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SAFCA authorizes eminent-domain proceedings for two Natomas-area parcels after negotiations stall; abstention recorded
Summary
After extended negotiations and multiple possession‑use agreements, the SAFCA Board authorized eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire property rights for levee improvements at 5625 and 5311 East Levee Road; the board recorded an abstention by Director Muñoz on the first item before ultimately obtaining the votes needed to proceed.
The SAFCA Board of Directors voted on June 18, 2026, to adopt resolutions of necessity authorizing eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire property rights needed for levee improvements in Reach G of the Natomas project for parcels at 5625 East Levee Road (APN 226-0010-002) and 5311 East Levee Road (APN 226-0010-003).
Staff explained that the proposed acquisitions include fee title to portions of parcels, permanent access easements and temporary construction easements needed to widen and reconfigure levees, construct seepage‑stability berms and provide access for operations and maintenance. The presentations emphasized a history of written notices, offers and possession‑use agreements dating to 2022 and multiple negotiated extensions; staff said one possession‑use agreement contains a clause requiring SAFCA to initiate eminent‑domain proceedings by a stated date or risk inverse‑condemnation claims.
Mr. Degrate (staff) told the board the agency has continued negotiations and will pursue settlement where possible but must also meet statutory and contractual deadlines: “We will continue to negotiate with the owner all the way to the courthouse steps if necessary,” he said.
The first resolution (5625 East Levee Road) initially fell short of the two‑thirds requirement because a member recorded an abstention; the board reconsidered after a short recess and the motion to authorize eminent‑domain action for that parcel carried on a subsequent roll‑call vote. On the roll call for that item, the board recorded a majority of aye votes with Director Muñoz noted as abstaining; staff counted sufficient votes to meet the two‑thirds/9‑member threshold for the resolution to pass.
The board then considered the similar resolution for 5311 East Levee Road, opened the public hearing (no speakers), and adopted the resolution with the abstention by Director Muñoz noted in the record.
Staff described environmental compliance documents, mitigation‑site selection and design analysis completed for relocated irrigation and drainage canals, and said staff will continue negotiations while proceeding with the legal steps necessary to meet contractual deadlines. The resolutions authorize initiation of eminent‑domain proceedings; staff said they will continue to seek negotiated agreements where feasible.
