NATOMAS LEVEE PROJECT

Natomas Levee Project—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Goal:  Complete levee improvements started by SAFCA/State to provide Natomas Basin at least 200-year flood protection

Project Status:  Project is fully authorized by Congress (2014 Water Resources and Reform Development Act).  Appropriations are made on an annual basis

Cost Sharing Partners:  SAFCA (local) and Central Valley Flood Protection Board (State)

Operation and Maintenance Responsibility:  Reclamation District No. 1000

Construction Status:  See Construction Phasing Map

July 2021 Status:

Reach A

  i.      The USACE issued its Prequalification Solicitation List (qualified contractors).  Current schedule calls for bid solicitation between June 29 to August 16; Bid Opening August 24 and Contract Award September 25 with construction in 2022.    

  ii.      USACE is using its Navigation Certitude Rights for the construction of Plant 1A outfall; District is working with USACE on design of Plant 1B pumps.  Work at Plants 1A and 1B will be bid as optional, pending resolution of design and an issue the USACE has with the SAFCA/RD 1000 agreement.  

  iii.      SAFCA/State are coordinating with the USACE on Caltrans issues as well as SMUD, and PGE relocations.  The USACE is preparing its public outreach documents for its website and physical distribution this fall.

Reach B

  i.      Construction on Reach B including relocation of the Riverside Canal, replacement of other Natomas Water Company facilities and levee construction south of Powerline Road has been delayed.  Locating suitable borrow continues to be an issue—USACE is working with SAFCA/State to identify sources. Mailboxes along Garden Highway are being relocated to the waterside (residence side) of the levee.  Teichert and Odin Construction demobilized equipment the week of May 20 due to lack of USACE approved portions of the project. The USACE is currently in communication with both entities trying to resolve proposals.

  ii.      Garden Highway will remain closed between San Juan Rd and Powerline Rd through November 1, 2021 to accommodate the outfall construction at Plant 3. 

  iii.      The Notice to Proceed was issued on May 18 for levee modifications to close the I-5 window crossing the Sacramento River south of Bayou Road.  The project is scheduled to be complete by November 15, 2021

Reach C

  i.      The Reach C project is complete, and the District is providing the operation and maintenance.

Reach D

  i.      The reconstruction of Pumping Plant 4, discharge pipes and outfall structure has entered its second week. The project is on schedule and moving along well.  

  ii.      The USACE is working on the package to turn the previously completed levee improvements in Reach D over to the non-federal sponsors (and RD 1000) though the District has effectively taken over the O&M of the levee.

Reach E

  i.      The 95% plans are delayed until August to resolve some right of way and design issues with the RD 1000, SAFCA and the State.   This should not impact the scheduled contract award date of July 2022 (construction 2023 and 2024).

  ii.      SAFCA and State DWR continue working with the USACE to identify the necessary rights of way needed for construction with the goal of a ROW Take letter from the USACE by the middle of June.  Right of way acquisition will be the critical path to keep the project on schedule

Reach F

  i.      The USACE design is on hold pending resolution of the final Design Water Surface elevation.  The decision is being elevated to the Project Management level.  Once resolved, the USACE will review and amend their 35% design as necessary.

  ii.      USACE would like to review project impacts on existing structures with SAFCA and the State.  The 65% plans will be delayed resolving the design issues above. Contract Award still scheduled for 2022 and construction in 2023 and 2024.

Reach G

  i.      The USACE design is on hold pending resolution of the final Design Water Surface elevation.  The decision is being elevated to the Project Management level.  Once resolved, the USACE will review and amend their 35% design as necessary.

  ii.      USACE would like to review project impacts on existing structures with SAFCA and the State.  The 65% plans will be delayed resolving the design issues above. Contract Award still scheduled for 2022 and construction in 2023 and 2024.

Reach H

  i.      Construction activities commenced to complete construction on E. Levee Road, landside patrol road, retaining walls and remaining cut-off wall construction.  SAFCA continues acquisition of rights needed to complete the patrol road and fence relocations.

  ii.       USACE is working with their contractor to resolve some design issues and mitigate a partial slurry wall trench collapse during construction.

Reach I

  i.      Construction of the cutoff wall has been completed and project finalization and turnover to SAFCA and the District is in progress. 

  ii.      Design for the Reach I Contract 2 to construct a patrol / maintenance road and perform levee slope flattening being done by HDR Engineers. 95% Design plans delayed until June with 100% plans by September 2021.    The USACE continues is coordination with SAFCA and the State on necessary ROW acquisition.  Contract for tree removal to be awarded September 2021 with work done between November and February with levee construction to commence in April 2022 if the ROW can be acquired.

Other Projects

  i.      Plant 5 replacement—Design for Plant 5 replacement has been delayed to January 2022 due to lack of funding.

  ii.      Highway 99 –Design for the closure of the Highway 99 at the Natomas Cross Canal being negotiated with HDR Engineers delayed until end of June 2021.  Corp indicates they cannot include a floodwall closure as this would constitute levee raising.  RD 1000/SAFCA/State will develop strategy for this location.

For additional updates on the Natomas Levee Project go here and sign up for the Army Corps mailing list.