District manager: Blacker Canal work starts but fish-and-wildlife limits, FEMA funding uncertainty slow some projects

The Reclamation District 900 general manager told the board on June 17 that work at Blacker Canal has begun but progress is constrained by environmental restrictions and uncertainty over federal disaster funding.

“Blacker Canal has started. They actually started felling trees today,” the general manager said, while also noting the project was behind the hoped-for schedule because fish-and-wildlife restrictions require draining the canal and constrain certain activities.

The manager also updated the board on regional levee work: the Yolo Bypass East Levee temporary system remains in place while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalizes a permanent design, and a previously questioned pump-station design appears to be resolved. The district pays the electricity costs for that pump station and staff said they will monitor billing.

On federal disaster assistance, the general manager reported lingering uncertainty about FEMA funding for projects tied to the 2023 disaster, saying projects that have not already been obligated may not receive federal funds. He attributed the issue to administrative changes at FEMA and said the claim reflected information from a consultant contact and his participation with the California Central Valley Flood Control Agency.

Trustees asked whether that FEMA information came from official district communications; the manager said it did not, and trustees asked staff to pursue clarification through a federal advocate or other official channels.

Operational items on staff training and maintenance included a district-wide CPR and first-aid standdown day and ongoing mowing and brush clearing along levees and ditches.

The board adjourned after confirming the next regular meeting likely will be in August.