SAFCA - 7/16/26

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) meeting on July 16, 2026, was primarily informational, as the Board lacked a quorum and was unable to take any official actions. Despite this, the Board heard from a member of the public and received a report from the Executive Director.

Public Comment: River City Waterway Alliance

Lisa Sanchez, a volunteer with the River City Waterway Alliance, provided an update on the group's efforts to clean, restore, and protect local waterways.

• Trash and Habitat Restoration: Sanchez reported that the alliance has removed over two million pounds of trash from a specific stretch of the Parkway.
• Invasive Species Removal: The group is now shifting focus toward invasive species like water hyacinth and water primrose in Robles Creek and Steelhead Creek.
• Request for Support: Sanchez urged SAFCA to provide monetary assistance to revitalize invasive species removal programs that have been largely inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director Jason Campbell detailed the agency's current fiscal health and project progress:

• Federal Funding: The agency is tracking $108 million in federal appropriations for Natomas projects identified in the FY 2027 budget. SAFCA's local cost share for these federal programs is typically 10.5%.
• Construction Ramping Up: Construction activity is increasing for the season, with a focus on reaching a 200-year level of flood protection, particularly in the Natomas area.
• Successful Bond Sale: On July 8, SAFCA completed a highly successful bond refunding for the Natomas Basin and CC82 assessment districts. This sale achieved savings between 8% and 11%, generating nearly $55 million in additional cash for agency programs.

Administrative Matters

The meeting was broadcast live and was scheduled for a re-airing on July 18. The next SAFCA Board meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2026, and is expected to include a closed session.