Through this Sugar Final Design and Implementation contract, MSRF will expand upon the work initiated/completed in previous BPA contracts # 88617 and #91008 to complete final designs for discreet habitat improvement actions at the Sugar Levee (Right) and Sugar Left project areas.

Under this contract, MSRF will advance the 60% design to final design and coordinate with local, state, regional, and federal authorities to secure permits and clearances with the goal of initiating Phase 1 construction in summer 2024.

Due to the size and scope of the overall project, project implementation will be phased. The current plan is to initiate all or part of the work in the Sugar Levee (Right) project area in Phase 1 and expand to include the work in the Sugar Left project area in Phase 2; however, this plan may need to be adjusted depending on floodplain permitting and other requirements. This contract anticipates construction beginning in 2024 (Phase 1) and continuing to final implementation (Phase 2) starting in 2025 subject to securing FEMA authorization. Work planned under this contract includes procuring materials for and constructing 23 engineered log jams with 10 associated pools and enhancing and connecting up to three high flow side channels.

Design:
MSRF will continue to work with the Wolf Water Resources, the previously selected design engineer, in coordination with BPA, BOR, and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office -Salmon Recovery Funding Board (RCO-SRFB) to develop final designs for the Sugar project that address restoration priorities identified through the Upper Columbia Prioritization Framework. Final design will demonstrate direct benefits to floodplain connectivity, in-stream habitat complexity, and/or reconnect and enhance side-channels and wetland areas within the Sugar Right and Left project areas.

Cost Share:
MSRF has secured cost share funding award for design through RCO-SRFB, which is a cost-share for this contract. MSRF has secured implementation cost share from RCO-SRFB and WA Department of Ecology through Floodplains by Design. MSRF will work with the design contractor to ensure local, state, and federal stakeholder concurrence on permitting and design requirements and acceptance of final designs, including through the HIP review process.

Habitat Prioritization:
The Sugar project is located along the Methow River north of Twisp, WA, in Reach 1 of the Methow-River-Thompson Creek Assessment Unit (AU), which was included within the Middle Methow Reach Assessment (BOR 2010). This area is considered to be a major spawning area for steelhead, and critical rearing habitat for both steelhead and spring Chinook. The UCSRB/RTT Prioritization Framework identifies this as an important reach for restoration for Upper Columbia River (UCR) spring Chinook (#11/51), due to high intrinsic capacity, and low habitat quality. This reach is considered to be a priority for restoration (ranked #6/14) by the Revised Upper Columbia Biological St