Fomer Placer County Supervisor spent last 24 years on PCWA Board
Auburn, Calif. – The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) recently honored longtime Board member Michael R. Lee for his unwavering dedication to the Agency and the citizens of Placer County during his 40 years of public service, 24 of those serving on the PCWA Board.
Elected to the PCWA Board of Directors in November 2000, Director Lee, a resident of Loomis, represents District 3, encompassing Rocklin, Loomis, Penryn, Newcastle, and Ophir. His tenure on PCWA’s Board followed 16 years as a Placer County Supervisor, marking a career committed to enhancing the region’s water resources and community welfare.
“Mike Lee’s contributions to Placer County are immeasurable. His leadership and expertise have shaped our water infrastructure and governance for generations.”
Robert Dugan, PCWA Board Chair.
2025 Placer County Fair in Roseville!
“Commitment to the community”
Throughout his career, Director Lee has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the community, local business, and local government. As a Placer County Supervisor, he played a key role in developing the Loomis Basin General Plan and improving transportation, law enforcement, and fire protection. He also spearheaded the Twelve Bridges project, transforming Lincoln into a thriving community, and served in regional and national organizations including the Sierra Planning Council and the National Association of Counties.
At PCWA, Director Lee’s achievements include the construction of the American River and Ophir Road Pump Stations, which are critical for ensuring reliable water delivery to communities and supporting agriculture, especially during high-demand periods. He also led the retirement of the Middle Fork Project (MFP) bonds, transitioning it to independent power operation, which improved PCWA’s financial stability and management efficiency. Additionally, he secured a 40-year federal license for the MFP, ensuring its continued operation and the generation of renewable energy for the region under a stable regulatory framework.
“Mike has not just been a respected public servant for many years; he has been a pillar of the Placer community and culture for more than half a century,” said Chair Dugan.
“Placer County is a very special place-one of the best places to live in America. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of the County for 40 years.”
Director Lee
Director Lee is retiring from the Board in early December 2024 and plans to remain in Loomis with his family.
Indian Bar River Access Improvements
In other news, the PCWA Board of Directors approved a $1,167,012 contract with Lorang Brothers Construction for significant recreation improvements at the Indian Bar River Access site. This project underscores PCWA’s commitment to responsible stewardship under the Middle Fork American River Project (MFP) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license.
The Indian Bar River Access, located just downstream of Ralston Afterbay Dam on the Middle Fork American River, is a popular whitewater rafting site, especially during the summer season.
The approved improvements include earthwork and grading to enhance access, parking, and raft staging areas, as well as the installation of a low railing at the raft put-in point to assist with safe raft transport to the waterline. Additionally, new signage, more vault toilets, and upgrades to the existing facilities will be implemented to meet the requirements set forth by the Agency’s FERC License, issued on June 8, 2020.
These upgrades are part of PCWA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing recreation facilities within the MFP area, ensuring that the site remains safe and functional for both private and commercial rafters, while continuing to meet the region’s energy generation needs
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2025 Placer County Fair in Roseville!
 recently honored longtime Board member Michael R. Lee for his unwavering dedication){kind=link}