantee and delegated to the executive director authority to award and execute a contract with R and R Horn for the Thermolito Afterbay boat‑ramp and campground project once the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) completes its review.
The presenter told the board the work includes a new two‑boat launch, converting the existing ramp to a non‑motorized kayak launch and construction of 25 campsites at the site on the south side of the Feather River near Thermolito Afterbay. “So we're gonna construct a brand new 2 boat launch boat ramp. We're gonna convert the existing boat ramp to a non motorized boat ramp, like a kayak type launch, and we're gonna construct 25 campsites,” the presenter said.
Project timing and permitting drove the board action. The presenter said the agency cannot formally enter a contract until FERC signs off and that FERC posted a 30‑day public review that runs through April 9. He said staff negotiated a 30‑day extension of the contractor’s bid guarantee and that the contractor has signed that extension. “So I reached out to the contractor to see if they would be okay with doing an ... additional 30 days of their bid guarantee, and they agreed to that,” he said. The board also authorized staff to include a 10% contingency when executing the contract.
Staff described an expected construction window: contract documents allow construction work to begin May 15, with in‑water work to start in July under permit restrictions. The presenter asked the board for delegation to the executive director so staff can move quickly once FERC approves; he added that if FERC approval is not received before mid‑April the item will return to the board’s April meeting for further direction.
Board members asked clarifying questions about location and schedule, and about whether other agencies could slow the process. Staff said the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have been engaged and that DWR is advocating for the project with FERC.
The board approved the delegation and extension by voice vote. The presenter said the agency also secured an amended Wildlife Conservation Board grant adding $293,000 to the Thermolito project budget to cover some cost increases.
