Flood Protection

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (WSAFCA/Agency) was formed in 1994 through a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement among the City of West Sacramento (City), Reclamation District 900, and Reclamation District 537. WSAFCA is composed of a 3-member Board and supported by City staff. WSAFCA is working toward achieving 200-year level flood protection for the West Sacramento community by 2040.

Due to catastrophic Hurricane Katrina, the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE) upped the standards for levees and WSAFCA responded by implementing the West Sacramento Levee Improvement Program (WSLIP). Under this program, the California Department Water of Resources (DWR) and WSAFCA completed three Early Implementation Projects (EIP): I Street Bridge (2008), CHP Academy (2011) and Rivers Project (2011). During the Southport EIP, the West Sacramento Project was authorized by Congress in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (2016). The Southport Setback Levee Project became the first component of the federally authorized Project.

For the next project, the Yolo Bypass East Levee has been separated into 2 increments: Yolo Bypass East Levee-North (YBEL-N) and Yolo Bypass East Levee-South (YBEL-S). YBEL-S construction has been completed by the USACE and in the process of close out. YBEL-N is currently under construction.

The Sac River North Levee is in design. That effort is being led by the USACE.

WSAFCA is working quickly and efficiently to face the challenges of stricter flood control standards imposed by the State. These standards must be met by 2040 and WSAFCA is working together with their project partners to make the required improvements a reality.

Why is WSAFCA improving levees in West Sacramento?

The number one priority of the City of West Sacramento is to increase public safety and protect property.
To achieve a minimum 200-year level of flood protection as mandated by the State.
To ensure continuing federal and State funding assistance for levee repairs and maintenance.

The City and West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency have created partnerships to leverage local funds with State and federal flood risk reduction funding. The majority of the cost for the levee improvement projects are funded by cost sharing agreements with our partnering agencies.

What's New

Date	subject
08/21/20	FEMA approved CRS recertification. The current rating is maintained at Class 6.
06/08/20	Southport Levee Project Article published in the Civil Engineering Magazine
	WSAFCA Board meetings are on the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.