WATSONVILLE — A report released Tuesday outlines plans by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to shore up miles of the Pajaro River levee to protect the 12,600 residents estimated to live in the floodplain.
The nearly 250-page document, drafted by the Army Corps of Engineers, describes a project that would, among other things, construct 7.3 miles of new levees along the lower Pajaro River as well as five miles of levees on Salsipuedes and Corralitos creeks.
The report also finds that the project would have no “significant long-term effect on environmental, social or cultural resources.”
Now, the Army Corps of Engineers is seeking the public’s input on the project.
A public meeting will be held on Nov. 8 at the Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., fourth floor, from 6-8 p.m. There, Army Corps of Engineers officials will give a presentation on the draft report and ask for public comment.
Damage to the federal Pajaro River levee system from the 2016-17 winter storms, which totaled more than $10 million, served as a reminder to the floods of 1995, which lead to one death and more than $95 million in economic losses, including $67 million to agricultural fields. In 1997 and 1998, flooding caused additional damage and displaced hundreds of residents.
The project area includes 11 miles of the lower Pajaro River from the Pacific Ocean to Murphy Crossing Road, and extends to the creeks of Salsipuedes and Corralitos.
According to the report, the cost of the more than $245 million project will be divided between the Army Corps of Engineers, Santa Cruz County and Monterey County.
Tom Kendall, chief of the Planning Branch of the San Francisco District of the Army Corps of Engineers, said a renewed effort from local leaders, especially Congressman Jimmy Panetta, has giving the Pajaro River levee study “new life” with a “very aggressive schedule.”
“We’re appreciative of the local leadership’s and congressional leadership’s help in getting this reactivated, and excited to see the completion of something that’s been going on for so long,” he said.
The Army Corps of Engineers, along with Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, have reached an agreement on a tentatively selected plan, with the goal of making a final recommendation by summer 2018.
Should the recommended project be found consistent with the Flood Control Act of 1966, it would then be eligible for construction funding as part of the President’s budget process. If it is not consistent, it would need to be authorized by Congress, according to Kendall.
Construction is roughly estimated to begin in 2021 and wrap up in 2025, Kendall said.
Santa Cruz County Flood Control Program Manager Mark Strudley said the release of the report marks an “exciting time” in the project’s long history.
“We are in a position now to continue working closely with the Corps to get this project built hopefully sooner rather than later, so the people of the Pajaro Valley can have an enhanced level of flood protection that they have long deserved,” he said.
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The 30-day public review period ends on Nov. 30. The draft report can be found at tinyurl.com/ychuzwag or at the Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Suite 100.
Comments can be sent to CE*********@us***.mil or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, ATTN: CESPN-ET-PB-Pajaro River, 1455 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1398.
