Board of Supervisors Tues Mtg 06-09-26 · Middle Creek Restoration Project Committee Update

The County of Lake Board of Supervisors held a meeting on June 9, 2026, to receive an update on the Middle Creek Restoration Project (MCRP) and discuss property acquisition strategies critical to the project's progress. The discussion focused heavily on procurement aspects, including the status of property purchases, challenges with unwilling sellers, and the financial implications of acquiring remaining parcels. The board reviewed current budgets, noting over $3 million allocated for property acquisition with additional contingency funds available. They considered options for dealing with sellers demanding prices above appraised values, including the potential use of eminent domain, which would require additional funding estimated at over $4 million. The meeting also covered coordination with tribal partners, the Army Corps of Engineers' requirements for project design and funding, and infrastructure considerations such as Highway 20 mitigation and PG&E power pole relocations, with estimated costs reaching several million dollars. The board expressed support for pursuing federal waivers to cover costs and directed the Water Resources Department to report back on acquisition progress and challenges, emphasizing the necessity of acquiring all properties to advance the restoration project. No formal votes were recorded, but there was consensus on continuing efforts to secure funding and consider eminent domain if negotiations fail.