Board conditionally approves vacation of part of Liberty Island Road for Lookout Slough restoration

The Solano County Board of Supervisors on a 4–0 vote authorized a conditional vacation of a portion of Liberty Island Road and the transfer of a bridge parcel to the State of California to allow the Lookout Slough habitat restoration and flood‑improvement project to proceed.

Department of Resource Management staff said the petition, received in 2021, would enable the Department of Water Resources and project partners to breach an existing levee, create tidal wetlands and build a new turnout and boat ramp. “What we’re looking to do is vacate a portion of Liberty Island Road,” said Matt Tuggle, engineering manager, describing a new turnaround at the north end, demolition of the Shag Slough bridge and limited public access for non‑motorized users.

Staff explained the conditional approval requires project proponents to demolish the existing bridge rather than leaving an out‑of‑service structure the county would no longer maintain. “If we were to vacate our interest and leave a bridge structure out there, that’s an attractive nuisance,” Tuggle said, adding the demolition must be accompanied by an offer of public dedication for a new turnaround and permits to manage closures and construction impacts.

The state and its consultant carried out most environmental and permitting work and prepared an EIR addendum after a court challenge; staff said the county’s zoning administrator determined the vacation is consistent with the county general plan. The county and Caltrans required a fair‑market value/life‑cycle analysis for the federally funded bridge; Tuggle said a life‑cycle valuation of about $400,000 had been calculated and would be reinvested in federal‑aid‑eligible road projects.

Resource Management Director James Buzick and engineers said the project is intended to provide both habitat restoration and a flood‑control benefit to Rio Vista and surrounding areas, while reducing maintenance liabilities for the county. Staff also explained the board would need to authorize an indemnity agreement to shift litigation risk to the state and project proponents if future lawsuits arise.

There were no speakers from the public during the hearing. After board discussion and questions about permits, road funding and recreational access, the board moved and seconded the recommended conditional vacation and transfer; the action was recorded as ordered by a vote of 4–0.

Next steps identified by staff include completion of remaining permits, demolition of the Shag Slough bridge, construction of the new turnaround and boat ramp, and execution of the indemnity and transfer documents before final vacation actions are completed.