Every year we have concerns about the Pajaro River and the stability of the levee system. The Pajaro River levee has one of the lowest levels of flood protection of any federally funded project in the United States and has been providing inadequate protection to Watsonville, the Town of Pajaro and the surrounding communities for decades.
Fortunately, significant progress has been made toward making a new levee project a reality. Recent legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will play a large role in ensuring the new Pajaro River levee is constructed. This, combined with the progress at the local and federal levels over the last two years, has meant more movement toward construction than has been seen in decades.
Locally, a new multi-county Joint Powers Authority, the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, was created to oversee the next steps toward construction. At the federal level, in order to keep the project moving forward, we’ve hosted regular visits from senior members of the D.C. Army Corps Headquarters and regional office, as well as continued discussions with Congressional, White House and State partners essential to the funding of the project. Federal funding has been allocated to work on the design phase of the program and in late May a design agreement was executed with the Army Corps that officially pivoted the program from the feasibility stage into the design state. Over the last two federal fiscal years over $4.6 million has been allocated to complete the next phase (called the Pre-Construction, Engineering and Design/PED). The formula for cost-share means the federal government will contribute 65% of the project and the local share would be 35%.
At the state level, there has been even more movement on the funding front. Under previous legislation authored by then Assemblymember Laird and then updated by Assemblymember Stone, the State will contribute 70% of the non-federal costs (meaning the local cost share) of Planning, Design, and Construction. However, now Senator Laird authored SB 496 (and co-sponsored by Assemblymembers Rivas and Stone) that would offer up to 100% cost share of non-federal costs. The bill was supported by both chambers and was signed by Governor Newsom. The significance of this cannot be overstated. This authorization removes a lot of the local cost-share burden of construction that would have fallen on the economically disadvantaged communities of Watsonville and Pajaro—equating to an over $180 million commitment from the State of California!
Lastly, County staff submitted a $7 million grant application to the State’s Coastal Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Grant Program. In August, the County received word that the grant proposal was awarded. This grant award will provide essential cash flow relief for the project as near-term infusions of local cash will be required to continue funding the PED phase.
As noted above, a local cost share is required to bring this project over the finish line. Even though the overwhelming cost of the project will be funded through State and Federal allocations there is a local match required from property owners within the benefit area for ongoing operations and maintenance and other ongoing costs. An analysis of the benefit area and costs is in the initial stages. However, this local share has been significantly reduced by the recent state legislation. Taken together, these elements mark the largest advancements that have been made toward a new levee in decades.
As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.
Zach Friend is Santa Cruz County Supervisors for the Second District. His views are his own and not necessarily those of the Pajaronian.
