Million in Grants Provided to Restore Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento Waterfront Reinvestment Program plan. Sacramento City Council

A project to restore historic Old Sacramento, revitalize its waterfront, and boost tourism is expected to start during the first quarter of 2025.

The city of Sacramento received $4.6 million from the state and $1.5 million from the federal level for a total of $6.1 million in grants for the Waterfront Reinvestment Program. That is in addition to the $25 million that the City Council unanimously approved in November 2024 for the first phase.

According to the proposal, Phase 1 of the program is divided into six key project areas for improvement: the Public Market Buildings, the waterfront site, boardwalk replacement, K Street barge hull repair, river docks, and a Native American-themed children’s play area.

“It was anticipated that the Boardwalks would start first. However, any of those improvements could be started once funding is received,” a city spokesperson responded in an email to The Epoch Times when asked about the priority.

Phase 2 would continue the redevelopment program and fully build out the Public Market Buildings. Together, both phases could cost up to $40 million.

According to the city spokesperson, the completion would depend on the project, but the Federal grant needs to be expended by 2032.

Since 2017, the city has been reaching out to the community about projects to improve the waterfront. Merchants, owners, preservation groups, and many other organizations all supported the program.

“Many of us have many fond memories at the Delta King enjoying that amazing deck that they have and talking to folks. And so I appreciate the fact that we’re looking at maintaining that,” said Sacramento Councilmember Eric Guerra during a meeting on Nov. 19, 2024.

The program was placed on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic as funding was allocated elsewhere. Now that the Oakland A’s are expected to temporarily move to West Sacramento this year before relocating to Las Vegas in 2028, the city hopes the investments will better accommodate the increased crowds.

The Old Sacramento Waterfront attracts about 4 million visitors per year. Once renewed, city leaders hope to bring in more sales and tax revenue from new businesses, create new jobs, invest in building infrastructure, and encourage visitors to explore the city.