Title
Receive a status update on the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project (REF140048).
Body
It is recommended that the Capital Improvement Committee:
a. Receive a status update on the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project (REF140048).
SUMMARY
The Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project is a comprehensive effort to improve flood control and restore native riparian habitat, floodplain habitat, and hydrologic function to a portion of the lower floodplain along the Carmel River. Envisioned following significant flooding in the 1990’s, the CRFREE Project is approaching being shovel ready and fully funded. County of Monterey (County) is the lead agency and implementing agency, and project co-sponsors with Big Sur Land Trust. The CRFREE Project is a green infrastructure solutions project that will reconnect the south arm of the Carmel Lagoon with the historical floodplain of the Carmel River, create trails and open space opportunities linking the east and west sides of State Route 1 (SR 1) and the north and south side of the Carmel River via biking/walking trails, and construct an agricultural preserve. Once complete, the CRFREE Project will reduce the 100-year floodplain elevation by approximately 2 feet for CSA 50 and CSA 23 (‘Rio Road’, ‘Crossroads’, ‘Barnyard’, and ‘Mission Fields’) and reduce the flood risk to the Highway One Bridge over the Carmel River. Additionally, mitigation measures for the Project will include protecting above ground Carmel Area Wastewater District (CAWD) pipelines in the south arm of the Carmel Lagoon, and protecting historic buildings owned and operated by California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks).
Staff last brought a report on the CRFREE Project to the Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) in May 2024. In that report, the 95% Design plans had been completed, and staff anticipated th...
Click here for full text