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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02132001 - C.12 - , Contra Costa TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS _.= = County FROM: TRANSPORTATION, WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Supervisor Donna Gerber, Chair Supervisor John Gioia, Member DATE: February 13, 2001 SUBJECT: REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION AND CREEK PROJECT APPROPRIATION REQUESTS SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: AUTHORIZE Chair to sign letters to relevant legislators requesting federal Fiscal Year 2002 funds to be allocated to the Army Corps of Engineers for specified ship channel navigation and flood control/creek restoration projects, as follows: Suisun Bay/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $ 4 million Turning Basin at Avon, CA (study & construction) - $2 million Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging - $2 million Southampton Shoal Deepening (study) - $250,000 Grayson Creek Channel (study) - $200,000 San Pablo Creek (study) - $100,000 Lower Walnut Creek Channel (study) - $100,000 FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the County from the funding requests. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE HER SIGNATURES : Supervi4Dp Gerber Chair4upeirjviso�rJohn Gioia ACTION OF BOARD ON February 13, 2001 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED xx OTHER See attached letters VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE xx UNANIMOUS (ABSENT _ _ _ ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: — AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact: Roberta Goulart (925) 335-1226 ATTESTED February 13, 2001 Cc: Community Development Department (CDD) PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF County Administrator THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Public Works, Flood Control AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY w", P44&r ' DEPUTY S:\Conservation\Roberta\twicte2002aplprop.bo.doc REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION AND CREEK PROJECT APPROPRIATION REQUESTS February 13, 2001 Page 2 of 4 BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS The subject federally authorized ship channel dredging and flood control/creek restoration projects require federal funding for planning and construction purposes .The County, as a sponsor for these projects, must request federal funding, particularly in those circumstances where the local sponsor is ready to proceed and the project has not otherwise been budgeted or identified as highest priority in the Corps Civil Works budget requests(a great many projects compete for the same limited funds in any given year, and projects tend to fall out of the budget process due to delay or other complications). The County Water Agency and the Public Works Department have identified seven projects which require funding and which have been referred to the Transportation,Water and Infrastructure Committee for recommendation to the full Board. SUISUN BAY CHANNEL AND NEW YORK SLOUGH CHANNEL MAINTENANCE DREDGING The Army Corps of Engineers has included $3.9 million in the budget for FY2002. The County would support this budget item (and round it to $ 4 million), to help this item through the budget process. Line items for which there are no supporters are routinely cut from the budget. Suisun Bay Channel and New York Slough were the subject of the recent formation of the Maintenance Assessment District put in place by the County and the Port of Stockton to pay the local share of costs associated with upland disposal of dredged sediments. The Corps did not elect to dredge in the year 2000, and as a result a ship ran aground due to severe shoaling in an area near the Martinez-Benicia Bridge. The Corps dredged the problem area, but the channel clearly needs to be dredged on a yearly basis to alleviate safety concerns in this area. A TURNING BASIN AT AVON, CALIFORNIA In 1999, the County was contacted by industry and the bar pilots regarding the need for a turning basin at Avon, Suisun Bay Channel, because of suspension of the Baldwin deepening project (which had included a turning basin in this area to—45 feet). Vessels calling at Ultramar Diamond Shamrock (formerly Tosco) and Shore Terminals do not currently have an area of any depth to turn vessels. The bar pilots are concerned that without plans for a turning basin, pilots will have to continue turning ships around outside of the federal channel in much shallower areas. This creates a liability issue for the pilots, as they are operating outside of the federal channel, as well as significant safety concerns, should a vessel run aground. Creation of a turning basin as part of an already- authorized project would alleviate both concerns in a more timely manner. The County requested funding as part of the federal FY 2001 budget and was successful in obtaining $250,000 for a General Reevaluation Report to be prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate potential for construction of the turning basin to-35 feet as part of the Baldwin Project. The FY 2002 funding request is for up to 2 million dollars to construct the project in 2002. PINOLE SHOAL CHANNEL MAINTENANCE DREDGING The Mare Island Navy facility was the prime advocate for maintenance dredging of Pinole Shoal Channel. The facility has closed and the channel has not been dredged since. Industry using the channel (primarily oil tanker traffic) are concerned about navigational safety as well as operating efficiencies. The Bar Pilots, also concerned, base their REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION AND CREEK PROJECT APPROPRIATION REQUESTS February 13, 2001 Page 3 of 4 calculations on about —33 feet of water in this area, and the Coast Guard uses an even more conservative estimate of usable depth. The Corps estimates that 2 million dollars is necessary for maintenance dredging of approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material, on the condition that in-bay disposal is allowed (costs could rise dramatically if other disposal options are required). This project was recently dropped from the budget this year, having less priority than other projects competing for the same, limited funds. The Corps has interest in continuing this project and has indicated that if funding becomes available(from this or other sources) dredging could commence in 2002. THE SOUTHAMPTON SHOAL DEEPENING PROJECT Last year the Chevron Corporation evaluated the potential to move forward with the deepening of the Southampton Shoal Channel on a smaller scale, without the involvement of other industries, which were once involved in this project. Chevron asked the County to request funds to allow Corps work on redesign of a smaller scale channel and turning basin. The County requested funding for FY 2001 and was unsuccessful at that time. A reevaluation of the redesigned project is necessary prior to Chevron committing to the Feasibility Phase of the Project, which would be the next step. This request would be for $250,000 to continue study on a redesigned project. The Southampton Shoal Channel is located west of the Richmond Point Molate area and the Chevron Long Wharf. The Project, recently labeled the Southampton Shoal and Extension, was envisioned to allow fully laden vessels to directly access the Chevron Long Wharf, and those vessels calling at the proposed, (now defunct), Richmond Marine Link Flood Control/Creek Projects. The Southampton Project called for deepening of the channel from —45 feet to -50 feet to accommodate the larger, fully laden vessels, virtually eliminating lightering (the off-loading of crude oil onto smaller vessels). GRAYSON CREEK CHANNEL PROJECT (PLEASANT HILL) This summer, the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) released preliminary updated floodplain maps for areas throughout Contra Costa County. The City of Pleasant Hill showed significant changes to the flood zones with approximately 1500-1800 properties added to the 100-year floodplain. The flood zone changes are in the Grayson Creek and Murderers Creek area of Pleasant Hill. Both of these creeks are in the larger Walnut Creek drainage basin. The City of Pleasant Hill has made it a priority to address this drainage issue and requested assistance from the Flood Control District on their behalf. The Flood Control District has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to amend the last report they performed for this watershed. Because this issue has arisen late in the federal budgeting process, a request for funding to be added to the FY 2002 budget is necessary. The Army Corps of Engineers recommends the following action to enable them to update or amend the 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin, specifically for Grayson Creek and Murderers Creek, in the federal FY2002. The TWI Committee should consider a recommendation for the Board of Supervisors to request a $200,000 dollar add-on to the federal budqet in order to allow the Corps to update or amend the 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin. This would allow the Corps of Engineers to review pertinent information and to do additional study as necessary in order to recommend appropriate action and funding requirements to (potentially) construct future drainage improvements. SAN PABLO CREEK REACH 2 PROJECT In the early 1980's flood protection improvements were constructed to San Pablo and Wildcat Creeks from the bay to the San Pablo city limits. This was Phase I of a two phase l REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION AND CREEK PROJECT APPROPRIATION REQUESTS February 13, 2001 Page 4 of 4 project. The second phase would extend through the City of San Pablo. Last year, the Army Corps of Engineers informed the Flood Control District that the Phase II project would be de-authorized by April 2002 unless some action was taken. In September, the City of San Pablo contacted the Flood Control District regarding the proposed de-authorization of the Wildcat and San Pablo Creeks Reach 2 Flood Control Project. The City confirmed its interest in keeping .the project active and asked for assistance in proceeding to the next step within the Army Corps of Engineers. With the pending issuance of the updated FEMA floodplain maps, the City of San Pablo may potentially have 1500-1800 properties placed in the 100-year floodplain. It would be advantageous to request funding for FY 2002 to allow the Corps to reevaluate Phase 2 of the original plan. A reevaluation of the original plan is necessary prior to committing to the Feasibility Phase of the Project, which would be the next step. The TWI Committee should consider a recommendation for the Board of Supervisors to request $100,000 from the federal budget in order to allow the Corps to update or amend the 1992 Feasibility Report for San Pablo Creek, Phase 2 Project. This would allow the Corps of Engineers to review pertinent information and to do additional study as necessary in order to recommend appropriate action and funding requirements to (potentially) construct future drainage improvements. This action would be in the form of a letter from the chair, and the inclusion of other pertinent documentation. LOWER WALNUT CREEK CHANNEL PROJECT Ongoing changes to the regulatory agency policies and new listings of endangered species have affected the Flood Control District's ability to operate and maintain portions of Walnut Creek Channel in a cost effective manner. The channel has silted in over the last several years reducing its flood protection capacity. Through work with the Contra Costa Watershed Forum and establishing broad based support, the District is proposing new alternatives for a study which will enhance the flood control aspects as well as restoration and re-vegetation of portions of lower Walnut Creek Channel. To ensure continued progress on this issue, a request for funding to be added to the FY 2002 federal budget is necessary. The Army Corps of Engineers recommends the following action to enable them to evaluate potential changes to the functioning characteristics of lower Walnut Creek Channel in the federal FY 2002. The TWI Committee should consider a recommendation for the Board of Supervisors to request $100,000 from the federal budget in order to allow the Corps to evaluate the potential functioning characteristics to lower Walnut Creek Channel. This would allow the Corps of Engineers to review pertinent information and to do additional study as necessary in order to recommend appropriate action and funding requirements to (potentially) construct future drainage improvements. This action would be in the form of a letter from the chair, and the inclusion of other pertinent documentation. S:\Conservation\Roberta\twicte2002aplprop.bo.doc The Board of Supervisors Contra Phil Batchelor Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1st District Gayle Uilkerna,2nd District L Y �.� -�- 0 Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District L f Federal D.Glover,5th District The Honorable Dianne Feinstein U. S. Senate February 13, 2001 331 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator- Feinstein: On February 13, 2001 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent requesting federal Civil Works funding as a congressional add for two ship channel navigation projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process, nonetheless we hope you will consider supporting this request. We also request your support for a third project currently included in the 2002 federal budget. These projects are as follows: • Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging- $4 million ($3.9 million currently in budget). • Pinole Shoal Channel Maintenance Dredging, $2 rnillion add • Avon Turning Basin Study & Construction; $2 million add Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco-to-Stockton Ship Channel sections (which include Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be critical, in terms of both navigation safety and operational flexibility. There are a number of oil refineries located along the channels which depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels must be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the possibility of oil spills. Funds for the Suisun Bay dredge episode are included in the 2002 budget; funding for the Pinole Shoal dredge episode is not. Recently, industry representatives and the Bar Pilots have requested county involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. Since the Mare Island Naval Facility has been closed, maintenance of the Pinole Shoal Channel has not occurred. The Bar Pilots are negotiating in as little as—30 feet of water, when the project requires maintenance of-35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that $2 million is needed to dredge approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material, and delay will create significantly higher costs associated with disposal. And finally, a Turning Basin at Avon, California has become necessary in the absence of construction of the J.F. Baldwin Project (a turning basin at Avon was part of the project channel deepening to—45 feet). The Bar Pilots, and local industry have approached the County, concerned that a turning basin is no longer being considered.at Avon. Currently the channel depth is —35 feet, and the Bar Pilots must turn vessels partially outside of the (linear) channel, in much shallower areas, increasing the chance of vessel grounding. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001, allowing the Corps to evaluate a—35 foot turning basin to be constructed as part of the Baldwin Project. The FY 2002 funds would be used to complete feasibility study and constrict this project. A grounding did occur in 1997 as a result of a turning operation here, and the Bar Pilot was cited (and suspended) for being outside channel boundaries, despite the fact that there is no other way to turn the vessel. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills, yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels be maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin be constructed to allow for the safest vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information, and letters of support are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Roberta Goulart at (925) 335-1226. Sincerely, Gayle B.Uilkema Chair, Board of Supervisors lor The.Board of Supervisors Contra PhtloftheB and c a Clerk of the Board Costa and County Administration Building County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Gioia; 1st District Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District of ig aZ .sTq.COUN�4 The Honorable Barbara Boxer U. S. Senate February 13, 2001 113 Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Boxer: On February 13, 2001 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent requesting federal Civil Works funding as a congressional add for two ship channel navigation projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process; nonetheless we hope you will consider supporting this request. We also request your support for a third project currently included in the 2002 federal budget. These projects are as follows.- 0 ollows:• Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging, $4 million ($3.9 million currently in budget). • Pinole Shoal Channel Maintenance Dredzing; $2 million add Avon Turning Basin Study & Construction- $2 million add Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco-to-Stockton Ship Channel sections (which include Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be critical, in terms of both navigation safety and operational flexibility. There are a number of oil refineries located along the channels which depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels must be maintained at project depth. to minimize potential for groundings and the possibility of oil spills. Funds for the Suisun Bay dredge episode are included in the 2002 budget; funding for the Pinole Shoal dredge episode is not. Recently, industry representatives and the Bar Pilots have requested county involvement in obtaining funding for .Pinole Shoal. Since the Mare Island Naval Facility has been closed, maintenance of the Pinole Shoal Channel has not occurred. The Bar Pilots are negotiating in as little as—30 feet of water, when the project requires maintenance of—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that $2 million is needed to dredge approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material, and delay will create significantly higher costs associated with disposal. And finally, a Turning Basin at Avon, California has become necessary in the absence of construction of the J.F. Baldwin Project (a turning basin at Avon was part of the project channel deepening to—45 feet). The Bar Pilots, and local industry have approached the County, concerned that a turning basin is no longer being considered at Avon. Currently the channel depth is—35 feet, and the Bar Pilots must turn vessels partially outside of the (linear) channel, in much shallower areas, increasing the chance of vessel grounding. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001, allowing the Corps to evaluate a—35 foot turning basin to be constructed as part of the Baldwin Project. The FY 2002 funds would be used to complete feasibility study and construct this project. A grounding did occur in 1997 as a result of a turning operation here, and the Bar Pilot was cited (and suspended) for being outside channel boundaries, despite the fact that there is no other way to turn the vessel. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills, yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels be maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin be constructed to allow for the safest vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information, and letters of support are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Roberta Goulart at (925) 335-1226. Sincerely, Gayle B.Uilkema Chair, Board of Supervisors The Board of Supervisors Contra Phil Batchelor CIe7k of the Board and County Administration Building Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1st District Gayle Uilkema,2nd District e.fig.-s Donna Gerber,3rd District -� Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District 4T UUN� The Honorable George Miller 7a' Congressional District February 13, 2001 1333 Willow Pass Road, Suite 203 Concord, CA 94520 Dear Congressman Miller: On February 13, 2001 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent requesting federal Civil Works funding as a congressional add for two ship channel navigation projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process; nonetheless we hope you will consider supporting this request. We also request your support for a third project currently included in the 2002 federal budget. These projects are as follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging; $4 million ($3.9 million currently in budget). Pinole Shoal Channel Maintenance Dredging; $2 million add • Avon Turning Basin Study & Construction; $2 million add Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco-to-Stockton Ship Channel sections (which include Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be critical, in terms of both navigation safety and operational flexibility. There are a number of oil refineries located along the channels which depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels must be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the possibility of oil spills. Funds for the Suisun Bay dredge episode are included in the 2002 budget; funding for the Pinole Shoal dredge episode is not. Recently, industry representatives and the Bar Pilots have requested county involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. Since the Mare Island Naval Facility has been closed, maintenance of the Pinole Shoal Channel has not occurred. The Bar Pilots are negotiating in as little as—30 feet of water, when the project requires maintenance of-35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that $2 million is needed to dredge approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material, and delay will create significantly higher costs associated with disposal. And finally, a Turning Basin at Avon, California has become necessary in the absence of construction of the J.F. Baldwin Project (a turning basin at Avon was part of the project. , J channel deepening to—45 feet). The Bar Pilots, and local industry have approached the County, concerned that a turning basin is no longer being considered at Avon. Currently the channel depth is —35 feet, and the Bar Pilots must turn vessels partially outside of the (linear) channel, in much shallower areas, increasing the chance of vessel grounding. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001, allowing the Corps to evaluate a—35 foot turning basin to be constructed as part of the Baldwin Project. The FY 2002 funds would be used to complete feasibility study and construct this project. A grounding did occur in 1997 as a result of a turning operation here, and the Bar Pilot was cited (and suspended) for being outside channel boundaries, despite the fact that there is no other way to turn the vessel. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills, yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels be maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin be constructed to allow for the safest vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information, and letters of support are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Roberta Goulart at (925) 335-1226. Sincerely, Gayle B.Uilkema Chair, Board of Supervisors Phil tchelor f The Board of Supervisors Contra lerkoaheBoard and County Administration Building County Administrator Costa 651 Pine Street, Room 106 Costa (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1st District LJ�/ Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District . Federal D.Glover,5th District rT9 COUNt� The Honorable Ellen Tauscher 10t1i Congressional District February 13, 2001 1801 N. California Blvd., Suite 103 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Dear Congresswoman Tauscher: On February 13, 2001 the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent requesting federal Civil Works funding as a congressional add for two ship channel navigation projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process; nonetheless we hope you will consider supporting this request. We also request your support for a third project currently included in the 2002 federal budget. These projects are as follows: • Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging, $4 million ($3.9 million currently in budget). • Pinole Shoal Channel Maintenance Dredging, $2 million add • Avon Turninsa Basin Study & Construction; $2 million add Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco-to-Stockton Ship Channel sections (which include Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be critical, in terms of both navigation safety and operational flexibility. There are a number of oil refineries located along the channels which depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels must be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the possibility of oil spills. Funds for the Suisun Bay dredge episode are included in the 2002 budget; funding for the Pinole Shoal dredge episode is not. Recently, industry representatives and the Bar Pilots have requested county involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. Since the Mare Island Naval Facility has been closed, maintenance of the Pinole Shoal Channel has not occurred. The Bar Pilots are negotiating in as little as—30 feet of water, when the project requires maintenance of—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that $2 million is needed to dredge approximately .400,000 cubic yards of material, and delay will create significantly higher costs associated with disposal. And finally, a Turning Basin at Avon, California has become necessary in the absence of construction of the J.F. Baldwin Project (a turning basin at Avon was part of the project channel deepening to —45 feet). The Bar Pilots, and local industry have approached the County, concerned that a turning basin is no longer being considered at Avon. Currently the channel depth is—35 feet, and the Bar Pilots must turn vessels partially outside of the (linear) channel, in much shallower areas, increasing the chance of vessel grounding. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001, allowing the Corps to evaluate a—35 foot turning basin to be constructed as part of the Baldwin Project. The FY 2002 funds would be used to complete feasibility study and construct this project. A grounding did occur in 1997 as a result of a turning operation here, and the Bar Pilot was cited (and suspended) for being outside channel boundaries, despite the fact that there is no other way to turn the vessel. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills, yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels be maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin be constructed to allow for the safest vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information, and letters of support are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We hope you will support our request. if you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Roberta Goulart at (925) 335-1226. Sincerely, Gayle B.Uilkema Chair, Board of Supervisors Phil r The Board of Supervisors Contra Clerk ooffthe Board and County Administration Building Costa County Administrator s 651 Pine Street, Room 106 J (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 Count John Gioia, 1st District `J�/ Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District .A,I g,.. _,-• .boa February 13 2001 T'= a rooN`t' The Honorable Barbara Boxer U.S. Senate 113 Hart Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Boxer: On February 13, 2001, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent supporting requests for federal civil works funding for seven projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002 budget. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process: nonetheless, we hope you will consider supporting this request. Three of the projects are the following creek/watershed related projects: • Grayson and Murderer's Creek Improvements • Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks — Phase 2 • Lower Walnut Creek Channel Federal funds in the amount of $200,000 are requested for the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to update or amend its 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin, specifically regarding Grayson and Murderer's Creek improvements, for $100,000 to reevaluate Phase II of the Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks project, and for $100,000 to reevaluate the lower reaches of Walnut Creek Channel fora possible restoration and revegetation project. All appropriations will come from ACOE General Investigations. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued preliminary new floodplain maps for many areas of Contra Costa County. The communities of Pleasant Hill and San Pablo showed significant changes to the flood zones with approximately 1500-1800 properties added to the 100-year floodplain in each area. These funding requests would allow the Corps to reevaluate previous studies and projects in these areas. Changes within the regulatory agencies and new listings of endangered species have effected the Flood Control District's ability to operate and maintain Walnut Creek Channel in a cost effective manner. Funding would allow the Corps to restudy Lower Walnut Creek Channel for a new alternative that would provide flood protection as well as restoration and revegetation of the corridor. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Mitch Avalon at(925) 313-2203. Sincerely, /�j Gayle B. Uilkema Chair Phil Batchelor The Board of Supervisors Contra Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building Costa County administrator s 651 Pine Street, Room 106 J (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 Count � John Gioia, 1st District JV Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District y! � February 13, 2001 q COUNT The Honorable George Miller 7th Congressional District 1333 Willow Pass Road, Ste 203 Concord, CA 94520 Dear Congressman Miller: On February 13, 2001, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent supporting requests for federal civil works funding for seven projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002 budget. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process: nonetheless, we hope you will consider supporting this request. Three of the projects are the following creek/watershed related projects: • Grayson and Murderer's Creek.Improvements • Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks — Phase 2 • Lower Walnut Creek Channel Federal funds in the amount of $200,000 are requested for the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to update or amend its 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin, specifically regarding Grayson and Murderer's Creek improvements, for $100,000 to reevaluate Phase II of the Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks project, and for $100,000 to reevaluate the lower reaches of Walnut Creek Channel for a possible restoration and revegetation project. All appropriations will come from ACOE General Investigations. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued preliminary new floodplain maps. for many areas of Contra Costa County. The communities of Pleasant Hill and San Pablo showed significant changes to the flood zones with approximately 1500-1800 properties added to the 100-year floodplain in each area. These funding requests would allow the Corps to reevaluate previous studies and projects in these areas. Changes within the regulatory agencies and new listings of endangered species have effected the Flood Control District's ability to operate and maintain Walnut Creek Channel in a cost effective manner. Funding would allow the Corps to restudy Lower Walnut Creek Channel for a new alternative that would provide flood protection as well as restoration and revegetation of the corridor. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Mitch Avalon at(925) 313-2203. Sincerely, Gayle B. Uilkema Chair The Board of SupervisorsCentra PhilClerk Batc elor oard and County Administration Building �OC�ta County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 J (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 Count � John Gioia, 1st District JV Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District ` Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District o S February 13, 2001 y 2 COON The Honorable Dianne Feinstein U.S. Senate 331 Hart Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Feinstein: On February 13, 2001, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent supporting requests for federal civil works funding for seven projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002 budget. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process: nonetheless, we hope you will consider supporting this request. Three of the projects are the following creek/watershed related projects: • Grayson and Murderer's Creek Improvements • Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks— Phase 2 • Lower Walnut Creek Channel Federal funds in the amount of $200,000 are requested for the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to update or amend its 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin, specifically regarding Grayson and Murderers Creek improvements, for $100,000 to reevaluate Phase II of the Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks project, and for $100,000 to reevaluate the lower reaches of Walnut Creek Channel for a possible restoration and revegetation project. All appropriations will come from ACOE General Investigations. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued preliminary new floodplain maps for many areas of Contra Costa County. The communities of Pleasant Hill and San Pablo showed significant changes to the flood zones with approximately 1500-1800 properties added to the 100-year floodplain in each. area. These funding requests would allow the Corps to reevaluate previous studies and projects in these areas. Changes within the regulatory agencies and new listings of endangered species have effected the Flood Control District's ability to operate and maintain Walnut Creek Channel in a cost effective manner. Funding would allow the Corps to restudy Lower Walnut Creek Channel for a new alternative that would provide flood protection as well as restoration and revegetation of the corridor. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Mitch Avalon at(925) 313-2203. Sincerely, Gayle B. Uilkema Chair The Board of Supervisors Contra Phil Batchelor Clerk of the Board c and County Administration Building Cotta County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Gioia, 1 st District Gayle Uilkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District `. �.• Mark Desaulnier,4th District ' Federal D.Glover,5th District February 13, 2001 A \\ x S'j Cpll:l� The Honorable Ellen Tauscher 10th Congressional District 1801 N. California Blvd, Ste 103 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Dear Congresswoman Tauscher: On February 13, 2001, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized letters to be sent supporting requests for federal civil works funding for seven projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2002 budget. We realize the request comes late in the budgeting process: nonetheless, we hope you will consider supporting this request. Three of the projects are the following creek/watershed related projects: • Grayson and Murderer's Creek Improvements • Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks — Phase 2 • Lower Walnut Creek Channel Federal funds in the amount of $200,000 are requested for the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to update or amend its 1992 Feasibility Report for Walnut Creek Basin, specifically regarding Grayson and Murderer's Creek improvements, for $100,000 to reevaluate Phase II of the Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks project, and for $100,000 to reevaluate the lower reaches of Walnut Creek Channel for a possible restoration and revegetation project. All appropriations will come from ACOE General Investigations. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued preliminary new floodplain maps for many areas of Contra Costa County. The communities of Pleasant Hill and San Pablo showed significant changes to the flood zones with approximately 1500-1800 properties added to the 100-year floodplain in each area. These funding requests would allow the Corps to reevaluate previous studies and projects in these areas. Changes within the regulatory agencies and new listings of endangered species have effected the Flood Control District's ability to operate and maintain Walnut Creek Channel in a cost effective manner. Funding would allow the Corps to restudy Lower Walnut Creek Channel for a new alternative that would provide flood protection as well as restoration and revegetation of the corridor. We hope you will support our request. If you or your staff have questions, or desire additional information, please contact Mitch Avalon at (925) 313-2203. Sincerely, Gayle B. Uilkema Chair