Petaluma Partners with Water Agency to Remove River Sediment

The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) has secured $1.89 million in state grant funding for a flood management project in Petaluma that will provide flood protection, remove sediment, create wetland habitat and protect open space.

The Water Agency announced this week that an agreement was reached with the state Department of Water Resources for the $1.89 million to be allocated to the Petaluma River Flood Management & Enhancement Project.

“This very worthy project will continue the flood management efforts that have been under way along the Petaluma River for many years,” said Water Agency Board Member, David Rabbitt, whose 2nd District Supervisorial district includes Petaluma.

“We continue to improve on the efforts to reduce the threat to lives and property from flooding. This project includes not only flood protection, but incorporates environmental benefits into our vision of better managing floodwaters.”

Flood management work on the Petaluma River will occur in the Denman Reach, where a 5.47-acre flood-prone parcel will be acquired to provide flood water storage, enough to store 9.3 acre feet of water.

In addition, there will be an 8,000 cubic yard sediment-plug removed from the Petaluma River near the Corona Road bridge, which will restore the river’s flow-carrying capacity in that area.

The planning, design and environmental permitting for the entire project is expected to be completed in July, 2018, with construction completed by 2020.

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