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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Resource Management to execute and record a Grant of Access Easement and Agreement from the State of California for approximately 1.95 acres of right of way easements for public roadway and public utility purposes along Grizzly Island Road
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Resource Management to execute and record a Grant of Access Easement and Agreement from the State of California for approximately 1.95 acres of right of way easements for public roadway and public utility purposes along Grizzly Island Road.
SUMMARY:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been working on tidal restoration of Hill Slough on State property, which includes raising portions of Grizzly Island Road (Project) south of Suisun City. The Project will encompass a stretch of Grizzly Island Road from the Suisun City limit south through the first 90-degree curve near the two Hill Slough bridges. Design of the road elevation incorporates many improvements including raising the final road grade above tidal and flood elevations, new pavement, Class 2 bike lanes, and some realignment of the road corridor and curves. The safety of the road will be significantly enhanced.
For CDFW to realign and raise Grizzly Island Road, they have offered approximately 1.95 acres of State lands for public right of way easements to Solano County to ensure the new roadway alignment remains within public right of way. With the Board’s adoption of the resolution, the Director will execute and record the grant of access easement and agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Road Fund pays the staff costs related to review and execution of this right of way acquisition, as well as preparation of this Board item. There is no impact to the General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
With the Board’s approval in 2017, Solano County became a co-sponsor of the Project with CDFW by executing a permit with the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) for the work. BCDC required the County to be a co-permittee as one of the jurisdictional owners of Grizzly Island Road. Staff from the Department of Resource Management were significantly involved with the development and review the Project plans, with most of the County’s proposed comments and improvements incorporated on request.
The Project was reviewed by the Suisun Resource Conservation District and they found the project consistent with the Suisun Marsh Plan. CDFW eventually received all permits needed for the Project, and recently began clearing and grubbing of the site.
Fill soils will be placed intermittently over the next year by CDFW’s contractor to establish the finish elevations needed for the levee and road, with finish grades and paving completed in 2021. Grizzly Island Road will remain open during this process, although there will be flagged traffic and occasional delays as the project builds over this timeline.
The improvements will significantly improve Grizzly Island Road, which has seen repetitive flooding through last few decades and significant flood risk due to sea level rise. The new finish elevation will provide a passable road in 100-year storm events. Also, the first sharp curve south of Suisun City will be softened to meet 25 mph curvature, providing a significant safety benefit.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to accept the grant of easement. This is not recommended, since dedications for road purposes will provide adequate public right of way for the new road alignment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this item as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION