This project supports Valley Water maintenance of at least 300 acres of existing revegetation projects throughout the 5 watersheds, and provides for maintenance of future revegetation sites. Funding for this project ensures that design objectives of all revegetation projects are maintained during the establishment period so that mitigation results in functional habitat that can support wildlife.
Valley Water managed 356.79 acres of mitigation plantings in all 5 watersheds through FY21 Q3 (January 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021).
Planting at Hale Creek
Updated April 2021
Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program
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Maintain a minimum of 300 acres of revegetation projects annually to meet regulatory requirements and conditions.
Benefits
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Maintains 300 acres of existing revegetation
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Allows Valley Water to monitor plant survival and habitat functions
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Complies with environmental laws requiring habitat mitigation for flood protection and water supply projects
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Provides for maintenance of future revegetation sites
Geographic Area of Benefit
Countywide
About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
In November 2012 the voters of Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure B, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, as a countywide special parcel tax for 15 years with a sunset date of June 30, 2028. This Program replaced the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, which voters approved in November 2000.
The Safe, Clean Water Program was developed with input from more than 16,000 residents and stakeholders and was created to match the community’s needs and values. The voters of Santa Clara County identified five priorities:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply from Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools and Highways
Other: Six projects from the Clean, Safe, Creeks Plan have been carried forward into the Safe, Clean Water Program.
Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these Program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.
To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the Program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board.
In addition, the Program requires three independent audits, the first of which was conducted in FY 2017.