Executive director says federal funding prospects improving for Natomas project

Jason Campbell, the agency’s executive director, reported to the board on Jan. 15 that the agency’s short-term federal funding outlook improved after legislative movement in Washington and after advocacy meetings in D.C.

Campbell said the continuing-resolution pressure eased and that “HR 6938 was actually passed by the senate today,” language he used in the meeting record. He said agency staff have been meeting with federal officials and members of Congress to press for funding for the Natomas project, naming meetings with Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Doris Matsui and Rep. Ami Bera and with staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Campbell said the agency is still seeking federal dollars for several reaches of the Natomas project and that staff plan to continue to advocate for those appropriations. He noted the agency completed its fiscal year 2025 audit and is reviewing five-year cash-flow needs as it begins budget preparation. He also said staff are evaluating the bond market for potential refunding or refinancing that could save money or free cash for project needs.

Campbell said the agency might make another trip to Washington in March or April to continue advocacy; he closed by noting budget items are being prepared and by confirming the next board meeting date.

All program and funding statements above are taken from the executive director’s remarks as recorded in the meeting transcript; where the transcript paraphrases or uses imprecise names or numbers, the article attributes those statements to Campbell.