$1.5 Million Grant for Sutter’s Landing Park

Photo Credit: Robert Sewell

On November 28, 2012, the California Natural Resources Agency awarded the City of Sacramento a $1.5 million River Parkways grant for Sutter’s Landing Park to restore habitat and improve river access from Midtown to the American River Parkway.  The American River Parkway is one of the most important contiguous habitat and recreation open spaces in the region and state, attracting millions of visitors annually.

The City will use the funds to extend the multi-use Two Rivers Trail three-quarters of one mile from the Park east to the Union Pacific mainline tracks next to the Business 80 highway.  (Currently, the City’s Two Rivers Trail starts at Tiscornia Park and ends at State Route 160, a total of two miles.)  At the end of the trail, there will be a turnaround loop with interpretive panels and seating. The City expects a future phase will connect the trail from the railroad tracks to Sac State University.

The funds will also restore over three acres on the banks of the American River with native plants.  Entry enhancements will define the site as a recreation destination by making the entry to the river trail welcoming and by emphasizing the river connection.

The construction schedule has yet to be confirmed, but the project may take several years to complete.

The City hosted the agency’s award ceremony, at which Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird announced the Sutter’s Landing grant, along with 32 other statewide recipients. Competition was intense, with 133 applicants vying for 33 awards totaling $34 million in Proposition 84 funds.. Sacramento was likely chosen because of the site’s historical significance and the wide community support for one of the City’s most valuable amenities.  I especially want to acknowledge Corey Brown and Robert and Lynette Sewell for their tireless efforts to restore the river at Sutter’s Landing Park, and Jim Combs and JP Tindell, the City Parks Director and Assistant Director, respectively, for their great work in landing this grant.

From Councilmember Cohn’s Newsletter