18 flood control and protection projects across the state received $50.4 million in funding from the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Through the design and execution of flood risk reduction initiatives linked to stormwater, flooding, mudslides and flash floods, this money will support local agency efforts to get ready for flooding.
Even though California is approaching its fourth year of drought, extreme weather conditions necessitate planning for an increased danger of flooding.
“This funding will help vulnerable communities across California protect their citizens, property and infrastructure from increasing flood risks and help prepare for the new climate extremes we are facing,” said Gary Lippner, DWR Deputy Director of Flood Management and Dam Safety.
“As we have seen from recent flooding events across the country, floods can strike communities at any time. DWR is proud to work with our community partners to increase their flood and climate resilience at the local level.”
13 implementation projects and 5 planning and monitoring projects are among the initiatives supported by today’s awards.
The cash was given out as part of the Floodplain Management, Protection and Risk Awareness (FMPRA) Grant Program, and projects that reduced its risk in a special flood danger region designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were given priority.
The following are some of the recipients receiving funding today:
By enhancing flood protection on the Yuba River for up to a 200-year flood event, the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority will save $9.7 million while lowering the danger of flooding across a large area, enhancing habitat, and safeguarding levees farther downstream.
The lower Black Rascal Creek watershed will get $5 million in flood protection from the Merced County Department of Public Works, which will include a detention basin, spillways, channel changes for Black Rascal Creek, habitat improvements and drainage facilities.
City of Santa Ana: $5.6 million will be used as part of the Warner Avenue Flood Protection Project and the Rousselle Street Flood Protection Project to enhance flood protection and treat rainwater and urban runoff with biotreatment systems.
As part of the Alamo Creek Bank Stabilization Pilot Project, the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7, will invest $4.6 million to strengthen the Alamo Creek bank.
This will lower its risks, address potential inland climate change impacts, improve water quality and improve fish and wildlife habitat.
City of El Monte: $4 million to reduce ongoing flooding along Garvey Avenue, a crucial thoroughfare and enhance the quality of runoff and the water supply.
Sacramento River West Side Levee District: $9.3 million to support migrating salmonids, enhance aquatic habitat and lessen local erosion while enhancing the riverfront floodplain and mitigating levee seepage.
Source: California Department of Water Resources.
