Sutter Mutual Water Co

Award Purpose:the Wilkins Slough Pump Lowering Program (WSPLP) Will Identify and Implement Projects to Modify Upgrade Diversion Facilities in the Sacramento River Between Colusa and the Feather River Confluence That May Be Impacted by Reclamation Operating the Sacramento River Down to 3,000 CFS at Wilkins Slough in Critically Dry Years. the Existing Diversions on the Sacramento River Between Colusa and the Feather River Confluence Have Been Identified. SMWC Has Worked Collaboratively With Reclamation to Develop a Framework for the Wsplp Which Resulted in Dividing the Program Into Two Phases.activities to Be Performed:the First Phase of the Program Will Evaluate the Operational Impacts, Identify a Preliminary List of Projects, and Prepare a Preliminary Assessment of the Scope and Cost of Each Project. Stakeholder Outreach Is an Essential Component of This Phase and Will Be Strategically Executed to Provide Transparency and Educate Stakeholders. Program Guidelines Will Be Developed to Set Clear Expectations for Stakeholders Participation in Phase 2. in the Second Phase of the Program, SMWC and Its Consultant Team Will Complete the Programmatic Environmental Document and Agency Consultations to Provide Coverage for All Projects Identified in Phase 1. as Part of Phase 2, Individual Projects Will Be Selected for Implementation Based on Priorities Established in Phase 1 and Availability of Funding. Upon Selection, Each Project Will Be Implemented Over a Two- or Three-year Period With Final Design and Permitting Accomplished in the First Year, and Construction Completed Over the Next Two Years Dependent on Construction Work Window Restrictions and Diversion Operations. Projects May Be Implemented by SMWC and Its Consultant Team, or Each Diversion Owner May Elect to Engage With Their Preferred Consultant.project Deliverables or Outcomes:this Project Will Lower Several Separate Irrigation Pump Intakes to Insure They Remain Operational at Sacramento River Flows of 3,500 CFS. Lowering the Pump Intakes Gains Operational Flexibility for Reclamation to Operate Shasta at Flows Down to 3,500 CFS. This Change Will Increase Flexibility in the Operation of Shasta at Flows Below 5,000 CFS at Wilkins Slough. These Pump Modifications, Which Include Lowering the Pump Intake and Screening or Bringing Existing Screens Up to Current State and Federal Screening Criteria Standards, Will Help Avoid Losses of Juvenile Anadromous Fishes in the Affected Reach. Intended Beneficiaries:the Project Benefits the Public by Providing Data and Information Used for Project Operations, Habitat Restoration, Adaptive Management, Reliable Water Supply, Predation Reduction, and Other Initiatives. the Project Also Benefits the Public by Helping Reclamation Meet Its Esa Obligations.