Title
a. Receive update on the Pajaro River Levee following the 2022/2023 atmospheric storm events, including an overview of the emergency flood control response activities and planned infrastructure improvements; and
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive update on the Pajaro River Levee following the 2022/2023 atmospheric storm events, including an overview of the emergency flood control response activities and planned infrastructure improvements; and
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Pajaro River Federal Flood Control Project was built in 1949 by the United States Army
Corps of Engineers ("USACE") and is maintained jointly by the Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District - Zone 7 ("Zone 7") and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency ("MCWRA").
In late December of 2022, a significant series of winter storm forecasted for the Central Coast included high wind advisories, high surf, and multiple atmospheric river events. Estimated rainfall totals also predicted riverine flooding and lagoon concerns for most regional waterways. In January 2023, these storms in-fact produced significant flooding and property damage throughout the County, and near flood stage flows in the Pajaro River that required evacuation of the Community of Pajaro and adjacent lands. Flood notices and localized evacuations were also issued in Santa Cruz County.
A more complete background regarding the Pajaro Levee, as well as storm event emergency actions are provided in Attachment A.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was coordinated with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency. During the flood events, federal, state and local agencies coordinated resources including the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management, Public Works, Facilities and Parks, Sheriff's Office, Environmental...
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