Congressman Panetta Secures Federal Funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project and the Santa Cruz Harbor

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for the Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project and the Santa Cruz Harbor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2020 Work Plan provides $1,800,000 to the Pajaro River Project in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, and $540,000 to the Santa Cruz Harbor. This funding will help ensure the safety and prosperity of communities on the central coast of California.

"Since I was elected to office, I have been committed to ensuring that the federal government works for us on the Central Coast. The communities in Watsonville and Pajaro have experienced four major flooding events since 1949, and they simply cannot afford future damages," said Congressman Panetta. "With our constant pressure and partnership, we were able to prompt the Army Corps to take these pivotal steps forward so that they eventually can be in a position to make critical repairs to the infrastructure on the Pajaro River."

The Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project was authorized by the federal Flood Control Act of 1966, and local leaders have been working with the Army Corps since then to secure the authority for construction. Last year, Congressman Panetta secured a final feasibility report for the Pajaro River project, achieving this milestone. This Director's Report allowed the Project to enter into its Pre-Construction, Engineering, and Design (PED) phase, which made it eligible for federal funding.

Congressman Panetta continued, "With the Director's Report secured, my job immediately shifted to advocating for federal funds in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2020 Work Plan. I am pleased that the Work Plan demonstrates the Corps' will and commitment to fund flood control projects in economically disadvantaged and agricultural communities, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Corps to bring this project to completion."

"This historic step of federal investment takes us closer to making the levee project a reality. Our advocacy won't stop and our work won't stop until our counties receive the protection we so desperately need." said Supervisor Zach Friend, Chair of Zone 7 Flood Protection District.

"This addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan shows the support of our federal partners and highlights the importance of this project. With the significant progress that was made on the Pajaro levee project last year, this funding support will empower us to continue that momentum into 2020 and beyond and is a testament to the need of the project," said Supervisor John Phillips.

"We'd like to thank Congressman Panetta and the Army Corp for all of their work toward moving this project forward. In addition, I would like to thank Supervisor Zach Friend and my other fellow members of the County Board of Supervisors and Flood Control Division Manager Mark Strudley for their tenacious support and work on flood preparedness and prevention in the Pajaro Valley. Over the past 53 years, nearly 20 alternatives to reducing flood risk from the Pajaro River and Corralitos and Salsipuedes Creeks have been studied. During that time, our communities have flooded at least eight times and experienced a very near miss in February 2017. This funding will go a long way to address these occurrences in the future. The completion of the project would be life-changing for our communities. We look forward to working with the Corps in a spirit of cooperation, one focused on real progress and outcomes, and pledge to do all we can to support their efforts to secure a new start for our project," said Supervisor Greg Caput.

"We are ready to begin design work with the Army Corps on this project immediately and are committed to moving to the next stage as quickly as possible. Both counties are extremely grateful for the local and federal advocacy that secured this essential funding and especially the efforts of Congressman Panetta," saidMark Strudley, the Flood Control Division Manager for Santa Cruz County.

In addition to securing funding for the Pajaro River project, Congressman Panetta also secured critical funding to ensure the Santa Cruz Harbor channels remain navigable through maintenance dredging operations.

"The Santa Cruz Harbor provides our communities with economic, recreational, and educational opportunities by connecting us to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These funds support continued maintenance and protection of the Harbor's waterways," said Congressman Panetta. "I remain committed to ensuring the Harbor is safe and navigable for all who use it, and will continue to advocate for future funding."

"Santa Cruz Port District operates as a government-owned business, funded almost entirely by user fees. Additionally, Santa Cruz Harbor is the only small craft harbor that has agreed to share in the cost of dredging a federal navigation channel, so the work plan funding received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides critical financial support. Congressman Panetta has been incredibly effective in his support of Santa Cruz Harbor. From the start, he recognized the value of this unique partnership between the federal government and local sponsor. His tireless work on behalf of Santa Cruz Harbor has been crucial in securing funding, and is much appreciated," saidMarian Olin, Santa Cruz Port Director.