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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03122002 - C19 i ontra. Costa TO: BOARD of SUPERVISORS ountv FROM: TRANSPORTATION, WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Supervisor Donna Gerber, Chair Supervisor Federal Glover DATE; March 12, 2002 SUBJECT: REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION APPROPRIATION REQUESTS SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: AUTHORIZE Chair to sign letters to relevant legislators requesting federalFiscal Year 2003 funds to be allocated to the Army Corps'of Engineers for specified ship channel navigation projects, as follows; Suisun Bay/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $ 6.5 million San Francisca to Stockton (Baldwin) Ship Channel (salinity study& Avon Turning Basin construction) - $2.3 million Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging = $4 million FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the County from the funding requests, CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: I YES SIGNATURE REICIOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE S : Supervisor Donna ber Chair ervisor Federal Glover MOWS ACTION OF BOARD ON ma,rh :12, 9.,Qn2 _ APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED' Z OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE x UNANIMOUS (ABSENT Bone } AND CORRECT CORY 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 March 12,; 2002. Cc: Community Development Department (CDD) JOHN SWEETEN,'CLERK OF County Administrator' THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY DEPUTY S:\Conservation\Roberta\tWcte2003approp.bo.doc REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION APPROPRIATION REQUEST March 12,2002 Page'2 of 3' BACKGROUND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS The subject federally authorized ship channel dredging projects require federalfunding 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 some limited funds in any given year, and projects tend to fall out of the budget process due to delay or other complications). Projects for which there is no active sponsorship are routinely out from the budget, The County Water Agency has identified four projects in three categories which require funding and which have been referred to the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure: Committee for recommendation to the full'Board. The recommendation includes supporting the abovementioned funding requests, by sending letters of request and support to federal legislators, including but not limited to Congressman Miller, Tauscher, Pombo, Ose, Thompson, and providing testimony to the Chairs of the Appropriations subcommittees and Senators Feinstein and Boxer. S!UISUN BAY CHANNEL. AND NEW YORK SLOUGH CHANNEL'.MAINTENANCE DREDGING To date,the President's Budget includes$2.8 million in the budget for FY2003, The Army Corps of Engineers needs $6.5 million to do the work, due to upland disposal requirements. If approved by the Beard, the County would sugport this budget item and request an additional $3.7 million for the 12roiect to ensure beneficial reuse of these sediments. 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 with oil tanker traffic in this area. Full funding was not received' in the FY 2002 budget, and as a result, the Corps may be forced to dispose of these sediments its`-bay; SAN FRANCISCO TO STOCKTON QF BALDWIN) SHIP CHANNEL A TURNING BASIN AT AVON, CALIFORNIA In 1990,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 Valero/Ultramar(formerly Tosco)and Shore Terminals do not currently have an area of sufficient 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, REPORT ON SHIP CHANNEL NAVIGATION APPROPRIATION REQUESTS March 12,2002 Page 3 of 3 The County requested funding as part of the federal FY 2001 and FY 2002 budgets and was successful in obtaining $500,000 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 2003 fundingre�c est is for $2 million dollars to construct the project in 2003. SAN FRANCISCO TO STOCKTONJF BALDWIN SHIP CHANNEL SALINITY STUDY This past year the Port of Stockton approached the County and requested our participation in a study to look at salinity impacts of channel deepening from 1-4 feet. The County has long been the local sponsor for deepening the channel to —45 feet, a ten font deepening project. Work on the --45 foot project was suspended in 1999 because salinity intrusion impacts into freshwater delta areas could not be adequately quantified, and certainly not mitigated successfully. Recommended is the request far $300,000,for the Corps to examine the potential for a 1-4 foot deepening roject. Should such a project become feasible, the Board would then consider whether there is sufficient interest in the project to continue to be its local sponsor. 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,with the exception of some emergency dredging by the Corps. 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 calculations on about -33 feet of water In this area, and the Coast Guard uses an even more conservative estimate of usable depth. The Cors estimates that 4 million dollars is necessa for maintenance dredging ofthis section. This project has not been included in 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 2003. The Corps is also working on making this section a priority one project, which will make funding for this project more available, beginning in the federal FY 2004. S:\conservation\Roberta\tWote2003approp.bo.doc SAN FRANCISCO TO STOCKTON SHIP CHANNEL SUISUN BAY CHANNEUNEW YORK SLOUGH' MAINTENANCE DREDGING Centra Costa County requests $65 million of the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Federal Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Warks Budget to allow maintenance dredging of the Suisun Bay and New York Slough Channels in California,to the authorized depth of 35 feet MLLW. The Project is allocated $2.8 million in the current FY 2003 federal budeet. Because of upland disposalrequirements, $2.8 million will not cover costs of maintenance dredging of these channel sections and the Corps of Engineers has determined an additional$3.7 million is needed for beneficial reuse of these sediments to occur. The Suisun Bay Channel is dredged annually. BACKGROUND The Suisun.Bay Channel was not dredged;in the year 2000, and as a result, an oil tanker ran aground in early 2001,due to severe shoaling in section of this channel. The potential for an oil spill can become significant when a grounding occurs: Continued maintenance of the Suisun Bay Channel and New York Slough Channel to authorized depth of-35 feet is essential to the continued safe transport of crude oil and other bulk materials through San Francisco Bay, along the Carquinez Strait, and into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta . Maintenance of these channel sections benefits a great number of industries, including several oil refineries and the Port of Stockton Costs for maintenance dredging of this channel this section are high, due to agency requirements for dredged material to be placed in upland environments. Sediments have been and will continue to be used for levee'restoration activities in the Delta, and for wetlands restoration projects. Industry, through the County as local sponsor for the project,provides requisite local funding to cover disposal costs through a Maintenance`Assessment District set up for this purpose: PINOLE SHOAL MAINTENANCE DREDGING Contra Costa County requests a$4 million addition to the Operations and Maintenance' (O&M) Federal Fiscal Year 2002 Civil Works Budget to allow maintenance dredging of Pinole Shoal Channel,San Pablo Bay in California to the<authorized depth of—35 feet' MLLW, BACKGROUND Until the Army Corps of Engineers performed emergency dredging of sections of the Pinole Shoal Channel in April 2001 the Channel had not been dredged since the Mare Island Naval Facility closed several years ago. The Bar Pilots and industry using the channel requested County involvement, citing condition surveys which illustrated only 32 feet of usable water in a project authorized to—35 feet MLLW. The U.S.Coast Guard, the Bar Pilots, the Army Corps of Engineers, localindustries and the Port of Stockton support continued and regular maintenance of this channel section. Maintenance dredging of Pinole Shoal Channel to its authorized depth is essential to the continued safe transport of crude oil to four refineries and other terminal facilities located in the east bay area, as..well as a high volume of bulk cargo transported through the Delta as far east as Stockton.' This channel, located in San Pablo Bay,is=a major arterial for vessel transport through the San Francisco Bay region. Sad Francisco to Stockton (J.F. Baldwin) Ship Channel and A TURNING BASIN AT AVON, CALIFORNIA Contra Costa County requests a`$2.3 million add to the Construction General (CG- continuing construction) Federal FiscalYear 2003 Civil Works Budget to complete a General Reevaluation Report(GRR) and construct(and complete) a Turning Basin to'-35 feet MLLW at Avon,California. The request includes $2 million for completion of the Turning Basin and $300,000 to study salinity effects of deepening of the Baldwin Ship Channel from one to four feet. BACKGROUND' The Avon Turning Basin will provide necessary'modification to the Suisun Bay Channel, increasing the distance between vessels traveling within the channel, and those berthed at terminals in the vicinity. Second, a Turning Basin will be constructed to allow oil tankers to turn vessels within(regularly surveyed and expanded)navigational boundaries,with a uniform depth of-35 feet of water(rather than attempting to turn in shallower areas). Finally, the Turning Basin will provide an emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward when the railroad bridge (adjacent,to HWY 680 between Martinez and Benicia) fails to open. The recent grounding of the oil tanker CHESAPEAKE TRADER during turning operations in the Suisun Bay Channel has brought attention to and created some urgency for construction of a turning basin at—35 feet MLLW. The potential for an oil spill during a grounding event is significant. The Bar Pilot in question was cited(and suspended in part) for having the`vessel outside channel boundaries, creating a liability issue for the Pilots as well.The Bar Pilots have no choice but to turn large vessels outside the narrow(linear)'channel. This project is supported by the Bar Pilots, the U.S. Coast Guard, industries using the channels, the Port of Stockton, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Avon, California is located at the mouth of the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta, as it flows into San Francisco Bay. The Bar Pilots and local industry have approached the County, concerned' that a turning basin was no longer being considered at Avon, Suisun BayChannel, as part of the. JF Baldwin deepening,project. $250,000 in funding was successfully obtained in both FY 2001 and FY 2002, allowing the Corps to begirt reevaluation of the Turning Basin to=35 feet, the existing channel'depth. The FY 2003 appropriation would enable the Reevaluation Report to be completed, and construction to occur as part of the Sart Francisco to Stockton(JF. Baldwin), authorized project. In addition, $300,000 is requested to enable the Army Corps of Engineers to review and study salinity impacts of a channel deepening of 1-4 feet.' The Board of SupervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Count Administration Buildin t .� {r and � � Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room'106 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553.1293 County John Gloia,1st District Gayle B.Uilkenta,2nd District t z Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark:DeSaulnier,4th District' Federal D.Glover,5th'.District o: rR h- The Honorable George Miller 7th Congressional District 2205 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 March 12, 2002 Dear Congressman Miller: Once again,we need your help. There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding in the faun of Congressional adds. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment-of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries, related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area, rasing their operations on the ability to use-35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging -$6.5 million ($ .8 in the budget; request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging Congressional add-$ 4million San Francisco-Stockton(Baldwin) &ip Channel--Congressional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections (Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial, in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, ShelllEquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals) depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels mast be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposaltbe-neficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive,in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Fort of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35°feet of depth. The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain-35 of depth in this region.. A Turning Basin at Avon,California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower; areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,;despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of — 5 feet,will mare minor adjustments to the channel'itself to provide more room between vessels berthed'at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchorage:for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning, Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real possibility. It imperative that channels are maintained at project,depths, and that;a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming.We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226. Sincerely, John Gioia Chair, Beard of Supervisors The Board of SupervisorsO�lt�� John Sweeten Clerk of the Board County Administration Building OS County Administrator 651 Fine Street,Roam'106 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1253 (noun John-Gioia,t st District IlyU GayleB.Uilkerna,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark°DeSauln er,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th,District' The Honorable Ellen Tauscher 100'Congressional District 1122 Longworth House Office Building Washington,D.C. 20515 March 12, 2002 Dear Congresswoman Tauscher. There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Warks funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries, related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained;channels and construction of a turning basin in this area, basing their'operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows; Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging -$6.5 trillion ($2.8 in the budget,request for congressional add of$3.7 tnlliori) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging-Congressional'add - $ 4 million San Francisco-StocktonBaldwin Ship Channel—Congressional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections (Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, helllEquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)depend ippon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil); processing and finished;product transport. Channels must be maintained atproject depth to minimize potential for groundings and the resultant possibility of coil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regulardredgingis crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil) in the year 2000.> We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland«disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco liar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil' industry and.the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal, The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as--31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Array Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that$4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region. A Turning;Basin at Avon, California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year, despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth.of —35 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage;for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at projects depths, and: that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration:of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925)335-1226. Sincerely, J��— John Gioia Chair, Board.of Supervisors Th6 Boars of Supervisors ��1���; John Sweeten (`� rrr� Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building t''t C' Gl County Administrator Costa 659 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335.1900 Martinez,California 94553.1293 Coun(�� John Gioia, tst District Gayle B.Uitkema,2nd District „=•-.o Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark€►eSauinier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District The Honorable Richard`Pombo 11 to Congressional District 2411Rayburn House Office Building Washington,D.C. 20515 March 12,2002 Dear,Congressman Pornbo There are three projects'for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and: Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their;operations on the ability to use-35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay,Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging -$6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget,request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintnariee Ding Congressional add-$ 4 million San Francisco-Stockton(Baldwin)Ship Channel Congressional add.$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel).' Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections (Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial, in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, Shell/Equilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to:severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying'63,000 tons of crude oil) in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spilt. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget, but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where uplanddisposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit,,it also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Barr Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Part of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Array Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon,California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER,engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries.The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of —35 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained:in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning, Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We took forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226. Sincerely, John Gioia Chair, Board of Supervisors The Beard of upervisors �1� "c� John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Costa and County Administration Building County Administrator 651 Pine Street,Room 106 (925)33b-1 sou Martinez,California 94553-1293 Coe nT. f („ � John-Gioia,1st District Gayle B.Uilkerria,2ndDistrict Donna Gerber,3rd District ; Mark=Desaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District, The Honorable Mike Thompson I" Congressional District 119 Cannon House Office Building Washington.,D.C. 20515 March 12, 2002 Dear Congressman Thompson: There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic:health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a°turning basin in this area,:basing their operations on the ability to use---35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay Chari el/New York Slough Maintenance Dredgirt ; -$6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget, request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging—Congressional add 4 million San Francisco-Stockton BaldwinJ Ship Channel—Con essional add$2.3'million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be crucial, in terms of navigation safety and operational'flexibility. Oil refineries (Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, ShelllEquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of'ail spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component ofthe project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposalibeneficial=reuse provides additional,public benefit, it is also more expensive,in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great Ileal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots,as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35'feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this projecthas priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain-35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon,California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of —35 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained'in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs'. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration`of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335.1226: Sincerely, Yohntio�ia Chair, Board of Supervisors The Bobrd of Supervisors ��1�G1 John Sweeten Clerk of the Board Coup Administration BuildingCosta a� � County Administrator 651 fine Street,Room 106 r� (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 Count. John Gioia, 1st District (JV Gayle B.Uilkema,2nd District a Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District The Honorable Doug Ose 3rd CongressionalDistrict 215 Cannon Hoose Office Building Washington,D.C. 20515 March 12,2002 Dear Congressman Ose: There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region; Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are follows: Suisun Bay Channel/Ne*w York Slough Maintenance Dredging -$6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget; request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging—Congessional acid-$4 million San Francisco-Stockton Baldwin Ship Channel'-Congressional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin,$300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisca to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels) continues to be crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries (Valeria,Ultramar/Tesoro,Shell/Equilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun'Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tuns of crude ail)in the year,2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an. oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 24013 budget, but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland dispc sal beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilus, as well as the U.S. Coast ` Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,;no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast ward as well as the oil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that 4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region. A Turning,Basin at Avon, California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER,engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year, despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marred Turning Basin at a uniform depth of —35 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project.The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains'a very real possibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at (925) 335--1226, Sincerely, ohn Gioia Chair, Board of Supervisors The Board of SupervisorsJohn Sweeten Clerk of the Board' nd County Administration Building County Administrator Costa ` 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925):335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Gioia,1st District Gayle S.tlilkeina,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSauinier,4th District ,% * Federal D.Glover,5th District The Honorable Sonny Callahan, Chairman Howe Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development House Appropriations Committee 2362Raybum House Office Building Washington,I .C. 20515 March 12,;2002 Dear Congressman Callahan. There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait,four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Parts of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget;request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging—Congressional acid- $ 4 million San Francisca-Stockton Baldwin. Ship Channel:—Congressional add$2.3'million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin,$300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel): Maintenance dredging of the San Francisca to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, SheltlEquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant passibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil) in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland''disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots,as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the coil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as—31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project'has priority,stating that $4 million is needed to obtain-35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon,California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER,engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth:of —35 feet,will snake minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room:between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning, Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. Itis imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We loop forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration`of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226, Sincerely, )4 �& _ ohn Gioia Chair, Board of Supervisors Th6'So rd of SupervisorsJohn Sweeten Clerk of the Board and County Administration BuildingCosta County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Roam 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County John Glola,1st District Gayle S.tlilketna,2ndDistrict , r, Donna Gerber,3rd District . Mark'DeSauln er,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District o; The Honorable Peter Visclos y,Ranking Member House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development House Appropriations Committee' 2313 Rayburn House Office Building' Washington, D.C. 20515 March 12,2002 Dear Congressman Visclosky: There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their;operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun.Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging -$6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget; request for congressional add of$3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging Congressional add - $ 4 million San Francisco-Stockton Baldwin Ship Channel--Con" essional add$2.3' million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel), Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun. Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to he crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational'flexibility. ,Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, Shell/Equilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)depend upon vessel transport for raw material,(crude-oil) professing and finished;product transport. Channels must be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the resultant passibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flaw events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying'63,000 tons of crude oil.)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil shill. Funding is included in the FY 2403 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement'and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, itis also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional acid.of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station;no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil' industry and the Fort of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar pilots must operate in as little as—31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Carps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain—3'5 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon, California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding,of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year, despite the fact that there was no other way to turn;vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide;,a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of —35 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchoragefor vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY'2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that,a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional'information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming.'We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward'to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions, please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226. Sincerely, d4 VhGioia Chair, .Board of Supervisors The Board ofyup rvisor ����"c� John Sweeten Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street, Room 106 (925)335-1300 Martinez,California 94553-1293 Cowl- John o l- JohnG►oia,#,st District Gayle S.Uitkema,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark'DeSauinter,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District The Honorable Pete Dornenici,Ranking Member Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Senate Appropriations Committee 127 Dirksen Senate Building Washington,D.C. 20510 March 12, 2002 Dear Senator Domenic; There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Warks funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economichealth of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait,four oil refineries, related terminal operations and.the Parts of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use-35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay ChamellNew York Slough Maintenance Dred ing - $6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget; request for congressional add of$.3.7 million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging—Congressional acid- $4 million San Francisco-Stockton Baldwin ShiR Channel-Congressional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel).` Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton:Ship Channel sections (Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,'in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, ShelllEquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flaw events,so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an; oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement';and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where uplanddisposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots,as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon,California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of --35 feet,will mare minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area,and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fair to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps tem complete Planning,Engineering chi Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on:this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project;depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco .Bay and environs. Additional'information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look,forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925)335-1226. Sincerely,' ohne Gioia Chair, Beard of Supervisors The Board of upervisorsContra John Sweeten Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building County Administrator 651 Pine Sheet,Room 106 Costa (925)335-1900 Martinez, California 94553.1293 Count. John Glota,1 st District ry Gayle B.Uilke na,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnier,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District p; , The Honorable Dianne Feinstein United States Senate 331 Hart Senate Building Washington,D.C. 20510March 12, 2002 Dear Senator Feinstein: There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year,2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New'Fork Slough Maintenance Dre ginn -$6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget, request for congressional add of$3 7 million); Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging Con essional add - 4 million San Francisco-Stockton fBaldwin)Shi Channel—Congressional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun .Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial, in terms of navigation safety and operational'flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, Shell/Equilon, Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flaw events,so regular:dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occturred most recently with the grounding of the LAND`ANGEL (carrying 63,004 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding slid not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as.the U.S. Coast Guard, that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Part of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal, The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires–35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority,stating that$4 million is needed to obtain–35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon, California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide'a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth.of –35 feet, will snake minor adjustments to the channelitself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels'are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these'very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925)335-1226. Since ely, �4— o Gioia Chair, Board of Supervisors The Beard of I SupervisorsJohn Sweeten Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building s County Administrator 651 Pirie Street, Room'106 /l".�J unty A minist 0 Martinez, California 94553-1293 County ou n j John Gloia,1st District �.TU Gayle S.tlilke»ta,2nd District Q Donna Gerber,3rd District ``4 Mark DeSaulnier,4th District - Federal D.Glover,5th District Ma a° no; a cour" The Honorable Harry Reid, Chair Serrate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Senate Appropriations Committee 127 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510 March 12, 2002 Deas Senator Reid: There are three projects for which we are requesting.federal Civil Warks funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their;operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredd ig - $6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget;request for congressional add of$3.7 million} Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging-Congressional add- $ 4million San Francisco-Stockton Baldwin Ship Channel-Congressional' add $2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,'in terms of navigation safety and operational:.flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, hell/Equilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)depend upon vessel transport for raw material (crude oil) processing and finished product transport. Channels mint be maintained at project depth to minimize potential for groundings and the resultant possibility of oil spills, The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND'ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding slid not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement'and an important component of the project: Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposal/beneficialreuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring a congressional add of$3`.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station, no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as—31 feet of water, when the project requires—35'feet of depth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project'has priority,stating that 4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region.. A Turning Basin at Avon., California has become even more of a necessity with the 199' grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER, engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries. The Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year, despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of — 5 feet,will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY'2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning,Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills, yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels:are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs. Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to'these'very important projects: We look forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226. Sincerely, 4014r John Gioia Chair, Board of Supervisors The Board of SupervisorsJohn sweeten Clerk of the Board and County Administration Building>s { � County Administrator 651 Pine Street,Room,106 (925)335.1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Glota, 1st District Gayle B.UlIkema,2ndDistrict a Donna Gerber,3rd District Mark'DeSaulnier,4th District + Federal D.Glover,5th;.District 3 u n - The Honourable Barbara Boxer United States Senate 112 Hart Senate Building Washington,D.C. 20510 March 12, 2002 Dear Senator Boxer: There are gree projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use—35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget;request'for congressional add of$3.7 Million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging—Congressional add- $4 Million San Francisco-Stockton(Baldwin) hi Channel—Conyessional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections (Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational flexibility. 'Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, Shell/Equilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flaw events, so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL.(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2040. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding'is included in the FY 2003 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement:and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration and wetlands creation projects. Where upland,disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it is also more expensive, in this case requiring''a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots,as well as the U.S. Coast Guard,that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil industry and the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth; The V.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees this project has priority, stating that 4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this region. A Turning Basin at Avon, California has become even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER,engaged in turning operations in shallower areas outside federal channel Boundaries. The Bar pilot was cited and suspended for a year,despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of —35 feet,will mare minor adjustments to the channel'itself to provide more roam:between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad' bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning, Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels'are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco' Bay and environs Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituent supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff' and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We took forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925) 335-1226. Sincerely, Jolm Gioia. Chair, Board of Supervisors , The Board of Supervisory � John sweeten 1��� CClerk of the Board and County Administration wilding Costa County Administrator 651 Pine Street,Rooter 1(766 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 ou nl- John Gioia,1st District ly �,,r Gayle S.Uilketma,2nd District Donna Gerber,3rd District ; Mark DeSeuln er,4th District Federal D.Glover,5th District ail �„. The Honorable Jahn.T. Doolittle 4th CongressionalDistrict 2410 Rayburn House Office Building Washington,D.C. 20515 March 12,2002 Dear Congresswoman Doolittle: There are three projects for which we are requesting federal Civil Works funding. We believe these projects are critical to the economic health of area industries and the environment of the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. Industries along the Carquinez Strait, four,oil refineries,related terminal operations and the Ports of"'Stockton and Sacramento all depend upon properly maintained channels and construction of a turning basin in this area,basing their operations on the ability to use--35 feet of water. The requests for Fiscal Year 2003 Civil Works Funding are as follows: Suisun Bay';Channel/New York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $6.5 million ($2.8 in the budget,request for congressional add of$3.7million) Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging-Con essional add-$4 million San Francisco-StogMon.' Baldwin Ship Channel-Con essional add$2.3 million ($2 million Avon Turning Basin, $300,000 salinity study-Baldwin Channel). Maintenance dredging of the San Francisco to Stockton Ship Channel sections(Suisun Bay and Pinole Shoal Channels)continues to be crucial,in terms of navigation safety and operational'flexibility. Oil refineries(Valero,Ultramar/Tesoro, Shell/Bquilon,Phillips and Shore Terminals)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 resultant possibility of oil spills. The Suisun Bay Channel is located in an area that is subject to severe shoaling during certain flow events,so regular dredging is crucial to avoid vessel groundings,which occurred most recently with the grounding of the LAND ANGEL(carrying 63,000 tons of crude oil)in the year 2000. We were fortunate that the grounding did not result in an oil spill. Funding is included in the FY 2043 budget,but not at levels which will allow for upland disposal, an agency requirement and an important component of the project. Sediments dredged are beneficially reused for levee restoration'and wetlands creation projects. Where upland disposal/beneficial reuse provides additional public benefit, it also>`more expensive, in this case requiring;a congressional add of$3.7 million. There is a great deal of concern by the San Francisco Bar Pilots, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, that after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Station,no regular dredging of Pinole Shoal channel has occurred. The Bar Pilots and the Coast Guard as well as the oil' industry anis the Port of Stockton have requested County involvement in obtaining funding for Pinole Shoal. The Bar Pilots must operate in as little as-31 feet of water, when the project requires—35 feet of depth. The U.S. Army Carps of Engineers agrees this project'has priority, stating that$4 million is needed to obtain—35 of depth in this: region. A Turning Basin at Avon, California has become»even more of a necessity with the 1997 grounding of the CHESAPEAKE TRADER,engaged in turning operations:in shallower areas outside federal channel boundaries.The.Bar Pilot was cited and suspended for a year, despite the fact that there was no other way to turn vessels in this area. The Turning Basin will also provide'a regularly surveyed and marked Turning Basin at a uniform depth of ---35 feet, will make minor adjustments to the channel itself to provide more room between vessels berthed at facilities and vessels traveling through the area, and will provide emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward in the event the railroad bridge fails to open. Funding was successfully obtained in FY 2001 and 2002 allowing the Corps to complete Planning, Engineering&Design for the Project. The$2 million will complete construction on this project. We are fortunate that vessel groundings have not resulted in oil spills,yet this remains a very real passibility. It is imperative that channels are maintained at project depths, and that a turning basin is constructed to allow for safe vessel transport within San Francisco Bay and environs.' Additional information and letters from a broad range of constituents supporting these projects are forthcoming. We look forward to meeting with your staff and discussing detail related to these very important projects. We look forward to your favorable consideration of our request. If you or your staff has questions,please contact Roberta Goulart at(925)335-1226. Sincerely, Vlohn Gioia' Chair, Board of Supervisors