Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is seeking community support for a critical infrastructure project at Scotts Flat Reservoir. And your voice can make a meaningful difference.

NID is applying for grant funding from the State of California to help finance the Scotts Flat Reservoir Spillway Restoration Project. Under Proposition 4, the $10 billion Climate Bond approved by voters in November 2024, billions of dollars are available to support local and regional environmental, water, and wildfire resilience projects. A strong show of community support can help draw attention to this important project.

How You Can Help

We’re asking community members to fill out a simple Letter of Support to emphasize the importance of restoring the Scotts Flat spillway. You can download the fillable PDF, sign it, and NID will forward your completed letter directly to the State of California as part of our grant application.

 Acess the Fillable PDF Letter Here

About the Project

The Scotts Flat Reservoir is a vital resource for western Nevada County. It provides treated and raw water for residential, agricultural, and commercial users; supports local recreation; sustains wildlife habitat; and contributes significantly to the area’s economy. As the primary mid‑elevation storage facility for Nevada County, located near Nevada City and Grass Valley, the reservoir plays a key role in maintaining reliable water supplies for both urban and disadvantaged communities.

In addition, the Scotts Flat hydropower facility generates 875 kilowatts of clean, renewable electricity, supporting regional sustainability goals.

The existing spillway, built in the 1940s, has developed recurring structural issues over time, including significant spall damage and additional stresses from the 2017 flood events. Following extensive statewide evaluations, both the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have determined that the spillway must be replaced. The facility is classified as High Hazard, underscoring the serious public‑safety risks should the structure fail.

The spillway is essential for protecting the dam’s earthen rock‑fill infrastructure from severe erosion during high‑flow events — erosion that could lead to a breach and an uncontrolled release of the reservoir.

Your Support Matters

Your letter helps highlight to state officials why this project is so critical for our region’s water security, environmental health, public safety, and future resilience.

Please take a moment to fill out the Letter of Support and help NID secure funding for this important project.