Flood protection project commended in federal report
The White House recently released Vice President Joe Biden’s list of 100 significant stimulus projects from across the United States. The Lower Silver Creek Flood Protection Project, which is a joint project between the NRCS and the district, was a significant local feature on this celebrated list of stimulus fund accomplishments.
The entire report is available for download here. (Vice President Joe Biden's list of 100 significant stimulus projects)
Your Recovery Act tax dollars at work
The Santa Clara Valley Water District and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have been working on a multi-purpose project along Lower Silver Creek to protect nearly 3,800 homes and businesses from a 100-year flood event. In spring 2009, some Lower Silver Creek Flood Protection Project improvements were identified as “shovel-ready” projects and were approved to receive $18 million in federal economic stimulus funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Recently, we received word that the project will receive another $2.2 million from ARRA, bringing the total to $20.7 million. This new infusion of funds will help expedite the completion of the project.
The first stages of stimulus funded work have been completed in “Reach 6”, an 0.8 mile section of creek from South Babb Creek (near Murtha Drive) to Cunningham Avenue. This work included bank widening and stabilization and construction of maintenance access ramps. Additional engineering to evaluate “greener” options for Reach 6 are being finalized with final construction expected to follow the completion of Reaches 4 and 5.
This improvement work is part of the Lower Silver Creek flood protection project, which stretches 4.4 miles from its confluence with Coyote Creek to Cunningham Avenue.
The project encompasses multiple segments, referred to as “Reaches”. Improvements for Reaches 1, 2, and 3 (from Coyote Creek to Interstate 680) were completed in 2006. Over the past 50 years, Lower Silver Creek has experienced severe flooding that resulted in damage to residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Reach 6 construction
The first of two seasons of construction began in late August 2009 and continued through October.
The second construction season with a new contractor will begin in fall of 2010 with the work occuring in reaches 4 and 5. This construction contract will continue through 2011.
Excavator widening Trafffic controls (Nov. 09) Hydroseeded grasses taking
the creek (Sept. 2009) as trucks enter Ocala root on the new banks of the project
Traffic control will be provided, and flaggers will be onsite during work hours to ensure everyone’s safety. Equipment used will include excavators, bulldozers, loaders, scrapers, jack hammers, small cranes and dump and transportation trucks. Typical construction noise can be expected during work hours.
Project contact:
For more information about this project, contact: Liang Lee Manager, Coyote Watershed, Santa Clara Valley Water District, at (408) 265-2600, ext. 2927.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Aug. 27 photos and a short video
Groundbreaking Ceremony invitation
Construction Progress Sept. 2009 photos
Design Proposals for Reach 4 and 5 Meeting displays for 4b, Meeting display for 4c and meeting display for 5
Our partners for this project:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
ARRA Certification: Section 1511