Congress Members Garamendi & Matsui Attend Natomas Basin Project Ceremonial Signing

Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City, CA) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento, CA) joined a number of local and federal leaders at the Natomas Basin Project ceremonial signing. The project, which is moving forward with federal support advocated by Congressman Garamendi, will provide a 100-year level or greater of flood protection for the more than 100,000 Sacramento and Sutter County residents who live in the Natomas Basin.

“The protection of the 100,000 residents that live in the Natomas Basin will be enhanced by this essential project. Lives in Sutter and Sacramento counties could be saved because of the work we’re celebrating today,” Congressman Garamendi said. “I was proud to champion this project when I served on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act Conference Committee, but this was a true team effort. Congresswoman Doris Matsui, leaders in the Army Corps of Engineers, and public servants throughout Sacramento and Sutter counties all played an important role in making this day possible."

The project was authorized in the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which Congressman Garamendi helped author as a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Congressman Garamendi later served on the Conference Committee for WRRDA, helping negotiate final language between the House and Senate. Throughout this process, he strongly advocated for the Natomas Basin Project’s inclusion. He has been a persistent advocate for additional funding in the years that have followed, and he is urging his colleagues to support the President’s request for $21,150,000 in project funding this year.

Today’s signing of the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) officially transitions the project into the construction phase, which will upgrade 24 of the 42 miles of levee surrounding the basin. Since SAFCA has already completed 18 miles of improvements, the work will complete construction on the entire 42 miles of levee.

Once completed, it will provide increased flood protection to the residents and property within the basin by reconstructing the current levees to address existing seepage concerns among other problems. It will incorporate Early Implementation Program (EIP) projects by SAFCA and DWR along the Natomas Cross Canal South Levee and Sacramento River East Levee. It will also include work yet to be completed along the north bank of the American River, west bank of the Natomas East Main Drainage Canal, west bank of the Pleasant Grover Creek Canal and the portion of unfinished work along the Natomas Cross Canal and Sacramento River East Levee.

• This flood risk management project includes the following major features:
• Install seepage berms or seepage cutoff walls along the Sacramento River.
• Install seepage cutoff walls along the lower American River.
• Widen existing levees and install seepage cutoff walls along the Natomas East Main Drainage Canal and the Pleasant Grove Creek Canal

The Natomas Basin, home to over 100,000 residents, begins immediately north of downtown Sacramento, and extends north into rural Sutter County. It covers more than 50,000 acres and it located in the floodplain created by the Sacramento and American Rivers. The project is within the jurisdictional boundaries of Sacramento County, Sutter County, City of Sacramento, Reclamation District No. 1000, and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA).