USD 150 M on the Way for Corps Projects in Central Valley (USA)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appropriations for fiscal year 2014 provide more than $150 million for Sacramento District flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration work in California.

The appropriations fund projects through September 2014, the end of the federal fiscal year. Funded projects include:

Sacramento area:

• Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway Project construction: $66.4 million;

• American River levee improvements construction: $25.5 million;

• South Sacramento County Streams Project – Florin Creek flood wall construction: $10.8 million;

• Sacramento River Bank Protection Project for erosion repair: $3 million;

• Folsom Dam raise project design: $3.15 million;

• Natomas levee improvements design: $1 million.

Sacramento Valley:

• Hamilton City setback levee and ecosystem restoration: $8.6 million;

• Marysville ring levee improvements construction: $1.8 million;

• Englebright and Daguerre Point dams/Yuba River restoration reconnaissance study: $150,000.

In addition to funding for the reconnaissance study of Yuba River restoration work at Englebright and Daguerre Point dams, President Barack Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget includes $200,000 toward a follow-on restoration feasibility study. A feasibility study would explore in greater depth any restoration opportunities identified in the reconnaissance study. The proposed funding is a clear sign of the president’s and the Corps’ strong commitment to thoroughly exploring all options for habitat improvement measures as quickly as possible.

The funding also provides $28.2 million for ongoing design efforts for construction of the Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project, as well as ongoing feasibility studies in the California Bay Delta and Stockton.

Funding for Natomas levee design comes in advance of Congressional authorization of the Corps’ proposed levee improvements, but allows for essential planning work that must take place before construction could begin, if authorized.

“This work plan and budget represent a win for flood risk reduction and environmental restoration efforts in the region,” said Col. Mike Farrell, Sacramento District commander.

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Press Release, March 6, 2014