The City of Pocatello has submitted Section 408 Review Plans to the USACE to realign the existing Portneuf River flood control project levee embankments further landward of their respective sides, along the Centennial Park (left bank) and Rainey Park (right bank) reach. The scope of the proposed project includes realignment and setback of approximately 625 linear feet of right bank levee adjacent to Rainey Park, setback of approximately 790 linear feet of left bank levee/high ground adjacent to Centennial Park. In the area vacated by the landward realignment, the project will create a wetland with a side channel within the Portneuf River flood control project by, constructing a side channel adjacent to the right bank levee, and constructing an amphitheater along the left bank. The overall project includes redesign of Rainey and Centennial Parks to accommodate the proposed levee setbacks, improve access to the river and improve the park areas. General project activities include: • Levee Realignment (right bank) o Reconstruct the levee embankment further landward, tying into the existing levee alignment at upstream and downstream points o Install new riprap as required o Replace asphalt pathway on top of levee & install concrete path down to the river o Revegetate levee o Create a wetland and side channel riverward of the realigned levee embankment Excavate and grade wetland area Construct pathways down the levees and through the wetland Revegetate wetland o Phase the construction to provide for necessary continued risk reduction through the construction period • Levee Realignment (left bank) o Excavate levee embankment and bank to create ampitheater space o Reconstruct the levee embankment further landward, tying into the existing levee alignment at upstream and downstream points o Install pathways, stepped seating, and other park and amphitheater features o Install new riprap as required o Revegetate levee Note that a levee raise is not included in the project. The levees were originally constructed by the USACE and are owned/sponsored by the City. Since the levees were federally constructed and are active in the Public Law 84-99 Rehabilitation Program, the USACE must review and authorize system alterations. The USACE has indicated that the alterations require an independent SAR in addition to their Agency Technical Review. The proposed Project is located at the south end of downtown Pocatello and in the north end of Bannock County, Idaho, at the base of the Portneuf River watershed.
