Ross Valley Flood Protection & Watershed Program Flood Control Zone 9

Transcription

1 Ross Valley Flood Protection & Watershed Program Flood Control Zone 9 FISCAL YEAR ANNUAL REPORT JULY 1, 2014-JUNE 30, 2015 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR The Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, with the support and guidance of the Zone 9 Advisory Board, Technical Working Group, and community stakeholders, have continued to make significant progress in a variety of project areas. The four bridge replacement projects are fully funded and headed into the environmental review phase, with expected construction to begin in Work was completed on the feasibility studies for the Lefty Gomez dual-use facility this year and we are now grant ready when funding opportunities become available. We successfully worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to initiate the Corte Madera Creek Units 3 & 4 Feasibility Study towards kick starting this key project in the lower reaches of the Ross Valley. In early 2015, we embarked on a Flow Reduction Study to re-evaluate proposed projects in the 10-Year Work Plan in response to public questions and requests for more information and to ensure that numerous options were considered before moving forward with the next phases of larger, more complex public works projects. After six months of intensive study and several public meetings, the Flow Reduction Study identified ten potential detention basin sites throughout the Ross Valley for further review and analysis. To increase opportunities for public input and involvement, we developed a strategic communications plan that serves as a blueprint for communicating with Ross Valley constituents, stakeholders, and the general public about the Program. This year, we created project fact sheets, FAQs, and an annual report. Our upcoming plans include quarterly e-newsletters and an updated revitalized website to ensure the community has access to the latest information and progress. Residents prepare for stormy weather by clearing debris and waste from local storm drains. Downtown San Anselmo was flooded on New Year s Eve 2005, including the main station of the Ross Valley Fire Department. In the next year, we will continue communications with Ross Valley s constituents, move into the environmental review phase for the Corte Madera Creek Units 3 and 4 project, begin the environmental review phases for the overall Program and several projects, and work on alternatives analysis and review of the broader detention basin program. We look forward to continuing to work with the community and our partners on this important and critical Program. Please visit our website to sign up for updates and meeting announcements. Raul Rojas, Director Marin County Department of Public Works PROGRAM PURPOSE & GOALS The District and the towns/cities of Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, and Larkspur created the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program after the devastating flood of The Program addresses issues of flooding and environmental stewardship to protect and enhance the Ross Valley watershed and its communities. Merchants prepare for stormy weather by protecting storefronts with sandbags and floodgates. The goals of the Program are to reduce the risk of flooding using a watershed-wide approach, integrate environmental restoration features with flood protection projects, and leverage funds obtained through the Ross Valley Storm Drainage Fee to secure state and federal grant funding to study and construct projects. The proposed bridge replacement, detention basin, and in-creek projects are part of the first phase of raising the level of flood protection in the Ross Valley.

2 PROGRAM UPDATE (AS OF JUNE 2015) With progress on flood mitigation projects moving forward, the Program has continued to support communitywide flood risk reduction efforts. At the beginning of , District staff engaged with the public at several community events throughout Ross Valley. This was a successful effort to introduce the Program to residents who were not familiar with the Program and allowed meaningful discussions about projects and questions. Over the past year, the District participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency s (FEMA s) Community Rating System to document work on flood reduction measures in the unincorporated areas of the County by completing a thorough analysis and documentation of flood reduction efforts. Notification from FEMA on the audit results and insurance rate reductions for unincorporated Marin residents paying for flood insurance is expected in early In early 2015, the District re-evaluated the proposed measures to address flooding through the Flow Reduction Study. It was an exhaustive process to re-examine measures to be certain that it was the right plan before moving ahead with large and complex public works projects. The results became the basis for moving forward with further feasibility evaluations of several sites. FLOW REDUCTION STUDY The Flow Reduction Study was conducted in early 2015 to address public questions and requests for more information about the proposed measures outlined in the 10-year Work Plan, especially regarding locations for the proposed detention basin sites. The findings were presented to the Zone 9 Advisory Board on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, before a crowd of more than 60 people at Drake High School. The Study re-examined the individual flood control measures that were previously proposed, proposed and ruled out, or not previously considered. One of the key goals of the Study was to re-examine the Work Plan s proposed detention basin sites, as well as additional detention basin sites, to ensure that every option would be considered before moving forward with these next phases of large and more complex public works projects. The Study findings were used by the Zone 9 Advisory Board to identify a total of ten detention basin sites, consisting of five primary and five alternate sites. The five primary sites are Phoenix Lake*, Lefty Gomez*, Memorial Park*, Deer Park, and Former Nursery. The alternate sites are Camp Bothin, Loma Alta*, Red Hill Park*, Brookside Elementary School, and Hidden Valley Elementary School. (An asterisk denotes a site originally identified in the 2011 Capital Improvement Plan Study.) The Board directed staff to move forward with further review and analysis of the ten detention basin sites, pending confirmation by property owners involved, as part of the upcoming Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). The PEIR is the next step in implementing the broader flood control program, and includes a high-level review of possible impacts for a range of flood reduction strategies, including bridge replacements, detention basin sites, and creek alterations. The PEIR process is expected to take 18 months and includes many opportunities for public input. The proposed strategies that will be reviewed during the PEIR process are part of the first phase of improving the level of flood protection in Ross Valley and will kick off a watershed-wide approach to reducing the risk of flooding, constructing flood protection projects, and integrating these projects with environmental restoration features. SUMMARY OF ACTUAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES The table and graphs below summarize actual revenues and expenditures for fiscal year and the overall program-to-date facilitated by the District for the Program and proposed projects. REVENUE FISCAL YEAR PROGRAM-TO-DATE ( ) Storm Drainage Fee: $2,232,740 $17,298,10 6 Other Taxes: $218,129 $1,664,472 Revenues from Use of Money and Property: $19,295 $257,973 Intergovernmental Revenues: $1,027 $8,204 Miscellaneous Revenues: $5,757 $10,757 TOTAL REVENUE: $2,476,949 $19,239,512 MAJOR EXPENDITURES FISCAL YEAR PROGRAM-TO-DATE ( ) Flood Damage Reduction: Capital Plan: $1,918,972 $7,760,632 Phoenix Lake - Flow Reduction Study* $0 Phoenix Lake - Other Charges* $17,59 0 Lefty Gomez Field $183,008 Loma Alta $27,415 Memorial Park $82,389 Bridge Replacement Projects** $984,329 Lower Corte Madera Creek $7 7,208 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Units 3 & 4 Project $108,167 Other*** $438, YEAR WORK PLAN COST & FUNDING SOURCES The 10 Year Work Plan is estimated to cost $112.4 million. The Program s funding goal is to have 70% of the Program s costs covered by outside sources and grants, with the remaining costs covered by the Storm Drainage Fee. Public Outreach: $309,267 $525,075 Project Development: $24,458 $411,306 Creek Maintenance Program: $197,9 05 $921,027 $400,00 $33.7 $13.2 $12 $20.5 $17.3 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF 10 YEAR WORK PLAN: $112.4 MILLION (JUNE 2015) $32.6 $17.3 million Existing revenue from Flood Zone 9 Storm Drainage Fee $32.6 million Expected revenue from Flood Control Zone 9 Storm Drainage Fee (assuming 3% increase in future flood fee revenue) $16.4 million CA Department of Water Resources Stormwater Flood Management Grant Program (Proposition 1E) - Round 1 and Round 2 $7.7 million Phoenix Lake IRWM Retrofit $8.7 million Memorial Park $12 million Caltrans Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program/Toll Credits $400,000 US Army Corps of Engineers Cost Share for Units 3 & 4 Feasibility Phase $33.7 million Remaining Gap $13.2 million Grants in Pursuit $20.5 million Other Additional Funding Needed TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $2,450,602 $9,618,041 *Phoenix Lake IRWM Retrofit Project direct expenditures are not reflected in this annual report summary. The Phoenix Lake IRWM Retrofit Project continued during Fiscal Year 14/15 to draw down from the $2,100,000 actual expenditure charge processed in FY 2012/13 and reflected in the FY 2012/2013 Annual Report. **Includes San Anselmo Bridge Replacement Projects (Building Bridge #2, Sycamore/Center Blvd, Madrone Ave, Nokomis Ave), Ross Bridge Replacement Project at Winship Ave, and Fairfax Bridge Replacement at Azalea Ave. ***Includes Technical Working Group meetings, program meetings, rent & operating licenses, software, professional development, travel, dues & memberships, office supplies, construction, miscellaneous supplies). 2 $8.7 $16.4 $7.7 Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program Flood Control Zone 9 Annual Report

3 PROJECT UPDATES (as of June 2015) The proposed projects are designed to collectively function as a watershed-wide system for flood protection while also providing flood mitigation benefits as standalone projects. Once implemented, the bridge replacement and in-creek projects are designed to increase creek capacity, while the detention basin projects are designed to temporarily hold flood waters only during big storm events. LOMA ALTA DUAL-USE DETENTION BASIN PROJECT This project proposes to modify a three-acre area of Loma Alta Open Space in Fairfax into a dual-use facility, allowing the open space to function as a flood overflow storage basin during flood events. Alternatively, a three-acre site located partially on White Hill Middle School and partially on Loma Alta Open Space is being considered. Feasibility studies are underway and environmental review will begin in FY 2015/16. LEFTY GOMEZ FIELD DUAL-USE DETENTION BASIN PROJECT Loma Alta Open Space This project proposes to modify the Lefty Gomez Field at White Hill Middle School in Fairfax into a dual-use facility, allowing the field to function as a temporary flood overflow storage basin during flood events. A public workshop was held to introduce this project to the community and receive initial input. Preliminary site investigations were completed and the environmental review process will begin in FY 2015/16. FAIRFAX BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT The proposed bridge replacement project at Azalea Avenue in the Town of Fairfax will replace and modify the existing bridge to create more creek capacity. Fairfax applied for funding from Caltrans to fund nearly 100% of the cost. The environmental review process and preliminary design is anticipated to begin in FY 2015/16. Lefty Gomez Field MEMORIAL PARK DUAL USE DETENTION BASIN PROJECT This proposed project would modify Memorial Park, an eight-acre public park in San Anselmo, into a dual-use facility, allowing the park to function as a temporary flood overflow storage basin during flood events. $8.7 million was awarded in funding from the California Department of Water Resources Stormwater Flood Management Grant Program (Proposition 1E) to cover 50% of the project costs. Remaining costs will be paid by the Storm Drainage Fee, the Town of San Anselmo, and other potential grant sources. (November 2015 vote eliminated this project; alternatives for use of grant funds under review in FY 2015/16.) Memorial Park ROSS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT This project proposes replacing and widening the bridge at Winship Avenue. Caltrans will reimburse almost all of the project costs, and any remaining costs will be covered by the Storm Drainage Fee. Engineering design, environmental review, and right-of-way services will begin in FY 2015/16. SAN ANSELMO BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS Nokomis Bridge 4 The San Anselmo bridge replacement projects include replacing and widening the Nokomis Avenue and Madrone Avenue bridges, and removing the Sycamore Avenue bridge and replacing it with a bridge at Center Boulevard. Caltrans agreed to reimburse the Town 85%-96% of the total cost of all three bridges. The Storm Drainage Fee will cover the remaining cost. Environmental review and preliminary design are currently underway. PHOENIX LAKE INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT (IRWM) RETROFIT PROJECT This proposed project will modify the Phoenix Lake reservoir, dam, spillway, and outlet pipe to reduce flooding by increasing water storage capacity. The project received a grant from the California Department of Water Resources Stormwater Flood Management Grant Program (Proposition 1E) to cover a portion of the project costs. Geotechnical services, feasibility studies, conceptual design, and cost estimate services are expected to be completed next fiscal year. The environmental review process is expected to begin in FY 2015/16. CORTE MADERA CREEK UNIT 3 AND 4 PROJECT PROJECT Phoenix Lake Reservoir This United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project proposes to retrofit the concrete channel along Corte Madera Creek in Ross and Kentfield by removing the wooden fish ladder, widening narrow sections, and installing flood walls. A planning charrette was held to develop an updated project management plan and a Funding Cost Sharing Agreement was executed. The project was included in the FY15 Federal work plan, and received funding in March Work on the Feasibility Study was initiated this year and it is expected to complete a tentative selection of a preferred alternative in FY 2015/16. LOWER CORTE MADERA CREEK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The proposed project includes a combination of measures to manage sediment and maintain creek flow in the lower Corte Madera Creek areas of Larkspur, Kentfield, and Greenbrae. These measures may include removing sediment, increasing tidal capacity, raising levees, and improving storm drain outfalls. A study to develop sustainable dredge sections and reduced maintenance is expected to be completed in FY 2015/16. Corte Madera Creek Concrete Channel FORMER NURSERY SITE DUAL-USE DETENTION BASIN PROJECT This new project was added to the Program as a result of the Flow Reduction Study and proposes to modify a former nursery growing yard in western Fairfax into a seven-acre dual-use facility, functioning as a temporary flood overflow storage basin, and public access to the adjacent Loma Alta Open Space. A property appraisal and feasibility studies are expected to begin in FY 2015/16. Nursery Growing Grounds DEER PARK DUAL-USE DETENTION BASIN PROJECT This new project was added to the Program as a result of the Flow Reduction Study and proposes to modify the former Deer Park School site and the adjacent Marin Municipal Water District parcel to form an eight-acre dual-use facility to function as public access to hiking trails while infrequently serving as a temporary flood storage basin. Feasibility studies to determine if a detention basin is feasible at this site are expected to begin in FY 2015/16. Deer Park Field Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program Flood Control Zone 9 Annual Report

4 Individual neighborhood and community responsibility, resourcefulness and cooperation are key ingredients to a strong and resilient community. - Supervisor Katie Rice LOOKING AHEAD TO Building off the momentum of , we anticipate making significant progress on key projects during , including: Completing the environmental review processes and preliminary engineering for key bridge replacement projects in Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Ross Initiating the environmental review process on the potential cumulative impacts of the Program (Programmatic EIR) Initiating the environmental review processes on the Phoenix Lake IRWM Retrofit Conducting feasibility studies on the Deer Park, Former Nursery Site, and Loma Alta Dual-Use Detention Basin projects Securing funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for feasibility studies for the Corte Madera Creek Channel Project (Unit 4) Hosting creek clean-ups, community workshops, stakeholder meetings, technical working group meetings, and the annual Program community meeting Continuing the creek maintenance program within Ross Valley municipalities and unincorporated areas Continuing to pursue grant opportunities to leverage the Storm Drainage Fee in funding proposed projects PROJECTED FY EXPENDITURES* Salaries and Benefits: $1,200,650 Maintenance & Repair Services, Supplies, Equipment (Creek Maintenance Program & Other Expenditure Charges): $165,960 Corte Madera Creek Units 3 & 4 Project** $880,000 Lower Corte Madera Creek Improvement Project $300,000 Creek Capacity Improvements (bridge program): $1,000,000 Loma Alta Dual-Use Facility $100,000 Memorial Park Dual-Use Facility $324,600 Program Expenses $100,000 TOTAL PROJECTED EXPENDITURES: $4,071,210 *This list does not include expenses from Phoenix Lake IRWM Retrofit Project because the project resides in a separate account from the Ross Valley Flood Control Zone 9 Fund. **This projected expenditure is in addition to any amount projected to be spent by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Although not shown in the list above, Lefty Gomez Dual-Use Facility is projected to retain carry-over funds from prior Fiscal Year 14/15 budget. OVERALL PROGRAM TIMELINE TIMELINE Community Request for Flood Protection Assistance Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Study Published ( TIMELINE) Funding Identified for Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects Grant Received for Memorial Park Dual-Use Project Construction of Bridge Replacement Projects Construction of Proposed Projects Operations and Maintenance Feasibility Studies on Proposed Phoenix Lake IRWM Project JULY JANUARY 2016 Geotechnical Studies for Proposed Lefty Gomez Field Detention Basin JULY JULY 2015 Flood Reduction Study (opportunity for public input) JANUARY 2015 JUNE 2015 Initiate Environmental Review Process for the Proposed San Anselmo and Ross Bridge Replacement Projects (opportunities for public input) APRIL 2015 ONGOING December 2005 Flood Prop 218 Storm Drainage Fee Election Environmental Review and Design Process for Proposed Projects* Environmental Review Process for Bridge Replacement Projects* Phoenix Lake Retrofit Project Feasibility Studies 10-Year Work Plan to Achieve 25-Year Level Flood Protection Adopted Grant Received for Phoenix Lake Retrofit *Opportunities for public input Detention basins, Unit 4, in-creek measures, & Lower Corte Madera Creek NOTE: All dates are approximate, and subject to change. See the Ross Valley Program website for more detailed project information. Sleepy Hollow Creek Cleanup SEPTEMBER 2014 Sleepy Hollow Creek Restoration Workshop NOVEMBER 2014 Program Open House DECEMBER 2014 Fairfax Neighborhood Meeting JANUARY 2015 Advisory Board Decision on Revised Baseline Measures SEPTEMBER Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program Flood Control Zone 9 Annual Report

5 The District provides more detailed information and updates about the Program, as well as all Marin County watersheds, through a variety of channels: ROSS VALLEY WATERSHED WEBSITE ZONE 9 ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS The Zone 9 Advisory Board, which advises District staff and the Marin County Board of Supervisors on issues related to the Program, meets on a quarterly basis. The public is invited to attend and provide comments to the Advisory Board during the meetings. For information about the meetings, visit the Program website. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow Marin County Department of Public Works on Twitter and on Facebook at Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District P.O. Box 4186 San Rafael, CA Phone: MARIN COUNTY FLOOD RESOURCES To learn more about flooding in Marin County, visit ReadyMarin.org for flood preparedness information and Marin.OneRain.com for water level information. To receive storm updates, register your cell phone or VOIP number at If you require materials in alternative formats, please call (voice) or disabilityaccess@marincounty.org