A system of creeks and levees in south Sacramento plays an important role in protecting neighborhoods from flooding. Now, plans are underway to make part of that system stronger.

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) is proposing improvements to about three miles of the Morrison Creek and Beach Lake levees.

Funded in part by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, the project would raise parts of the existing levees, replace and add floodwalls, flatten some levee slopes and make other improvements to strengthen the flood-control system and improve its long-term resilience.

“We’re proud to work with SAFCA on the investment of these levees, which are critical to so many Sacramento residents and businesses,” said Neal Joyce, a supervising engineer with the City’s Department of Utilities, which manages its storm drainage systems.

Why Morrison Creek matters

Morrison Creek is part of the South Sacramento Streams system, which also includes Elder, Florin and Union House creeks.

Together, these waterways and levees help protect communities in south Sacramento from flooding caused by heavy runoff and high water in the region’s rivers and streams.

Federal, state and local agencies have made improvements to the system over the years, including raising levees, constructing floodwalls and strengthening creek channels.

What’s being proposed?

The Morrison Creek and Beach Lake project includes raising and strengthening existing levees, replacing and adding floodwalls and making nature-based improvements designed to support habitat and the long-term resilience of the levee system.

SAFCA has released an environmental study of the proposed project and is asking the public to review and comment.

The public comment period runs through Sept. 7. The environmental document is available at www.safca.org.

Comments can be emailed to SAFCAReview@saccounty.gov and must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 7.

The SAFCA Board is expected to consider the environmental document at its Sept. 17 public meeting.