Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Habitat and Drainage Improvements Project

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Habitat and Drainage Improvements Project, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to enhance the management of wetland resources and agricultural operations in West Sacramento, California. The project focuses on restoring water conveyance infrastructure to reduce on-site flooding, improve land drainage, and expand managed wetland acreage. Key physical improvements include installing new water control structures, expanding canals, installing box culverts and two con-span bridges, replacing existing culverts, raising road grades, separating dual-function ditches, and relocating one water pump while installing two new pumps. A CEQA addendum dated June 11, 2025, modified the original project scope to address changes in flooding and drainage patterns and to reduce long-term costs. Specifically, the cross canal pump station originally planned as Element 4 will not be built and will instead be replaced by passive drainage structures. The project was approved on June 12, 2025, and is subject to various regulatory permits, including those from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Construction is intended to be completed within a single season, with work occurring Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.