SAM Board Locks In $1.5M for Force Main Construction, Braces for Historic El Niño

The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside board unanimously approved three subcontracts totaling $1.53 million to support construction of the Force Main Montara replacement project — the agency's largest capital undertaking — while pumping the brakes on a $75,000 public outreach deal that drew skepticism from multiple directors. In a separate extended briefing, staff walked the board through a plant-wide emergency preparedness plan for what county officials are calling the worst predicted storm season since records began in the 1950s.

• $1.53 million in Force Main subcontracts approved 6-0 for environmental monitoring, construction inspection, and materials testing as construction launches this fall

• $75K outreach contract deferred after directors questioned cost, demanding itemized breakdown before next vote

• Staff details comprehensive El Niño defenses across every plant system and three pump stations, including 80,000 gallons of rented wet-weather storage

• County warns of worst storm season in 70+ years, with 12 inches of sea level rise and three king tides expected

• Tribal rights bill flagged as potential new compliance hurdle for SAM construction projects on state lands

The board moved quickly through three construction-phase subcontracts for the Force Main Montara replacement project, approving each on unanimous 6-0 roll call votes, but a fourth contract for public communications drew enough pushback to get tabled.