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 Health, Caltrans, Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cal Fire, California Department of Water Resources, National Weather Service, United States Geological Survey, Monterey Salinas Transit, as well as various Fire Districts and cities.
FINANCING:
Agency staff is in the process of refining damage and repair costs including staff overtime, flood control materials, contracted services and protective measures needed for future storms. Eligible expenses will be submitted to FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and and/or the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). FEMA has indicated that it will reimburse 100% of expenses of debris clearing and emergency protective measures completed by February 25, 2023, and reimburse 75% for projects completed thereafter.
When the refined cost estimates are available, the Agency will return to the Board for appropriation increases in Fund 112-9300-WRA002-8484 Pajaro Levee.
Prepared by: Shaunna Murray
Senior Water Resources Engineer - Operations (831) 755-4860
Approved by: _____________________________________________
Lew Bauman, Interim General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachment:
1. Pajaro Levee background and storm response