YUBA CITY — During program and project updates at the Dec. 10 meeting, Mr. Bassett briefed the board on multiple construction and grant developments across the Sutter Basin.

Tudor project: Mr. Bassett said all construction activity for the Tudor flood risk reduction project has been completed for the year, crews are winterizing the site, hydroseeding is finished and equipment is being removed. He reported that negotiations with private landowner Odysseus Farms over an encroachment concluded this morning and the landowner will sign an encroachment permit, allowing crews to reinstall a 36-inch at‑grade pipe and a 20-inch up‑and‑over pipe above the 200‑year floodwater elevation next construction season.

Sutter Bypass East Lehi and grants: Mr. Bassett said staff are still waiting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to return design review comments on 90% plans (expected in January) and are awaiting approval from Cal OES to submit a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant application in spring 2026. He also said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Water Resources and Calpine on a proposed carbon capture project that could help fund Lehi improvements.

Robinson’s Riffle grant: Mr. Bassett announced the agency was awarded a $31,900,000 grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board for the Robinson’s Riffle river restoration project. "We were successful in getting... the grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board for $31,900,000," he said, and staff plan to go out to bid in late summer or early fall 2026 with construction slated for 2027.

Thermolito Afterbay boat ramp: Bids for the Thermolito Afterbay boat ramp and campground opened with 11 bidders; Mr. Bassett identified R and R Horn of Chico as the apparent low bidder, near the engineer’s estimate. He said staff will review submittals and return to the board for contract award early next year, with construction expected to begin in late spring 2026 once permits are secured.

Feather River side channels, weather watch and schedule: Mr. Bassett described multiple Feather River side‑channel projects coordinated with the Sutter County Resource Conservation District and Flow West Consultants; presentations on preferred alternatives and designs are expected at upcoming meetings. He also reviewed current dry local conditions but cautioned that atmospheric rivers up north could raise risks and noted an Army Corps site inspection was scheduled; the board will not meet in January and will reconvene in February 2026.

Board member comments included a request for a formal groundbreaking with press coverage for the Thermolito work to inform Butte County residents. A board member also relayed that a constituent reported their flood insurance premium had been cut in half, crediting recent work and remapping.

What’s next: staff will return with contract award recommendations for Thermolito, present side‑channel designs to the board in February, and report on Corps inspections when available.