U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren on Monday announced $54.8 million in federal funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, a major investment in flood protection for Watsonville and Pajaro as the region prepares for a potentially strong El Niño winter.
Lofgren presented a ceremonial check on Nov. 2 for the largest of 13 community projects she submitted for the fiscal year 2026 congressional appropriations cycle.
The project is being carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ San Francisco District in partnership with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA).
“With El Niño expected to intensify in the early months of 2027, it’s critical that the residents and businesses along the Pajaro River have necessary flood protection,” Lofgren said. “Last year, I was proud to announce nearly $40 million for levee and floodwall construction in Watsonville, and I’m proud to have submitted this additional $54 million as one of my community projects this year.”
The funding comes as local officials continue work on a flood protection system that has been sought for decades by residents on both sides of the Pajaro River.
The need for improvements became particularly apparent on March 11, 2023, when a levee failure sent floodwaters into the town of Pajaro, forcing more than 2,000 residents to evacuate.
Emergency responders conducted approximately 200 water rescues, while floodwaters inundated homes, businesses and agricultural fields. The flooding also forced the closure of Highway 1.
The disaster caused widespread damage to the community and surrounding agricultural operations, with some farmers facing the potential loss of multiple growing seasons.
The flood control project is intended to strengthen the levee system and reduce the risk of similar disasters.
PRFMA Executive Director Mark Strudley said continued federal support is essential to completing the work.
“Consistent funding for the Pajaro River flood control project is critically important, and we are grateful to Rep. Lofgren for her work to keep the project moving forward and fulfilling our commitments to the vulnerable residents and businesses in the Pajaro Valley,” Strudley said.
Watsonville City Manager Tamara Vides also welcomed the funding.
“Future improvements to the levee will make a real difference in reducing flood risks and protecting the people who call Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley home,” Vides said. “This is an investment in the safety, stability, and future of our community. We are thankful for the advocacy and support provided by Congresswoman Lofgren.”
The announcement comes as forecasters monitor the development of El Niño, a climate pattern associated with changes in precipitation and storm activity across California.
According to Lofgren’s office, the National Weather Service has forecast a strong to very strong El Niño during the January-March 2027 period.
While El Niño does not guarantee heavy rainfall in any particular location, the potential for increased storm activity has prompted officials to urge residents to prepare for winter weather and sign up for emergency alerts.
The Pajaro River allocation accounts for the vast majority of the $58 million Lofgren said she secured for Watsonville and Santa Cruz County through this year’s community project submissions.
Other projects include $1.2 million for renovations to the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building, $1.09 million to replace wastewater infrastructure in Watsonville and $900,000 for the Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center, which provides substance use disorder treatment services.
Lofgren said the latest investment in the Pajaro River project will help protect residents, businesses and agricultural operations from future flooding.
“That’s going to help save lives and property,” she said.
