SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District published its Yolo Bypass Draft Interim Integrated Comprehensive Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment today, outlining proposed actions for the Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study.
The comprehensive study authority allows for:
- Additional monitoring and adaptive management of the existing Yolo Bypass System.
- Follow-on activities to design and construct flood risk management and aquatic ecosystem restoration features.
- Recommendations for future feasibility studies that could lead to the construction of new water resources development projects that complement the existing Yolo Bypass System.
This milestone marks a critical transition in the planning process, leveraging the new RAPID (Risk-informed, Aligned, Proportional, Iterative, and Decisive) feasibility framework that allows for expedited decision-making.
"The RAPID planning framework is about getting tangible results for our communities," said Col. Robert McTighe, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District. "This modernized process allows us to deliver thorough, compliant environmental reviews while accelerating our ability to move projects toward construction. We are committed to building infrastructure, not paperwork, ensuring we protect communities while enhancing the Sacramento region."
In collaboration with Central Valley Flood Protection Board, California Department of Water Resources, and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, the report outlines the Tentatively Select Plan, which would expand the bypass and improve flood risk management for up to 51 miles of the Sacramento River and 13 miles of the Feather River.
This flood risk management plan would provide positive net economic benefits through reduced risk to communities, including rural areas, and increased long-term agriculture productivity throughout the study area.
Today’s publication initiates a 30-day public review and comment period for the draft feasibility report and environmental assessment. A public meeting on the documents will be hosted on Sept. 2 at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The public comment period is scheduled to close on Sept. 18.
The Yolo Bypass is crucial in protecting the region from flooding, contributes significantly to the agricultural economy, enables critical water supply delivery, and is an ecosystem of national significance. The Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study will evaluate additional opportunities for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, water supply, and recreation within the Yolo Bypass, a 40-mile-long federal flood management facility situated between the Fremont Weir and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
For more information about the study, visit the Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study website or view our factsheet.
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